Arab–Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Saturday, 6 January 2018 - 11:00 am (CET/MEZ) Berlin | Author/Destination:
Category/Kategorie: General, Editorial, Union for the Mediterranean
Reading Time:  1987 minutes

© Oncenawhile

© Oncenawhile

(Latest update: 23 August 2022) The Arab–Israeli conflict is the political tension, military conflicts and disputes between a number of Arab countries and Israel. The roots (European colonial period, Ottoman Empire, widespread Antisemitism in Europe, Jews in the Russian Empire, Baron Edmond James de Rothschild (Jewish land purchase in Palestine), Theodor Herzl, Jewish National Fund (Israel Bonds), timeline of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, World War I, Sykes–Picot Agreement (San Remo conference, Mandate for Palestine, UN Charter, Chapter XII – International Trusteeship System, Article 80 (commonly known as the “Palestine Article” used by both conflict parties, Israel and Palestine, to create the wildest interpretations, speculations and conspiracy theories to assert the respective alleged right to the total land area), McMahon–Hussein Correspondence), Balfour Declaration, World War II, The Holocaust (International Holocaust Remembrance Day), Évian Conference, Mandatory Palestine, Forced displacement, and United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine) of the modern Arab–Israeli conflict (or the history of collective failure) are bound in the rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism towards the end of the 19th century. Territory regarded by the Jewish people as their historical homeland is also regarded by the Pan-Arab movement as historically and currently belonging to the Palestinians, and in the Pan-Islamic context, as Muslim lands. The sectarian conflict between Palestinian Jews and Arabs emerged in the early 20th century, peaking into a full-scale civil war in 1947 and transforming into the First Arab–Israeli War in May 1948 following the Israeli Declaration of Independence (Nakba and the assassination of UN mediator Folke Bernadotte by the terror organization Lehi/Stern gang. Among them, the later Israeli PM Yitzhak Shamir). Large-scale hostilities mostly ended with the cease-fire agreements after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War, or October War. Peace agreements were signed between Israel and Egypt in 1979, resulting in Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula and abolishment of the military governance system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in favor of Israeli Civil Administration and consequent unilateral, internationally not recognized, annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights and East Jerusalem. Even when the text is about 556 pages long, it is just a summary. The multitude of links point out that there is a lot more to learn in detail. At first, it is a timeline of the major developments in the region and it leads to today’s challenges. The starting point is the view of the international community, especially the European Union and North America, on the conflict, enriched with excursions into the ideas, convictions, believes, and thoughts of the direct and indirect involved parties to the conflict.

Content

Timetable of wars and violent events

The nature of the conflict has shifted over the years from the large-scale, regional Arab–Israeli conflict to a more local Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which peaked during the 1982 Lebanon War. The interim Oslo Accords led to the creation of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994, within the context of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. The same year Israel and Jordan reached a peace accord. In 1988 the Palestinian Authority recognized the state of Israel. A cease-fire has been largely maintained between Israel and Baathist Syria, as well as with Lebanon since 2006. However, developments in the course of the Syrian Civil War reshuffled the situation near Israel’s northern border, putting the Syrian Arab Republic, Hezbollah (whose military arm is classified by the Western community as a terrorist organization, even when the organization was only filled with life through the Israeli attack on Lebanon and the extremely short-sighted attempt to place a Christian minority (Mennonites and Christianity in Lebanon) in the country’s leadership – The Guardian, 25 February 2019: UK to outlaw Hezbollah’s political wing, Washington Institute – Hezbollah Interactive Map) and the Syrian opposition at odds with each other and complicating their relations with Israel. The conflict between Israel and Hamas-ruled Gaza, which resulted in the 2014 cease-fire, is usually also considered part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and therefore the Arab–Israeli conflict. Its 2006–2012 phase is, however, also attributed to the Iran–Israel proxy conflict in the region (Government of Syria and Hezbollah are being supported by Iran). Since 2012, Iran (predominantly Shia) has cut ties with the Sunni Hamas movement on account of the Syrian Civil War. Despite the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, interim peace accords with Palestine and the generally existing cease-fire, the Arab world and Israel remain at odds with each other over many issues.

National movements
The roots of the modern Arab–Israeli conflict lie in the rise of Zionism and the reactionary Arab nationalism that arose in response to Zionism towards the end of the 19th century (at that time, Zionism was still a liberal, political, religious, nationalist movement with a clear democratic orientation, which has only experienced a major right-wing, racist, nationalist spin during the past decades and is therefore discussed controversially in the diaspora, in particular because the Zionist movement in Israel isn’t only claiming to speak for all Jews worldwide, but also to determine who is a Jew and how Jews have to live. As expected, this is received well only in parts of the diaspora. Of course, Zionism is not alone in this. In Germany, for example, it is the far right of the AfD, NPD, Pegida & Co. who want to suggest with their “We are the people” whining that they would move within the societal consensus, which is definitely not the case. After trying to capture the slogan of the Monday demonstrations in 1989/1990 in the GDR, they consider themselves “victorious”. This actually seems to be perceived within their 10% filter bubble. Outside of it, however, not at all, which is why the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution is now taking care of them). Territory regarded by the Jewish people as their historical homeland is also regarded by the Pan-Arab movement as historically and presently belonging to the Palestinian Arabs. Before World War I, the Middle East, including Palestine (later Mandatory Palestine), had been under the control of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. During the closing years of their empire, the Ottomans began to espouse their Turkish ethnic identity, asserting the primacy of Turks within the empire, leading to discrimination against the Arabs. The promise of liberation from the Ottomans led many Jews and Arabs to support the allied powers during World War I, leading to the emergence of widespread Arab nationalism. Both Arab nationalism and Zionism had their formulative beginning in Europe. The Zionist Congress was established in Basel in 1897, while the “Arab Club” was established in Paris in 1906. In the late 19th century European and Middle Eastern Jewish communities began to increasingly immigrate to Palestine and purchase land from the local Ottoman landlords. The population of the late 19th century in Palestine reached 600,000 – mostly Muslim Arabs, but also significant minorities of Jews, Christians, Druze and some Samaritans and Bahai’s. At that time, Jerusalem did not extend beyond the walled area and had a population of only a few tens of thousands. Collective farms, known as kibbutzim, were established, as was the first entirely Jewish city in modern times, Tel Aviv. During 1915–16, as World War I was underway, the British High Commissioner in Egypt, Sir Henry McMahon, secretly corresponded with Hussein ibn Ali al-Hashimi, the patriarch of the Hashemite family and Ottoman governor of Mecca and Medina. McMahon convinced Husayn to lead an Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire, which was aligned with Germany against Britain and France in the war. McMahon promised that if the Arabs supported Britain in the war, the British government would support the establishment of an independent Arab state under Hashemite rule in the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire, including Palestine. The Arab revolt, led by Thomas Edward Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) and Husayn’s son Faysal, was successful in defeating the Ottomans, and Britain took control over much of this area. A very relaxed phase reached the relationships, as Baron Edmond James de Rothschild 1882 began to buy land in Palestine. All parties were satisfied with the solution, especially as Rothschild pushed ahead with his own goals, while the Arabs laughed that they had sold another piece of desert to the “batty European”. This could have gone on happily and endlessly, if there had not been fundamental upheavals in Europe and finally the Holocaust (Haaretz, 3 October 2020: Jewish Soldiers and Civilians Looted Arab Neighbors’ Property en Masse in ’48. The Authorities Turned a Blind Eye (these are Netanyahu’s heroes whom he celebrates year after year. It will certainly not please the Israelis at all to have to pay billions in reparations to the Palestinians), Haaretz, 7 January 2021: How Israel Tormented Arabs in Its First Decades – and Tried to Cover It Up).

1974–2000

Egypt
Following the Camp David Accords of the late 1970s, Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty in March 1979. Under its terms, the Sinai Peninsula returned to Egyptian hands, and the Gaza Strip remained under Israeli control, to be included in a future State of Palestine. The agreement also provided for the free passage of Israeli ships through the Suez Canal and recognition of the Straits of Tiran and the Gulf of Aqaba as international waterways (Foreign Policy, 15 January 2019: Club Med: Israel, Egypt, and Others Form New Natural Gas Group, Times of Israel, 17 June 2019: Egypt agrees to pay Israel $500 million to end gas dispute, Bloomberg, 24 July 2019: Israel Gas Partners to Change Egypt Deal to Avert Supply Halt, Arab News, 25 July 2019: Israel to start exporting natural gas to Egypt in November — minister, Israel Hayom, 7 August 2019: At summit, Israel, US, Greece, Cyprus agree to boost energy cooperation, Reuters, 8 September 2019: Pipeline operator EMG signs terminal deal for Israel-Egypt gas exports, Reuters, 9 September 2019: Plans for Israeli gas exports to Egypt on track: Egyptian minister, The Wall Street Journal, 12 September 2019: Security Threats Delay Egypt-Israel Gas Deal, Says U.S. Official, Bloomberg, 2 October 2019: Israeli Gas Shares Soar After Egypt Planned Supply Boost, Times of Israel, 15 January 2020: In milestone, Israel starts exporting natural gas to Egypt, Israel Hayom, 17 January 2020: Growing Hamas-Iran ties spark concern in Egypt, Times of Israel, 16 February 2020: Worshipers fete ‘very emotional’ Shabbat in refurbished Alexandria synagogue, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: German sub about to be delivered to Egyptian Navy – report, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Egypt, The Guardian, 1 May 2020: Egyptian TV show about Israel’s destruction opens real world rift, The Hill, 7 May 2020: Trump administration approves $2.3B helicopter deal for Egypt, $556M in vehicles for UAE, Jerusalem Post, 8 May 2020: Steinitz: US, Israel to discuss drawing down peacekeeping force in Sinai).

Jordan
In October 1994, Israel and Jordan signed a peace agreement, which stipulated mutual cooperation, an end of hostilities, the fixing of the Israel-Jordan border, and a resolution of other issues. The conflict between them had cost roughly 18.3 billion dollars. Its signing is also closely linked with the efforts to create peace between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) representing the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). It was signed at the southern border crossing of Arabah on 26 October 1994 and made Jordan only the second Arab country (after Egypt) to sign a peace accord with Israel (BBC, 21 October 2018: Jordan seeks to end Israel land lease, Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2019: Israel to lose Naharayim, Tzofar to Jordan on Sunday, Haaretz, 9 November 2019: Twenty Five Years After Peace Treaty: Jordan Resumes Control of Enclaves Leased to Israel, Times of Israel, 9 November 2019: Gate closes at ‘Isle of Peace’ park as border lands to return to Jordan, Times of Israel, 22 November 2019: King Abdullah: Israeli-Jordanian relations are at ‘an all-time low’, Haaretz, 23 November 2019: Relations Between Israel and Jordan at an All-time Low, King Abdullah Says, Times of Israel, 23 November 2019: Jordan FM: Amman not enjoying full ‘peace dividend’ from ties with Israel, The National, 23 November 2019: Jordan’s King Abdullah says Israel relations worst ever, The Guardian, 26 November 2019: Jordan and Israel’s 25-year peace deal under more strain than ever, Israel Hayom, 6 December 2019: Preserving the peace with Jordan, Haaretz, 8 December 2019: Israel’s Campaign to Destabilize Jordan, France24, 26 January 2020: Jordanian charged with ‘terror’ over tourist stabbings, Arab News, 30 April 2020: Last Israeli farmers leave enclave after Jordan deal ends, Der Spiegel, 15 May 2020: Jordan’s King Abdullah II: “The Danger of People Starving to Death Is Greater than the Danger from the Virus”, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Jordan, Times of Israel, 25 April 2022: Status woe: Temple Mount is an enduring thorn in Israel’s ties with Jordan, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2022: Biden assures Abdullah US recognizes Jordan as custodian of holy places, Arab News, 14 May 2022: Jordan announces uranium production).

Iraq
Israel and Iraq have been implacable foes since 1948. Iraq sent its troops to participate in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, and later backed Egypt and Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War, or October War (Haaretz, 9 May 2020: Military Intelligence Chief Misled Israeli Leaders Ahead of 1973 War, Declassified Doc Reveals). In June 1981, Israel attacked and destroyed newly built Iraqi nuclear facilities in Operation Opera. During the Gulf War in 1991, Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles into Israel, in the hopes of uniting the Arab world against the coalition which sought to liberate Kuwait. At the behest of the United States, Israel did not respond to this attack in order to prevent a greater outbreak of war (BBC, 25 October 2019: Iraq protests: 40 dead as mass unrest descends into violence, The Guardian, 25 October 2019: At least 40 killed and dozens injured in Baghdad amid protests sweeping Iraq, Arab News, 25 October 2019: At least 40 dead in renewed Iraq protests, 11 die setting fire to armed faction HQ, The National, 25 October 2019: More deaths as Iraqis resume anti-government protests, France24, 26 October 2019: Deadly protests flare again in Iraq after day of bloodshed, Arab News, 27 October 2019: Iraqis defy bloody crackdown, protest for third day, The National, 28 October 2019: Iraq protests continue despite mounting death toll, Saudi Gazette, 28 October 2019: 2 die, 112 hurt as Iraq declares Baghdad curfew amid protests, The National, 31 October 2019: Iranian general met Iraqi security officials as Baghdad and Kerbala continue to rage, Arab News, 31 October 2019: Iran’s theory on events in Iraq, Lebanon, The National, 31 October 2019: Iraqi Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi willing to resign, says Barham Salih, France24, 1 November 2019: Iraq’s top clerics warn of foreign interference amid largest anti-government demonstrations yet, The National, 1 November 2019: As Iraq protests enter month two, on the streets people vow to remain peaceful, Gulf Times, 17 November 2019: Strikes resume in Iraq to bolster anti-regime protests, The New York Times, 18 November 2019: The Iran Cables: Secret Documents Show How Tehran Wields Power in Iraq, The Guardian, 18 November 2019: Leaked cables reveal scale of Iran’s influence in Iraq, The National, 18 November 2019: Iraqi officials say Iran runs ‘shadow government’ in Baghdad, The National, 19 November 2019: Iraq: threats, violence and kidnap taking a psychological toll on protesters, Arab News, 19 November 2019: Iraqi protesters block commercial ports, split capital, Arab News, 23 November 2019: Protester shot dead and dozens wounded in Iraq, France24, 24 November 2019: Deadly clashes in Iraq as protests flare once again, BBC, 28 November 2019: Iraq unrest: 24 killed in fresh wave of protests, France24, 28 November 2019: Dozens of Iraqi protesters killed in crackdown after Iranian consulate torched, Arab News, 28 November 2019: Iraqi forces kill 22 protesters in Nassiriya after Iranian consulate torched, The Guardian, 29 November 2019: Iraqi PM says he will resign after weeks of bloody protests, Times of Israel, 30 November 2019: Iraqis keep up anti-regime demos despite PM’s vow to quit, The Guardian, 30 November 2019: Iraq risks breakup as tribes take on Iran’s militias in ‘blood feud’, France24, 1 December 2019: Iraq parliament approves PM Abdul Mahdi’s resignation as thousands mourn fallen protesters, The National, 1 December 2019: As Iraq uprising intensifies, parliament accepts Abdul Mahdi’s resignation, Arab News, 3 December 2019: Talks in Baghdad as violence hits Iraq’s shrine cities, The National, 8 December 2019: ‘Outlaw criminals’ responsible for Baghdad protest shooting, says Barham Salih, Arab News, 9 December 2019: Iraq summons Western ambassadors for condemning protest attacks, The National, 18 January 2020: Renewed clashes leave two protesters dead in Baghdad, The National, 20 January 2020: Iraq’s protests escalate as frustration grows over lack of reform, Al Arabiya, 20 January 2020: Iraqi protesters block main roads on day of deadline for government, Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2020: Dozens of Iraqi protesters wounded as anti-government unrest resumes, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2020: ‘Million-Man March’ in Baghdad against US presence in Iraq, France24, 24 January 2020: Loudspeakers blast ‘No, no America!’ as Baghdad protesters demand US troops quit Iraq, BBC, 25 January 2020: Iraqis security forces raid Baghdad protest site, The National, 25 January 2020: Iraqi security fire on crowds as Baghdad crackdown begins, Arab News, 2 February 2020: Iraqi protesters dig in heels despite new PM-designate, Al Arabiya, 7 February 2020: Nearly 550 Iraqis killed in anti-government demonstrations: Commission, France24, 13 February 2020: Rocket hits Iraq base hosting US troops: military, The National, 13 February 2020: Nato chief: Iraq gives permission for training mission, Al Arabiya, 13 February 2020: Iran-backed Hezbollah steps in to support Iraqi militias after Soleimani’s death, The National, 24 February 2020: How Nato’s Iraq expansion is a test for its Middle East plans, Al Arabiya, 9 May 2020: Who is Iraq’s new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi?, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Iraq).

Lebanon
In 1970, following an extended civil war, King Hussein expelled the Palestine Liberation Organization from Jordan. September 1970 is known as the Black September in Arab history and sometimes is referred to as the “era of regrettable events”. It was a month when Hashemite King Hussein of Jordan moved to quash the autonomy of Palestinian organisations and restore his monarchy’s rule over the country. The violence resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, the vast majority Palestinians. Armed conflict lasted until July 1971 with the expulsion of the PLO and thousands of Palestinian fighters to Lebanon. The PLO resettled in Lebanon, from which it staged raids into Israel. In 1978, Israel launched Operation Litani, in which it together with the South Lebanon Army forced the PLO to retreat north of the Litani river. In 1981 another conflict between Israel and the PLO broke out, which ended with a ceasefire agreement that did not solve the core of the conflict. In June 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon. Within two months the PLO agreed to withdraw thence. In March 1983, Israel and Lebanon signed a ceasefire agreement. However, Syria pressured President Amine Gemayel into nullifying the truce in March 1984. By 1985, Israeli forces withdrew to a 15 km wide southern strip of Lebanon, following which the conflict continued on a lower scale, with relatively low casualties on both sides. In 1993 and 1996, Israel launched major operations against the Shiite militia of Hezbollah, which had become an emergent threat. In May 2000, the newly elected government of Ehud Barak authorized a withdrawal from Southern Lebanon, fulfilling an election promise to do so well ahead of a declared deadline. The hasty withdrawal lead to the immediate collapse of the South Lebanon Army, and many members either got arrested or fled to Israel. In 2006, as a response to a Hezbollah cross-border raid, Israel launched air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Southern Lebanon, starting the 2006 Lebanon War. The inconclusive war lasted for 34 days, and resulted in the creation of a buffer zone in Southern Lebanon and the deployment of Lebanese troops south of the Litani river for the first time since the 1960s. The Israeli government under Ehud Olmert was harshly criticized for its handling of the war in the Winograd Commission (see Israeli–Lebanese conflict, Israel–Lebanon relations, and Palestinian insurgency in South Lebanon).

Palestine
The 1970s were marked by a large number of major, international terrorist attacks, including the Lod Airport massacre and the Munich Olympics Massacre in 1972, and the Entebbe Hostage Taking in 1976, with over 100 Jewish hostages of different nationalities kidnapped and held in Uganda. In December 1987, the First Intifada began. The First Intifada was a mass Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule in the Palestinian territories. The rebellion began in the Jabalia refugee camp and quickly spread throughout Gaza and the West Bank. Palestinian actions ranged from civil disobedience to violence. In addition to general strikes, boycotts on Israeli products, graffiti and barricades, Palestinian demonstrations that included stone-throwing by youths against the Israel Defense Forces brought the Intifada international attention. The Israeli army’s heavy handed response to the demonstrations, with live ammunition, beatings and mass arrests, brought international condemnation. The PLO, which until then had never been recognised as the leaders of the Palestinian people by Israel, was invited to peace negotiations the following year, after it recognized Israel and renounced terrorism. In mid-1993, Israeli and Palestinian representatives engaged in peace talks in Oslo. As a result, in September 1993, Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo Accords, known as the Declaration of Principles or Oslo I; in side letters, Israel recognized the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people while the PLO recognized the right of the state of Israel to exist and renounced terrorism, violence and its desire for the destruction of Israel. The Oslo II agreement was signed in 1995 and detailed the division of the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C. Area A was land under full Palestinian civilian control. In Area A, Palestinians were also responsible for internal security. The Oslo agreements remain important documents in Israeli-Palestinian relations (see Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the film “The Oslo Diaries” by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan) – 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the State of Palestine.

2000–09
The Second Intifada forced Israel to rethink its relationship and policies towards the Palestinians. Following a series of suicide bombings and attacks, the Israeli army launched Operation Defensive Shield. It was the largest military operation conducted by Israel since the Six-Day War (“Censored Voices” by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan). As violence between the Israeli army and Palestinian militants intensified, Israel expanded its security apparatus around the West Bank by re-taking many parts of land in Area A. Israel established a complicated system of roadblocks and checkpoints around major Palestinian areas to deter violence and protect Israeli settlements. However, since 2008, the IDF has slowly transferred authority to Palestinian security forces. Israel’s then prime minister Ariel Sharon began a policy of disengagement from Gaza from the Gaza Strip in 2003. This policy was fully implemented in August 2005. Sharon’s announcement to disengage from Gaza came as a tremendous shock to his critics both on the left and on the right. A year previously, he had commented that the fate of the most far-flung settlements in Gaza, Netzararem and Kfar Darom, was regarded in the same light as that of Tel Aviv. The formal announcements to evacuate seventeen Gaza settlements and another four in the West Bank in February 2004 represented the first reversal for the settler movement since 1968. It divided his party. It was strongly supported by Trade and Industry Minister Ehud Olmert and Tzipi Livni, the Minister for Immigration and Absorption, but Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned it. It was also uncertain whether this was simply the beginning of further evacuation. On 16 March 2003, Rachel Corrie, an American peace activist was crushed to death by an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bulldozer in Rafah during a non-violent protest of the Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes. Corrie stood in confrontation with the bulldozers for three hours wearing a bright orange jacket and carrying a megaphone. Although the Israeli government has denied responsibility in the incident and ruled her death as an accident, several eye-witness reports say that the Israeli soldier operating the bulldozer deliberately ran her over. In June 2006, Hamas militants infiltrated an army post near the Israeli side of the Gaza Strip and abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Two IDF soldiers were killed in the attack, while Shalit was wounded after his tank was hit with an RPG. Three days later Israel launched Operation Summer Rains to secure the release of Shalit. He was held hostage by Hamas, who barred the International Red Cross from seeing him, until 18 October 2011, when he was exchanged for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners. In July 2006, Hezbollah fighters crossed the border from Lebanon into Israel, attacked and killed eight Israeli soldiers, and abducted two others as hostages, setting off the 2006 Lebanon War which caused much destruction in Lebanon. A UN-sponsored ceasefire went into effect on 14 August 2006, officially ending the conflict. The conflict killed over a thousand Lebanese and over 150 Israelis, severely damaged Lebanese civil infrastructure, and displaced approximately one million Lebanese and 300,000–500,000 Israelis, although most were able to return to their homes. After the ceasefire, some parts of Southern Lebanon remained uninhabitable due to Israeli unexploded cluster bomblets. In the aftermath of the Battle of Gaza, where Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in a violent civil war with rival Fatah, Israel placed restrictions on its border with Gaza borders and ended economic cooperation with the Palestinian leadership based there. Israel and Egypt have imposed a blockade of the Gaza Strip since 2007. Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to limit Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza and to prevent Hamas from smuggling advanced rockets and weapons capable of hitting its cities. On 6 September 2007, in Operation Orchard, Israel bombed an eastern Syrian complex which was allegedly a nuclear reactor being built with assistance from North Korea. Israel had also bombed Syria in 2003. In April 2008, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told a Qatari newspaper that Syria and Israel had been discussing a peace treaty for a year, with Turkey as a go-between. This was confirmed in May 2008 by a spokesman for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. As well as a peace treaty, the future of the Syrian Golan Heights is being discussed. President Assad said “there would be no direct negotiations with Israel until a new US president takes office.” Speaking in Jerusalem on 26 August 2008, then United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticized Israel’s increased settlement construction in the West Bank as detrimental to the peace process. Rice’s comments came amid reports that Israeli construction in the disputed territory had increased by a factor of 1.8 over 2007 levels. A fragile six-month truce between Hamas and Israel expired on 19 December 2008; attempts at extending the truce failed amid accusations of breaches from both sides. Following the expiration, Israel launched a raid on a tunnel suspected of being used to kidnap Israeli soldiers which killed several Hamas fighters. Following this, Hamas resumed rocket and mortar attacks on Israeli cities, most notably firing over 60 rockets on 24 December. On 27 December 2008, Israel launched Operation Cast Lead against Hamas. Numerous human rights organizations accused Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes (United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (Goldstone Report). European Coalition for Israel, which one day dreams of having the same power over the EU Parliament as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has over parts of the US Senate and Congress). In 2009 Israel placed a 10-month settlement freeze on the West Bank. Hillary Clinton praised the freeze as an “unprecedented” gesture that could “help revive Middle East talks.” A raid was carried out by Israeli naval forces on six ships of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in May 2010. After the ships refused to dock at Port Ashdod. On the MV Mavi Marmara, activists clashed with the Israeli boarding party. During the fighting, nine activists were killed by Israeli special forces. Widespread international condemnation of and reaction to the raid followed, Israel–Turkey relations were strained, and Israel subsequently eased its blockade on the Gaza Strip. Several dozen other passengers and seven Israeli soldiers were injured, with some of the commandos suffering from gunshot wounds (The National, 9 July 2019: Israeli court rules Palestinian Authority responsible for Second Intifada attacks).

2010–present
Following the latest round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, 13 Palestinian militant movements led by Hamas initiated a terror campaign designed to derail and disrupt the negotiations. Attacks on Israelis have increased since August 2010, after 4 Israeli civilians were killed by Hamas militants. Palestinian militants have increased the frequency of rocket attacks aimed at Israelis. On 2 August, Hamas militants launched seven Katyusha rockets at Eilat and Aqaba in Jordan, killing one Jordanian civilian and wounding 4 others. Intermittent fighting continued since then, including 680 rocket attacks on Israel in 2011. On 14 November 2012, Israel killed Ahmed Jabari, a leader of Hamas’s military wing, launching Operation Pillar of Cloud. Hamas and Israel agreed to an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire on 21 November. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said that 158 Palestinians were killed during the operation, of which: 102 were civilians, 55 were militants and one was a policeman; 30 were children and 13 were women. B’Tselem stated that according to its initial findings, which covered only the period between 14 and 19 November 102 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip, 40 of them civilians. According to Israeli figures, 120 combatants and 57 civilians were killed. International outcry ensued, with many criticizing Israel for what much of the international community perceived as a disproportionately violent response. Protests took place on hundreds of college campuses across the U.S., and in front of the Israeli consulate in New York. Additional protests took place throughout the Middle East, throughout Europe, and in parts of South America. Following an escalation of rocket attacks by Hamas, Israel started Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip on 8 July 2014 (Palestine Chronicle, 17 December 2019: Dugard: ICC Prosecutor Bensouda Biased In Favor Of Israel, Unwilling to Deliver Justice for Palestine, France24, 20 December 2019: ICC to investigate alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories, The Guardian, 20 December 2019: ICC to investigate alleged Israeli and Palestinian war crimes, BBC, 20 December 2019: ICC wants to open ‘war crimes’ investigation in West Bank and Gaza, Arab News, 20 December 2019: International prosecutor from ICC preparing to open Palestine war crimes probe, Haaretz, 20 December 2019: Fearing Investigation, Israel Says Hague Has No Jurisdiction in West Bank or Gaza, Times of Israel, 21 December 2019: Israel fears ICC could issue global arrest warrants for top officials — report, Haaretz, 21 December 2019: Israeli Attorney General ‘Resolutely Rejects’ ICC Prosecutor’s Call to Probe Israel’s War Crimes Against Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 21 December 2019: Palestinians welcome ICC ‘war crimes’ probe, Times of Israel, 22 December 2019: International Criminal Court probe of Israel is ‘pure anti-Semitism,’ says PM (for these hateful lies alone, Netanyahu should be jailed for 2 years straight), Haaretz, 22 December 2019: ‘Anti-Semitic Decrees’: Netanyahu Slams ICC Prosecutor’s Call to Probe Israel for War Crimes, Haaretz, 22 December 2019: The Road to an ICC Probe of Alleged Israeli War Crimes: What Happens Next?, Israel Hayom, 22 December 2019: Netanyahu accuses ICC of waging ‘political war’ against Israel, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2019: It’s as if ICC issued guilty war crime verdict for Israel without a trial, Haaretz, 23 December 2019: ‘What About Hamas?’: Fact-checking Israel’s Response to ICC Prosecutor’s Call to Probe War Crimes, Times of Israel, 23 December 2019: The Hague vs. Israel: Everything you need to know about the ICC Palestine probe, Haaretz, 23 December 2019: The Right Has Eroded Israel’s Protection Against an International Probe, Israel Hayom, 24 December 2019: How B’Tselem is helping the ICC target Israel, Haaretz, 24 December 2019: Fearing Israel Will Shun ICC Proceedings, Prosecutor Presents Its Legal Opinion to Judges, Palestine Chronicle, 24 December 2019: Israel Considers Preventing Entry of ICC Investigators, Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2019: European hypocrisy (“Netanyahu clan’s nut jobsy” would had been the far better and more precise headline), Israel Hayom, 25 December 2019: Siding With Israel, Germany Says ICC Has No Jurisdiction in Palestinian Territories“>Defense minister warns ICC: ‘Israel will provide a legal Iron Dome to its service members’ (which, in return, means “We absolutely don’t care about (international) laws and never will. For us, the rules of the Torah apply only.”), Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2019: Naftali Bennett: The Hague’s ICC is home of modern antisemitism, Arab News, 25 December 2019: Israel will discredit the ICC ahead of historic probe, Times of Israel, 25 December 2019: Australia rejects ICC Palestine probe; Germany warns against politicization, Jerusalem Post, 26 December 2019: The ICC decision on Israel would make Himmler proud (conspiracy theories have never really worked. Certainly not if they are directed against fully integre institutions such as the International Criminal Court), Times of Israel, 26 December 2019: From The Gambia to The Hague: Meet Israel’s new public enemy number one (priceless, how a “possible investigation” is making that much waves. Most likely, because the Israelis know themselves, that International Criminal Court prosecutor Bensouda’s conclusions are spot on. Hopefully everyone got enough popcorn to enjoy the show), Jerusalem Post, 26 December 2019: Refusing to play the Palestinians’ ICC game, Israel Hayom, 27 December 2019: They say every Jewish settler is a ‘war criminal’ (and when looking at international law, “they” are absolutely right, except you are a Likudnik or another type of right-wing fruit cake, because then of course there are no laws, but the Torah only), Israel Hayom, 27 December 2019: Tiptoeing around the ICC (so the Israeli answer shall be: criminal acts of serious violence against the ICC, which, of course, would finally add-up to an image of Israel as a criminal country in general and not only on some aspects), Jerusalem Post, 29 December 2019: Think about it: Israel and the ICC, Arab News, 1 January 2020: ICC poses real threat to Israel’s hypocrisy and lies, Jerusalem Post, 2 January 2020: ICC Prosecutor to ‘Post’: Probe of Gantz, IDF officers, is premature, Israel Hayom, 6 January 2020: ICC is undercutting its own legitimacy, Times of Israel, 8 January 2020: ICC probe won’t deter Israel from expanding settlements, Netanyahu vows, Palestine Chronicle, 8 January 2020: Justice at Last? ‘Panic’ in Israel as the ICC Takes ‘Momentous Step’ in the Right Direction, Haaretz, 11 January 2020: Hungary Backs Israel in Fight Against ICC Call to Probe War Crimes Against Palestinians, Times of Israel, 11 January 2020: Backing Israel, Hungary says it opposes potential ICC probe of Jewish state, Jerusalem Post, 11 January 2020: Netanyahu asks friendly countries to say ICC has no jurisdiction over Israel, Israel Hayom, 12 January 2020: The legal threat posed by The Hague is real, Times of Israel, 14 January 2020: ICC prosecutor: Netanyahu’s anti-Semitism charge is ‘particularly regrettable’, Haaretz, 21 January 2020: Netanyahu to Use Holocaust Forum to Boost Support for Israel Against the ICC, Times of Israel, 22 January 2020: ICC delays jurisdiction ruling on Israel war crimes case over document length, The National, 26 January 2020: Netanyahu tries to rally global opposition to ICC case, Haaretz, 13 February 2020: Czech Republic Offers ICC to Be ‘Friend of the Court’ in Israel-Palestine Case, Haaretz, 14 February 2020: Siding With Israel, Germany Says ICC Has No Jurisdiction in Palestinian Territories, Times of Israel, 14 February 2020: Germany, Hungary tell ICC they support Israeli position against war crimes probe, Haaretz, 15 February 2020: As Dozens Ask to Join Israel-Palestine Case, Request From Within the ICC Could Be the Deciding One, Haaretz, 16 February 2020: When It Comes to Israel, Merkel Is No Different Than Trump, Reuters, 16 February 2020: Israel hopes Germany, other ICC members will help stave off Palestinian investigation, Jerusalem Post, 17 February 2020: The Palestinians’ statehood gamble at the ICC – analysis, Jerusalem Post, 19 February 2020: The ICC judge who could determine Israel’s fate – analysis, Palestine Chronicle, 26 February 2020: Canada Joins ‘Friendly States’ in Opposing ICC War Crimes Investigation in Palestine, Palestine Chronicle, 4 March 2020: On the ICC and Canadian Government Hypocrisy, Times of Israel, 6 March 2020: Israeli delegation said holding talks in US on countering ICC war crimes probes, Jerusalem Post, 12 March 2020: B’Tselem: Israeli objection to ICC on ‘Palestine’ divorced from reality, Jerusalem Post, 14 March 2020: Visitors from Europe are quarantined, but not their diplomatic challenges, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2020: Palestinians to ICC: We have sole sovereignty over ‘State of Palestine’, Jerusalem Post, 18 March 2020: ICC decision on Israel delayed by coronavirus shutdown, Times of Israel, 19 March 2020: ICC prosecutor requests more time to weigh jurisdiction over Palestinian areas, Jerusalem Post, 30 April 2020: ICC Prosecutor to give final position on if Palestine is a state, Times of Israel, 30 April 2020: Chief prosecutor insists ICC has jurisdiction to probe war crimes in ‘Palestine’, Jerusalem Post, 30 April 2020: ICC Prosecutor doubles down that Palestine is a state, Haaretz, 10 May 2020: The Real Victims of the International Criminal Court’s Obsession With Israel, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2020: ICC: Smear campaigns don’t change facts about ‘Palestine’ probe, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: Congressional letters urge Pompeo to protect Israel from ICC, Times of Israel, 16 May 2020: Pompeo warns ICC of ‘consequences’ for potential war crimes probe of Israel, Times of Israel, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu: Fighting ICC war crimes probe among government’s key objectives, Haaretz, 28 May 2020: Palestinian Leadership Argues Severing Ties With Israel Shouldn’t Influence International Court, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2020: ICC Prosecutor: Israel war crimes probe can go on despite Oslo Accords, Times of Israel, 11 June 2020: Netanyahu hails Trump for announcing sanctions against ‘corrupt’ ICC (the two corrupt buddies are again trying to distract from their inabilities. It won’t work because the ICC has had to deal with such people more often in the past), Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2020: Why didn’t Israel respond to ICC about Oslo deal? – analysis, Haaretz, 25 June 2020: Israel Preparing for International Court to Launch Probe Into War Crimes ‘Within Days,’ Officials Say, Haaretz, 27 June 2020: Instead of Standing With the ICC, Israel’s Defenders of the Law Are Silent, Times of Israel, 9 July 2020: These three judges could send Israel to the dock in The Hague, Haaretz, 15 July 2020: Israel Forms Secret List of Hundreds of Officials Who May Stand Trial at International Court, Palestine Chronicle, 17 July 2020: ‘Secret List’ of Likely Suspects: Israel Readies Itself for ICC Investigation, Palestine Chronicle, 29 July 2020: List of Israeli Targets Leaked: Tel Aviv Fears the Worst in ICC Investigation of War Crimes, Palestine Chronicle, 31 July 2020: Israel’s List of Compromised Officials Suggests Their Guilt of War Crimes, Arab News, 17 December 2020: Israel cannot hide from ICC war crimes probe, Jerusalem Post, 4 January 2021: B’Tselem war crimes report unlikely to make much impact – analysis, Reuters, 5 February 2021: International Criminal Court says it has jurisdiction in Palestinian territories (even that will not prevent the Netanyahu apologists from declaring the corrupt crime minister the “flawless democrat of the Levant”), DW, 5 February 2021: ICC clears way for war crimes probe of Israeli actions (the support of the Israeli position by the German government was obviously not a good idea: Times of Israel, 14 February 2020: Germany, Hungary tell ICC they support Israeli position against war crimes probe. Palestine, like Israel, is only recognized as a state by a majority of the international community, but as it is in democratic processes: majority is majority. That cannot be discussed away. Another aspect is interesting: Anyone who denies the Palestinians their right to self-determination and self-defense denies Israel these rights to the same extent, because as mentioned: Israel is also only recognized as a state by a majority, still far away from unanimity. Surprisingly, Israel is recognized by Palestine, but conversely, Israel does not recognize Palestine, which is why the Palestinians now want to reconsider the recognition of Israel. It would be understandable), The Algemeiner, 5 February 2021: ICC Rules Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem Are Under Its Jurisdiction, Haaretz, 5 February 2021: ICC Approves Probe Into Possible War Crimes by Israel, Hamas in Palestinian Territories, Israel Hayom, 5 February 2021: ICC asserts jurisdiction to investigate Israel, Hamas for war crimes, Palestine Chronicle, 5 February 2021: ICC Finally Approves Investigation into War Crimes in Occupied Palestine, Al Arabiya, 5 February 2021: World court rules it has jurisdiction over war crimes in Palestinian Territories, France24, 5 February 2021: ICC rules it has jurisdiction over Palestinian Territories, clears way for probe of Israeli actions, Times of Israel, 6 February 2021: ICC has jurisdiction to probe Israel, Hamas for war crimes, pretrial judges rule, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2021: ICC approves investigation into Israel, citing war crimes, Times of Israel, 6 February 2021: Netanyahu: An ICC investigation of Israel would be ‘pure anti-Semitism’ (the “Crime Minister” is a funny guy. He should now know from his own experience that you simply shouldn’t commit or order any crimes if you don’t want to end up in court), The National, 6 February 2021: ICC paves way for war crimes probe in Palestinian territories, The Algemeiner, 6 February 2021: ICC Ruling Brings Hope for Palestinians, Dismay for Israelis, Haaretz, 6 February 2021: The ICC’s Decision Is a Red Flag for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2021: ICC war is far from over – analysis, Palestine Chronicle, 6 February 2021: Investigation to Move Forward: Everything You Need to Know about ICC Latest Ruling on Israeli War Crimes (SPECIAL REPORT), Haaretz, 7 February 2021: The Hague Ruling on Israel Is Cause for Hope, Times of Israel, 7 February 2021: Israel asking allies to ‘discreetly’ pressure ICC prosecutor – report (while Netanyahu is blabbering about “Israel’s democracy”, his actions are showing the exact opposite. In this case, that he is obviously used to buy up court rulings, which is, of course, far from being democratic), Haaretz, 7 February 2021: Prosecuting Israeli Officials Could Take Years, but the ICC’s Chilling Effect Will Be Immediate, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2021: Germany, Hungary join states opposing ICC probe of Israel (all to often, German governments tent to not miss a chance to stand on the wrong side of history. Above all, it is an opportunity to have decades of mutual allegations clarified in court, especially since it is not about one-sided investigations into possible war crimes, but investigations against both the IDF and Hamas), Arab News, 9 February 2021: Israel in the firing line as ICC war crimes probe nears, Palestine Chronicle, 9 February 2021: Report: Israel Launches International Campaign to Stop ICC Investigation, Jerusalem Post, 10 February 2021: The International Criminal Court can save Israel from itself – opinion, Israel Hayom, 12 February 2021: The ICC’s European puppet masters (the Likudniks on their usual “they against us” whining election campaign trails), The Algemeiner, 12 February 2021: ICC Decision on Israel ‘Obstructs the Path to Peace,’ Say Top US Jewish Leaders, Israel Hayom, 12 February 2021: Israel should cooperate with the ICC, Arab News, 12 February 2021: British human rights lawyer elected new ICC chief prosecutor, The National, 13 February 2021: UK lawyer Karim Khan elected as global war crimes prosecutor, The Algemeiner, 14 February 2021: Israel Must Fight Back Against the ICC, Haaretz, 19 February 2021: Who Should Fear the ICC More: Israel or Hamas?, Palestine Chronicle, 25 February 2021: Netanyahu Urged Biden to Maintain Sanctions on ICC, Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2021: Gantz says Israel moving to protect citizens from ICC, DW, 3 March 2021: ICC to investigate reported war crimes in Palestinian territories, France24, 3 March 2021: France bans far-right anti-migrant group Generation Identity, BBC, 3 March 2021: ICC opens ‘war crimes’ investigation in West Bank and Gaza, CNN, 3 March 2021: ICC prosecutor to launch formal investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories, Palestine Chronicle, 3 March 2021: ICC Prosecutor Opens Formal Investigation into War Crimes in Palestine, The Guardian, 3 March 2021: ICC opens investigation into war crimes in Palestinian territories, Haaretz, 3 March 2021: International Criminal Court Prosecutor Says Will Open Formal Investigation Into War Crimes in Palestinian Territories, Times of Israel, 3 March 2021: ICC announces investigation into Israeli, Palestinian war crimes, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2021: Palestinian Authority, Hamas welcome ICC decision to investigate Israel, NPR, 3 March 2021: ICC Investigates Alleged Crimes In Palestinian Territories, Jerusalem Post, 4 March 2021: Five key points on Israel’s latest ICC war crimes clash – analysis, Haaretz, 5 March 2021: A State That Has Nothing to Hide Has No Reason to Fear an ICC Investigation, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2021: Who will ICC try to arrest if war crimes probe advances?, Palestine Chronicle, 5 March 2021: Kamala Harris Assures Netanyahu of US Opposition to ICC Investigation, Haaretz, 5 March 2021: Israel’s Apartheid Debate: Smash the Mirror or Fix Reality?, Times of Israel, 6 March 2021: Israel’s dilemma: To work with ICC war crimes probe or not? (“We will speak the truth in every forum, in every country, on every stage until this outrageous decision is reversed and becomes null and void,” he said.” – funny, as if he could remember the last time he was telling the truth. That must have been decades ago), Haaretz, 6 March 2021: ICC Decision Makes the Israeli-Palestinian 1967 Lines Relevant Once Again, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2021: Meretz leader: ICC investigation of Israel is justified, Times of Israel, 6 March 2021: Meretz head sparks uproar by saying ICC probe against Israel legitimate, Palestine Chronicle, 6 March 2021: Blinken Criticized for Opposition to ICC Investigation into Israeli War Crimes, Palestine Chronicle, 9 March 2021: Palestinian Organizations Hope ICC Investigation Will Start Soon (PHOTOS), Arab News, 9 March 2021: America’s hypocritical opposition to ICC war crimes probe, Haaretz, 10 March 2021: ICC Prosecutor Was My Superior. It’s Unfortunate Netanyahu Should Speak of Antisemitism, Arab News, 10 March 2021: Biden’s pro-Israel ICC stance rankles with Arab Americans, Jerusalem Post, 10 March 2021: ICC notified Palestinian Authority of Israel probe in advance – PA FM, Arab News, 11 March 2021: ICC helps Palestinians reach new stage in struggle for justice, Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2021: Take a stand against ICC politicization – opinion (not that surprising that Israeli government officials are opposing international law), Times of Israel, 16 March 2021: In Germany, Rivlin says he trusts Europe will ‘stand by us’ against ICC probe, The Algemeiner, 18 March 2021: Israel Receives International Criminal Court Letter on War Crimes Probe, Details Focus on Gaza and Settlements: Report, Haaretz, 19 March 2021: ICC Letter Leaves Israel and Palestinians With One Month to Seek Deferral, The Algemeiner, 19 March 2021: ICC Gives Israel, Palestinians One Month to Apply for Probe Deferral: Reports, Haaretz, 21 March 2021: Israel Revokes Palestinian Foreign Minister’s Travel Permit After Meeting With ICC Prosecutor (Netanyahu and his gang are wetting their pants. Pure panic. Good. The ICC has apparently hit the right nerve and Israeli officials are all too aware of it), Times of Israel, 21 March 2021: Israel cancels PA foreign minister’s travel documents after visit to ICC, Al Arabiya, 21 March 2021: Israel seizes ‘VIP border pass’ of Palestinian FM Riyad al-Maliki over ICC meeting, Arab News, 21 March 2021: Israel takes Palestinian minister’s VIP pass over ICC meeting: Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 22 March 2021: Israel warns there will be consequences for Palestinian actions at ICC (nothing says louder and clearer “I’m guilty as heck” than trying to block the investigation of an independent international court. But then, it’s Netanyahu, so what else is new?), Haaretz, 23 March 2021: Netherlands: Israel ‘confiscated’ Palestinian minister travel pass, Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2021: Is the ICC a threat to Israel? Here’s what is at stake: – opinion, Jerusalem Post, 31 March 2021: Israel has no planned approach, response to ICC, with 9 days to go, Haaretz, 1 April 2021: Israel and the ICC: Denial Isn’t Just a River in Egypt, Times of Israel, 1 April 2021: US said set to remove sanctions from ICC chief prosecutor, imposed under Trump, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2021: Biden plans to repeal ICC sanctions – report, Reuters, 2 April 2021: U.S. lifts Trump’s sanctions on ICC prosecutor, court official (it was high time. Regardless of whether the US recognizes the International Criminal Court or not, it would damage its credibility in terms of the rule of law if it generally sanctioned international law on a permanent basis. Corrupt simpletons and agitators such as Netanyahu and Trump are trying to politicize the court, but they must not succeed in this), The Guardian, 2 April 2021: US lifts Trump administration’s sanctions on top ICC prosecutor, Politico.com, 2 April 2021: Biden lifts sanctions on International Criminal Court officials, Haaretz, 2 April 2021: Biden Administration Lifts Trump Sanctions on ICC Officials, The Algemeiner, 2 April 2021: Washington Revokes ‘Inappropriate and Ineffective’ Sanctions on ICC, Blinken Says, The National, 3 April 2021: US drops sanctions against war crimes prosecutors, France24, 3 April 2021: Biden lifts US sanctions on ICC officials imposed by Trump, Times of Israel, 3 April 2021: Netanyahu to hold high-level talks on ICC war crimes probe, Haaretz, 3 April 2021: Netanyahu, Senior Officials to Hold First Meeting on Israel’s Response to ICC Probe, The National, 3 April 2021: US drops sanctions against war crimes prosecutors, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2021: House Republicans urge Biden to curb ties with PA over ICC complaint, Israel Hayom, 4 April 2021: US lifts sanctions on ICC officials, Jerusalem Post, 7 April 2021: Israel fails to decide on response to ICC with 2 days to deadline, Palestine Chronicle, 7 April 2021: PODCAST: Palestine Chronicle Editors Interview International Law Expert on ICC War Crimes Investigation (LISTEN), Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2021: Israel responds to ICC: You have no jurisdiction over us (not that clever. For years, Israelis and Palestinians are having their usual “he said, she said” cat fights about who is guilty of what. An ICC judgement would probably be the most serious way to overcome this Bullsh!t bingo once and for all), Haaretz, 8 April 2021: Israel to Tell ICC It Has No Jurisdiction to Probe Alleged War Crimes, Times of Israel, 8 April 2021: Israel to tell ICC: You don’t have authority to investigate us (the truthfulness of Netanyahu’s statements can currently be judged in the legal proceedings against him), DW, 8 April 2021: Israel rejects ICC’s Palestinian war crimes probe, The National, 8 April 2021: Israel rejects ICC war crimes probe, Times of Israel, 9 April 2021: Gantz slams ‘blind and unjust’ ICC decision, as Israel issues formal response, Jerusalem Post, 11 April 2021: Settlers to tell ICC West Bank not occupied, Israel good for Palestinians (laughable and at the same time somehow worrying, as they might truly believe what they were writing), The Allgemeiner, 11 April 2021: The ICC Wants to Place Israel on Par With Terrorist Armies, Palestine Chronicle, 13 April 2021: Israel Rejects ICC Investigation: What Are the Possible Future Scenarios?, The Algemeiner, 13 April 2021: Boris Johnson Affirms British Opposition to ICC Investigation of Israel, Warns of ‘Partial and Prejudicial Attack’, Times of Israel, 14 April 2021: PA slams UK’s ‘subversion of global order’ after Johnson opposes ICC probe, The Guardian, 15 April 2021: Palestine: Diplomatic mission condemns Boris Johnson for opposing ICC Israel investigation, Times of Israel, 15 April 2021: Foreign ministers of Israel, UAE, Greece, Cyprus to meet Friday, Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2021: Israel Allies Caucus legislators support Israel against ICC probe (Israel Allies Foundation), Palestine Chronicle, 7 May 2021: Israeli Top Intellectuals Call for ICC War Crimes Investigation, The Guardian, 31 May 2021: Attacks on the ICC must be condemned (United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict), Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2021: ICC prosecutor went after Israeli settlements, but not Cyprus (just another fine example of propaganda and fake news during the smear campaign against the ICC), The Algemeiner, 16 June 2021: New ICC Prosecutor Vows to Take ‘Stronger Cases’ to Trial, Times of Israel, 11 July 2021: France gives high honor to lawyer who pushed Palestinian cause at ICC, Haaretz, 22 July 2021: Ex-UN Rights Chief to Head Probe Into Israel, Hamas Alleged War Crimes During May’s Fighting, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2021: Israel critics comprise UNHRC’s permanent war-crimes probe, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2021: ICC adds IDF’s multiple razing of Khirbet Humsa to war crimes probe, Times of Israel, 24 August 2021: The return of the international arena, Israel Hayom, 5 September 2021: Report: PA officials urge ICC to expedite probe into Israeli ‘violations’, Times of Israel, 10 September 2021: Biden officials privately pushed Abbas to shelve ICC probe against Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 29 January 2022: Sheikh Jarrah Family to Seek Justice at ICC for Demolished Home, Haaretz, 1 July 2022: Rights Group Says Palestinians Torture Detainees, Urges ICC Probe (not sure if this is such a great idea, as it is reported that Israel is torturing detainees in their military prisons they run across the West Bank, too. So, if a ICC probe against Palestine might be started, the ICC might decide to have a closer look at Israel’s prisons in Palestine).

CR2019_07637

MAIN CONFLICTS TODAY
Consensus in Europe and North America is, that Israel within the 1967 borders is non-negotiable (Times of Israel, 14 February 2019: Is it really legitimate to talk about legitimacy?). This position has prevailed in most of the rest of the international community as well. Such a basic agreement between the two parties to the dispute is only partially given yet. In all other challenges, of which there are many, significant national and international differences in interests are evident. Of course, it is easier to classify and assess the conflict when not affected personally or emotionally, especially because of the differentiation in countries, states, policies, governments, populations and religions is easier. The closer you get to the action, the more emotional it becomes, and the differentiation hardly succeeds or is going lost at all. Even in this blog post it become clear how difficult it is to keep a semi-neutral observer role in order to include as many voices and views as possible, so that all readers can find themselves at one point or the other and at the same time familiarize themselves with the views of others. This has already been achieved on many points, while we are still working on others. This can also be seen by the selection of the media reports. There are, of course, hundreds of reports on every single topic, of which only a small portion is linked, which reflect the views of the respective journalists/authors and give a good impression of how different the views and evaluations are. Often interesting are less the individual news topics themselves, which are now presented quite similarly internationally. Especially interesting are the different interpretations on the basis of social, societal and historical aspects of the respective countries of origin, but also following political agendas, personal or collective animosities. The result is a mixed situation, which is probably best described as the “Oriental Bazaar of Opinions”, a spice bazaar with spices from all over the world – and each of them is unique in its own way. All in all, however, this is not scientific work, but rather a summary of the conflicts in the region and the approach to the topics from different perspectives, as well as the attempt to make the complexity of the conflicts more comprehensible and accessible, also against the background that the realities of life in Europe and North America are quite different from those in the Levant, which is not conducive to mutual understanding in the sometimes opposing worlds of thought (even if you “only” follow the news in the EU and North America, it becomes clear how different the views of the West are in detail, despite the very close ties. Then there is the Israeli perspective. Together, however, they only depict 180° of the conflicts, so that the remaining 180° must be included so that an all-round view is possible, because ultimately no solution can be found without the Arab perspective). Overall, it is of course also important how you approach the topic yourself. Do you want to get to know the different aspects and perspectives or just see your own worldview confirmed? In the latter case you will not always be able to stay relaxed while reading the following text and especially the linked contents.

State borders
The territory of a future State of Palestine and its border with Israel are unclear and even controversial among Israelis and Palestinians themselves. With the Arabs rejecting the UN Partition Plan of 1947 (Resolution 181 and Haaretz, 29 November 2019: Secrets and Lies: Scenes From the 1947 UN Partition Plan for Palestine) and Israel annexing much of the Palestinian territories during the Palestinian War, the area originally planned for a Palestinian state was reduced enormously. From 1960 to about 1989, according to internal and official documents, the PLO sought a Palestinian state that included Jordan, Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The PLO gave up the demand for a state in Israel in the Oslo Accords and officially recognized Israel’s right to exist in 1988 (UN Security Council Resolution 242 – at the same time proclaiming the Palestinian Declaration of Independence), while international law doesn’t provide a “right for existence of states” (if there would be a right to exist, there wouldn’t be that many wars around the world, because they wouldn’t make any sense in principle and, of course, would apply to Israel’s continued land grabbing in Palestine and Syria. The occupation and in particular the illegal settlements in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights as well as the blockade of the Gaza Strip would, in addition to the fundamental illegality of settling in occupied areas, fundamentally violate Palestine’s right to exist. It would even go so far that all Israeli land grabs over the areas from the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine would have to be vacated immediately and returned to Palestine). However, the word creation and the makeshift fairy tales around it serve Israel well, especially as a vehicle was needed to create an alternative to the “Territorial Integrity of States” (as can be seen in the case of Eastern Ukraine, Crimea, Abkhazia, Transnistria and South Ossetia, among others, this right is only of value if it is observed by everyone and not broken by a warlord gone wild) which explicitly refers to “the inviolability of the territory and borders of sovereign states”. Israel and Palestine, Israel and Syria and Israel and Lebanon doesn’t have such borders yet (United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194), so that it will take some time before nationally and internationally recognized borders will be given (it is astonishing that although the “right to exist” of Israel is mantra-like prayed, the fact, that the Palestinians have declared their independence in 1988 is often missed out. Both countries are only majority recognized by the UN as states, or conversely: If one country got granted the right to exist, this must be granted to the other country as well or, consequently, deny the existence to both. There is no solution in between (double standard)). Today, the PLO is seeking a state in the territory of the entire West Bank and the Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital, and is with solution in line with the international community. Parts of Fatah as well as the Islamist, classified by Israel and by parts of the Western community as terrorist organizations, Hamas (international positions) and Islamic Jihad (Times of Israel, 1 April 2019: Reports: Islamic Jihad planning large Gaza attack to derail ceasefire talks) continued to demand the “liberation of the whole of Palestine” including the territory of Israel, with it its elimination. In its recently revised charter, Hamas has distanced itself from this goal and is now referring to the 1967 borders, with the state of Israel still not recognized as such. On the Israeli side, there are calls from settlers and other right-wing extremist, radical and nationalist terrorist organizations (in Israel, referred to as “Taliban with Kippah“) for Eretz Israel, that is, the violent annexation of Gaza, the West Bank (the so-called, internationally unacknowledged, but supported by Christian Zionists (Second Coming of Christ), Judea and Samaria (Judea is the historical core settlement area of the Jews) and the Syrian Golan Heights to create a “Greater Israel”. The demolition of the Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar in September 2018 has created further conditions for the full partition of the West Bank into two disjointed parts (on both sides of Highway 1) to illegally settle on more Palestinian lands and at the same time prevent the implementation of the 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence permanently and at any cost, thereby continuing the Netanyahu government’s endless sabotage of a peace treaty and the two-state solution (Israel National News, 29 May 2017: “Netanyahu no longer supports two-state solution”, BBC, 26 September 2018: Trump: Two-state Middle East solution would work best, NPR, 30 September 2018: Netanyahu’s Not-Quite-2-State Solution, Bloomberg, 15 November 2018: Netanyahu’s Opposition Keeps the Two-State Solution Alive and Times of Israel, 5 March 2019: What if a desperate Netanyahu embraces West Bank annexation?), driving the country more and more into international isolation and turning it into a theocracy. As a result, Netanyahu’s Israel has developed at a remarkable pace backwards and thus becoming increasingly similar to neighboring countries.

Important players in the region are the Gulf States, which are aiming for the two-state solution within the 1967 borders (Arab Peace Initiative), as well as the Western community. Without these players, solving the given challenges will not be possible (Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2019: Stronger Evangelical-Muslim relations will be key in achieving Middle East peace). To signal willingness to negotiate, Saudi Arabia surprisingly announced in May 2017 that it would allow Israeli companies to do business in the country (as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 (Arab News: Road to 2030, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2019: Saudi Arabia’s reforming business landscape)). Another milestone followed in March 2018: for the first time in history, Saudi airspace was opened for commercial passenger flights of Air India to Israel. On 2 April 2018, the reform-oriented (The Washington Post, 1 March 2018: Are Saudi Arabia’s reforms for real? A recent visit says yes.) Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced in an interview with The Atlantic (Saudi Crown Prince: Iran’s Supreme Leader ‘Makes Hitler Look Good’) that “the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to their own land.” This is the first time ever, that a Saudi Arabian high profile awards Israel the right to exist. A statement that seemed to be unthinkable a year ago (New York Times, 3 April 2018: Saudi Prince Says Israelis Have Right to ‘Their Own Land’, BBC, 3 April 2018: Israel and Saudi Arabia: The relationship emerging into the open, France24.com, 3 April 2018: Saudi Crown Prince recognises Israel’s right to exist, Deutsche Welle, 3 April 2018: What is the Saudi prince’s strategy in recognizing Israel?, Haaretz, 1 May 2018: Palestinians Should ‘Shut Up’ or Make Peace, Saudi Crown Prince Told Jewish Leaders, Haaretz, 5 August 2018: Why Younger Saudis Won’t Fund, Facilitate or Fight for a Palestinian State, The New York Times, 23 November 2017: Saudi Arabia’s Arab Spring, at Last: The crown prince has big plans for his society., The Washington Post, 7 August 2018: Saudi Arabia cannot afford to pick fights with Canada, The Guardian, 12 August 2018: The bizarre spat with Canada shows Mohammed bin Salman’s true colours, The Washington Post, 26 October 2018: Israel’s Netanyahu pays surprise visit to Oman, Middle East Eye, 26 October 2018: Netanyahu makes surprise trip to Oman and meets with Sultan Qaboos, Reuters, 26 October 2018: Israeli PM Netanyahu makes rare visit to Oman, Bloomberg, 28 October 2018: Netanyahu’s Oman Visit Sets Off Israeli Cabinet Rush to Gulf, The Washington Post, 1 November 2018: Saudi crown prince described journalist as a dangerous Islamist in call with White House, officials say, The Atlantic, 1 November 2018: Progress Without Peace in the Middle East and BBC, 6 November 2018: Israel-Arab ties warm up after long deep freeze). Even if the Gulf States and Israel officially exclude mutual diplomatic missions, there has been unofficial backroom diplomacy for years, advocated and supported by the respective country leaders. Otherwise these talks wouldn’t be held at all (Jerusalem Post, 6 August 2019: Israelis and Arabs say one thing in public and another behind closed doors). That’s why sometimes Arab delegations stroll through West Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, or observers wonder which conversation partners meet in the business and conference centers of the hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Today, the state of Israel is recognized by 169 of the 193 United Nations states, and since 1988 by the Palestinians. Today, the state of Palestine is recognized by 136 137 states (The Washington Post, 7 November 2017: Map: The countries that recognize Palestine as a state, Times of Israel, 30 July 2019: Tiny island nation St. Kitts and Nevis recognizes Palestinian state). Israel isn’t among them (or as Israreli writer Amos Oz wrote: “Israel is a refugee camp, Palestine too. The conflict is a tragic clash between the right and the right … both nations don’t have another place to go. They cannot unite into a big happy family, because they are not family, and they are not happy – these are two miserable, different families. A historical compromise must be made: a two-state solution.” Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once said, after difficult and apparently frustrating negotiations, “Israel has no foreign policy, only domestic policy.” Keeping the quote in mind makes some of the Israeli government’s decisions easier to understand. You can see it, for example, in the different types of reporting. While international events are reported in the West and what consequences these have or could have for the countries concerned, the Israeli media reports on international events and the first question afterwards is almost always “What does this mean for Israel?”, regardless whether the events happened in neighboring countries or on the other side of the world).

April 2019 Israeli legislative election (Round 1)
Early legislative elections were held on 9 April 2019 to elect the 120 members of the 21st Knesset. Elections had been due in November 2019, but were brought forward following a dispute between members of the current government over a bill on national service for the ultra-Orthodox population, as well as impending corruption charges against incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s Likud tied with Blue and White alliance of Benny Gantz, both winning 35 seats. The balance of power was held by smaller parties, with right-wing and religious parties that have previously sat in coalition with Likud, which would have allowed Netanyahu to form the next government. Due to continuation of the disagreements over the national service of the ultra-Orthodox, a snap election was called, and is set to be held on 17 September 2019. Media coverage: The New Yorker, 9 July 2018: The Maps of Israeli Settlements That Shocked Barack Obama, Times of Israel, 9 December 2018: Israel signed off on sale of phone spying tool to Saudi Arabia – report, The Atlantic, 18 December 2018: Bibi Was Right, The Jerusalem Post, 24 December 2018: Netanyahu’s coalition collapses; Israel heading to elections in April, The Guardian, 24 December 2018: Israeli government agrees to hold early elections in April and i24 News, 24 December 2018: Israel announces dissolution of government, snap elections in April (like Trump on Twitter and Putin with his RT channel, besides his “advertisement agency” Israel HaYom, Netanyahu now has his own fake news TV channel, named “Likud TV”, streamed on Facebook – Times of Israel, 4 February 2019: With fake media outlet Likud TV, Netanyahu sets up nakedly self-serving soapbox, matching to the upcoming elections) Times of Israel, 20 February 2019: Netanyahu’s despicable push to bring racists into Israel’s political mainstream, Haaretz, 20 February 2019: Top Posts for Merging With Kahanists: Netanyahu, Far-right Party Reach Deal, France24, 20 February 2019: Israel PM deal seeks to boost ultra-right in April vote, Haaretz, 21 February 2019: Netanyahu Just Destroyed One of Israel’s Key National Security Assets, The Guardian, 21 February 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu strikes deal with hardline parties ahead of Israel elections, Haaretz, 21 February 2019: Netanyahu Now Endorses Jewish Fascism. U.S. Jews, Cut Your Ties With Him Now, Times of Israel, 22 February 2019: AIPAC slams ‘racist and reprehensible’ extremist party wooed by Netanyahu, Haaretz, 22 February 2019: ‘Racist and Reprehensible’: AIPAC Slams Kahanist Party Backed by Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 23 February 2019: Lapid: Netanyahu puts politics before country, harms Israel’s image, Times of Israel, 23 February 2019: After AIPAC rebuke, Netanyahu defends aiding Kahanists: ‘Hypocrisy by the left’, Haaretz, 24 February 2019: For U.S. Jewry, Kahanist Caper Casts Netanyahu as Prince of Darkness and Trump on Steroids, Times of Israel, 24 February 2019: The desecration of Israel, Times of Israel, 24 February 2019: Ex-AIPAC official: By backing extremists, Netanyahu ‘overstepped the line’, Times of Israel, 25 February 2019: US Reform leader: Netanyahu’s deal with extremists is like ‘welcoming’ the KKK, The Guardian, 25 February 2019: Pro-Israel US group condemns Netanyahu pact with extremists, Times of Israel, 28 February 2019: High Court rejects Likud petition to prevent AG announcing Netanyahu indictment, France24, 28 February 2019: Israeli Justice Ministry confirms intention to indict Netanyahu and The New York Times, 28 February 2019: Prosecutor Moves to Indict Netanyahu on Corruption Charges (which is why he is no longer referred to as “Prime Minister” but as “Crime Minister” in Israel), The Guardian, 28 February 2019: Netanyahu to be indicted on corruption charges, Israeli attorney general says, The New York Times, 28 February 2019: Netanyahu Indictment Closer as Israeli Prosecutor Seeks Charges, Times of Israel, 28 February 2019: Gantz appeals to Netanyahu to put Israel’s interests first and ‘resign’, Times of Israel, 28 February 2019: Netanyahu’s illicit dealings benefited tycoon by $500 million, AG alleges, Times of Israel, 28 February 2019: ‘You knew you were taking a bribe’: The specifics of Netanyahu’s alleged crimes, The New York Times, 1 March 2019: Time for Netanyahu to Go, Times of Israel, 1 March 2019: Poll shows two-thirds of Israelis think Netanyahu should resign if indicted, Times of Israel, 2 March 2019: Bret Stephens calls Netanyahu the ‘Nixon of Israel,’ says he should resign, The New York Times, 2 March 2019: Can Israel Survive Without Netanyahu? Israelis Imagine the Future, Times of Israel, 3 March 2019: Is Netanyahu a crook? Allegedly. A threat to democracy? That verdict is sadly in, Haaretz, 4 March 2019: Netanyahu Is Going Down, but What About His Powerful Accomplice?, Times of Israel, 6 March 2019: Right-wing ally of Netanyahu proposes bill to save him from prosecution, Times of Israel, 7 March 2019: Police recommend bribery charges for Likud’s David Bitan, Times of Israel, 7 March 2019: Lapid: If Netanyahu is reelected, he’ll legislate to place himself above the law, Times of Israel, 30 June 2019: Mandelblit warns against ‘real erosion’ of Israel’s founding legal principles, Haaretz, 7 March 2019: Yair Lapid Outlines Four Demands for Peace With Palestinians, The Washington Post, 7 March 2019: Israeli electoral committee bans Arab candidates, allows extreme right to run, Haaretz, 7 March 2019: The Israeli Elections Committee Embraced Jewish Supremacists and Expelled Arab Radicals. So What Else Is New?, Times of Israel, 8 March 2019: Benny Gantz’s tall order: Convincing Israel that he can replace Netanyahu, The Guardian, 10 March 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is ‘not a state of all its citizens’, The New York Yimes, 10 March 2019: Netanyahu-Trump Partnership Is Stronger Than Ever. Are These Its Final Days?, Times of Israel, 10 March 2019: Amid Likud’s ‘Bibi or Tibi’ campaign, ADL slams ‘demonization’ of Israeli Arabs, Times of Israel, 10 March 2019: There are no second-class citizens, Rivlin says, in implicit swipe at Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 11 March 2019: For Netanyahu, all Israelis are equal, but some are more equal than others, NPR, 11 March 2019: Netanyahu Says Israel Is ‘Nation-State Of The Jewish People And Them Alone’, Jewish News, 12 March 2019: Jerusalem’s cable car: Moving in the wrong direction, ynet, 12 March 2019: The Likud is the real threat to Israel, Times of Israel, 12 March 2019: Yair Netanyahu put on leave from NGO job a day after deriding Rivlin (the most important lines of the articel are “Throughout the election campaign we have been careful to be respectful toward the Netanyahu family, but now we are calling on Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu: Control the mouth and keyboard of your son Yair,” a statement from party leader Benny Gantz said. “Your incitement toward our president crosses every possible line. Israel comes before anything else, the Netanyahu family doesn’t.”), Haaretz, 14 March 2019: J Street to Offer Competing Free Trip to Israel for Those Fed Up With Birthright, Times of Israel, 14 March 2019: Clouds gather as Israel emerges from economic ‘golden decade’, Jerusalem Post, 14 March 2019: 71% of Israeli Jews find Israeli control over the Palestinains as immoral, The Guardian, 14 March 2019: The fall of the Israeli peace movement and why leftists continue to fight, Haaretz, 14 March 2019: What a Netanyahu Election Victory Will Mean for American Jewry, Haaretz, 16 March 2019: To Defeat Gantz, Netanyahu Instructs His Party to Lie, Netanyahu’s next low point (though he can barely go lower anyway, he manages to beat himself again): Times of Israel, 17 March 2019: Cyber entrepreneur says Netanyahu behind ‘Iranian hack’ of Gantz, Times of Israel, 18 March 2019: Gantz calls for state commission of inquiry into submarine scandal, Times of Israel, 18 March 2019: Gantz: Ignore phone hack, Netanyahu guilty of ‘worst scandal in Israeli history’, The Washington Post, 20 March 2019: Under investigation and up for reelection, Netanyahu’s kinship with Trump has never been clearer, Haaretz, 20 March 2019: Pocket Money, Loans and Millions for Legal Advice: Has Netanyahu’s Wallet Finally Been Found?, Times of Israel, 20 March 2019: Pompeo in region to counter Iran, boost Netanyahu, Haaretz, 20 March 2019: Pompeo Arrives in Israel to Discuss Iran Threat, Energy and Regional Issues, Times of Israel, 20 March 2019: State prosecutors said mulling criminal probe of Netanyahu in submarine case, Times of Israel, 21 March 2019: Gantz is target of most fake news for 8th week running — report, Times of Israel, 21.03.2019: Netanyahu and the submarine scandal: Everything you need to know, Jerusalem Post, 22 March 2019: UNHRC voted 26-16 against Israel’s ‘occupation’ of the Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 22.03.2019: Supreme Court orders state witness in submarines case kept in custody, Jerusalem Post, 22 March 2019: Trumpet recruits Netanyoohoo as 2020 running mate in US elex, The Guardian, 23 March 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu to play Trump card in tight election, Haaretz, 22 March 2019: U.S. Media Finally Discovers Netanyahu-Trump Similarities – and pro-Israel Groups Are Worried, The New York Times, 23 March 2019: Israel Lobby Convenes in Washington Amid Fraying Bipartisanship and Rising Tension, Times of Israel, 24 March 2019: Incredulous Gantz bashes Netanyahu for okaying sub sale to Egypt on his own, Haaretz, 24 March 2019: AIPAC Is More Divisive Than Ever. As Confab Kicks Off, Here’s How to Fix It, Haaretz, 25 March 2019: Cleared of Collusion With Russia, Trump Can Now Collude Shamelessly With Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 25 March 2019: With some of Rabin’s awkward charisma, Gantz passes the AIPAC test, Times of Israel, 25 March 2019: At AIPAC, Gantz vows to rid Israel’s leadership of racism, corruption, The Washington Post, 26 March 2019: On Israel, Charles Schumer rises to the occasion, Haaretz, 27 March 2019: It’s a Grave Mistake to Entrust American Evangelicals With Israel’s Future, Haaretz, 28 March 2019: Bank of Israel Warns of Long-term Decline in Economic Growth, Times of Israel, 31 March 2019: Gantz says Netanyahu rancor could spark ‘civil war’, Haaretz, 1 April 2019: Network of Fake Social Media Accounts Boosting Netanyahu Ahead of Election, Report Says, The New York Times, 1 April 2019: Twitter Network Uses Fake Accounts to Promote Netanyahu, Israel Watchdog Finds, Times of Israel, 1 April 2019: Gantz claims Netanyahu trying to ‘steal elections’ as fake news network revealed, Times of Israel, 2 April 2019: Twitter said to take down most fake pro-Netanyahu accounts flagged in report, The Guardian, 3 April 2019: I fought South African apartheid. I see the same brutal policies in Israel, Times of Israel, 3 April 2019: Benny Gantz to ToI: Future of Israel as a democracy is at stake in this election, Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2019: Former Generals call for national inquiry into submarine corruption, Haaretz, 3 April 2019: Under a Decade of Netanyahu Rule the Israeli Economy Has Gone Backwards, Daily Herald, 3 April 2019: Palestinians Are Nowhere to Be Found in Israel’s Election, Times of Israel, 4 April 2019: Report: PM ‘likely benefited’ from sales by cousin’s company to Gaddafi’s Libya, Jewish News, 4 April 2019: Hidden danger behind the new US approach, Haaretz, 4 April 2019: Netanyahu Deserves to Win the Election. And We Israelis Deserve Him, Times of Israel, 4 April 2019: Who knows?, The Guardian, 5 April 2019: Best of the worst? Israel’s left looks to Gantz as election nears, The Washington Post, 5 April 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu, a political Houdini, is facing his toughest escape act yet, Times of Israel, 5 April 2019: Up to 1 in 5 Israelis said exposed to fake news smearing Gantz, Times of Israel, 5 April 2019: With Israeli election looming, liberal US Jews set their ire on Netanyahu, France24, 6 April 2019: Israeli political parties seek to integrate former generals into their ranks, Haaretz, 6 April 2019: Three Days Until Israeli Election: Netanyahu Hits the Panic Button, The Guardian, 7 April 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex Jewish settlements in occupied West Bank, Haaretz, 7 April 2019: With Gantz as Election Rival, Netanyahu Competes Against an Old Version of Himself, The New York Times, 7 April 2019: As Israel Charts a Future, Color and Chaos Abound in Its Election, Times of Israel, 7 April 2019: The simple, agonizing question for voters Tuesday: Is Netanyahu good for Israel?, The Guardian, 7 April 2019: Netanyahu’s fearmongering is working. Israelis have forgotten how to hope, Haaretz, 7 April 2019: Netanyahu Owned Shares in More Than One of His Cousin’s Companies, France24, 7 April 2019: Israeli extreme right set to become kingmaker, The Guardian, 7 April 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal would bury the two-state solution, The Guardian, 7 April 2019: The Observer view on Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s elections, Times of Israel, 7 April 2019: Bibi, Trump and the Death of ‘Truth’, Times of Israel, 7 April 2019: The case for Gantz – and a return to decency, Times of Israel, 7 April 2019: Likud cancels Sunday right-wing rally in Jerusalem over fears of poor turnout, The New York Times, 7 April 2019: Will the Israeli ‘King’ Be Recrowned?, The Guardian, 8 April 2019: The secret of Netanyahu’s success? A simple tale of good versus evil, Haaretz, 8 April 2019: Non-Jews Are About to Lose the Right to Vote in Israel, Times of Israel, 8 April 2019: Day before election, Gantz says ‘the right is not in danger – Netanyahu is’. Both, Trump’s recognition of West Jerusalem as an Israeli capital forced by Netanyahu and the recognition of the Syrian Golan Heights as belonging to Israel, have only one consequence, namely that the entire international community has developed the exact opposite point of view, after Netanyahu had forced the member states of the international community to clearly define their own points of view on the two topics. By doing so, Netanyahu ensures the further isolation of Israel (at the same time, of course, he has significantly weakened Israel’s standing in the world, as it becomes increasingly clear that his claim that “Israel belongs to the West” collapses like a house of cards. On all major issues of the recent past, “the West” (with the exception of the USA) from Canada to Australia took opposing positions to his. Instead, he courtes semi-autocrats, autocrats and dictators around the globe and call them “true friends of Israel” (the term “friend of Israel” can only be understood as an pure insult by the Likudniks because one is lumped together with people like Orbán, Trump and Bolsonaro). In light of the 2019 election results, 57% of Israelis seems to like this Israeli policy and approach. This will not have a positive impact on Netanyahu’s Israel. It is to be expected a development as recently in Turkey, of course, with Judaism and not Islam as the center). After Netanyahu has already gotten a black eye in the total misjudgment that Trump’s announcement to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and thus sets the world community on the same path, he will also succeed in getting the next black eye in regard to the Syrian Golan Heights: Haaretz vom 21.03.2019: Trump: Time for U.S. to Recognize Israel’s Sovereignty Over Golan Heights, Times of Israel vom 21.03.2019: Trump says time has come for US to ‘recognize Israel’s sovereignty’ over Golan, The New York Times vom 21.03.2019: In Golan Heights, Trump Bolsters Israel’s Netanyahu but Risks Roiling Middle East, The Washingotn Post vom 21.03.2019: Trump endorses Israeli control of the disputed Golan Heights, France24, 21 March 2019: Trump says US recognises Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, The Guardian, 22 March 2019: Trump provokes global anger by recognising Israel’s claim to Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 22 March 2019: Trump tweet does little for Golan, but much for Netanyahu, critics charge, France24, 22 March 2019: France says Israeli sovereignty over Golan breaks international law, Reuters, 22 March 2019: EU holds position on Golan Heights despite Trump: Tusk, Times of Israel, 22 March 2019: EU says it will not follow Trump in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Golan, The Guardian, 23 March 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu to play Trump card in tight election, France24, 24 March 2019: Netanyahu in Washington with Golan Heights recognition on tap, France24, 25 March 2019: Trump signs US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 25 March 2019: Alongside PM, Trump signs proclamation recognizing Israeli sovereignty on Golan, France, 26 March 2019: Trump’s Golan move unites Gulf States and Iran in condemnation, The New York Times, 26 March 2019: Golan Heights Recognition by U.S. Sets Precedent for Annexation, Netanyahu Says, Times of Israel, 26 March 2019: Israel says US Golan recognition helps pave way for keeping other captured lands, Haaretz, 26 March 2019: If You’re Still Voting Netanyahu After This Rocket, You’re Thinking Like Hamas, The Guardian, 26 March 2019: Israel-Hamas relations: a predictable but fatal dance, The Guardian, 27 March 2019: Trump’s Golan Heights proclamation is a cynical, dangerous move, Times of Israel, 27 March 2019: All EU countries say no to recognition of Israeli Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 27 March 2019: European envoys said sent to White House, State Department to protest Golan move, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2019: All 28 EU member states reject Israeli souvereignty over Golan, Haaretz, 27 March 2019: Two-state Solution: U.S. Jews Won’t Budge. Will It Cost Them Their Relationship With Israel?, Haaretz, 27 March 2019: Why Golan Recognition Can’t Pave Way for Israel to Annex West Bank, Haaretz, 27 March 2019: EU States Unanimously Announce: We Do Not Recognize Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 28 March 2019: US slammed at UN Security Council for recognizing Golan as Israeli, The Guardian, 22 May 2019: Israel plans to name settlement on occupied land after Trump (at least the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force can finally be ended). So you can get popcorn ready to watch and laugh at Netanyahu’s latest election comedy stunt, especially since it is completely unimportant what Netanyahu dictates Trump to the pen, because it is not more than ineffective symbolism anyway. Among other things (United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 497), this was ensured by the intellectually and strategically overwhelmingly superior and prudent US President Barack Obama, who helped to pass Resolution 2334 on 23 December 2016 in the United Nations Security Council, declaring East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Golan Heights and the Gaza Strip as “non-Israeli”, creating a hurdle insurmountable to Netanyahu and Trump. The only option for the two hasardeurs and parvenus to overcome the hurdle would be to bring in their own resolution to the Security Council, which would not only neutralize Resolution 2334, but even turn it in the opposite direction. One can probably bet a larger amount of money without hesitation that such a project would be crowned by a crushing defeat. Palestine and Syria should actually cheerfully thank Obama for this even today. In addition, of course, international law explicitly prohibits the annexation of foreign territory. If Netanyahu wants to develop Israel into a pariah state, he is very well on the way. Times of Israel, 28 March 2019: Ex-Mossad chief: Netanyahu’s version on Egypt submarine deal ‘makes no sense’, Haaretz, 29 March 2019: Netanyahu’s Likud Lags Behind Gantz-Lapid Alliance, New Election Poll Shows, Jerusalem Post, 31 March 2019: Bank of Israel: Rising expenditure, reduced taxes endangers economy – with the 2019 Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for April 9, one can only hope that former IDF Chief of Staff Aluf Benny Gantz will be able to win the election and then begin with the recovery of the deeply damaged and weakend democracy by Netanyahu over the past decades, and, as a result, will more likely be able to activate international support than is the case during the Netanyahu government (even in the US, the approval ratings for Israeli policy have been on the decline for years – Times of Israel, 7 March 2019: New poll: Americans’ support for Israel falls to lowest point in a decade and Times of Israel, 11 March 2019: Omar furor reflects increasingly polarized US debate over Israel). After the killing of Yitzhak Rabin (Times of Israel, 31 March 2019: Gantz accuses Netanyahu of role in incitement ahead of Rabin murder), Israel deserve to have another smart, serious, law-abiding and internationally welcomed statesman (and not only when he finally gets back on the plane to fly off) for Prime Minister, and with it the exact opposite of Netanyahu and his Likud, to not further damage the national and international image and perception of Israel. Following the saying “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”, it now looks (a few days before the election and despite the charges of fraud and embezzlement awaiting Netanyahu, as well as suspected election interference through the use of bots), as if the Likud government will get another term in order to promote the further erosion of democracy and the rule of law, deepening the right-wing radicalization, xenophobia and continued terrorist activities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Overall, the election campaign in recent weeks has become a head-to-head race in a directional election, so that voters are now faced with the task of deciding in which direction the Israeli state should develop: Should Neteanjahu’s Likud continue the further de-democratization and the development of a Jewish theocracy, or should the Blue and White coalition, led by Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, lead the country into a process of re-democratization, including the return to lawfulness and the fight against corruption (in which Netanyahu for personal reasons, especially because of his own entanglements in numerous crooked businesses, isn’t interested at all)? The answers of the voters will be given soon. Subsequently, the certainly not easy coalition talks to form the future government will start. If the Likud should be re-elected, it would probably be likely that there will be new elections in about a year, because then the lawsuits in several cases against Netanyahu will go on trial, although he is apparently just about to tinker with an immunity law against his prosecution (Haaretz, 8 April 2019: Who Is Running in Israel’s Election? The Full List of Parties and Candidates, The Atlantic, 8 April 2019: Netanyahu Brought Nationalism to the 21st Century, France24, 9 April 2019: Polls open in high-stakes election in Israel, The Guardian, 9 April 2019: Israel election: voters go to polls as Netanyahu seeks fifth term, The New York Times, 9 April 2019: In Trump, Netanyahu Sees an Ally Who Helps Him Push the Envelope, The Wahington Post, 9 April 2019: Israeli elections to decide Netanyahu’s fate as voters cast ballots, Haaretz, 9 April 2019: Israel Election 2019: ‘Arab Turnout at Historic Low’; Netanyahu Defends Hidden Cameras in Arab Polling Stations, Haaretz, 9 April 2019: Israel Votes: Everything You Need to Know About Netanyahu’s Corruption Scandal, The Guardian, 12 April 2019: Trump and his imitators are out to nobble the world’s referees, Times of Israel, 12 April 2019: Nine Jewish groups ask Trump to restrain Netanyahu on West Bank annexation, Times of Israel, 14 April 2019: Gantz warns next government will distance country from law and democracy, Times of Israel, 11 June 2019: Democrat Buttigieg warns he would cut Israel aid over West Bank annexation). The election result shows two things: Benny Gantz won the showdown in direct competition with Netanyahu, proving that there is indeed a serious, democratic and liberal alternative to the dubious and racist Netanyahu. Israel will remember it in a year, namely when Netanyahu is expected to stand trial. At the same time, “Blue and White” could not win the election altogether, because Netanyahu had already forged a coalition with nationalists, fascists and extremists before the elections, so that in the future two extremists (Israeli and US commentators compare them to the KKK) will hold ministerial posts. The erosion of democracy and the rule of law will therefore increase in speed. Neighboring states will rejoice that Israel is developing into another theocracy in the region, so that they themselves have no reason to develop their countries towards democracy and still call themselves “one of the many democracies in the Levant”. It will be a mammoth task for the future successor of Netanyahu to get Israel back on track, if at all possible (when religious fanatics are in power, the downward spiral can drag on for decades). Turkish President Erdoğan will also be pleased with the election results, as members of his Justice and Development Party has been voicing concern for some time that Israel could join the EU before Turkey (in real life, no country in the Levant will actually become an EU Member State unless Turkey has already become member). After all, his country is on the list of potential EU Member States, even when the accession talks are frozen and a timely membership is currently excluded. Netanyahu’s Israel isn’t even able to enter the list of potential candidate countries (France24, 9 April 2019: Netanyahu poised to claim victory in Israeli election, The Guardian, 10 April 2019: Israeli election: Netanyahu appears on track for victory despite tied result, France24, 10 April 2019: Right-wing world leaders congratulate Netanyahu on likely election victory, The New York Tims, 10 April 2019: It’s Netanyahu’s Israel Now, Times of Israel, 10 April 2019: Blue and White concedes race, vows to battle Netanyahu from opposition, The Washington Post, 10 April 2019: In tightly fought election, Netanyahu appears set to clinch fifth term in office, Times of Israel, 10 Apri 2019: Top Palestinian official: Israelis voted to maintain status quo, want apartheid, The Guardian, 10 April 2019: ‘The future is dark’: Palestinians react to Israel’s election, Times of Israel, 10 Apri 2019: Netanyahu won, everyone else lost: 5 takeaways from the 2019 elections, The Guardian, 11 April 2019: The Trump-Netanyahu relationship is sowing disaster for both countries, Haaretz, 12 April 2019: AIPAC-affiliated Democrats Warn Netanyahu Against West Bank Annexation, Times of Israel, 13 April 2019: Some of Israel’s best American friends worried by Netanyahu’s annexation talk, The Washington Post, 14 April 2019: Netanyahu was a cautious leader — until Trump came along, The Guardian, 15 April 2019: Europe urged to reject US Middle East plan if it is unfair to Palestinians, Times of Israel, 15 April 2019: German leader calls Netanyahu, stresses need for two-state solution, Times of Israel, 15 April 2019: Trump peace plan likely won’t include Palestinian state — report, Times of Israel, 15 April 2019: The people have spoken. They want to live in Netanyahu’s Israel (2019 electin results), The Washingotn Post, 14 April 2019: Trump peace package for Middle East likely to stop short of Palestinian statehood, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2019: EU rejects Israeli annexation talk, warns of Middle East chaos, Times of Israel, 17 April 2019: President officially taps Netanyahu to form next government, The Atlantic, 19 April 2019: The French Ambassador Is Retiring Today. Here’s What He Really Thinks About Washington., Times of Israel, 20 April 2019: French envoy to US: Trump plan ‘very close to what Israel wants, 99% doomed’, Haaretz, 21 April 2019: Israel Already an Apartheid State Says Outgoing French Ambassador, Discussing Trump’s Peace Plan, The Guardian, 22 April 2019: Is Benjamin Netanyahu about to go rogue in Jerusalem? All the signs are there, Politico.com, 23 April 2019: Netanyahu calls for new Golan settlement named for Trump, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2019: Location found in Golan Heights for town to be named after Trump (a nice idea to give the Syrians a clue as to where they can start reconquering their national territory), Times of Israel, 24 April 2019: With immunity gambit, Netanyahu endangers his legacy and our democracy, The Guardian, 24 April 2019: Israelis are not all rightwing. But our leftist parties have lost faith in themselves, Times of Israel, 24 April 2019: Poll: Most Americans like Israelis – but not their government, Times of Israel, 29 April 2019: Mandelblit: The rule of law trumps Netanyahu’s win at the polls, Times of Israel, 13 May 2019: Netanyahu said to plan bill to override High Court, safeguard his immunity, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2019: Gantz compares ‘threat to democracy’ from Netanyahu to Israel’s enemies, Times of Israel, 13 May 2019: In first Knesset speech, Gantz warns of ‘threat to democratic system’, Times of Israel, 16 May 2019: Full text: The criminal allegations against Netanyahu, as set out by Israel’s AG, Times of Israel, 16 May 2019: Opposition lambastes Netanyahu after report says he will push for immunity law, Haaretz, 16 May 2019: If the U.S. Goes to War With Iran, Netanyahu Will Be the Prime Suspect, Times of Israel, 19 May 2019: Veteran former Likud MK blasts Netanyahu’s ‘corrupt’ immunity bid, Haaretz, 20 May 2019: Netanyahu Is Seeking a Free Hand to Commit Crimes, Times of Israel, 23 May 2019: Former justice minister for Likud warns of Netanyahu ‘dictatorship’, Times of Israel, 25 May 2019: Thousands gather for mass rally to ‘safeguard Israeli democracy’ from Netanyahu, Haaretz, 25 May 2019: Tens of Thousands of Israelis Protest Netanyahu’s Immunity Bills in Opposition’s First Rally, Times of Israel, 25 May 2019: At rally, Gantz and Lapid vow they won’t let Netanyahu turn Israel into Turkey, Haaretz, 26 May 2019: In the Face of Netanyahu’s Threat to Democracy, Israel’s Opposition Makes Rare Show of Unity, Times of Israel, 26 May 2019: Ex-justice, AG: If Netanyahu is above the law, Israel is not a civilized country, The Guardian, 27 May 2019: Netanyahu threatens to call fresh election as coalition talks falter, France24, 29 May 2019: Israel moves towards election rerun as deadline looms, Times of Israel, 28 May 2019: Israel is already in a constitutional crisis, leading law scholar warns, The Washington Post, 29 May 2019: Israel will hold unprecedented second election after Netanyahu fails to form governing coalition, The Guardian, 29 May 2019: Israel to hold new elections after Netanyahu coalition talks fail, DW, 29 May 2019: Israeli parliament votes to hold new election in September, France24, 29 May 2019: Israel faces new election as Netanyahu fails to form coalition, The New York Times, 30 May 2019: Israel in Uncharted Territory as Netanyahu Fails to Form a Coalition, Times of Israel, 30 May 2019: Knesset votes for new elections on September 17 after PM fails to form coalition, Times of Israel, 30 May 2019: The final results of April’s election are in: No one won, Netanyahu lost, Haaretz, 30 May 2019: Netanyahu Just Suffered One of the Biggest Losses of His Political Career, Times of Israel, 31 May 2019: Behind closed doors, Likud officials blame Netanyahu and think about what’s next, France24, 31 May 2019: Great survivor Netanyahu facing fight for political future, The New York Times, 1 June 2019: Is This the End for Netanyahu?.

September 2019 Israeli legislative election (Round 2)
Snap legislative elections are due to be held in on 17 September 2019 to elect the 120 members of the 22nd Knesset. Following the prior elections in April, incumbent and Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a governing coalition, the first such failure in Israeli history. On 30 May, the Knesset voted to dissolve itself and trigger new elections, in order to prevent Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz from being appointed Prime Minister-designate. This election was the first time that the Knesset voted to dissolve itself before a government had been formed. Media coverage: Israel Hayom, 11 May 2019: Israel’s economic ship is heading toward an iceberg, Haaretz, 6 June 2019: Neither Israel’s nor Germany’s Slide Into Fascism Was Accidental, Haaretz, 12 June 2019: Right Wing Starts to Sour on Netanyahu, but Can’t Replace Him, Times of Israel, 13 June 2019: As election campaign begins, cracks emerge in right-wing loyalty to Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 13 June 2019: Supreme Court chief accuses new justice minister of leading Israel to ‘anarchy’, Times of Israel, 16 June 2019: No plans, no budget: ‘Trump Heights’ inauguration slammed as a PR stunt, The Guardian, 17 June 2019: ‘Trump Heights’: Israeli settlement in Golan named after US president (Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2019: Israel’s Trump Heights receives 1st inhabitants), Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2019: Ex-Mossad chief: Netanyahu voters ‘ignorant’ – PM: Left is condescending, Times of Israel, 20 June 2019: Ex-Mossad head: Netanyahu voters are ‘ignorant,’ have no moral standards, Times of Israel, 24 June 2019: Netanyahu offered Gantz rotating premiership in bid to avert elections – report, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: Netanyahu says he’s considering proposal to cancel September election, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: Opposition seethes as Netanyahu mulls bid to nix September elections, Palestine Chronicle, 25 June 2019: Fearing Poor Performance, Netanyahu May Try to Avoid New Elections, Haaretz, 26 June 2019: The Only Reason Netanyahu Would Try to Nix the New Election, Times of Israel, 26 June 2019: Netanyahu, Gantz deny reports of unity government, rotation deal, Times of Israel, 26 June 2019: Gantz on Likud bid to avert elections: PM pressed the button — no way back, Haaretz, 26 June 2019: ‘Netanyahu’s Regime Must Be Toppled’: Ehud Barak Makes Comeback With New Israeli Political Party, Haaretz, 27 June 2019: Gaza, Iran, or Is It Hezbollah? Netanyahu Using Intel Warnings to Justify Nixing Election, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2019: Syria has right to recover the Golan Heights from Israel, envoy tells UNHRC, Arab News, 9 July 2019: Barak’s return a sad reflection of state of Israeli left, Times of Israel, 9 July 2019: Barak says ex-general ‘told the truth’ when he likened Israel to pre-war Germany (Times of Israel, 5 May 2016: Deputy IDF chief: Israeli societal trends akin to pre-Holocaust Europe, Israel Hayom, 26 September 2019: Mr. President, don’t apologize in my name), Times of Israel, 9 July 2019: ‘Feh!’ Top Holocaust scholar pans Netanyahu for warm ties with Poland, Hungary, Haaretz, 10 July 2019: Netanyahu Dirties Up Ehud Barak Over Jeffrey Epstein Scandal So He Looks Cleaner, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2019: Netanyahu becomes Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister on Saturday, Haaretz, 19 July 2019: 13 Years, 128 Days and Counting: Netanyahu Surpasses Ben-Gurion. But What’s His Legacy?, Times of Israel, 21 July 2019: Netanyahu’s Israel: Divided over the legacy of its longest serving PM, Times of Israel, 22 July 2019: Is Netanyahu an economic wizard? The numbers beg to differ, Times of Israel, 23 July 2019: Netanyahu said once again pushing right-wing union with racist party, Times of Israel, 26 July 2019: Russians are coming… to the polls. Israeli politicians are finally waking up, Arab News, 27 July 2019: Amid all the politicking, Israel’s policy-free election, Haaretz, 29 July 2019: Israel’s Parties Are Contracting to Bring About Netanyahu’s Downfall, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2019: Gantz promised not to uproot any settlements in the Jordan Valley, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: Bahraini king said to decline Netanyahu request to meet in Manama in August, Times of Israel, 30 July 2019: A general’s warning: Yair Golan says only Democratic Camp can mend Israel’s ills, Haaretz, 2 August 2019: Israel’s Do-over Election: A Guide to All the Parties and Who Holds the Keys to the Next Government, Times of Israel, 2 August 2019: Election lists close with rifts on left and right, leaving Liberman as kingmaker, Palestine Chronicle, 1 August 2019: ‘Clear and Decisive Win’: Why Netanyahu Needs a War on Gaza More Than Ever Before, Times of Israel, 1 August 2019: Gantz appears to open, then abruptly closes, door to government with Netanyahu, Haaretz, 3 August 2019: Israel’s Do-over Election: A Guide to All the Parties and Who Holds the Keys to the Next Government, Times of Israel, 3 August 2019: New poll: Most voters oppose unity government with Liberman, Haaretz, 3 August 2019: Jordanian King Rejected Request by Netanyahu for Meeting, Report Says, Times of Israel, 4 August 2019: Netanyahu alleges ‘plot’ to unseat him by Liberman, Lapid and right-wing figures, Israel Hayom, 4 August 2019: With elections afoot, can anyone break the political stalemate?, Times of Israel, 4 August 2019: Top 40 Likud candidates sign pledge not to oust Netanyahu after elections, Times of Israel, 5 July 2019: Netanyahu accuses Lapid of ‘anti-Semitism’ in campaign spot on ultra-Orthodox, Times of Israel, 5 July 2019: Most Israelis say PM tough on defense, but question his personal integrity, Jerusalem Post, 6 August 2019: The five Israeli politicians facing criminal charges, Palestine Chronicle, 6 August 2019: Israel’s Right-Wing Candidates Sign Pledge to Annex 60% of West Bank, Haaretz, 7 August 2019: Netanyahu Vows He Won’t Establish Unity Government After Israeli Election, Times of Israel, 7 August 2019: Smotrich: PM wants a left-wing government, only we can keep him to the right, Times of Israel, 7 August 2019: Netanyahu pans Smotrich’s dream for Torah law in Israel as ‘pure BS’, Times of Israel, 8 August 2019: IDF raids Palestinian village as troops hunt for terrorists who killed student, France24, 8 August 2019: Israel raids West Bank village after soldier found stabbed, Haaretz, 8 August 2019: After West Bank Murder, Netanyahu Vows to Build ‘In All Parts of Our Historic Homeland’, Jerusalem Post, 8 August 2019: In response to West Bank terror, Netanyahu hints at annexation of Area C, Times of Israel, 8 August 2019: Lawmakers blame government policies, push for annexation after student killed, Haaretz, 8 August 2019: Another Radical-right Netanyahu Government Would Decimate Israel’s Ties With American Jews, Haaretz, 11 August 2019: Israel Is Now a Key Battleground in the Global Clash Between Liberal Democracy and Its Enemies, Haaretz, 11 August 2019: Tokyo in Shock: Netanyahu Called Off Japan Visit He Asked for Days Ahead of Trip, Times of Israel, 12 August 2019: Reeling from the last election’s failures, Netanyahu turns on the right, The National, 12 August 2019: Israeli right-wing’s poll threat forced Netanyahu backtrack on Al Aqsa, Haaretz, 12 August 2019: Joint Left-wing Slate Seeks to Woo Voters With Specter of Gantz Joining Netanyahu’s Government, Haaretz, 13 August 2019: Netanyahu Is Running Out of Natural Partners, Haaretz, 13 August 2019: In Netanyahu’s Israel, Democracy Is Dying in Broad Daylight, Haaretz, 14 August 2019: The War for Israel’s Russian Vote Shifts Into High Gear – and Lieberman Is Still Winning, Haaretz, 14 August 2019: Netanyahu Forms New Strategy to Win Israel’s Election, CNN, 15 August 2019: Israel bars Democratic congresswomen from entering country (in view of the upcoming elections in September, Netanyahu’s stunt, ordered by Trump, was, of course, to be expected. The fact that Netanyahu can not deal well with opinions that do not coincide with his own, has become clear for some years in his dealings with the Israeli press (The Guardian, 1 May 2013: Israel downgraded in press freedom report), cultural workers (Haaretz, 1 August 2018: Rethink Policy of Linking Funds for Arts to Settlement Performances, Israel Top Court Says), educational institutions and NGOs (The Guardian, 12 July 2016: Israel passes law to force NGOs to reveal foreign funding). However, applying this procedure to politicians of friendly states, especially the USA, which is a vital partner, represents even for his standards a new low. It should be remembered that politicians of the structurally anti-Semitic German AfD can easily enter the country (but of course they are white and on top of that Islamophobe, just like Netanyahu himself). From a strategic point of view, there is also the question of how sensible it is to prove that political opponents are subject to entry bans and, in addition, to arm them with even more arguments against Israel, which Netanyahu has just done, instead of inviting them to the country to give them the opportunity to learn more about Israel’s points of view, no matter if they are willing to make these points of view their own or not. One day Israel will rely on these voices in one vote or another in US Congress and then don’t get them because of own initiatives and actions. It is becoming increasingly clear that Israel’s greatest enemy is not to be found outside of core Israel, but in the middle of West Jerusalem, in the main office of the Prime Minister’s Office.. Among many other topics, he does not care about the topics “intellect, strategy, security and Israel”. Important for him is himself only and alone), Times of Israel, 15 August 2019: Banned congresswomen call decision ‘insult to democracy’ and a sign of weakness, The Guardian, 15 August 2019: Israel bars entry to US politicians Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, Irish Times, 15 August 2019: Two US congresswomen denied entry to Israel after Trump plea, The Guardian, 15 August 2019: Israel’s decision to block congresswomen Omar and Tlaib draws widespread criticism, France24, 15 August 2019: Israel to bar visit by two US congresswomen who support boycott, Arab News, 15 August 2019: Israel bars visit by US Democratic lawmakers Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Arab News, 15 August 2019: Palestinians must focus on winning the argument internationally, Washington Post, 15 August 2019:Israel’s ban of Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib is a grave misstep, Washington Post, 15 August 2019: Did Trump and Israel get played by Omar and Tlaib? Some conservatives think so., Times of Israel, 15 August 2019: Barring Tlaib and Omar, Israel inexcusably abandons the diplomatic battlefield, Washington Post, 15 August 2019: Israel barring Omar and Tlaib is good for Democrats and bad for Republicans, Haaretz, 15 August 2019: Nixing Tlaib and Omar Visit, Netanyahu Harms Israel to Assuage Trump’s Ego, Times of Israel, 15 August 2019: Barring Tlaib and Omar, Israel inexcusably abandons the diplomatic battlefield, Haaretz, 15 August 2019: AIPAC, pro-Israel U.S. Lawmakers Rebuke Netanyahu Over Omar-Tlaib Ban, Times of Israel, 15 August 2019: Pelosi: Barring lawmakers beneath Israel’s dignity; Rubio: Decision is a mistake, France24, 15 August 2019: US lawmaker Tlaib rejects Israeli offer to visit West Bank, cites ‘oppressive’ conditions set, Times of Israel, 15 August 2019: AIPAC and other Israel-backers rebuke Israeli decision to bar Omar and Tlaib, Jerusalem Post, 15 August 2019: Israel’s history of blocking entry to anti-Israel activists and others, Palestine Chronicle, 16 August 2019: Tlaib Won’t Visit West Bank under ‘Oppressive’ Israeli Conditions (VIDEOS), Times of Israel, 16 August 2019: Contradicting PM, Omar insists she was planning to meet Israel officials on trip, The New York Times, 16 August 2019: If You Think Trump Is Helping Israel, You’re a Fool, BBC, 16 August 2019: Israel bars Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib from visiting, Haaretz, 16 August 2019: Trump and Netanyahu Just Broke the Special Relationship Between America and Israel, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2019: Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar outmaneuver Israel – analysis, Israel Hayom, 16 August 2019: Israel should have ignored Trump’s pressure on Omar and Tlaib, Times of Israel, 16 August 2019: The day Israel humiliated its US friends in Congress, Israel Hayom, 16 August 2019: Netanyahu had no choice, Times of Israel, 16 August 2019: Joe Lieberman says Israel made ‘serious mistake’ in banning Tlaib and Omar, The Guardian, 17 August 2019: Trump and Netanyahu are playing a bigoted game of chicken, Times of Israel, 17 August 2019: Pelosi: We can’t let ‘weakness’ of Trump, Netanyahu harm US-Israel ties, Haaretz, 17 August 2019: Fierce Backlash to Tlaib Travel Ban Is a Time Bomb for the U.S.-Israel ‘Special Relationship’, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2019: Social media users compare ban of Tlaib, Omar, to apartheid S.Africa, Times of Israel, 17 August 2019: The day Netanyahu helped anti-Israel Democrats gain resonance and credibility, Haaretz, 17 August 2019: Netanyahu’s Singular Knack for Turning Friends Into Bitter Enemies, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2019: Netanyahu’s vs. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar’s calculations, Times of Israel, 17 August 2019: House Democrats said weighing censure of Israeli, US envoys over entry ban, Times of Israel, 17 August 2019: Tlaib’s grandmother wishes ‘ruin’ on Trump after he mocks her on Twitter, Haaretz, 18 August 2019: Meet Donald Trump’s Most Desperate Sycophant: Benjamin Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 18 August 2019: Feminist icon Steinem says she won’t visit Israel while ‘bully’ Netanyahu is PM, CNN, 18 August 2019: Trump has used Israel for political points — and there may be consequences, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2019: Netanyahu – damned for bad ties with Obama, damned for good ties with Trump, Haaretz, 18 August 2019: On Israel, Omar and Tlaib Do Not Speak for Party, Says Jewish Democrat Max Rose, Haaretz, 20 August 2019: ‘Furious and Confused’: Liberal U.S. Jews Fume Over Israel’s Tlaib-Omar Rejection, Haaretz, 19 August 2019: Tlaib and Omar Make Things Clear About South Africa’s Successor, CNN, 20 August 2019: Jewish leaders outraged by Trump saying Jews disloyal if they vote for Democrats, The Guardian, 20 August 2019: Trump uses antisemitic trope to question loyalty of Jewish Democrats – live, Haaretz, 20 August 2019: Trump: Jews Voting Democrat Are Disloyal or Ignorant, Times of Israel, 20 August 2019: Jewish groups: Trump spreads anti-Semitic trope by accusing Jews of ‘disloyalty’, Haaretz, 20 August 2019: Gaza Emigration Ploy Suggests Netanyahu Hell-bent on Torching Israel’s Image Abroad, The Guardian, 21 August 2019: Jew-baiting is part of the Trump playbook. It’s a feature, not a bug, Haaretz, 21 August 2019: After Trump ‘Disloyalty’ Remark, Israeli President Tells Pelosi Israel Must Not Become Partisan Issue, The Guardian, 21 August 2019: Trump’s tweets about ‘disloyal’ Jews are laced with centuries of antisemitism, Times of Israel, 21 August 2019: With eyes on ‘erasing’ Green Line, Yamina introduces plan to fix housing crisis, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2019: Jewish ‘disloyalty’ comments ‘unwelcome and downright dangerous’, Haaretz, 21 August 2019: Trump’s Vile ‘Disloyalty’ Smear Refle, Times of Israel, 21 August 2019: Dreadful symbiosis sees Israel and Jews pulled into volcanic core of US politics, Haaretz, 21 August 2019: Trump Has Made It Official: He Is the Greatest anti-Semite of Our Age, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2019: One Jewish people, two different realities – analysis, Times of Israel, 21 August 2019: Before ban, ex-US envoy tried to set up meetings for Omar with Israelis, Times of Israel, 21 August 2019: Israel is neither Bibi nor the United States, Politico.com, 21 August 2019: Jewish Dems rage over Trump’s ‘disloyalty’ comments, Times of Israel, 21 August 2019: Trump tweets claim Israelis ‘love him like he is the second coming of God’, Times of Israel, 21 August 2019: As Trump questions loyalty of US Jews, Netanyahu is silent, Israel Hayom, 22 August 2019: American Jewry’s implosion, i24 News, 22 August 2019: Trump: Jews who vote as Democrats ‘greatly disloyal’ or lacking knowledge, Israel Hayom, 22 August 2019: US and Israel sign agreement to strengthen partnership, Times of Israel, 22 August 2019: Blue and White MKs rule out center-left coalition with Arab lawmakers, Israel Hayom, 22 August 2019: For Trump, hurting Israel means hurting America, Times of Israel, 22 August 2019: Right-wing parties, left-wing parties ink vote-sharing agreements, Israel Hayom, 22 August 2019: Israel’s self-inflicted black eye, Israel Hayom, 22 August 2019: Trump’s ‘disloyal’ jab may boost base, not Jews, Times of Israel, 23 August 2019: Poll: Likud tied with Blue and White, neither has clear path to majority, Israel Hayom, 23 August 2019: The real turning point in US-Israel relations, Haaretz, 23 August 2019: Of Courage and Cowardice in Israel’s Election Campaign, Israel Hayom, 23 August 2019: Poll: Majority of Israelis plan on repeating April election vote, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2019: German Jews slam Merkel’s FM for belittling Palestinian terrorist attack (Auswärtiges Amt, 23 August 2019: Der heutige Anschlag auf drei Israelis, einem Vater mit zwei Kindern, im Westjordanland macht uns tief betroffen. Wir verurteilen solche Gewaltakte mit allem Nachdruck & setzen uns dafür ein, dass die Spirale aus Gewalt und Hass überwunden wird.), Times of Israel, 24 August 2019: Dems Schneider, Sherman: Defending Israel harder under Trump-Netanyahu alliance, Haaretz, 24 August 2019: Netanyahu Is Going for Broke, Times of Israel, 24 August 2019: Barak says Netanyahu cowed by Trump ‘like a puppy’, Times of Israel, 25 August 2019: Given cold shoulder, Joint List head attacks ‘racist’ Blue and White, Haaretz, 25 August 2019: The Most Urgent Thing Is Removing Netanyahu. But What Happens the Day After?, Haaretz, 26 August 2019: We Must Choose the Lesser of Two Evils, Times of Israel, 26 August 2019: Israel alarmed by possible Trump-Rouhani talks, fears he’ll let Iran off hook (making Israel a partisan issue comes with a price tag (Jerusalem Post, 29 November 2019: ‘Price tag’ attacks reported in Palestinian villages). Even the blindest Netanjahu fan should now understand that the PM is a greater security risk for Israel than all external threats together), Haaretz, 26 August 2019: Israel Fears Trump Might Sit Down With the Iranians – and Be Outmaneuvered, Times of Israel, 27 August 2019: Former US envoy: Trump harming Israel for his own gain, The Washington Post, 27 August 2019: The hype over possible U.S.-Iran talks obscured something much more ominous, Haaretz, 27 August 2019: Trump’s Soft-pedal Outreach to Iran Is a Preview of Netanyahu’s Worst Nightmares, Times of Israel, 27 August 2019: The first Israel-Iran war, Israel Hayom, 28 August 2019: Israel’s shadow war with Iran bursts into the open, Haaretz, 28 August 2019: Netantyahu Okayed Sale of Submarines to Egypt to Get Israel a Discount, Report Says, Jerusalem Post, 28 August 2019: Editor’s notes: What is happening to Gantz?, Jerusalem Post, 29 August 2019: Blue and White sources: Gantz will have blocking majority against PM, Haaretz, 29 August 2019: In Deal With Far-right Leader, Netanyahu Edges Closer to Reelection. Next Up: The Kahanists, Israel Hayom, 29 August 2019: Lieberman won’t support right-wing government, PM tells Russian voters, Haaretz, 29 August 2019: A Leak That Leaves No Doubts About Netanyahu’s Illicit Deals With Media Tycoon, Israel Hayom, 29 August 2019: Is Israel on the verge of an all-out war?, Israel Hayom, 30 August 2019: The hot potatoes of the election, CNN, 30 August 2019: Israel is making the case for war, in public, against Lebanon, Israel Hayom, 30 August 2019: Pompeo: Israel can rely on diplomatic, legal, military support in any war with Iran, Times of Israel, 30 August 2019: Netanyahu tells Macron ‘now is precisely not the time to talk to Iran’, The Guardian, 31 August 2019: Israel risks becoming the fall guy in Donald Trump’s ‘shadow war’ with Iran, Haaretz, 31 August 2019: Four Bleeding Middle Eastern Fronts Awaiting Trump’s Next Tweet, Arab News, 31 August 2019: Playing with fire may burn more than Netanyahu’s fingers, Times of Israel, 30 August 2019: Liberman says his party is recruiting poll watchers for Haredi and Arab towns, The National, 31 August 2019: Lebanon is in the eye of the storm in the latest round of Iran-Israeli clashes, Jerusalem Post, 31 August 2019: Bennett backs immunity, giving PM majority if he gets 61 seats, Haaretz, 31 August 2019: First Drone War Pulls Israel’s Conflict With Iran Out of the Shadows, Times of Israel, 31 August 2019: IDF sends artillery to northern border as tensions with Hezbollah rise, Haaretz, 31 August 2019: Netanyahu Ratchets Up Attack on Production Company, Journalist Reporting His Corruption Probes, The Guardian, 1 September 2019: Israel and Hezbollah trade cross-border fire for first time in years, BBC, 1 September 2019: Hezbollah fires rockets into Israel from Lebanon, Haaretz, 1 September 2019: It’s Now Clear: Netanyahu Won’t Rest Until a Journalist’s Blood Is Spilled, France24, 1 September 2019: Hezbollah launch anti-tank missiles toward Israel, Tel Aviv fires back, Haaretz, 1 September 2019: Netanyahu Seeks to Silence Critical Media by Hitting Their Revenues, Arab News, 1 September 2019: Hezbollah and Israel exchange fire on the Lebanese border, The National, 1 September 2019: Hezbollah raises spectre of war with Israel in retaliatory cross-border attack, Haaretz, 1 September 2019: Hezbollah Missiles Hit Israeli Base, Military Vehicle on Lebanese Border; No Casualties, Israel Hayom, 1 September 2019: Netanyahu reaffirms pledge to annex parts of Judea and Samaria (West Bank), Al Aarabiya, 1 September 2019: Israel says exchange of fire with Hezbollah likely over, Times of Israel, 2 September 2019: Netanyahu accuses Channel 12 owners of ‘terror attack against democracy’, Times of Israel, 2 September 2019: Gantz blasts Netanyahu for loose lips during Hezbollah flareup, Haaretz, 2 September 2019: Israel, Hezbollah Find Way Out of Escalation, but a Critical Dilemma Remains, Times of Israel, 2 September 2019: IDF chief to UNIFIL: Stop Hezbollah’s missile program, or we will, Palestine Chronicle, 2 September 2019: Palestinian Officials Slam Netanyahu’s Pledge to Annex West Bank, Times of Israel, 2 September 2019: Netanyahu has chosen to go to war with the media, Times of Israel, 2 September 2019: Hailing ‘bold, brave’ attack, Nasrallah vows: ‘No more red lines against Israel’, Haaretz, 3 September 2019: Israel Pats Itself on Back, but Almost Got Dragged Into War Due to Operational Failure, Gulf News, 2 September 2019: Israel, Hezbollah should not jeopardise innocent lives, Times of Israel, 2 September 2019: Attorney general says media can publish leaks from cases against Netanyahu, Haaretz, 3 September 2019: Gantz’s Sleeper Campaign Could Be the Secret Weapon That Fells Netanyahu, France24, 3 September 2019: Israel-Hezbollah clashes ‘play positively’ for Netanyahu’s re-election campaign, Arab News, 3 September 2019: Netanyahu’s election gamble may be costly for Israel , Haaretz, 3 September 2019: Israel Needs an Old-fashioned Leader, Times of Israel, 3 September 2019: Worrying days for Israel when Hezbollah is a key source of credible information, Haaretz, 3 September 2019: The Israeli Election – Through the Eyes of Palestinians Who Can’t Vote, Israel Hayom, 3 September 2019: Dangerous bedfellows, Times of Israel, 3 September 2019: Gantz: No 2nd disengagement, the public will decide on any diplomatic deal, The Guardian, 4 September 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu to meet Boris Johnson on surprise visit to London, Times of Israel, 4 September 2019: Israel said again mulling raid on Iran; thinks Trump, unlike Obama, won’t oppose, The New York Times, 4 September 2019: The Secret History of the Push to Strike Iran, Haaretz, 4 September 2019: ‘Bibi-sitting’ and Drones Out of Azerbaijan: Report Reveals How Close Israel Came to Striking Iran, The National, 4 September 2019: Lebanon, Hezbollah and the danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater, Times of Israel, 4 September 2019: Lebanese PM: We’re not responsible for Hezbollah; it’s a ‘regional problem’, Haaretz, 5 September 2019: As Bibi Meets Boris — Tory Rebels Prove Morally Superior to Likudniks, Times of Israel, 5 September 2019: PM’s wife, son insisted tycoon’s wife delete all messages from them – report, Haaretz, 5 September 2019: Israel’s Watchdog Proves Himself a Spineless Servant of Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 5 September 2019: Grapevine: Corruption allegations not a priority for Israeli voters, The National, 5 September 2019: Hezbollah and Israel have stepped back from the brink this time but the trajectory is deeply troubling, Times of Israel, 5 September 2019: ‘Miriam Adelson: Sara Netanyahu said it would be my fault if Iran nuked Israel’, Haaretz, 5 September 2019: Iran Overture and Greenblatt Departure Cloud Trump-Netanyahu Paradise, Jerusalem Post, 5 September 2019: Gantz: State comptroller works for Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 5 September 2019: Gantz derides Netanyahu’s jet-setting diplomacy as futile, self-serving, Haaretz, 6 September 2019: Casting Doubt on Election’s Integrity, Netanyahu Commits the Worst ‘Terror Attack on Democracy’, Haaretz, 6 September 2019: Poodles of the Autocracy, Times of Israel, 7 September 2019: Yair Netanyahu more dangerous than Rabin assassin Yigal Amir, says Labor head (Jerusalem Post, 21 December 2019: Yair Netanyahu, EU engage in Twitter spat (no wonder, that the rest of the world is laughing about the Netanyahu Clan nut jobs), Jerusalem Post, 8 September 2020: Yair Netanyahu sued for NIS 1 million by Wexner fellows), Jerusalem Post, 7 September 2019: Gantz makes appeal to Arab voters: You are equal, influential, Times of Israel, 7 September 2019: Liberman says Likud planning to violently sabotage vote on election day, The Guardian, 7 September 2019: Israelis return to the polls in the election that nobody wanted, Jerusalem Post, 7 September 2019: PA: Greenblatt resignation is Trump’s “opportunity to rethink” peace plan, Jerusalem Post, 7 September 2019: Moshe Ya’alon: Blue and White will not enter coalition led by Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 7 September 2019: Why American Jews should care about voter surpression in Israel, Haaretz, 8 September 2019: Netanyahu on Son’s Tweets About Assassinated Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin: ‘His Opinions Are His Alone’, Times of Israel, 8 September 2019: Barak says passage of Likud-backed Camera Bill would mark ‘the end of democracy’, Times of Israel, 8 September 2019: Is Israel lost without Netanyahu, or are we losing Israel with him?, Times of Israel, 8 September 2019: Foreign Ministry forced to freeze most diplomatic activity due to lack of funds, Haaretz, 9 September 2019: Nine Days to Elections: Netanyahu Deploys Trump’s ‘Election Fraud’ Canard, to Devastating Effect, Times of Israel, 9 September 2019: Trouble in paradise? Trump conspicuously absent from Netanyahu’s re-election bid, Times of Israel, 9 September 2019: Averting shutdown, Foreign Ministry gets emergency cash injection, Jerusalem Post, 9 September 2019: Blue and White leads by one mandate, Otzma Yehudit passes threshold – poll, Times of Israel, 9 September 2019: The dark motivations behind Netanyahu’s bid to put cameras into polling stations, The National, 9 September 2019: With strikes against Iran, Benjamin Netanyahu risks jeopardising his closest alliance, Haaretz, 9 September 2019: Netanyauh’s Camera Bill Is a Gun at Israeli Democracy’s Head, Jerusalem Post, 9 September 2019: Gantz and Lapid: Netanyahu using national security for election campaign, Haaretz, 9 September 2019: Slain Prime Minister Rabin Is Suddenly the Star of Israel’s Mudslinging Election, Israel Hayom, 9 September 2019: An election diversion par excellence, Haaretz, 9 September 2019: Reigning Supremacist: The House of Netanyahu and the Jews Bibi Hates, Jerusalem Post, 9 September 2019: Gantz: I would have let Omar and Tlaib into Israel, The Guardian, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex large parts of occupied West Bank, BBC, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu pledges to annex occupied Jordan Valley, CNN, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu says Israel will annex parts of West Bank, Arab News, 10 September 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu vows to annex West Bank’s Jordan Valley if re-elected, The National, 10 September 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu says he intends to annex Jordan Valley, Haaretz, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu Says Israel Will Annex Jordan Valley if Reelected, Times of Israel, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Jordan Valley vow: Harbinger of US support or indication of failure? (if you watch the film “Peace Talks – The Oslo Diaries” by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, it becomes clear how Netanyahu changed Israel during his tenures to the worse), Irish Times, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex large parts of occupied West Bank, NPR, 11 September 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu Vows To Annex Part Of West Bank If He Wins Reelection, The Washington Post, 11 September 2019: In the Jordan Valley, Palestinians fear further displacement after Netanyahu’s annexation pledge, CNN, 11 September 2019: Netanyahu says Israel will annex parts of West Bank if he’s re-elected, Arab News, 11 September 2019: Netanyahu’s plan to annex Jordan Valley widely opposed, Amman says peace treaty could be ‘at stake’, Gulf News, 11 September 2019: UAE denounces Netanyahu’s electoral pledge to annex occupied West Bank, The National, 11 September 2019: UAE and Saudi Arabia condemn Netanyahu’s ‘dangerous escalation’ after annexation pledge, Al Arabiya, 11 September 2019: Moscow: Netanyahu’s plans could lead to ‘sharp escalation of tensions’, The Guardian, 11 September 2019: Arab leaders denounce Netanyahu’s plan to annex Palestinian territories, Haaretz, 11 September 2019: U.S. Jewish Groups Slam Netanyahu’s Vow to Annex Jordan Valley: ‘Israelis Won’t Live in Democracy’, Times of Israel, 11 September 2019: Trump said mulling easing Iran sanctions to secure Rouhani meeting, The Guardian, 11 September 2019: The Guardian view on Netanyahu’s land grab: a prison, not a peace, Palestine Chronicle, 11 September 2019: Abbas Threatens to End All Agreements if Israel Annexes Palestinian Land, Haaretz, 11 September 2019: While Netanyahu Makes Annexation Promises, Reality (Almost) Hits Him on the Head, Haaretz, 11 September 2019: The 15-second Video That Could Kill Netanyahu’s Rock-star Election Campaign, Times of Israel, 11 September 2019: Netanyahu blasts Blue and White for celebrating after rocket forces him offstage, Haaretz, 11 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day, The Guardian, 12 September 2019: Facebook penalises Netanyahu page over hate speech violation, Politico, 12 September 2019: Israel accused of planting mysterious spy devices near the White House (well, maybe not exactly the message Netanyahu might want to send out to his voters, about a week before the upcoming Israeli elections and it’s just another big sign that the “bromance” between Netanyahu and Trump is coming to its end. It’s not even relevant if the report is true or false, as everybody is actually believing that the paranoid Israeli leader has ordered the spy action, anyway. As Netanyahu has made Israel a partisan issue (Trump and the Republicans) in the US, he has now trapped himself finally between a rock and a hard place), The Daily Beast, 12 September 2019: Trump Ignored Evidence Israel Planted Cellphone Spying Devices Near White House: Politico, Haaretz, 12 September 2019: Israel Reportedly Planted Mysterious Spy Devices Near White House; Netanyahu: Total Lie, BBC, 12 September 2019: Netanyahu denies Politico report Israel is spying on US, The Guardian, 12 September 2019: Israel accused of planting spying devices near White House, Haaretz, 12 September 2019: This Is Israel’s Last Ever Zionist Election, Times of Israel, 12 September 2019: Why the man who comes second in Israel’s election could end up prime minister, Haaretz, 12 September 2019: ‘Adelson to Netanyahu: I Keep Writing in Your Favor, I Lose $50m a Year, You Keep Shouting at Me’, Haaretz, 13 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Plan to Escape Trial, in His Own Words: ‘Time for Them to Be Frightened’, Israel Hayom, 13 September 2019: Poll predicts 62 seats for left-wing coalition with Lieberman, Politico.com, 14 September 2019: Trump touts defense treaty discussions with Netanyahu days before Israeli election (just remember what Trump thought about the insights of the US intelligence services about Russia’s interference in the US presidential elections in order to come to own conclusions about the spying action in Washington, D.C., or in other words: If you truly believe Trump’s words, we have a bridge in New York to sell to you (George C. Parker)), Jerusalem Post, 14 September 2019: Netanyahu: ‘Gantz’s advisor was behind White House spying leak’, Times of Israel, 14 September 2019: Iranian FM mocks US following disputed report of Israeli spying in Washington, Haaretz, 14 September 2019: Trump Says He Talked Defense Treaty With Netanyahu, to Be Discussed After Israel’s Election, The Guardian, 14 September 2019: Trump floats possible defense treaty days ahead of Israeli elections, Arab News, 14 September 2019: Trump discusses possible mutual defense treaty with Israel’s Netanyahu, Haaretz, 14 September 2019: The Only Real Question Still Looming Over Israel’s Repeat Election, Jerusalem Post, 14 September 2019: Russia prevents Israeli airstrikes in Syria, Haaretz, 14 September 2019: Three Days to Election, Master Wizard Netanyahu Ramps Up Efforts to Mesmerize Israeli Voters, Times of Israel, 14 September 2019: Prominent Bahraini royal to ToI: Netanyahu is an obstacle to better relations, Haaretz, 14 September 2019: Netanyahu’s West Bank Annexation Move Illegal, European States Say, The New York Times, 14 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Fate May Depend on Israeli Arab Voters. Will They Turn Out?, Haaretz, 15 September 2019: Two Days to Election, Netanyahu Government Green Lights Legalizing Jordan Valley Outpost, Times of Israel, 15 September 2019: A failure to inspire: How lackluster rivals let Netanyahu dominate the campaign, Times of Israel, 15 September 2019: With cameras banned, new right-wing patrol seeks to ‘prevent Arab voter fraud’, Haaretz, 15 September 2019: LISTEN: A Watershed Election for Netanyahu – and Israeli Democracy, Israel Hayom, 15 September 2019: Netanyahu: Defense treaty with US won’t compromise our freedom, Times of Israel, 16 September 2019: Netanyahu: After Jordan Valley and settlements, I’ll annex other ‘vital areas’, CNN, 15 September 2019: Netanyahu is endangering the future of a two-state solution, France24, 16 September 2019: Netanyahu, Gantz spur supporters on eve of tense Israeli polls, CNN, 16 September 2019: Trump may no longer be the gift that keeps on giving for Netanyahu, The Guardian, 16 September 2019: Israel elections: why is the country going to the polls again?, France24, 16 September 2019: Netanyahu in tight race against Benny Gantz as Israel prepares to vote in run-off, Times of Israel, 16 September 2019: Will Israel’s Arab citizens turn out to vote?, CNN, 16 September 2019: In the face of Netanyahu’s annexation plans, his centrist rivals remain silent, Arab News, 16 September 2019: Israeli PM vows to annex ‘all the settlements’ in West Bank, Haaretz, 16 September 2019: Israel Election: Tell Us Which Minority You Hate, and We’ll Tell You Who to Vote For, Gulf News, 16 September 2019: Israel elections mean nothing to Palestine, The National, 16 September 2019: Israelis return to the polls with Benjamin Netanyahu’s fate still uncertain, Jerusalem Post, 16 September 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex Hebron, Kiryat Arba after election, Haaretz, 16 September 2019: On Election Day, It’s the Prince of Darkness vs. Israel’s Very Soul, Times of Israel, 16 September 2019: Gantz assails Netanyahu over reports he sought to go to war before elections, BBC, 16 September 2019: Israel election a referendum on Netanyahu, France24, 16 September 2019: Benny Gantz: the thorn in Netanyahu’s side, Haaretz, 16 September 2019: 1000, 2000, 4000: Can Netanyahu Escape the Corruption Cases Against Him?, The Guardian, 17 September 2019: For Palestinians, Israel’s elections promise nothing but defeat, France24, 17 September 2019: Israel votes with Netanyahu’s political survival at stake, BBC, 17 September 2019: Israel election: Netanyahu in tough fight in this year’s second vote, The Guardian, 17 September 2019: Israel election: voters head to the polls for second time this year, Arab News, 17 September 2019: Europe lacks the backbone to challenge Israeli annexation, Times of Israel, 17 September 2019: Netanyahu far from 61 seats, Liberman poised to be, Haaretz, 17 September 2019: In ‘Emergency’ Move, Netanyahu Repeatedly Breaks Election Laws Hours Before Polls Close, The New York Times, 17 September 2019: Updates: Israel Election Exit Polls Show Tight Race, Times of Israel, 17 September 2019: Tel Aviv beachgoers hope their ‘bubble’ big enough to burst Bibi’s chances, Haaretz, 17 September 2019: Israel Election 2019: Netanyahu Fails to Secure Ruling Majority, Gantz in the Lead, Exit Polls Show, Times of Israel, 17 September 2019: All TV exit polls see no clear election winner; Netanyahu bloc short of majority, Haaretz, 17 September 2019: Who Is Benny Gantz, the Former General Who Just Overtook Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 17 September 2019: Eyeing coalition with post-Netanyahu Likud, Blue and White says longtime PM lost, Haaretz, 17 September 2019: Exit Polls Prove Netanyahu’s Spell Has Been Broken, Palestine Chronicle, 17 September 2019: Apartheid Made Official: Deal of the Century is a Ploy and Annexation is the New Reality, Politico.com, 17 September 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu appears to suffer election setback, Haaretz, 18 September 2019: In Defeat, Netanyahu Looks to Iran and Trump for Salvation, Times of Israel, 18 September 2019: Gantz, in morning-after comments, wishes Israel a ‘good unity government’, Haaretz, 18 September 2019: ‘Netanyahu Failed, We Succeeded’: Gantz Says Talks Underway to Form Unity Government, France24, 18 September 2019: Netanyahu neck-and-neck with rival Gantz in Israeli election, exit polls show, BBC, 18 September 2019: Israel election: Netanyahu and rival Gantz headed for deadlock, CNN, 18 September 2019: Netanyahu faces uncertain future as he trails in Israeli election re-run, The Guardian, 18 September 2019: Netanyahu and Gantz both vow to form next government, The New York Times, 18 September 2019: Netanyahu Is in Trouble, and Other Takeaways From the Israeli Election, The Washington Post, 18 September 2019: Israel’s election results could be the glimmer of dawn after a nightmare, Arab News, 18 September 2019: Israeli racism defeated as voters back Arab Joint List, Haaretz, 18 September 2019: How Arab Voters Helped Deprive Netanyahu of Victory, Times of Israel, 18 September 2019: With 95% of vote counted, Blue and White leads by one seat, deadlock persists, The National, 18 September 2019: Israelis have given their verdict: Benjamin Netanyahu could be on his way out, Politico.eu, 18 September 2019: Netanyahu alliance fails to win majority in repeat election, Haaretz, 18 September 2019: Israel Election Results: With Indictment Around the Corner, Netanyahu Is at the Mercy of the Attorney General, Times of Israel, 18 September 2019: Trump says he hasn’t spoken to Netanyahu: ‘Our relationship is with Israel’, France24, 19 September 2019: Netanyahu rival Gantz says he should take PM job in unity government (regardless of how the coalition talks might turn out, Benny Gantz and his liberal political alliance Blue and White have won the elections. By contrast, the April election outcome was tied. Israeli voters are beginning to notice, that the current Prime Minister isn’t as good for the country than he would like to persuade himself and his followers. In many ways a very gratifying development), The Guardian, 19 September 2019: Netanyahu struggles to hold on to power as Gantz claims victory, Haaretz, 19 September 2019: Israel Election Results: Netanyahu’s Loss Creates an Opening for Trump — and for American Jewry, Times of Israel, 19 September 2019: Gantz says he should lead unity government, rejects coalition led by right, CNN, 19 September 2019: Israeli leaders warn of possible third election amid political deadlock, The Washington Post, 19 September 2019: Who is Benny Gantz? The former military chief could be Israel’s next prime minister., Haaretz, 19 September 2019: From Liberals in Tel Aviv to Radical Settlers: How Israelis Voted in the Election, Times of Israel, 19 September 2019: As Netanyahu’s position weakens, liberal US Jews root for an end to his reign, Haaretz, 19 September 2019: Israel Election Results: Netanyahu Clings to Power With Bluff and Bluster – but His Days Are Numbered, France24, 20 September 2019: Israel vote count gives Gantz party slim lead, confirms deadlock, Palestine Chronicle, 19 September 2019: Israelis Have Shown Netanyahu the Door. Can He Inflict More Damage before He Exits?, Jerusalem Post, 19 September 2019: US-Israel ties: ‘The relations are between our countries’, Haaretz, 20 September 2019: With Israel’s Election Results, Netanyahu Is Reminded That Trump Hates Losers, Times of Israel, 20 September 2019: Results aren’t even official, but already nightmare 3rd election scenario looms, Times of Israel, 21 September 2019: Joint List meets, fails to decide on recommending Gantz for prime minister, Haaretz, 21 September 2019: Israel Election Results: Arab Alliance Expected to Recommend Gantz for Prime Minister, Party Sources Say, Jerusalem Post, 21 September 2019: Gantz on verge of getting more recommendations, The Guardian, 21 September 2019: Israel: Wounded Netanyahu in desperate battle for political survival after poll blow, The New York Times, 22 September 2019: Ayman Odeh: We Are Ending Netanyahu’s Grip on Israel, France24, 22 September 2019: Israel’s potential kingmaker says not backing Netanyahu or Gantz, The Guardian, 22 September 2019: Israeli Arab parties back Gantz for PM in bid to oust Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 22 September 2019: After withholding nomination for PM, Liberman to meet Gantz, Haaretz, 22 September 2019: Israel Election Results: Why the Arab Alliance’s Endorsement of Gantz Is a Big Deal, Times of Israel, 23 September 2019: Minister slams academy as film on Rabin’s killer set to be Israeli Oscars entry (the impacts are obviously coming closer), Israel Hayom, 23 September 2019: Israel at a crossroads: What does the Sept. 17 actually mean?, Haaretz, 23 September 2019: By Backing Gantz, Arab Slate Signals Its Public Seeks to Influence National Agenda, Times of Israel, 23 September 2019: Liberman meets Gantz, says unity government a certainty, The New York Times, 23 September 2019: Benny Gantz Can’t Heal the Rift Between U.S. Jews and Israel, Israel Hayom, 23 September 2019: Rivlin ups the pressure, invites PM and Gantz for unity talks, Haaretz, 23 September 2019: Trump Envoy Greenblatt Meets Gantz as Release of Peace Plan Remains Uncertain, Times of Israel, 23 September 2019: Outgoing Trump peace envoy meets Gantz amid political deadlock, Jerusalem Post, 23 September 2019: How the indicting Bibi train could still go off the rails – analysis, Times of Israel, 24 September 2019: Lost in transition: Will government break down amid enduring political logjam?, Haaretz, 24 September 2019: Rivlin Stalls Decision on Who Forms Government as Gantz, Netanyahu Teams Begin Unity Talks, Times of Israel, 25 September 2019: Rivlin said set Wednesday night to tap Netanyahu to try to form coalition, The Guardian, 25 September 2019: Israel’s president chooses Netanyahu to form government, France24, 25 September 2019: Israeli president asks Netanyahu to form new government, Haaretz, 25 September 2019: President Rivlin Tasks Netanyahu With Forming Government as Unity Talks With Gantz Fail, The New York Times, 25 September 2019: Netanyahu Is Nominated to Form Israel’s Next Government, Arab News, 25 September 2019: Israel president tasks Netanyahu to form new govt: statement, Haaretz, 25 September 2019: Can Trump, Evangelicals and Right-wing Jews Really Relate to a post-Netanyahu Israel?, Times of Israel, 25 September 2019: Netanyahu may be weakened, but authoritarian threat isn’t, warns Russia expert, Times of Israel, 25 September 2019: Elections Committee publishes final results, hands them to president, Times of Israel, 25 September 2019: Mission impossible? Why Netanyahu, asked to form a coalition, isn’t smiling, Haaretz, 25 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Mandate Is Meaningless, but He Will Continue Campaigning, Times of Israel, 25 September 2019: Gantz insists he can’t join government with PM who is facing indictment, Times of Israel, 26 September 2019: With ‘paritetic’ proposal, Rivlin looks to the past for a power-sharing model, Palestine Chronicle, 25 September 2019: Netanyahu on Steroids: What a Gantz-led Government Means for Palestine, Israel Hayom, 26 September 2019: Ending the deadlock: 5 scenarios, Times of Israel, 26 September 2019: Ex-IDF chief: We’ve jeopardized national security by admitting to Syria strikes, Israel Hayom, 27 September 2019: Poll: Most Israelis want a unity government, don’t want an election, Ynet News, 27 September 2019: Netanyahu is holding us hostage, Gantz could change that, Times of Israel, 27 September 2019: Poll: 52% want Netanyahu to stand down as Likud leader to enable unity coalition, Israel Hayom, 27 September 2019: Israel’s flailing democracy, The New York Times, 29 September 2019: How an Israeli Unity Government Could Shrink the Conflict, Arab News, 29 September 2019: Netanyahu, Gantz trade blame over breakdown in Israel coalition talks, The Guardian, 29 September 2019: Crunch time for Netanyahu as talks with rival politicians break down, Times of Israel, 1 October 2019: As PM’s hearing set to begin, defense team hopes to nullify charge sheet, Haaretz, 1 October 2019: Israel Election: Gantz’s Party Nixes Negotiation Meeting With Netanyahu’s Likud Over Unity Government, Times of Israel, 1 October 2019: Gantz cancels Wednesday meet with Netanyahu: ‘Likud not acting in good faith’, Jerusalem Post, 1 October 2019: Barak: Netanyahu, in his current conditions, knows no bounds, Israel Hayom, 2 October 2019: Netanyahu tries to avert indictment as he fights for political life, Haaretz, 2 October 2019: 3 Cases, 4 Days and Dozens of Lawyers: Netanyahu’s Pre-indictment Hearing Begins Wednesday, Israel Hayom, 2 October 2019: Netanyahu’s legal woes: How much trouble is he in?, Jerusalem Post, 3 October 2019: Netanyahu pre-indictment hearing for case 4000 ends after 11 hours, Haaretz, 3 October 2019: Netanyahu Considers Snap Primary to Dispel ‘Rebellion Illusion’; Likud Rival: I’m Ready, Times of Israel, 3 October 2019: Incoming MK Yair Golan again compares right-wing to Nazis, drawing ire, Haaretz, 3 October 2019: Israel Election Results: As New Knesset Sworn In, President Rivlin Says ‘Populism Was Shown a Red Card’, Times of Israel, 3 October 2019: At Knesset swearing-in, Rivlin urges lawmakers to shed politics of division, Jerusalem Post, 3 October 2019: Rivlin: Israel is in crisis, needs government now, Israel Hayom, 4 October 2019: Netanyahu’s fate and the future of Israeli democracy, Haaretz, 5 October 2019: Israeli Arabs Plan More Protests Against Police’s Failure to Stem Violence in the Community, Times of Israel, 5 October 2019: Arab leaders plan protests throughout October over police inaction on violence, Arab News, 5 October 2019: Israel swings in the wind as Netanyahu tries to save his skin, Haaretz, 5 October 2019: Trump’s Impeachment Meltdown Accelerates Collapse of Netanyahu’s Iran Strategy, Israel Hayom, 6 October 2019: Israel’s fractured democracy and its repercussions, Jerusalem Post, 7 October 2019: Submarine affair breaks back into political calendar with a splash, Israel Hayom, 7 October 2019: Netanyahu’s pre-indictment hearing wraps up, Times of Israel, 7 October 2019: Netanyahu hearings end, but defense gets two more weeks for written submissions, Haaretz, 7 October 2019: Israel Is Terrified of Netanyahu’s Magic Wearing Off, Haaretz, 6 October 2019: Half of Israelis Oppose Unity Government Headed by Netanyahu, Poll Finds, Haaretz, 10 October 2019: Trump’s Kurdish Treachery Casts Netanyahu as Lone Rider on Paper Tiger, Times of Israel, 11 October 2019: Amid Case 4000 doubts, AG said aiming to decide on Netanyahu charges in 5 weeks, Palestine Chronicle, 11 October 2019: A Placebo Not the Cure: Why Removing Trump and Netanyahu Won’t Relieve the Illness, Times of Israel, 12 October 2019: Rivlin unlikely to grant Netanyahu more time to form government: report, Haaretz, 12 October 2019: Why Netanyahu Has to Stay Silent About Trump’s Abandonment of the Kurds, Haaretz, 14 October 2019: The Problem Isn’t Just Bibi: It’s the Bibism With Which He Has Infected Israeli Politics, Haaretz, 15 October 2019: Yes, Netanyahu’s Iran Policy Has Failed and Tehran Will Strike Back, Haaretz, 16 October 2019: Democracy Is Still Under Siege, Despite Orbán and Netanyahu’s Election Defeats, Times of Israel, 17 October 2019: Netanyahu floats new offer for unity government, Gantz swiftly rejects it, Israel Hayom, 18 October 2019: Israel coalition stalemate: Gantz dismisses PM’s last-ditch offer, Haaretz, 18 October 2019: Don’t Be Tempted, Gantz, Times of Israel, 21 October 2019: Blue and White, Liberman hit back at Netanyahu for ‘secret scheme’ video, The Guardian, 21 October 2019: Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu fails to form government, Haaretz, 21 October 2019: Long After Netanyahu’s Gone, Likud and the Right Will Suffer From Post-Cult Trauma Syndrome, BBC, 21 October 2019: Israeli PM Netanyahu fails to form a government ahead of deadline, CNN, 21 October 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu gives up on forming new coalition, The New York Times, 21 October 2019: Netanyahu Fails to Form a Government. Israel Turns to Gantz., Times of Israel, 21 October 2019: Netanyahu tells president he can’t form government; now it’s Gantz’s turn to try, Haaretz, 21 October 2019: Netanyahu Tells President He Can’t Form Government; Rivlin to Tap Gantz, CNN, 21 October 2019: Netanyahu fails again to form new Israeli government, opening door for political rival, CNN, 22 October 2019: Netanyahu fails again to form new Israeli government, opening door for political rival (even though the chances of forming a government by Benny Gantz are slim, it is just another step of Netanyahu’s decline), Times of Israel, 22 October 2019: Gantz to be tasked with forming government at official ceremony Wednesday, France24, 23 October 2019: Israeli president tasks Benny Gantz with forming government, Jerusalem Post, 23 October 2019: Encountering peace: The unlikely possible scenario, Haaretz, 23 October 2019: 37 Days After the Fact, Israel Saw Today the First Real Manifestation of Netanyahu’s Election Defeat, Times of Israel, 23 October 2019: Charged with forming coalition, Gantz asks Netanyahu to join, vows to heal rifts, Times of Israel, 24 October 2019: Courting Blue and White, Joint List opposes Zionism but supports ‘compromise’, Jerusalem Post, 25 October 2019: Benny Gantz’s speech: Feigned statesmanship with deadly serious flaw, Haaretz, 25 October 2019: Gantz, Drive Netanyahu Crazy and Save the Day, Times of Israel, 24 October 2019: State prosecutors seek to keep bribery charge in Netanyahu indictment – report, Times of Israel, 25 October 2019: Netanyahu must be questioned in submarine graft case, ex-prosecutor says, Haaretz, 26 October 2019: Netanyahu Recordings Reveal Threats to Publisher: ‘I’ll Come After You With Everything I’ve Got’, Haaretz, 27 October 2019: Netanyahu Appoints Himself Israel’s Diaspora Minister, Times of Israel, 27 October 2019: Dramatic recordings shine light on alleged Netanyahu bid to deal with newspaper, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2019: Poll: Most Likud voters support forgoing right-wing bloc, Haaretz, 28 October 2019: Netanyahu Goes After the Police for Seizing Advisers’ Phones: This Is a Terror Attack on Democracy, Times of Israel, 28 October 2019: Kushner meets Blue and White heads seeking to unseat Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 29 October 2019: In probe transcripts, PM’s son accuses Likud rival of rape, ex-aide of murder, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2019: Bernie Sanders: Netanyahu’s government has been racist, Haaretz, 29 October 2019: In Israel, a New Consensus on What Being Jewish Really Means, Times of Israel, 29 October 2019: Gantz: I’ll always prefer diplomacy to thwart Iran, but all options on the table, Israel Hayom, 29 October 2019: Gantz promises area for mixed-gender prayer at Western Wall, Haaretz, 29 October 2019: Mr. Crybaby Netanyahu and His Loyal Legions of Whimpering Whiners, Times of Israel, 31 October 2019: Liberman appears to rule out minority government: ‘Unity only option’, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2019: Third election looking likely with coalition talks at a deadlock, Times of Israel, 31 October 2019: Arab MKs meet with Gantz, call for ‘real diplomatic process’ with Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2019: Netanyahu will be to blame if Israel heads to third elections – poll, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2019: Gantz: I’m determind to have broad unity government, not third elections, Haaretz, 1 November 2019: Netanyahu’s Uninhibited Attacks Signal He’s Seeking Another Election, Gantz Says, Times of Israel, 2 November 2019: Gantz at Rabin memorial rally: Israel will never surrender to hatred, Haaretz, 2 November 2019: Gantz at Rabin Memorial: Hate Has Again Been Weaponized by Boundless Politicians, Times of Israel, 31 October 2019: Poll: 1 in 5 Israelis think Rabin’s killer should be pardoned, Haaretz, 3 November 2019: Enough With the Israeli Right’s Self-pity, Times of Israel, 3 November 2019: Hearing Gantz at memorial rally, participants say he’s no Rabin, but could be, Haaretz, 3 November 2019: Gantz, the Perfect Heir to Rabin, Haaretz, 3 November 2019: Netanyahu Alone Responsible for Dragging Israel Into Third Election, Lieberman Says, Times of Israel, 3 November 2019: Bennett warns a third election will ‘collapse’ the right, Haaretz, 3 November 2019: Gantz Is Rabin’s Latest Successor. But His Coronation Comes With a Warning, Times of Israel, 4 November 2019: Netanyahu says those who opposed Oslo peace deal not to blame for Rabin killing (of course, he says so, as he was the guy who spewed the hatred and incitement towards Rabin and the Oslo accord, which lead to Rabin’s assassination. It’s time to take the responsibility for his past misdeeds,which he can not deny anyway, no matter how hard he tries. It’s all in the records and archivs), Haaretz, 4 November 2019: How Rabin Conspiracy Theories Went Mainstream – and Other Bizarre Tales From Netanyahu’s Israel, Haaretz, 4 November 2019: U.S. Jews Treat Israeli Arab Leaders as Equals. Decent Israelis Should Try It, Times of Israel, 7 November 2019: In transcripts, media outlet CEO takes orders on news coverage from PM spokesman, Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2019: MKs react to appointment of Bennett as Defense Minister, Times of Israel, 9 November 2019: Blue and White slams ‘cynical’ Bennett appointment to suit PM’s personal agenda, Haaretz, 10 November 2019: In Appointing Bennett as Defense Chief, Netanyahu Only Has One Thing on His Mind, Jerusalem Post, 10 November 2019: Netanyahu: Yitzhak Rabin was wrong, but he was not a traitor, Times of Israel, 10 November 2019: On anniversary of Rabin’s murder, Rivlin warns of ‘violent’ political climate, Haaretz, 10 November 2019: When It Comes to Rabin’s Murder, Some Israeli Schools Avoid the Topic Altogether, Jerusalem Post, 10 November 2019: Gantz signals turn towards minority government without Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 11 November 2019: Netanyahu clashes with Rabin’s grandson at memorials for slain PM, Times of Israel, 12 November 2019: By design or not, Gaza escalation increases chance of unity government, Haaretz, 13 November 2019: Netanyahu Exploits Gaza Flare-up to Blast Joint List and Isolate Israeli Arabs, Arab News, 14 November 2019: Gaza attack aimed to get Netanyahu out of Israeli political jam, Times of Israel, 15 November 2019: 5 days before deadline, Gantz’s chances of forming coalition seen as fading away, Jerusalem Post, 15 November 2019: Gantz blasts Netanyahu for not giving in on bloc, Jerusalem Post, 15 November 2019: Netanyahu warns Gantz minority coalition, done deal, Haaretz, 17 November 2019: With Three Days Left to Deadline, Netanyahu Rival Gantz Scrambles to Form Gov’t, Times of Israel, 17 November 2019: Trump said ‘frustrated’ with Netanyahu as deadlock delays peace plan, Haaretz, 17 November 2019: Is Gantz Really About to Become Prime Minister? Panicking Bibi Thinks He Might, Times of Israel, 17 November 2019: Blue and White, Yisrael Beytenu report ‘real progress’ in coalition talks, Jerusalem Post, 17 November 2019: Netanyahu: Government backed by Joint List an existential threat to Israel (this was exactly the rhetoric path he took to pave the way to the killing of Rabin), Haaretz, 17 November 2019: With Race-baiting Rabble-rousers Like Netanyahu, Who Needs BDS?, Haaretz, 18 November 2019: Netanyahu Is Worse Than Kahane (Kahanism), Times of Israel, 19 November 2019: Rivlin rebukes Netanyahu for ‘ugly’ comments branding Arab lawmakers a ‘threat’, France24, 20 November 2019: With no coalition in sight, Benny Gantz says he is unable to form a government, The Guardian, 20 November 2019: Israeli president tells parliament to find new PM or face election, Haaretz, 21 November 2019: Netanyahu and Gantz Both Failed to Form a Governing Coalition. What Happens Now?, Times of Israel, 21 November 2019: ‘A time of unprecedented darkness’: Rivlin passes coalition-building buck to MKs, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2019: Israel must not give up on Europe, BBC, 21 November 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel PM charged with corruption (and he’ll be fine with that. A colleague of Attorney General Mandelblit had spoken of “well over 10 cases”), France24, 21 November 2019: Israel’s attorney general indicts Netanyahu on corruption charges, NPR, 21 November 2019: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu To Be Indicted On Corruption Charges, Politico.eu, 21 November 2019: Netanyahu indicted for bribery, fraud, CNN, 21 November 2019: Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu will be indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, The Guardian, 21 November 2019: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu indicted for bribery and fraud, The Washington Post, 21 November 2019: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, The New York Times, 21 November 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu Indicted on Charges of Fraud, Bribery and Breach of Trust, Haaretz, 21 November 2019: Netanyahu Charged With Bribery, Fraud and Breach of Trust, Capping a Dramatic Political Year, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2019: Prison for VIPs: Not a regular convict, not the life of a leader, Arab News, 21 November 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu indicted on corruption charges, The National, 21 November 2019: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicted on corruption charges, Haaretz, 21 November 2019: After Indictment, Gantz’s Party Quotes Netanyahu: ‘A PM Up to His Neck in Investigations Has No Mandate’, Israel Hayom, 21 November 2019: AG decides to indict Netanyahu for bribery, breach of trust, Times of Israel, 21 November 2019: AG announces Netanyahu to stand trial for bribery, fraud and breach of trust, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2019: Likud supporters in protest: The people no longer believe the system, Times of Israel, 21 November 2019: PM ‘cannot serve one more day’: Calls for resignation multiply over indictment, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2019: Netanyahu, it’s time to step down – comment (if Netanyahu does not have to resign as prime minister because the law leaves him room for maneuver, then he has to give up at least all his ministry posts, and there are some of them. He is obliged to do so by law. Sooner or later, from “King Bibi” there will be little more left but a plucked rooster anyway, if he stays in office. But if he wants to “save” his political heritage (besides the many negative aspects, there were a few positive aspects as well, some people say), then he should retire as soon as possible. This would be the best solution for the office of the Prime Minister, the various Ministries he heads, and the State of Israel. After completion of all possible revisions against the upcoming sentences, he will be at least in his mid-70s, so he will probably be put under house arrest rather than jailed. If one considers, with whom he is married, that would be ultimately the maximum punishment for him), Times of Israel, 21 November 2019: Asking us to side with him against the state, Netanyahu harms his beloved Israel, The Washington Post, 21 November 2019: The charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, explained, Palestine Chronicle, 21 November 2019: Israel May Face Third Election after Failure to Form Government, Times of Israel, 22 November 2019: Gantz, Lapid pan Netanyahu over ‘insane’ speech: There is no coup, Haaretz, 22 November 2019: Netanyahu Reacts to Criminal Indictment With Seditious Call to Arms (right-wingers and right-wing extremists of the world agree in believing that the law applies only to others. Of course, they should get away with their crimes, because they really believe that they only commit “good” crimes. These crimes should be celebrated and showered with awards, and in no case be punished with court sentences), Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2019: Blue and White demands that Netanyahu drop ministries, Times of Israel, 22 November 2019: After charges, Gantz demands Netanyahu quit his ministries, right pledges faith, The New York Times, 22 November 2019: Netanyahu’s Cry of Attempted Coup Sounds Familiar, Times of Israel, 22 November 2019: TV report says top Likud leaders working behind the scenes to oust Netanyahu, Haaretz, 22 November 2019: Netanyahu Won’t Go Quietly and Will Opt for the Burning Torches, Al Arabiya, 22 November 2019: Israel braces for bitter fight after Netanyahu indictment, Israel Hayom, 22 November 2019: AG’s decision to indict Netanyahu plunges Israeli politics into chaos, Times of Israel, 22 November 2019: In US, Netanyahu indictment seen as cross-Atlantic version of Trump saga, The Guardian, 22 November 2019: Netanyahu rivals move to bring him down after corruption indictments, Haaretz, 22 November 2019: Israel’s Political Waiting Game Exacting a Growing Price From Its Economy, The National, 23 November 2019: Majority of Israelis think Benjamin Netanyahu should resign, Times of Israel, 23 November 2019: Sa’ar to Netanayhu: You are not facing a coup; Likud and Israel need new leader, Haaretz, 23 November 2019: Netanyahu to Relinquish Ministerial Portfolios in Coming Days, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2019: Israeli PM’s challenger proposes unity government rotation, Times of Israel, 23 November 2019: Gantz warns Netanyahu is risking ‘internal war,’ calls Likud to unity coalition, The Guardian, 23 November 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu’s toxic legacy will haunt Israel long after he goes, CNN, 23 November 2019: Netanyahu will make his likely exit as painful, prolonged and destructive as possible, Jerusalem Post, 23 November 2019: 2500 people protest against Netanyahu in Habima square., Haaretz, 23 November 2019: Senior Likud Lawmaker Calls for Leadership Race: Netanyahu Can’t Form Government, Haaretz, 24 November 2019: Netanyahu’s Long and Illustrious Career Is Coming to a Sad and Shameful End, Arab News, 24 November 2019: Israeli PM’s party support is key to his political survival, Times of Israel, 24 November 2019: Netanyahu’s cousin bought Greek steel company as PM backed Greece gas deal, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2019: Netanyahu thanks demonstrators supporting him in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 24 November 2019: Netanyahu’s Likud loyalists must end silence, reduce risk of political violence, Haaretz, 25 November 2019: No Legal Grounds Forcing Netanyahu to Resign as PM, Attorney General Says, Times of Israel, 25 November 2019: Netanyahu rival Sa’ar claims premier in panic over primary challenge, Jerusalem Post, 25 November 2019: Massive crowd expected for protest against legal establishment, Jerusalem Post, 26 November 2019: Netanyahu – in the national interest, please step down now, Arab News, 26 November 2019: Israeli politics at its lowest ebb thanks to Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 26 November 2019: From hasbara hero to legal system censure – analysis, Times of Israel, 26 November 2019: Thousands of Netanyahu supporters urge prosecutors’ arrest at Tel Aviv rally, Jerusalem Post, 26 November 2019: Anti-legal demonstration attracts thousands but few MKs, Haaretz, 26 November 2019: ‘Stop the Coup’: Pro-Netanyahu Rally in Tel Aviv Draws Several Thousand, Haaretz, 28 November 2019: Holding Out for a Hero in Trump and Netanyahu’s Sodom and Gomorrah, Times of Israel, 29 November 2019: Gantz: Likud knows the right thing to do is form a coalition without Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 30 November 2019: Thousands demand Netanyahu’s resignation at Tel Aviv protest, Times of Israel, 1 December 2019: Gantz pledges united front following weekend security incidents in north, south, Haaretz, 2 December 2019: How i24News Turned pro-Netanyahu to Secure Broadcast License, Times of Israel, 2 December 2019: Netanyahu to Trump: We must seize ‘historic opportunity’ to annex Jordan Valley, Jerusalem Post, 2 December 2019: Knesset legal advisor: Bennett appointment as defense minister was illegal, Haaretz, 3 December 2019: 5 U.S. Billionaires Who Are Potential Witnesses at Netanyahu’s Corruption Trial, Times of Israel, 3 December 2019: As unity talks falter, details of proposed pact show annexation, 30 ministers, Jerusalem Post, 4 December 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to December 22 Likud leadership race, The Guardian, 5 December 2019: Netanyahu cousin and associates to be charged with corruption, Haaretz, 5 December 2019: Netanyahu’s Personal Lawyer, Ex-navy Chief Face Charges in ‘Submarines Affair’ (well, the results of the sentences will be like a “family reunification program” for the future prisoners of the Netanyahu clan), Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2019: Reuven Rivlin will consider pardon if Netanyahu resigns, confesses – report, Times of Israel, 5 December 2019: Prosecutors announce bribery charges in vast submarine corruption case, Haaretz, 5 December 2019: After Months of Negotiations, Gantz Believes Netanyahu Less Than Ever, Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2019: State to indict 2 top Netanyahu aides, ex-navy commander in Case 3000, Times of Israel, 6 December 2019: TV: Netanyahu wanted to join Pompeo on Morocco visit, but king refused, Israel Hayom, 6 December 2019: Prime suspects in submarine graft case to face bribery, fraud charges, Haaretz, 8 December 2019: Netanyahu Is on His Way to a Plea Deal, Jerusalem Post, 9 December 2019: ‘Alternative’ poverty report: Over 1m. Israeli children living in poverty, Times of Israel, 9 December 2019: AG’s office said to warn PM Jordan Valley annexation could lead to ICC probe, Haaetz, 9 December 2019: Israeli Election to Be Held March 2 if Knesset Dissolves, Netanyahu, Gantz Agree, Times of Israel: 2019 Israeli elections, Haaretz: Israel election 2019, i24 News: Israel Elections 2019, Jerusalem Post: Israel Elections, BBC: Israeli elections 2019.

March 2020 Israeli legislative election (Round 3)
Legislative elections for the twenty-third Knesset will be held in Israel on 2 March 2020 and with it the third elections within just one year. According to surveys, the vast majority of Israelis blame Netanyahu for this debacle. His re-election prospects are sinking almost daily, especially since he is accused of his criminal activities in initially three cases, but is not willing to step down from his posts immediately. This shows once more how little he cares about the country and his party, but at the same time how much he enjoys self-enrichment and personal advantages. It is of course questionable how he intends to arrange the expected prison sentence with the office of the Prime Minister. Perhaps he is speculating that he will be jailed in an open prison so that he can continue to play the minister president during the day and profile himself as a prisoner at night. The extent to which Benny Gantz and Blue and White will be able to benefit from this scenario remains to be seen. So far, they have been able to improve their results from election to election. Media coverage: The Washington Post, 10 December 2019: After two elections this year, Israeli leaders have less than 48 hours to stop a third, The New York Times, 11 December 2019: Israel Heads to Record Third Election, Extending Deadlock, CNN, 11 December 2019: Israel heads for unprecedented third election in a year, as Netanyahu clings to power, Times of Israel, 11 December 2019: Gantz: Israel is going to 3rd elections because Netanyahu wants immunity, The Guardian, 11 December 2019: Israel heading for unprecedented third election in a year, BBC, 11 December 2019: Israel heading towards third general election in a year, Arab News, 11 December 2019: Israel parliament moves for third election as talks falter, Times of Israel, 11 December 2019: Lawmakers advance bill to disperse Knesset, call elections for March, DW, 11 December 2019: Israel barrels towards third election in 12 months, Politico.com, 11 December 2019: Frustration mounts as Israel heads toward third election, Reuters, 12 December 2019: With Netanyahu’s fate in question, Israel heads to new election, Times of Israel, 12 December 2019: Netanyahu says he’ll drop all his ministerial posts except premier by year’s end, Times of Israel, 12 December 2019: Blue and White opens 3-seat lead over Likud in first poll of new elections, Times of Israel, 12 December 2019: Gantz says he’ll weigh backing Netanyahu pardon in exchange for his retirement, Jerusalem Post, 12 December 2019: Israelis pessimistic about next gov’t making peace with Palestinians – poll (interesting, especially as there is no Israeli government in sight), Haaretz, 13 December 2019: Thanks to Netanyahu, Gantz Is Now Ready to Be Prime Minister, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2019: Will Israel’s third elections be a festival of hate, violence and disgust?, Jerusalem Post, 15 December 2019: Think About It: How committed is the Israeli public to democracy?, Arab News, 15 December 2019: Israel braced for another divisive Groundhog Day election, Haaretz, 15 December 2019: The Hurdles Facing Israel’s Parties Ahead of Third Election in March 2020, Haaretz, 15 December 2019: Poll: Gantz-led Center-left Bloc Two Seats Away From Knesset Majority if Netanyahu Leads Likud, Haaretz, 16 December 2019: For Israelis Bitter About Their Third Round Election, Ben & Jerry’s Offers Sweet Consolation, Haaretz, 17 December 2019: Israel’s William Barr Trashes the Justice System to Please Master Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 19 December 2019: The new normal impeachments in US, criminal investigations in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 20 December 2019: Olmert to ‘Post’: Netanyahu leaving opens new horizons for Israel, Times of Israel, 20 December 2019: Jewish Home party, far-right Otzma Yehudit reunite ahead of third elections, Haaretz, 21 December 2019: ‘What Israel Needs Is Strategic Patience, There Are No More Existential Threats’, Haaretz, 24 December 2019: Netanyahu, Sa’ar Tried to Light Up the Crowd Ahead of Likud Race. Only One of Them Succeeded, Arab News, 24 December 2019: Israel’s settler policy at the very heart of its government, Haaretz, 24 December 2019: Israel’s Political Crisis Already Impacting Economy, Times of Israel, 25 December 2019: Netanyahu again rushed offstage at event as Gaza rocket fired at Ashkelon, The Guardian, 25 December 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu: weakened Israeli PM faces primary vote, Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2019: ICC war crimes allegations likely to help Netanyahu at polls – analysis, Haaretz, 25 December 2019: Israel Strikes in Gaza After Rocket Launched at South, Forcing Netanyahu Off Stage at Mid-campaign Event, France24, 26 December 2019: Netanyahu’s decades-long Likud dominance at risk in Israel’s third election of the year, BBC, 26 December 2019: Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu in party leadership challenge, The Guardian, 26 December 2019: Voting under way in Likud primary seen as threat to Netanyahu, France24, 26 December 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu wins Likud vote, set to helm party into next general election (this guy has not only wrecked himself, but is now set to ruin the whole of the country. When looking at the turnout, not even half of the just under 120,000 Likud members voted at all. That is far from a “great victory”, which, in turn, is good news), NPR, 27 December 2019: Netanyahu Wins Likud Party’s Primary, Setting Up Another Election Run, The Guardian, 27 December 2019: Leadership win gives Netanyahu boost before tough election, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2019: Israel’s embattled Netanyahu declares victory in primary, Times of Israel, 27 December 2019: After Likud win, Netanyahu vows to ‘finalize borders,’ get US to back annexation (but of course there is also the question of whether the party would have been better off with the election of the even more right-wing Gideon Saar), Times of Israel, 27 December 2019: Gantz: Party of Jabotinsky, Begin elected a leader with 3 criminal indictments, Haaretz, 27 December 2019: Netanyahu, Following Indictment, Appoints Health Minister Who May Also Face Indictment, Times of Israel, 29 December 2019: Netanyahu says immunity from prosecution is a ‘cornerstone of democracy’ (incidentally, the same guy claims that Israel is a constitutional state in which there is no institutional corruption, although for the latter in particular he, parts of his cabinet and his own relatives are the living, internationally clearly visible counter evidences. Sometimes reality is more entertaining than any comedy), Haaretz, 30 December 2019: 2010-2019: The Decade That Devoured the Ties Between Israel and U.S. Jews, Times of Israel, 30 December 2019: Netanyahu’s ‘cornerstone’: How the PM will seek immunity from prosecution, Haaretz, 31 December 2019: The Decade in Which All Israelis Became Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 31 December 2019: Lapid: Netanyahu deceived the public, lied to his voters on immunity bid, Haaretz, 31 December 2019: Immunity or Trial? What Happens After Netanyahu Asks for Protection From Prosecution, Times of Israel, 31 December 2019: Wary court hears petition, to rule later on whether Netanyahu can form coalition, Palestine Chronicle, 31 December 2019: Israel’s Supreme Court Hears Case on Netanyahu’s Political Future, Times of Israel, 31 December 2019: Forced to give up portfolios, Netanyahu set to appoint new ministers, Palestine Chronicle, 31 December 2019: Israeli Public Rejects Netanyahu Immunity, Poll Shows, The Guardian, 1 January 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu to seek immunity from corruption charges, Times of Israel, 1 January 2020: Gantz puts out Russian-language New Year’s poster, reportedly angering Liberman, France24, 1 January 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu to ask parliament for immunity, DW, 1 January 2020: Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu to seek immunity from corruption charges, Arab News, 1 January 2020: Netanyahu seeks immunity, buying time until after vote, The National, 1 January 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu to seek immunity in graft cases, Al Arabiya, 1 January 2020: Netanyahu says will seek parliamentary immunity in corruption cases, Times of Israel, 1 January 2020: Netanyahu asks Knesset for immunity from prosecution, delaying indictment, The Washington Post, 1 January 2020: Netanyahu to ask Israeli parliament for immunity from criminal charges, The New York Times, 1 January 2020: Netanyahu Seeks Immunity From Israeli Corruption Charges, Haaretz, 1 January 2020: Netanyahu Requests Immunity From Prosecution in Three Criminal Cases, Times of Israel, 1 January 2019: Pressure mounts for Knesset to muster panel to quickly reject Netanyahu immunity, Times of Israel, 2 January 2019: Due to criminal charges, Netanyahu resigns from 3 ministerial portfolios, Haaretz, 2 January 2020: Netanyahu’s Pitiful Desperation Conjures Devastating 1999 Election Defeat, Times of Israel, 2 January 2020: Gantz hints he may sue Netanyahu over claim that he illegally pocketed millions, France24, 2 January 2020: Top Israeli court ‘unable to rule’ on PM’s eligibility to form govt, The New York Times, 2 January 2020: Israeli Supreme Court Removes an Obstacle for Netanyahu, The Guardian, 2 January 2020: Israel supreme court dismisses ‘premature’ Netanyahu petition, Times of Israel, 2 January 2020: High Court rejects petition seeking to bar Netanyahu from forming government, Haaretz, 2 January 2020: Poll: Center-left Bloc Leads, but Likud Holds Steady Despite Netanyahu Immunity Request, Times of Israel, 2 January 2020: Israel needs unity, not immunity, Haaretz, 4 January 2020: Benny Gantz’s Year in Politics: Netanyahu’s Complete Opposite Inches Closer to PM Seat, Times of Israel, 5 January 2020: Netanyahu gives cabinet seat to another lawmaker facing bribery charges, Times of Israel, 6 January 2020: Blue and White reportedly moving rightward ahead of March election, Haaretz, 8 January 2020: Publishing Trump’s Peace Plan Before Israeli Election Would Be ‘Outright Intervention,’ Gantz Says, Jerusalem Post, 8 January 2020: Netanyahu: I won’t let settlements be uprooted in any diplomatic plan, Jerusalem Post, 10 January 2020: Blue and White leads on Likud by four seats, new poll finds, Israel Hayom, 10 January 2020: The ‘year of 3 elections’ has changed us, and not for the better, Times of Israel, 11 January 2020: Blue and White, Likud gird for immunity fight Netanyahu sought to avoid, Jerusalem Post, 11 January 2020: Netanyahu’s immunity request to be rejected, paving way for trial, France24, 12 January 2020: Israeli MPs get backing to discuss Netanyahu immunity, Times of Israel, 12 January 2020: In blow to Netanyahu, Knesset adviser rules immunity debate can go ahead, Haaretz, 14 January 2020: Trump Officials Hint Peace Plan May Come Out During Israel’s Election Campaign, Times of Israel, 14 January 2020: Likud again pushing to get extremists into Knesset on far-right slate, Haaretz, 16 January 2016: Israeli Right’s Idea of Democracy Doesn’t Include the Rule of Law, Haaretz, 16 January 2020: In the Battle Over Kahanists, Bennett Finally Stands Up to Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 16 January 2020: From powerhouses to Pirates, parties file for March vote just under the buzzer, Haaretz, 16 January 2020: Israel Election 2020: All the Candidates Running in the March 2 Election, Al Arabiya, 16 January 2020: Far-right Israeli parties join forces ahead of March election, Haaretz, 16 January 2020: Betrayals, Defections and Fewer Women: The Losers and Winners of Israel’s New Political Map, Haaretz, 16 January 2020: Analysis Netanyahu’s Trumpian Election Strategy: Division, Diversion, Derision and Defamation, Times of Israel, 17 January 2020: Gantz says PM ‘unfit’ for office over attempt to bring Kahanists into Knesset, Haaretz, 18 January 2020: Bennett Orders to Bar Some Left-wing Activists From West Bank, Times of Israel, 18 January 2020: Bennett orders ‘radical’ left-wing activists banned from West Bank, Haaretz, 19 January 2020: By Barring Left-wing Activists’ Entry to West Bank, Bennett Cynically Uses Army for His Politics, Times of Israel, 19 January 2020: Knesset speaker to convene plenum for vote on Netanyahu immunity panel, Haaretz, 19 January 2020: Tell Me How Rich You Are, I’ll Tell You if You’ll Vote Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 19 January 2020: Holocaust Forum: A historic event, but missed opportunity for cooperation, Haaretz, 20 January 2020: Whoever Wins Israel’s Next Election Will Be a Right-winger (perhaps the Palestinians should learn from the Israelis here: by simply voting every few months, the rest of the world doesn’t notice that there is no legitimate government capable of acting. This is much more clever than not holding elections at all), Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2020: Trump to decide on ‘Deal of the Century’ release date in coming days, Times of Israel, 20 January 2020: Knesset speaker faces fierce Likud backlash for allowing Netanyahu immunity vote, Haaretz, 20 January 2020: Defense Chief Cynically Exploits Israeli Army as Part of His Election Campaign, Times of Israel, 21 January 2020: Launching campaign, Netanyahu vows to annex all settlements ‘without exception’, Haaretz, 22 January 2020: Gantz Promised Annexation to Win Right-wing Votes, but the Only Winner Is Netanyahu (according to current surveys in Israel, about 1/3 would be in favor of the annexation, 1/3 clearly against it and the rest has no opinion so far), Times of Israel, 22 January 2020: US said to oppose Israeli annexation of Jordan Valley before peace plan rollout, BBC, 23 January 2020: Netanyahu urges world to unite to confront Iran, The Washington Post, 23 January 2020: Trump is preparing to release his Middle East peace plan, will brief Israel’s Netanyahu in Washington, Pence says, The New York Times, 23 January 2020: Netanyahu and Gantz Invited to White House to Discuss Peace Plan, Haaretz, 23 January 2020: Netanyahu Exploits the Holocaust to Brutalize the Palestinians, Times of Israel, 23 January 2020: Blue and White said to accuse US of trying to help PM delay immunity hearings, France24, 24 January 2020: Trump to unveil stalled Middle East peace plan ahead of Netanyahu and Gantz White House visit, Politico.eu, 24 January 2020: Trump says he’ll roll out Middle East peace plan ahead of meeting with Israeli leaders, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2020: ‘Deal of the Century?’ Netanyahu just got the gift of the century, Al Arabiya, 25 January 2020: Israel’s Gantz says to meet Trump on peace plan, Haaretz, 25 January 2020: Gantz to Meet Trump Separately From Netanyahu to Discuss Mideast Plan in Washington, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2020: Netanyahu: ‘Trump deal is a once-in-history opportunity’, Haaretz, 26 January 2020: Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’ Was Written in a Way So the Palestinians Would Reject It. Maybe That Was the Plan, The Guardian, 26 January 2020: Netanyahu hopes to ‘make history’ during White House visit, Haaretz, 26 January 2020: Israel, Beware the True Cost of Trump’s ‘Peace’ Plan, Times of Israel, 26 January 2020: The week Israel says yes to annexing the West Bank, consequences be damned, Haaretz, 26 January 2020: Here’s What Happens if Israel Annexes the West Bank and Lets Palestinians Vote, Times of Israel, 26 January 2020: Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc to boycott Knesset vote on immunity panel, Jerusalem Post, 26 January 2020: Israeli settler leaders to join Netanyahu in Washington for Trump talks, Times of Israel, 26 January 2020: AG to charge Likud lawmaker with bribery in graft case, Haaretz, 27 January 2020: Netanyahu First, Then Gantz: Trump to Host Leaders to Discuss Peace Plan, Politico.com, 27 January 2020: Trump predicts Palestinians will buy into his Middle East peace plan, Arab News, 27 January 2020: Donald Trump to unveil Middle East peace plan that ‘makes sense for everybody’, Times of Israel, 27 January 2020: Trump to tell Israelis they have 6 weeks to get peace plan moving — report, Al Arabiya, 28 January 2020: Israel’s Gantz praises Trump peace plan, pledges to implement it after poll, Haaretz, 27 January 2020: Trump Meets Israeli Leaders in Washington: Palestinians ‘Going to Want’ Mideast Plan, Times of Israel, 27 January 2020: With PM at his side, Trump says without Palestinians ‘we don’t do the deal’, France24, 28 January 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu withdraws bid for parliamentary immunity from corruption charges, The Guardian, 28 January 2020: Netanyahu withdraws immunity from prosecution request, Times of Israel, 28 January 2020: Netanyahu abandons his immunity bid, paving way for an indictment within days, Haaretz, 28 January 2020: Netanyahu Withdraws Request for Immunity From Prosecution in Corruption Cases, BBC, 28 January 2020: Netanyahu indicted in court on corruption charges after dropping immunity bid, Foreign Policy, 28 January 2020: Trump, Netanyahu Turn White House Into Election Campaign Stop, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2020: Only 10% think plan will bring peace, Haaretz, 28 January 2020: Netanyahu Officially Indicted in Court After Withdrawing Immunity Bid, Times of Israel, 30 January 2020: Naama Issachar is not Anatoly Sharansky, The Times, 30 January 2020: Netanyahu urged to grab West Bank territory under peace deal, Jerusalem Post, 31 January 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy: What is it?, Haaretz, 31 January 2020: ‘Trump Loves You Israelis So Much, He May Love You to Death’, Israel Hayom, 31 January 2020: 2nd Gantz aide compares Trump to Hitler; says US president ‘using’ Israel, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2020: US envoy urges ‘anti-Israel’ German MP to help Mideast peace plan (Röttgen is of course absolutely right. Why wasting time and energy on a plan that obviously doesn’t work and is supposed to distract from Trump’s and Netanyahu’s domestic problems only or in other words: “If you discover you are riding a dead horse – get off.”?), Times of Israel, 4 February 2020: The art of no deal: Who’s subverting Trump’s Israeli-Palestinian peace plan?, Haaretz, 5 February 2020: A Year to Kahol Lavan’s Founding: How Israel’s Party of Generals Became an Effective Political Force, Haaretz, 9 February 2020: Friedman: Unilateral Israeli Action Risks Losing U.S. Support for Annexation, Politico.com, 9 February 2020: U.S. ambassador to Israel warns against West Bank annexation, Times of Israel, 9 February 2020: Settler leaders call on PM to ‘put US in its place,’ swiftly annex W. Bank land, Haaretz, 9 February 2020: App Used by Netanyahu’s Likud Leaks Israel’s Entire Voter Registry, Jerusalem Post, 10 February 2020: The rift between the first and second Israel, Haaretz, 10 February 2020: Fueled by Pathological Self-pity, Trump and Netanyahu Plot Insurrections Against Democracy, CNN, 11 February 2020: Personal data of all 6.5 million Israeli voters exposed by security flaw in app, Times of Israel, 13 February 2020: Political deadlock set to continue, poll shows, Haaretz, 14 February 2020: Trump’s Angry Vendetta Against Rule of Law Is Preview of Netanyahu, Should He Win, Haaretz, 13 February 2020: Gantz’s Party Maintains Lead Over Netanyahu’s Likud, Election Poll Shows, Jerusalem Post, 14 February 2020: What Netanyahu really wants is a fourth election – Editor’s Notes, Haaretz, 14 February 2020: Latest Polls: Israel Election 2020, Haaretz, 14 February 2020: A Fourth Election Is Growing More Likely by the Day, but Israelis Don’t Care, Times of Israel, 15 February 2020: In media blitz, Gantz vows that Joint List won’t be part of future coalition, Jerusalem Post, 16 February 2020: Lapid to ‘Post’: If Democrat wins, Netanyahu-led Israel in ‘deep trouble’, Politico.com, 16 February 2020: Israel’s Gantz vows to form government without Netanyahu, Haaretz, 17 February 2020: Massive Israeli Data Leak Is Treasure Trove for Iran Intel. It Can Jeopardize Mossad and Special Ops, Times of Israel, 17 February 2020: Opinion polls predict continued deadlock after upcoming elections, Haaretz, 17 February 2020: Gantz’s Kahol Lavan Widening Lead Over Netanyahu’s Likud, Election Poll Shows, Haaretz, 18 February 2020: Netanyahu Corruption Trial to Begin March 17, Two Weeks After Israel Election, France24, 18 February 2020: Netanyahu must be present for start of corruption trial set for March 17, Justice Ministry says (the really interesting part about corruption in Israel is that not even the political opposition and the legislative branch has problems with it. Not only Benny Gantz, but even the Attorney General offers exemption in the event that Netanyahu resigns. Unbelievable), Times of Israel, 18 February 2020: Netanyahu corruption trial set to open on March 17, two weeks after election, Haaretz, 18 February 2020: Why Netanyahu’s Post-election Court Date Might Mean a Quicker Ouster, Palestine Chronicle, 18 February 2020: Netanyahu’s Trial to Begin on March 17, Two Weeks after Israeli Election, Jerusalem Post, 19 February 2020: High turnout for Israel early vote in Washington, Haaretz, 19 February 2020: Gantz Refuses Netanyahu’s Call for Televised Debate: ‘It’s One Big Spin’, Times of Israel, 19 February 2020: Gantz turns down Netanyahu debate challenge: ‘I don’t work for him’, The Washington Post, 20 February 2020: One group of Israelis is benefiting from the endless cycle of elections: Campaign advisers, Haaretz, 20 February 2020: The Difference Between Benny Gantz and Yitzhak Rabin, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2020: Blue and White asks AG for another Netanyahu probe, Arab News, 24 February 2020: Israel on the cusp of a bleak new era, Haaretz, 24 February 2020: These 50,000 Israelis Can Send Netanyahu Packing, Jerusalem Post, 25 February 2020: Gantz warns Netanyahu becoming ‘Israeli Erdogan’, The Guardian, 25 February 2020: Netanyahu announces new settlements days before Israeli election, Times of Israel, 25 February 2020: Lapid: It’s either ‘Bibi and his liars’ or Gantz, who ‘everyone knows is honest’, Haaretz, 26 February 2020: Netanyahu’s Latest Election Spin Is a Point of No Return for Israeli Settlements, Palestine Chronicle, 26 February 2020: Beyond Israeli Elections: Israel at the Cusp of a Bleak Era, Times of Israel, 26 February 2020: Polls suggest momentum with Netanyahu, as campaigns turn nasty in final days, Haaretz, 26 February 2020: Netanyahu Associate Hired Intel Firm to Dig Up Dirt on Gantz, Palestine Chronicle, 26 February 2020: Sanders May Relocate US Embassy to Tel Aviv if Elected, Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2020: Lapid: ‘Israel won’t be a democracy if Netanyahu passes immunity law’, Times of Israel, 26 February 2020: Ex-Mossad chief says Likud app leaks as dangerous to Israel as coronavirus, Haaretz, 26 February 2020: Israel’s Top Diplomat Slams ‘Horrifying’ Sanders Comment Calling Netanyahu a ‘Reactionary Racist’, Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2020: Benny Gantz: We will never go back to ’67 lines, Times of Israel, 26 February 2020: Blue and White slashes left, right in home-stretch scramble to regain top spot, Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2020: Former PM Ehud Olmert: Liar Netanyahu’s career is over, Arab News, 26 February 2020: Israeli Jews who want peace should vote for Arab parties, Haaretz, 26 February 2020: Netanyahu Promised Hundreds of Billions in Gas Revenue. Real Figure Is a Tiny Fraction, Times of Israel, 26 February 2020: Palestinian Authority lashes Netanyahu’s vow to build in West Bank corridor, Arab News, 27 February 2020: Israeli challenger Gantz plays character card against Netanyahu, Haaretz, 27 February 2020: Bleeding Seats, Gantz Changes His Strategy Days Before Israeli Election, Times of Israel, 27 February 2020: Israel advances plans for nearly 1,800 new settlement homes days before election, The Guardian, 27 February 2020: Former Netanyahu maid seeks damages over first lady’s ‘rage’, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2020: European ambassadors hold Jerusalem meeting with Israel over E1 fears, Haaretz, 27 February 2020: In anti-Netanyahu Stronghold, There Are Only Two Choices in This Israeli Election, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2020: State to indict two more top defense officials in Case 3000, Israel Hayom, 27 February 2020: PM: If I pushed a leftist agenda, everyone would support me (wishful thinking. A criminal is a criminal is a criminal. That’s why he lost and is still losing (international) support), Times of Israel, 27 February 2020: Israelis happy with democracy, but support for democratic rights is low – poll, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2020: Poll finds 30% of Israelis expect fourth election, USA Today, 27 February 2020: ‘Truly shameful’: Pro-Israel AIPAC slams Sanders after he says conference is platform for ‘bigotry’ (Haaretz, 28 February 2020: Bibi Killed AIPAC Long Before Bernie Came Along), Times of Israel, 27 February 2020: Police transcript tells of $24,000 Netanyahu dinner, covered by billionaire, The Washington Post, 28 February 2020: Israel will try again to vote in a government — this time with coronavirus fears in the mix, Times of Israel, 28 February 2020: PM’s son in legal quarrel after tweet leads followers to harass young woman, Times of Israel, 28 February 2020: Reports: PM working to discredit, possibly dismiss Mandelblit after election, Palestine Chronicle, 28 February 2020: Former Israeli General: ‘Netanyahu Led Israel into Total Chaos’, Times of Israel, 28 February 2020: Former Mossad, Shin Bet heads call Netanyahu ‘a danger’ who puts country at risk, Haaretz, 29 February 2020: Netanyahu Is Trying to Dig Up Dirt on the Attorney General Who Indicted Him, France24, 29 February 2020: Netanyahu, Gantz neck and neck as campaign reaches climax, Haaretz, 29 February 2020: Two Days to Election: Will Netanyahu’s Sordid Campaign of Sex, Lies and Sham Videos Carry the Day?, Times of Israel, 29 February 2020: Netanyahu saw Trump plan as asset, but now polls show surge of angry Arab voters, Jerusalem Post, 29 February 2020: Liberman: Netanyahu told Jordan he wouldn’t annex Jordan Valley, Haaretz, 29 February 2020: Finally, Somebody Dares to Hit Back at AIPAC, The Guardian, 1 March 2020: Israel in limbo as weary voters go to polls for third time in year, The National, 1 March 2020: Amid polling fatigue, can Arab list make gains in third vote?, Politico.com, 1 March 2020: Sanders defends attacks on Israel’s Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 1 March 2020: Gantz tells AIPAC he won’t let Israel ‘become a partisan issue’ in US, The National, 1 March 2020: Race increasingly desperate as voters go to polls, The New York Times, 1 March 2020: Israel, ‘Start-up Nation,’ Groans Under Strains of Growth and Neglect, The National, 1 March 2020: Netanyahu: West Bank to be annexed ‘within weeks’ of re-election, Israel Hayom, 1 March 2020: Israel’s 3rd election in less than a year to cost billions to economy, Haaretz, 1 March 2020: Israel Election Updates: Gantz Warns ‘Mafia’ Will Stay if Netanyahu Wins, Times of Israel, 1 March 2020: Yair Netanyahu ordered to pay $81,000 to journalist in libel suit, Times of Israel, 1 March 2020: Sanders: I am pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian; I want to bring people together (first of all, it’s no secret, not even in Israel, that Netanyahu is a racist (Haaretz, 4 March 2020: Netanyahu Declares Victory Among ‘Zionists’ Because ‘Arabs Not Part of the Equation’). That’s one reason why people voting for him. During the Obama era, he started to turn AIPAC into a partisan event, to make sure that he will get unconditional support from a completely uncritical crowd for his weird policies – what he has achieved. The reactions on Sander’s statements are showing just that. Danon’s and Katz’S comments aren’t that clever, as they might fire back soon. Should Sanders become elected president, their political boats will sink within minutes), Jerusalem Post, 1 March 2020: Politicians spew hatred, but people want peace and love, Times of Israel, 1 March 2020: AIPAC conference opens with appeals for bipartisanship, broadsides at Sanders, NPR, 1 March 2020: Israel’s ‘Groundhog Day’: Hold Elections. Call Another Vote. Repeat, France24, 2 March 2020: Israelis head to the polls for the third time this year, CNN, 2 March 2020: Israel is voting on Monday. Here’s what you need to know, The Guardian, 2 March 2020: Israel election: round three under way as voters head to the polls, The Washington Post, 2 March 2020: Secret recordings roil Israeli election on final weekend of campaigning, The New York Times, 2 March 2020: The Israel Election (Round 3): Here’s What You Need to Know, Times of Israel, 2 March 2020: Netanyahu slams Bernie Sanders’ AIPAC ‘bigots’ jab as ‘libelous’, Haaretz, 2 March 2020: Israel Election: Netanyahu’s Dream of 61 Seats Spells Certain Danger for Rule of Law, Arab News, 2 March 2020: Israel exit polls give Benjamin Netanyahu edge, but short of parliamentary majority, The National, 2 March 2020: Israel elections: exit polls Netanyahu victory but short of majority, Al Arabiya, 2 March 2020: Israeli exit polls show Netanyahu leads Gantz, Haaretz, 2 March 2020: Israel Election Results: Netanyahu Hails ‘Great Victory’ as Exit Polls Show Him Surging Past Gantz, Times of Israel, 2 March 2020: Netanyahu claims victory as exit polls predict 60 seats for the right, Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2020: Win or lose, Netanyahu’s trial is still March 17 – analysis, Times of Israel, 2 March 2020: Exit poll puts Netanyahu ahead but short of majority, France24, 2 March 2020: Netanyahu claims victory in Israeli election on exit poll gains (the official result is expected to be available on Thursday, 5 March 2020. If the result confirms the exit polls, a fourth election can probably be expected. Gantz understandably rules out a coalition with Netanyahu and thus the “tie” goes into the next round), Times of Israel, 3 March 2020: Gantz tells faithful to wait for final results after exit polls show Likud gains, BBC, 3 March 2020: Netanyahu claims victory after exit polls show narrow lead (should the Likud gain 61 seats, that would be the end of the Israeli attempts at democracy and the transformation into a multi-class democracy / illiberal democracy / theocracy (which it is already in part when looking at the rather simple-minded attempts to justify the annexations of the Syrian Golan Heights, the Palestinian East Jerusalem and large parts of the West Bank) / autocracy (white Jews, colored Jews, everyone else – each with graded rights). The neighboring countries would let it cheer, because from then on they could claim to have operated “democracies based on the Israeli example” for decades. That, in turn, should either lead to a noticeable downgrade of Israel in the democracy index or noticeable upgrades of the neighboring countries. Whatever the outcome will look like, it can already be said that voters of Likud and its even more right-wing and/or more religious coalition partners are slipping even more to the far right and a steadily growing number of voters are becoming indifferent to democratic values as long as their own interests, benefits and income from dubious sources remain fully secured and untouched. They have this in common with other right-wing (religious) nationalists / right-wing (religious) extremists around the world, as well as the unconditional support for their (serious) criminal leaders / prime ministers / presidents), Times of Israel, 3 March 2020: Analysis: If Gantz wants to win an election, he needs to learn to talk the talk, The Guardian, 3 March 2020: How Netanyahu got his electoral swagger back amid corruption cases, CNN, 3 March 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu on course to win most seats, but may be short of majority, The Washington Post, 3 March 2020: With most votes counted, Netanyahu’s surprise showing gives him edge in Israeli election, Haaretz, 3 March 2020: ‘It’s a Never-ending Nightmare’: Israelis in N.Y. Feel Defeated After Israel’s Election, Times of Israel, 3 March 2020: Rivlin likely to task Netanyahu with forming government on first day of trial, Palestine Chronicle, 3 March 2020: Arab Coalition in Israel May Claim Largest Election Win Yet, Haaretz, 4 March 2020: ‘An Earthquake’: How Israel’s Arabs Achieved Their Historic Election Win, BBC, 4 March 2020: Netanyahu seeks defectors after failing to secure majority, Haaretz, 4 March 2020: Netanyahu Knew His Lawyer Hired Intel Firm to Spy on Gantz, Document Proves, Times of Israel, 4 March 2020: Netanyahu claims Gantz ‘trying to steal vote’ with bill to block him from power, The Guardian, 4 March 2020: Israel’s Arab parties make historic gains as election support surges, Haaretz, 4 March 2020: Netanyahu Declares Victory Among ‘Zionists’ Because ‘Arabs Not Part of the Equation’, Times of Israel, 4 March 2020: With 99% of votes counted, right-wing bloc slips to 58 seats, 3 shy of majority, Haaretz, 4 March 2020: Netanyahu Has Now Provided Us With Israel’s Watergate, Jerusalem Post, 4 March 2020: Encountering Peace: The real danger of another Netanyahu government, The New York Times, 4 March 2020: Deadlocked in 3 Elections, Israel Seeks Ways to Avert a 4th, Times of Israel, 5 March 2020: Final election results delayed due to ‘extra checks’ in some 20 polling stations, Times of Israel, 5 March 2020: Israel’s fragile Jewish-Arab fabric the big loser in election nobody has yet won, Haaretz, 5 March 2020: Israel Election Results: With One Stroke of the Pen, Netanyahu Writes Off Half a Million Israelis, Times of Israel, 5 March 2020: Final results show Likud with 36 seats, Netanyahu bloc short of majority with 58, Haaretz, 7 March 2020: Israel Election Results: More Than Just Netanyahu vs. Gantz – This Is the New Political Landscape, Haaretz, 7 March 2020: Israel Election Board Rejects Attempts by Netanyahu’s Party to ‘Undermine Its Integrity’, Times of Israel, 7 March 2020: Israeli democracy is no longer a given – but there’s hope, Haaretz, 7 March 2020: Netanyahu’s Worldview? All Means Sanctify the Pursuit of Power, Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2020: All Israelis who attended AIPAC must enter quarantine – Health Ministry, DW, 7 March 2020: Netanyahu ‘not going anywhere’ as rival vows to form govt, Times of Israel, 7 March 2020: Gantz: Again and again, Israelis have ruled the Netanyahu era is over, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2020: Netanyahu asks court to postpone opening of trial, Haaretz, 8 March 2020: Israel Election Results: Netanyahu Is Playing a Numbers Game, but He’s Closer Than Ever to His Ouster, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2020: Politically tripping over itself, Israel can’t move on Trump plan, Times of Israel, 8 March 2020: Liberman sets out secularist conditions for joining coalition; Gantz agrees, Haaretz, 8 March 2020: Ex-Shin Bet Head Says Agency Should Provide Gantz Protection Due to Incitement, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2020: More Israelis want Netanyahu out of office than in, Haaretz, 9 March 2020: More Elections or a never-Netanyahu Coalition? Seven Scenarios for the Next Israeli Government, Haaretz, 9 March 2020: Gantz Speaks to Joint List, Says Will Form Gov’t to Serve Jews and Arabs, Haaretz, 10 March 2020: Shin Bet Security Service to Take Over Gantz Protection Amid Violent Threats, Al Jazeera, 10 March 2020: Ex-Shin Bet Chief Predicts Israel’s Future: Either Bad, or Very Bad, Haaretz, 11 March 2020: The Israeli Center Is Making Peace With the Country’s Arabs. But They Haven’t Made History Yet, Arab News, 11 March 2020: Arabs can dream of one day forming Israel’s government, Haaretz, 12 March 2020: Gantz’s Party Changes Course as Efforts to Form a Minority Government Face Hurdles, Jerusalem Post, 12 March 2020: In a first for Israel, a sitting prime minister goes on trial, Times of Israel, 13 March 2020: Gantz: Unity government needed now, I’m waiting for Netanyahu to okay talks, Haaretz, 13 March 2020: Netanyahu Says ‘No Terror Supporters’ in Gov’t After Gantz Calls for Unity With ‘All Parts of House’, Haaretz, 13 March 2020: Sowing Fear Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak, Netanyahu Is in His Element, Haaretz, 15 March 2020: Netanyahu Trial Postponed as Justice Minister Freezes Courts Over Coronavirus Emergency, Jerusalem Post, 15 March 2020: Joint List endorses Gantz to form government, Times of Israel, 15 March 2020: Netanyahu’s trial delayed by over 2 months as court activity limited over virus, France24, 15 March 2020: Israel postpones Netanyahu graft trial over virus, Haaretz, 15 March 2020: Arab Alliance Backs Gantz for PM as Netanyahu’s Unity Offer Rejected, Jerusalem Post, 15 March 2020: Blue and White: Netanyahu trying to trick us with call for unity government, France24, 15 March 2020: Netanyahu challenger Gantz chosen to form Israel’s new government, The Guardian, 15 March 2020: Israel’s opposition head Benny Gantz wins support to form government, Haaretz, 15 March 2020: Benny Gantz to Get First Chance at Forming Government After Receiving Thin Majority, Times of Israel, 15 March 2020: Rivlin to task Gantz with forming government after he receives 61 endorsements, NPR, 15 March 2020: Gantz Chosen To Form Government, Netanyahu Argues To Stay PM Over Coronavirus Effects, CNN, 16 March 2020: Amid coronavirus fears, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu sees an opening, Times of Israel, 16 March 2020: Gantz calls Arab party leader, says he will form government ‘for all citizens’, Israel Hayom, 17 March 2020: A black swan event for the 21st century (just another try to white-wash authoritarianism), The National, 17 March 2020: Gantz has a historic opportunity, Haaretz, 17 March 2020: Netanyahu Exploits Coronavirus Fears to Consolidate Authoritarian Hold on Power, Times of Israel, 18 March 2020: Israeli president to speaker, a Likud MK: Reopen Knesset, don’t damage democracy, Haaretz, 18 March 2020: Speaker Adjourns Parliament, Israeli President Warns Him Against ‘Undermining Democracy’, Arab News, 18 March 2020: Netanyahu’s defeat a mortal blow for the Trump peace plan, Jerusalem Post, 18 March 2020: Likud politicians file Knesset bill to annex West Bank settlements now, Times of Israel, 18 March 2020: Blue and White’s Lapid: Virus response shows Israel ‘no longer a democracy’, Haaretz, 18 March 2020: Netanyahu’s Coronavirus Coup: Israelis’ Basic Rights Are Now on Life Support, France24, 18 March 2020: Ehud Olmert tells FRANCE 24: ‘Benjamin Netanyahu has to go home’, The Washington Post, 18 March 2020: Efforts to revive Israel’s parliament stumble amid virus outbreak, Haaretz, 19 March 2020: For the First Time Ever, Israeli Democracy Has Been Shut Down, Times of Israel, 19 March 2020: Why Israel’s politicians shuttered the Knesset just when Israelis needed it most, Haaretz, 19 March 2020: Coronavirus in the West Bank: We Palestinians Have Plenty of Experience Surviving Curfews and Lockdowns, Times of Israel, 19 March 2020: Blue and White petitions High Court against Edelstein’s closure of Knesset, Haaretz, 19 March 2020: Netanyahu tells Israelis: Now it’s an order — you must stay at home, Times of Israel, 19 March 2020: Demonstrators protest Knesset closure, fly black flags over threats to democracy, Haaretz, 19 March 2020: Gantz Eyes Unity With Netanyahu First as PM, Even at Price of Breaking Up Kahol Lavan, Times of Israel, 19 March 2020: High Court says virus mass surveillance can’t continue without Knesset oversight, Haaretz, 19 March 2020: Yuval Noah Harari Warns Against ‘Coronavirus Dictatorship’ in Israel – Netanyahu’s Son Calls Him ‘Stupid’, Times of Israel, 20 March 2020: Coronavirus or democracy? Which crisis should Israelis be more worried about?, Haaretz, 20 March 2020: How to Stop Netanyahu From Destroying What’s Left of Israel’s Democracy, Times of Israel, 20 March 2020: Expert decries Knesset lockout as troubling abuse of power, Haaretz, 20 March 2020: Israel’s Coronavirus Crisis Exposed a Starved Health System on the Verge of Collapse, Haaretz, 20 March 2020: Netanyahu, Likud Ministers Sought Israeli Parliament Closure Under New Coronavirus Regulations, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2020: Former Shin-Bet chief: 4th election better than more Bibi, Times of Israel, 21 March 2020: Blue and White vows to push on with replacing Edelstein despite PM’s threat, Arab News, 21 March 2020: How Israel can fight both the virus and Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2020: Former general to Likud: Is Netanyahu worth the end of democracy?, Haaretz, 22 March 2020: Netanyahu’s Extortion-by-coronavirus Is by Far His Most Shameful and Least Forgivable Offense, Haaretz, 23 March 2020: Israel’s Mass Coronavirus Layoffs Leaving Tens of Thousands Without Jobless Benefits, Times of Israel, 25 March 2020: Tel Aviv Stock Exchange jumps on hopes of aid; unemployment keeps skyrocketing, Haaretz, 24 March 2020: Gantz Backs Off of Unity With Netanyahu, Eyes Control of Parliament Instead (thanks to the weak, incompetent and corrupt Netanyahu government, the unemployment rate in Israel rose from 4.x% to just under 16% within a month. Anyone who has wrongly assumed that Netanyahu is in any way good for the country, which he is definitely not, is now faced with further, certainly painful truths. Instead of massively expanding illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and Syria, the state should have better spent a lot of money in the economic, social and health systems and above all in the democratization of the country. That should now become clear even to the last), Times of Israel, 25 March 2020: Edelstein must heed court ruling. The alternative is the end of the rule of law, Haaretz, 24 March 2020: Top Likud Ministers Change Tune on High Court Ruling, Back Vote on Knesset Speaker, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2020: A quarter of coronavirus infections from synagogues, Health Ministry says, Times of Israel, 24 March 2020: Synagogues top coronavirus hotspot list, epidemiological report finds, Jerusalem Post, 25 March 2020: ‘1 mil. Israelis with coronavirus is conservative,’ disease expert says, Haaretz, 24 March 2020: Forget Coronavirus. In Israel, the Democracy Virus Will Be Defeated, Times of Israel, 25 March 2020: Rapping Edelstein, Rivlin says ‘unthinkable’ for lawmaker to ignore court order, Jerusalem Post, 25 March 2020: Edelstein undermined Israel’s rule of law – comment, Haaretz, 25 March 2020: Knesset Mutiny, Produced and Directed by Netanyahu, Will Live in Infamy, Times of Israel, 25 March 2020: In bombshell, Yuli Edelstein resigns to avoid calling vote on new speaker, ynet news, 25 March 2020: The real threat of Israeli civil war, Jerusalem Post, 25 March 2020: Is Edelstein a freedom fighter on the wrong side of democracy?, Times of Israel, 25 March 2020: Defying judges, Knesset speaker has plunged Israel into constitutional anarchy, Haaretz, 26 March 2020: Opinion Does Netanyahu Really Believe in Democracy? Global Freedom Experts Aren’t Sure, Palestine Chronicle, 26 March 2020: Gantz Betrays Allies, Expected to Join Netanyahu in Unity Government, France24, 26 March 2020: Netanyahu rival Gantz elected speaker of Israeli parliament in shock move (a ex-military leader, whose basic promise is to avert damage to the country, is now preventing exactly this. Not a good omen. Even five new elections would have been better), Haaretz, 26 March 2020: Gantz, Exhausted, Has Given in to Netanyahu’s Relentless Campaigning, CNN, 26 March 2020: In apparent victory for Netanyahu, rival Gantz drops allies, moves towards unity, The Guardian, 26 March 2020: Benny Gantz elected Israeli speaker, signalling deal with Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 26 March 2020: Lapid: I trusted Gantz, but he stole our votes and handed them to Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 26 March 2020: Gantz put Netanyahu’s career on a respirator because of coronavirus, Jerusalem Post, 28 March 2020: Joint List condemns Gantz’s actions, says he has no ‘political backbone’, Haaretz, 28 March 2020: Gantz-Netanyahu Gov’t May Be Stable, but Will Struggle to Keep Election Promises, Jerusalem Post, 28 March 2020: Blue and White civil war set for Knesset on Sunday, Haaretz, 28 March 2020: Gantz to Push Law Allowing Netanyahu to Serve in Government Despite Trial, Times of Israel, 29 March 2020: Abandoning core vow, doesn’t Gantz risk harming the democracy he said he’d save?, Haaretz, 29 March 2020: Shin Bet: Incitement Against Gantz Is Like What Preceded Rabin’s Assassination, Times of Israel, 30 March 2020: Win-win coalition? Both Netanyahu and Gantz can make case for victory in talks, Haaretz, 31 March 2020: In Israeli Politics, the Watchword Is: The Jewish Race Before All Else, Haaretz, 31 March 2020: Gantz Broke the Israeli Left’s Heart; Labor Leader Stuck a Dagger in It, Haaretz, 2 April 2020: Netanyahu Is a Colossal Failure. But Against the Coronavirus, He Is All Israel Has, Times of Israel, 2 April 2020: Infected health minister accused of flouting rules, endangering Israel’s leaders, Haaretz, 3 April 2020: Surrealistic Farce of Health Minister Litzman Highlights Loopy Israeli Politics, Times of Israel, 3 April 2020: LISTEN: NYT Jerusalem chief vents about the bumpy road to new Israeli government, The Washington Post, 3 April 2020: Israel struggles to form government, even after rivals agree to join forces, Haaretz, 4 April 2020: Gantz Wants a Six-month Coronavirus Government, Netanyahu Wants Annexation, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: Gantz weighing limited West Bank settlement annexation – report, Haaretz, 5 April 2020: Netanyahu: ‘Deep State’ Controls Israel, There’s No Democracy Here, Times of Israel, 5 April 2020: Gantz tells Rivlin he’ll likely request extension of mandate to form government, Haaretz, 6 April 2020: Netanyahu, Gantz Agree on West Bank Annexation Proposal as Unity Deal Nears, Haaretz, 6 April 2020: Netanyahu’s Annexation Ploy Sacrifices Israel’s War on Coronavirus to the Idol of Settlements, Times of Israel, 7 April 2020: Rabin’s grandson wishes for Netanyahu to catch virus, die in prison; apologizes, Haaretz, 7 April 2020: ‘Do People Care?’ Jewish-American Activism on Israel Struggles to Survive Coronavirus, Arab News, 7 April 2020: Israel risks major outbreak by ignoring Palestinian pleas, Haaretz, 7 April 2020: Israel’s Right-wing Annexationists: Beware the Wrath of Trump, Times of Israel, 8 April 2020: Netanyahu, Gantz agree to press ahead with unity talks after holiday, Haaretz, 8 April 2020: About 75 Percent of Jerusalem Coronavirus Cases Are Haredi, Haaretz, 8 April 2020: Gantz Says He Wants Unity With Likud, but Not ‘At Any Price’, Haaretz, 9 April 2020: Gantz’s Time Runs Out, and Netanyahu No Longer in a Rush to Form ‘Emergency’ Government, Jerusalem Post, 9 April 2020: Blue and White? It’s black, The Guardian, 11 April 2020: Gantz and Netanyahu squabble as gridlocked Israel set to miss government deadline, Arab News, 11 April 2020: Netanyahu rival Gantz seeks more time to form coalition government, Jerusalem Post, 11 April 2020: Likud, Blue and White pressuring each other ahead of Monday deadline, The National, 12 April 2020: Netanyahu rival seeks extension in Israel coalition talks, Times of Israel, 12 April 2020: Gantz officially requests extension of mandate to form gov’t as talks drag on, Haaretz, 12 April 2020: Netanyahu’s Ministers of Mayhem Are Ruining Israel’s Comeback From Coronavirus, France24, 12 April 2020: Israeli president rejects request for more time to form governing coalition with PM Netanyahu, The Guardian, 12 April 2020: Israeli president refuses extension of deadline for new coalition deal, Haaretz, 12 April 2020: As if Coronavirus Wasn’t Enough, Israel’s Constitutional Contagion Is Out of Control as Well, Times of Israel, 12 April 2020: Right-wing urges Rivlin to tap Netanyahu to form gov’t as Gantz’s time runs down, Jerusalem Post, 12 April 2020: The coming giant internal Israeli war over a nuclear Iran – A 2010 rematch, Times of Israel, 13 April 2020: Israel’s frustrated president threatens new elections – in a bid to avoid them, Times of Israel, 13 April 2020: Amid unity talks, poll predicts 40 seats for Likud and a majority rightist bloc (given the approval ratings for Netanyahu, Israel has positioned itself clearly and has finally arrived in the Middle East. The course has been set), Haaretz, 14 April 2020: Netanyahu, Gantz Jointly Ask President to Extend Mandate as They Negotiate Unity Gov’t Into the Night, Times of Israel, 14 April 2020: As midnight deadline nears, Gantz and Netanyahu meet for coalition talks, Times of Israel, 15 April 2020: Gantz’s mandate to form coalition expires, but Likud, Blue and White talks go on, Haaretz, 15 April 2020: With No Checks on Power, Israel Also Wants Shin Bet to Map Coronavirus Hot Spots. Times of Israel, 15 April 2020: Arrivals from US account for 40% of Israel’s virus cases from abroad, Times of Israel, 16 April 2020: Tactics lousy, party broken and deal elusive, Gantz plays into Netanyahu’s hands, Haaretz, 16 April 2020: Gantz’s Mandate to Form Government Expires, Here’s What Could Happen Next, Times of Israel, 16 April 2020: Netanyahu and Gantz negotiate as if time is on their side – and on ours, Haaretz, 16 April 2020: With Gantz’s Mandate Expired, Rivlin Transfers Forming Government to Knesset, Times of Israel, 16 April 2020: 2,000 protest erosion of democracy under Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 16 April 2020: Rivlin gives Knesset 21 days to agree on the PM it wants, or go to new election, Haaretz, 17 April 2020: Netanyahu: Masses Will Take to the Streets if Court Ousts Me, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2020: Gantz: I can’t tell you if we’ll be able to form a government or not, Haaretz, 17 April 2020: Should Coronavirus Mean Israel Shuts the Door on Jews, Dead or Alive?, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2020: Rivlin sets August 4 as date for fourth elections if unity govt not formed, Haaretz, 17 April 2020: Netanyahu No Longer Wants a Unity Government, He Wants to Crush the Supreme Court, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2019: Ya’alon: Netanyahu corrupts the nation, Gantz became his litter carrier, Haaretz, 18 April 2019: ‘Netanyahu Is Morally Rotten, Gantz Is Weak,’ Coronavirus Committee Head Says, Times of Israel, 18 April 2019: Gantz said to tell allies he and PM are ‘on brink of deal’ to form coalition, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2019: Coalition deal between Likud and Blue and White ‘imminent’, Haaretz, 19 April 2020: Gantz Refuses to See the Writing on the Wall, Times of Israel, 19 April 2020: European Union said to warn Gantz not to agree to West Bank annexation, France24, 20 April 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu and rival Gantz agree to form ‘emergency’ coalition government (the grand coalition with the “crime minister” will not only deal a serious blow to Benny Gantz’s credibility, who started with the election promise not to want to form a coalition with Netanyahu in any case, but also to further erode Israel’s democracy. Netanyahu will go to great lengths to enforce a law that guarantees him complete immunity from law enforcement, not least because in this way he can continue to commit crimes without punishments. He doesn’t care for Israel’s wellbeing and democracy at all), CNN, 20 April 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz agree on national emergency government in Israel, The Guardian, 20 April 2020: Netanyahu and Gantz agree to form unity Israeli government, Haaretz, 20 April 2020: Netanyahu, Gantz Sign Coalition Deal to Form Government, Times of Israel, 20 April 2020: After more than yearlong impasse, Netanyahu and Gantz agree to form a government, Arab News, 20 April 2020: How Gantz resurrected the fortunes of Netanyahu and Israel’s right, The National, 20 April 2020: Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz agree on power-sharing deal, Haaretz, 21 April 2020: Netanyahu Hired Gantz as His Personal Bodyguard for the Next Three Years, Jerusalem Post, 21 April 2020: Palestinians decry Netanyahu-Gantz gov’t, warn annexation ends peace deal, Times of Israel, 21 April 2020: Gantz tries, likely fails, to lock Netanyahu into eventually handing over power, Jerusalem Post, 21 April 2020: How did the coalition deal impact the rule of law? – analysis, Haaretz, 21 April 2020: Netanyahu-Gantz Unity Deal: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Ominous, Times of Israel, 21 April 2020: Gantz admits joining Netanyahu unpopular, but needed for virus fight, Haaretz, 21 April 2020: Netanyahu-Gantz Deal Ensures Accused Premier Will Have the Last Word, Haaretz, 22 April 2020: Trump, Biden or His Base: On Annexation, Netanyahu Must Decide Who’s Dispensable, Palestine Chronicle, 22 April 2020: A Machiavellian Fiasco: How ‘Centrist’ Gantz Resurrected Netanyahu, Israel’s Right, Times of Israel, 23 April 2020: Unemployment likely to level off at 11%, with up to 400,000 jobless, expert says, The Atlantic, 23 April 2020: Israel Shows Us the Future of Protest, Times of Israel, 23 April 2020: UN, EU officials warn new Israeli government against annexing West Bank (“It’s unfortunate that Josep Borrell, who pretends to be responsible for the foreign relations of the European Union, chooses in this manner to welcome a new government of a central partner to the EU and prefers to see relations between Israel and the EU through the prism of the pandemic and the ‘status of the territories” – someone misunderstands Israel’s importance in the world once again. With the planned annexation of further parts of Palestine, Israel is pushing itself further towards becoming a pariah state and further international isolation. “A central partner to the EU” – wishful thinking at best, as Israel is a lot but a partner to the EU. The first thing that would happen after the annexion would be that Israel would lose its self-chosen status as “only (and incomplete) democracy in the Middle East”. The nationalist corner is yelling for a while now: “So what? We don’t want to be a democracy at all! ”. They actually see Netanyahu and Trump on the right track and they don’t mind that the planned annexation would cement the status of “illegal settlements” in the long run. But it is questionable whether and how the EU can react to it at all (a way of sanctioning would have to be found that takes into account the EU’s own claim to the “security of Israel”, in this respect it would mean the squaring of the circle). Netanyahu is on friendly terms with his also autocratic, racist and criminal colleagues in the eastern enlargement of the EU. Their only goal is to collect EU development aid on a large scale and at the same time violating EU treaties on a daily basis. In this respect, of course, they go very well with Netanyahu. After all, law and order doesn’t apply to him as well. In return, they can spread anti-Semitic nonsense (George Soros, Open Society Foundations, Globalization, Zionist Occupation Government conspiracy theory, Antisemitic canard etc.)), Haaretz, 23 April 2020: Netanyahu and Gantz’s Hostile Takeover of Israel’s Legislature, The Economist, 23 April 2020: Israel has a new government at last, Haaretz, 23 April 2020: ‘Narcissistic, Hesitant, Alarmist: Netanyahu Is Just Like He Was in 1999’, Times of Israel, 23 April 2020: ‘Monstrous’ coalition deal neuters Knesset. Should judges intervene? Will they?, Haaretz, 24 April 2020: How Israelis Who Voted for Gantz Feel Now That He’s in Bed With Bibi, Times of Israel, 24 April 2020: Poll indicates Gantz losing support over unity deal with Netanyahu, Haaretz, 24 April 2020: Israeli Special Ops Officers Collected Info to Prevent Civil Unrest Amid Coronavirus, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2020: From mudslinging to mending, the future of the Netanyahu-Gantz coalition, Haaretz, 25 April 2020: Mutual Mistrust Will Wreck Netanyahu-Gantz ‘Coronavirus Emergency Government’, Haaretz, 25 April 2020: Israelis Return to the Streets to Protest ‘Destructive’ Gantz-Netanyahu Unity Deal, DW, 26 April 2020: Protests against Netanyahu-Gantz coalition, Haaretz, 26 April 2020: Netanyahu ‘Confident’ Trump’s Settlement Annexation Pledge Will Be Fulfilled Within Months, Jerusalem Post, 26 April 2020: Owners, workers protest government in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, France24, 26 April 2020: Israel’s Labour party agrees to join Netanyahu-led coalition, Haaretz, 26 April 2020: Labor Party Convention Accepts Netanyahu-Gantz Unity Government Proposal, Times of Israel, 26 April 2020: Labor leader wins party’s backing to join Netanyahu-led government, Palestine Chronicle, 26 April 2020: Thousands Protest against Netanyahu amid Coronavirus, Haaretz, 26 April 2020: Israel’s Government Only Relates to Diaspora Jews Who Marvel at the Jewish State’s Utter Perfection, Times of Israel, 27 April 2020: Lapid says he’d vote with Netanyahu to stop Gantz becoming PM in rotation deal, Haaretz, 27 April 2020: Israel Loosens Coronavirus Lockdown as Doubts About Netanyahu’s Policy Widen, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2020: Will annexation destroy Israeli-Jordanian peace, set kingdom aflame?, Times of Israel, 28 April 2020: Up against the clock and the constitution, new coalition is far from a done deal, Haaretz, 29 April 2020: Coronavirus and Constitutional Crises Make Independence Day 2020 No Less Depressing Than Memorial Day, Palestine Chronicle, 29 April 2020: Hating Arabs as a Common Ground: Why Israel’s Coalition Government is Likely to Survive, Haaretz, 30 April 2020: Trump’s OK on Israeli Annexation Is Like His Clorox Prescription: Toxic and Lethal, Times of Israel, 30 April 2020: Lots of bark, some actual bite? How the world will react to West Bank annexation (by joining the group of annexing states, to which i.a. China, Russia, Turkey and Morocco belong, Netanyahu would promote the further isolation of Israel in the international community. He thinks it’s good to have, his voters too, so all that’s left is to wish them “good riddance” and watch Israel sink itself. For its part, the EU has already excluded all funding for measures, projects and companies in the Syrian and Palestinian state territories occupied by Israel. That could be expanded. The customs union with Israel could also be suspended, and end the participation in various EU-funded programs and EU development aid payments (both from the EU and its states). Since the country can only partially finance itself, the consequences would be quickly apparent and thus achieve maximum impact, while the EU could instead redistribute many billions of euros on meaningful projects. Politically, there isn’t much more room for maneuver, especially since Netanyahu’s Eastern European autocrat and islamophobe colleagues would not support it (Israel–European Union relations). At the same time, it is of course clear that nothing that is imported from Israel into the EU could not be easily replaced by products from other countries), Times of Israel, 30 April 2020: Businesses, economists decry ‘lack of leadership’ as pandemic batters economy, Haaretz, 1 May 2020: Israel’s Attorney General Knows Netanyahu Is Dangerous and Still Gave Him a Green Light, Times of Isreal, 1 May 2020: West Bank annexation not contingent on Palestinian state, US officials emphasize, Haaretz, 2 May 2020: Israelis Protest Netanyahu-Gantz Government on Eve of High Court Hearing, Times of Israel, 2 May 2020: Some 1,500 protest Netanyahu-Gantz coalition deal, urge court to strike it down, Haaretz, 2 May 2020: Netanyahu Rejects ‘Astounding’ Claim He Seeks to Tarnish Attorney General’s Image, Times of Israel, 3 May 2020: Stability or straitjacket? The Netanyahu-Gantz coalition deal goes to court, Haaretz, 4 May 2020: The High Court, Israel’s Last Line of Defense, Times of Israel, 4 May 2020: High Court reconvenes for hearing on validity of Netanyahu-Gantz unity deal, Haaretz, 4 May 2020: Top Court Grills Netanyahu’s Lawyer: Why Freeze Appointments During ‘Coronavirus Emergency’?, Times of Israel, 4 May 2020: State comptroller says Israel’s foreign service badly underfunded, uncoordinated, Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2020: Israel lacks national foreign policy strategy, comptroller warns, Times of Israel, 5 May 2020: Under right-wing pressure, High Court turns on the cameras and turns the tables, Haaretz, 5 May 2020: Netanyahu and Gantz’s Parties Amend Coalition Deal After High Court Hearing, Times of Israel, 5 May 2020: Likud, Blue and White agree to revise coalition deal after High Court criticism, Haaretz, 5 May 2020: Netanyahu’s Real Target This Week Isn’t the High Court – but It Is a Judge, Times of Israel, 5 May 2020: Liberman declares himself PM candidate, alleging Netanyahu seeks new election, Haaretz, 6 May 2020: High Court of Justice Green Lights Netanyahu-Gantz Coalition Deal, Times of Israel, 6 May 2020: Court unanimously rejects petitions against Netanyahu, coalition deal, Haaretz, 7 May 2020: Israel’s High Court Spares Netanyahu, but Remains Locked and Loaded, France24, 7 May 2020: Israeli MPs approve Netanyahu-Gantz unity government, Foreign Policy, 7 May 2020: What Democracy Will Fall Next?, Times of Israel, 7 May 2020: Netanyahu gets nod from Rivlin to form government, seemingly cementing rule, The Washington Post, 7 May 2020: Israeli lawmakers move quickly on new government after court endorses Netanyahu’s coalition, Haaretz, 7 May 2020: After Securing Lawmakers’ Endorsements, Netanyahu Tasked With Forming a Government, Times of Israel, 7 May 2020: Netanyahu gets nod from Rivlin to form government, seemingly cementing rule, Arab News, 7 May 2020: Israel lawmakers endorse Netanyahu-Gantz government, Haaretz, 7 May 2020: High Court Ruling Gives Netanyahu Super-status, Irreversibly Harming Equality, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2020: References to Diaspora Jews as ‘in exile’ reveals need for greater empathy, Haaretz, 8 May 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu’s Third-rate Arabs and Second-rate Jews, Haaretz, 10 May 2020: Likud Lawmakers Must Now Vie for Seats in a Crowded Cabinet, Haaretz, 10 May 2020: More Women Die by Suicide as the Coronavirus Crisis Ushers in Rise in Domestic Violence, The Guardian, 10 May 2020: Israel threatens to pull evangelical Christian TV station aimed at Jews, Haaretz, 10 May 2020: God TV Responds to Critics: ‘We’re Not Trying to Convert Jews; We Just Want Them to Accept Jesus as the Messiah’, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2020: Protesters sue Yair Netanyahu for half a million NIS after Nazi comparison, Haaretz, 10 May 2020: Bennett’s Right-wing Party: We Will Not Join ‘Leftist’ Netanyahu Government, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2020: Erdan to US and UN helps solve Likud appointment logjam, Haaretz, 11 May 2020: Netanyahu Appoints Likud Minister Gilad Erdan as Israel’s Ambassador to Both U.S., UN (by appointing Gilad “Mr. Hasbara” Erdan, at least Netanyahu can finally never ever say again, that only other countries are spewing pure propaganda in the U.N., as Erdan is the prototype of a propaganda cannon. Danny Danon was already pretty bad for Israels reputation in the U.N. (Israel Hayom, 24 July 2020: ‘World gradually changing its perspective on Israel’), but Erdan will easily tops it out by explaining to the world why land grabbing is a fundamental and basic Israeli right), Times of Israel, 11 May 2020: Netanyahu appoints Gilad Erdan in double role of ambassador to US, UN, Times of Israel, 11 May 2020: PM said seeking Gantz’s okay for 36 ministers now, in bid to bring in Yamina, Haaretz, 11 May 2020: Ex-Gantz Ally Yair Lapid Has Lost Himself Badly, and Netanyahu Stands to Gain, Times of Israel, 13 May 2020: Netanyahu officially announces he’s formed new government, France24, 14 May 2020: Israel’s unity government set to be sworn in after over a year of deadlock, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: EU ministers set to review possible responses to Israeli annexation in West Bank, Haaretz, 15 May 2020: Netanyahu’s Trial Begins Next Week: Everything You Need to Know, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2020: Gantz, don’t surrender your principles to Bibi, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: China says US attacks on its investment in Israel, virus record are ‘absurd’, Haaretz, 15 May 2020: Israel Fears Economic Crisis, Annexation Could Cause Palestinian Street to Explode, France24, 15 May 2020: Inauguration for Israel unity government postponed over cabinet picks, Haaretz, 15 May 2020: Netanyahu Forces Gantz’s Hand Even Before They Swear in a Government, Haaretz, 15 May 2020: Likud’s Gilad Erdan Bruised but Still Standing as He Leaves for Dual Ambassadorship in U.S., Haaretz, 16 May 2020: ‘We Used Gay-friendly Eurovision to Hide the Truth, That We’re a Racist and Conservative Country’, Haaretz, 16 May 2020: Startup Nation’s Moral Values Are in Decline, and It’s Not Just About the Occupation, Times of Israel, 17 May 2020: After 508-day crisis, Israel’s new government finally sworn in by Knesset, France24, 17 May 2020: Israel’s parliament swears in new unity government with PM Netanyahu at helm, Times of Israel, 17 May 2020: Exploiting, not serving, the people: Israel’s shamefully inflated new government, Haaretz, 17 May 2020: After Year of Deadlock and Days of Delays, Knesset Swears in New Israeli Government, Times of Israel, 17 May 2020: Lapid predicts ‘crooked’ new government will fall quickly, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2020: Future US, UN ambassador Erdan is ready to defend annexation to the world, Palestine Chronicle, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu Inaugurates Unity Government with Renewed Pledge to West Bank Annexation, Arab News, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu’s new Israeli government approved, eyes West Bank annexations, Al Arabiya, 17 May 2020: Israel new unity government led by Netanyahu, Gantz eyes West Bank annexations, The National, 17 May 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu says new government should annex occupied West Bank settlements, The Washington Post, 17 May 2020: After three elections and political deadlock, Israel finally swears in new government, Reuters, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu’s new Israeli government approved, eyes West Bank annexations, Haaretz, 17 May 2020: With New Government, Netanyahu Is President in All but Name, The Guardian, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu takes office in deal that could see West Bank annexation, Irish Times, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu takes office in deal that could see West Bank annexation, Haaretz, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu’s New Government: Monty Python, the Purge and Goodfellas Combined, DW, 17 May 2020: Israel ends 500-day political crisis with inauguration of Netanyahu-Gantz unity government, Haaretz, 18 May 2020: In Netanyahu-Gantz Government, Experience and Talent Are a Drawback, Times of Israel, 18 May 2020: Israeli envoy said trying to get US okay for swift annexation: ‘Biden could win’, Arab News, 19 May 2020: Israel’s new government born in sin, France24, 19 May 2020: Netanyahu asks to skip corruption trial opening, Arab News, 19 May 2020: Jordan-Israel treaty threatened by annexation plan, Haaretz, 19 May 2020: Netanyahu Asks Court to Skip Opening of His Corruption Trial, Citing Coronavirus Restrictions, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2020: Prosecution to PM: No skipping out on first hearing of trial, Arab News, 20 May 2020: Palestinian president declares end to all agreements with Israel and US, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Netanyahu loyalist assails Mandelblit as ‘alleged criminal’ ahead of PM’s trial, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Judges in Netanyahu trial to get increased security — report, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Netanyahu in the dock: How the first day of the PM’s trial is set to play out, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2020: Hungarian foreign minister: Israel can rely on us in the EU, UN (“birds of a feather flock together”, no matter if Ashkenazi denies it or not), Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Ashkenazi denies agreeing with Hungary on need to fight illegal migration, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: New opposition leader Lapid says Netanyahu ’embarrassing’ Israel, France24, 22 May 2020: Israel’s Arabs escaped the worst, but Covid-19 signals economic trouble ahead, BBC, 22 May 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu: What are the corruption charges?, Times of Israel, 22 May 2020: Virus responses in Israel, US may permanently erode democracies, experts warn, France24, 22 May 2020: Female students in Israel banned from school after wearing shorts in a heatwave, Haaretz, 23 May 2020: Netanyahu’s Trial on Sunday: Everything You Need to Know (now it will soon become clear whether Israel’s judiciary is more independent than that in Turkey, Hungary or Poland), Times of Israel, 23 May 2020: As a serving PM in the dock, Netanyahu takes Israel into Berlusconi territory, NPR, 23 May 2020: What To Know As Israel’s Netanyahu Goes On Trial For Corruption Charges, Haaretz, 23 May 2020: Netanyahu’s Defense Team Prepares to Fight ‘Every Step of the Way’ as Corruption Trial Opens, Times of Israel, 23 May 2020: Netanyahu supporters, critics to rally outside court during start of graft trial, Jerusalem Post, 23 May 2020: Protests against Netanyahu to take place across Israel, Arab News, 23 May 2020: Trump has had enough of Israel’s cozy ties with China, The National, 24 May 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu trial begins at Jerusalem district court, France24, 24 May 2020: Israel’s PM Netanyahu goes on trial for corruption (oh, the irony: He bribed media houses for good publicity and collected bribes from minions, but will now appear more often in a “Beagle Boys Inc.” suit in the media. It can hardly be assumed that the “politics” he practices will be taken seriously at all anymore and that instead, every current, retrospective and future decision will be questioned and associated with the three charges according to the motto “is he doing this because it is necessary now or because he is hoping for a another personal gain and benefit from it?”), Times of Israel, 24 May 2020: Ex-police chief on start of Netanyahu trial: ‘A stain on all those around him’, France24, 24 May 2020: Netanyahu trial divides Israelis, Haaretz, 24 May 2020: Netanyahu’s Defense Strategy Is to Undermine His Accuser, the State of Israel, Times of Israel, 24 May 2020: Israel riven over Netanyahu trial, but it’s the verdict that will test democracy (Times of Israel, 28 November 2019: In depth: The State of Israel v. Benjamin Netanyahu: The specifics of the PM’s indictment), The Guardian, 24 May 2020: Netanyahu in the dock: image of Israeli PM on trial may haunt him for ever, Times of Israel, 24 May 2020: Likud ministers at his side, Netanyahu asserts the entire right is on trial, France24, 24 May 2020: Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu professes innocence at start of corruption trial (it’s simple: just don’t be a paranoid kleptocrat. Then there is no need to worry about prosecutions or to fantasize about conspiracy theories), Haaretz, 24 May 2020: Netanyahu in the Dock Doesn’t Make Israel a Shining Beacon of Justice, Times of Israel, 24 May 2020: Hundreds attend pro- and anti-Netanyahu rallies as PM’s trial opens in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 24 May 2020: Gantz Says Netanyahu Will Receive Fair Trial, Expresses Faith in Law Enforcement, Times of Israel, 24 May 2020: Taking defendant’s bench, Netanyahu becomes first Israeli PM to stand trial, BBC, 24 May 2020: Netanyahu trial: Israeli prime minister faces Jerusalem court, Haaretz, 24 May 2020: For 50 Minutes, Netanyahu’s Fate Was Controlled by Two Women in Black, CNN, 24 May 2020: Netanyahu defiant as he arrives for start of trial, The Guardian, 24 May 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu appears in court on corruption charges, The New York Times, 24 May 2020: Netanyahu Corruption Trial Begins, Taking Israel Into Uncharted Territory, Arab News, 24 May 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu attacks justice system as trial begins, The National, 24 May 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu trial begins at Jerusalem court, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2020: The country needs to come first, not Netanyahu – analysis, Haaretz, 25 May 2020: After Losing Hope for Change, Top Left-wing Activists and Scholars Leave Israel Behind, Times of Israel, 25 May 2020: Lapid says Netanyahu’s ‘horror show’ shows why he should have quit as PM (this makes it increasingly obvious how one can actually interpret “the only democracy in the Middle East” in Netanyahu’s Israel. It is increasingly adapting to that of the neighboring countries: nepotism, while law and order are the basis for negotiations at best. In the medium term, this could mean renaming it “Former Democracy and Jewish Theocracy in the Middle East”), Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2020: Ehud Olmert: Netanyahu and family need to be ‘disinfected’, Times of Israel, 25 May 2020: Victim of a left-wing coup? Why Netanyahu’s conspiracy theory is foul and absurd, Times of Israel, 25 May 2020: Lapid: Netanyahu attempting to spark a civil war, Haaretz, 26 May 2020: Amid U.S. Pressure, Chinese Firm Loses Contract for Israeli Plant in Sensitive Location, Times of Israel, 26 May 2020: Police: Netanyahu’s attacks are unfounded; fourth probe possible, Haaretz, 26 May 2020: What Netanyahu Had Done During His Investigations Is Even Worse Than the Actual Charges, Times of Israel, 26 May 2020: Iran’s head rabbi berates Israelis, Netanyahu: ‘You don’t represent Judaism’, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2020: Iran’s chief rabbi says Zionists ‘do not represent Judaism’, Times of Israel, 27 May 2020: High Court justice: Government run by indicted prime minister a ‘moral failure’, Times of Israel, 27 May 2020: A stunning tirade highlights Israeli divide over Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 27 May 2020: Netanyahu calls for probe of anonymous police officer over critical comments, Jerusalem Post, 28 May 2020: Netanyahu is running scared (this applies to all kleptocrats in the world), Haaretz, 28 May 2020: Is It an Israeli’s Duty to Present His Country in a Positive Light?, Times of Israel, 31 May 2020: How ultra-Orthodox parties became the biggest winners in Israel’s new government, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2020: Due to COVID-19: AIPAC cancels its 2021 policy conference, Middle East Monitor, 1 June 2020: Israel facing ‘greatest economic crises in its history’, Times of Israel, 8 June 2020: Netanyahu hires Breitbart reporter Aaron Klein as new adviser (not surprising at all, as undemocratic right-wingers support undemocratic right-wingers around the world), Times of Israel, 14 June 2020: Why some on the right see Netanyahu’s trial as unjust – even if he’s guilty, Times of Israel, 15 June 2020: Senior Likud source says Netanyahu seeking to dissolve government – report, Times of Israel, 16 June 2020: Anti-corruption group asks High Court to probe Netanyahu in submarine case, Haaretz, 19 June 2020: Full Annexation or Limited Sovereignty: Netanyahu’s Multiple Scenarios Have One Goal, Haaretz, 19 June 2020: Tzipi Hotovely Is the Ugly, Extremist Face of Israel. British Jews Should Welcome Her, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2020: Netanyahu voters would pick him ‘if he raped their daughter’ – TV anchor, The Guardian, 20 June 2020: Outrage as hardliner is chosen as next Israeli ambassador to UK, Haaretz, 21 June 2020: In unity deal, Netanyahu seeks personal tax benefits worth hundreds of thousands, Haaretz, 23 June 2020: Knesset Committee Approves Million-shekel Tax Break for Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 25 June 2020: Why, exactly, have Israelis been ordered to pay Netanyahu’s taxes?, Haaretz, 26 June 2020: Netanyahu Having Trouble Feeding His Family? In the State of Bibistan, Everything’s Possible, Times of Israel, 26 June 2020: 8 arrested, including ex-general, as hundreds protest outside Netanyahu’s home, Haaretz, 27 June 2020: Thousands-strong anti-Netanyahu Demonstration Follows Protest Leader’s Arrest (like in Egypt, Lebanon or Jordan), Times of Israel, 27 June 2020: Thousands protest outside PM’s residence against corruption and arrests, Jerusalem Post, 27 June 2020: Thousands demonstrate against arrests, Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: In unprecedented harangue, Netanyahu accuses Mandelblit of scheming to oust him, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: State prosecution said probing deletion of folder with Netanyahu case files, Haaretz, 2 July 2020: Netanyahu Ordered to Repay Cousin $30,000 He Received for Legal Defense, Times of Israel, 2 July 2020: Netanyahu’s prescient warning about when a PM shouldn’t make ‘fateful decisions’, Haaretz, 4 July 2020: Like Trump, Netanyahu Is Running Into the Brick Wall of Coronavirus Reality, Times of Israel, 6 July 2020: Prominent diplomatic correspondent, a Netanyahu critic, loses his TV job, Haaretz, 6 July 2020: Is the Latest Purge of Journalists an Attempt to Appease Netanyahu?, Haaretz, 6 July 2020: Summer’s End Scenario: Netanyahu Usurps Democracy and Assumes Absolute Rule, Times of Israel, 7 July 2020: ‘We’re collapsing’: Netanyahu roasted by ailing businesspeople in Zoom call, Globes, 7 July 2020: Netanyahu meets Stanley Fischer to discuss economic crisis, Times of Israel, 7 July 2020: Bennett’s wife: PM prefers ‘economic holocaust’ over ceding management of crisis, Times of Israel, 7 July 2020: State prosecutor announces likely indictment of Gal Hirsch, would-be police head, Haaretz, 9 July 2020: Israel Is Sliding Into a Nondemocratic Abyss, and We Know Who Will Be Blamed, Times of Israel, 10 July 2020: How vulnerable is Netanyahu? A right-wing backbencher gives PM cause for worry, Haaretz, 11 July 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Take Place in 170 Junctions Across Israel, Times of Israel, 11 July 2020: Thousands demand government action at Tel Aviv protest against economic policy, Haaretz, 11 July 2020: Ten Thousand Israelis Protest Poor Government Aid Amid Coronavirus Economic Crisis, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2020: Thousands of enraged protesters gather in Tel Aviv: ‘No more games!’, France24, 11 July 2020: Protesters pack Tel Aviv rally against virus cash crisis, The National, 12 July 2020: Thousands of Israelis protest in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu’s response to pandemic, The Guardian, 13 July 2020: Israeli court dismisses Amnesty bid to block spyware firm NSO, Haaretz, 13 July 2020: Israeli Court Rejects Request to Revoke Spyware Firm NSO’s Export License, Times of Israel, 13 July 2020: Israeli court rejects Amnesty petition to curb spyware firm NSO, Haaretz, 14 July 2020: Israeli Universities Group Chief Resigns Over ‘Political Takeover’ of Academia, Times of Israel, 14 July 2020: Netanyahu reportedly ‘furious’ with Gantz for blocking new virus restrictions, DW, 14 July 2020: Thousands of protesters call on Netanyahu to resign, Haaretz, 14 July 2020: Thousands Protest Outside PM’s Residence Demanding Netanyahu’s Resignation, Times of Israel, 14 July 2020: Police use force to disperse anti-Netanyahu protesters, 50 arrested, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2020: Jerusalem rocked by confrontations between police, protesters, Al Arabiya, 14 July 2020: Thousands protest in Jerusalem against Israel’s PM Netanyahu, Haaretz, 15 July 2020: Jerusalem Has Seen Many Protests, but This One Was a Turning Point for the anti-Netanyahu Movement, Haaretz, 15 July 2020: Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Caught on Tape Dragging anti-Netanyahu Protester on the Ground, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2020: Netanyahu will soon fade out, and it’ll all be over soon enough, Times of Israel, 17 July 2020: For third time this week, hundreds demonstrate against Netanyahu outside home, Times of Israel, 18 July 2020: In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, thousands rail against Netanyahu, COVID-19 policies, Haaretz, 18 July 2020: Thousands-strong Protests Against Netanyahu Rock Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Post, 18 July 2020: Second hearing of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trial to occur on Sunday, Arab News, 18 July 2020: Attack on Israel’s judges is an attack on its democracy, Times of Israel, 19 July 2020: Netanyahu’s corruption trial set to resume as protests mount, Times of Israel, 19 July 2020: How Netanyahu lost focus, and his coalition lost control, in fight against COVID, Haaretz, 19 July 2020: Evidence Phase in Netanyahu Trial to Begin January 2021, Three Times a Week, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2020: How is Netanyahu going to be PM once his trial begins? – analysis, France24, 19 July 2020: Netanyahu corruption trial to resume in January 2021 amid Israeli anger over Covid-19, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2020: Netanyahu’s tweet is not just a tweet, it’s desperation – analysis, Times of Israel, 19 July 2020: Witnesses to start testifying in Netanyahu trial in January, 3 times a week, Palestine Chronicle, 19 July 2020: Netanyahu’s Corruption Trial Resumes as Israel Faces Coronavirus Protests (VIDEO), Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2020: Netanyahu’s trial to start January 2021, calling witnesses 3 times a week, Haaretz, 19 July 2020: ‘We’ll Be Here as Long as It Takes:’ Anti-Netanyahu Protests Grow Across 200 Junctions in Fourth Week, Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2020: Politics and populism — not coronavirus — are making Israelis sick, Haaretz, 20 July 2020: Young Israelis Are Finally Taking to the Streets. Here’s What’s Driving Them, Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2020: Iran, and others, watching Israel stumble over coronavirus, Israel Hayom, 20 July 2020: Corona crunch sees bankruptcy applications soar by 75%, Haaretz, 22 July 2020: Thousands Protest Israeli Gov’t Handling of Economic Crisis, Call for Netanyahu’s Resignation in Jerusalem, The Guardian, 22 July 2020: Israelis protest against Netanyahu in Jerusalem – in pictures, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2020: 34 arrested amid mass anti-government protests in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 22 July 2020: Netanyahu Decides on November Election, Leveraging Political Chaos, Sources Say, Times of Israel, 22 July 2020: Netanyahu said to be set on dissolving coalition, with new elections in November, Israel Hayom, 22 July 2020: Election seems closer than ever as government infighting reaches new high, Haaretz, 23 July 2020: Israel Election Polls: Support for Netanyahu’s Likud Drops, Right-wing Slate on the Rise, Times of Israel, 23 July 2020: Thousands mass outside Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence in latest protest, Haaretz, 23 July 2020: Fifty-Five Arrested as Thousands Gather in Jerusalem for anti-Netanyahu Protest, DW, 24 July 2020: Likud MP Nir Barkat: ‘We have to upgrade the legal system’, Times of Israel, 25 July 2020: Thousands taking part in anti-graft demonstrations against Netanyahu, The Guardian, 25 July 2020: Netanyahu faces anger as virus surges and unemployment rises, Times of Israel, 26 July 2020: Mandelblit questions legality of funding for Sara Netanyahu’s attorney fees, Haaretz, 26 July 2020: Protest Turbulence Threatens to Destabilize Netanyahu – or Israeli Democracy, Times of Israel, 26 July 2020: Shin Bet said to have secretly tracked most Israelis’ phones for over 2.5 years, The Guardian, 29 July 2020: Netanyahu rattled by Last Supper sculpture in Tel Aviv square, Times of Israel, 29 July 2020: Artist takes aim at Netanyahu with life-size Last Supper statue, Haaretz, 29 July 2020: Netanyahu at the Center of ‘The Last Supper’ in Tel Aviv Protest Installation, France24, 29 July 2020: Israeli artist mocks Netanyahu in ‘Last Supper’ installation, Times of Israel, 29 July 2020: Rivlin condemns attacks on anti-Netanyahu protesters, warns of political murder, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: Israeli virus deaths rise to 500, as ministers weigh removing weekend closures, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: At anti-Netanyahu protests, no clear leaders — and that’s how activists like it, Israel Hayom, 30 July 2020: Netanyahu in pure survival mode, Haaretz, 30 July 2020: Far-right Activists Attack Media as 1,000 anti-Netanyahu Protesters Gather in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: Some 2,000 rally against Netanyahu in Jerusalem; 8 far-right protesters arrested, Palestine Chronicle, 30 July 2020: Israeli Knesset Rejects Amendment to Guarantee Equality in Nation-State Law, Haaretz, 31 July 2020: Chasing Down Palestinians, Threatening anti-Netanyahu Protesters: A Night With Far-right Group, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protest movement to go global over weekend, Haaretz, 31 July 2020: Netanyahu Portrays the Israeli Left as Violent, but It’s He Who Wants Chaos, Haaretz, 31 July 2020: The Biggest Anarchist on Balfour Street, Times of Israel, 1 August 2020: Policeman arrives at man’s home, demands he delete Netanyahu photo from Facebook, France24, 1 August 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protests in Israel continue to grow (the Israelis are finally waking up from the Netanyahu nightmare. It was about time. The mixture of Trump and Edogan has done considerable damage to the country for years), The Guardian, 2 August 2020: Thousands demonstrate against Netanyahu as protests gain strength, Jewish Business News, 2 August 2020: Israel’s Treasury Estimates: The Economic Crisis Will Last About 5 Years, Times of Israel, 2 August 2020: Netanyahu: Protesters are trampling on democracy; Gantz: They must be protected (Netanyahu is just the right person to complain about “trampling democracy”, after all he’s been doing it for over a decade very successfully. Very weak attempt to distract from his criminal actions), The Guardian, 2 August 2020: Analysis: Israel protests may dent Netanyahu’s ego, but do they threaten his power?, Jerusalem Post, 2 August 2020: Court slaps Yair Netanyahu with restraining order, The National, 2 August 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu compares media to North Korea over protests against him, The National, 2 August 2020: Can the anti-Netanyahu protests grow into a larger movement?, Times of Israel, 3 August 2020: Plan for Israeli-style White House going nowhere, wasting millions – comptroller, Foreign Policy, 3 August 2020: Israel Can’t Hide Evidence of Its Occupation Anymore, Times of Israel, 6 August 2020: Polls signal slumping support for Netanyahu’s Likud, surge for Yamina, DW, 6 August 2020: What’s behind Israel’s growing protests?, Times of Israel, 6 August 2020: Hundreds rally against Netanyahu in Jerusalem in subdued affair, Haaretz, 7 August 2020: Netanyahu, Gantz Already Campaigning as Israel Autopilots Into Election No. 4, Haaretz, 8 August 2020: As Israel’s Coalition Crisis Worsens, Weekly Cabinet Session Put on Hold, Times of Israel, 9 August 2020: Likud, Blue and White scotch cabinet meeting, trade barbs as impasse deepens, Arab News, 11 August 2020: As Israel’s protesters go high, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sinks lower and lower, Times of Israel, 12 August 2020: Your father knew better: PM, Lapid trade insults as bill to bar Netanyahu fails, Arab News, 13 August 2020: Political novices drawn to rally against Netanyahu, BBC, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE strike historic deal to normalise relations, CNN, 13 August 2020: Israel and the UAE establish ‘full normalization of relations,’ Trump says (what does that mean in concrete terms? The United Arab Emirates rate the threat posed by Iran ever higher and are therefore trying to strengthen military alliances and classify Israel as the lesser evil, following the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend!” Of course, understandably, Israel is still not trusted. In return, the UAE accept that the corrupt kleptocrats Netanyahu and Trump can distract for a few hours from the fact that they are the completely wrong people for the tasks assigned to them. The Emiratis can even talk about it nicely by pointing out that Netanyahu’s and Trump’s mentalities and ways of acting ultimately make them ideally suited to the Middle East, because they have never understood the concepts of democracy, law and freedom. For the Palestinians, however, it is more bad news because it means that the Emiratis have made a choice, albeit understandably, for their own security. This inevitably leads to the legitimate interests of the Palestinians being neglected and thus indirectly favoring the further expansion of the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Netanyahu has already announced that the planned illegal annexation of the largest parts of the Palestinian state (East Jerusalem and the West Bank) will only be postponed, but not canceled. The Palestinians are not innocent of this development, because their actions and their omissions have angered the Arab supporters considerably. How long this situation will last from the UAE’s point of view is difficult to assess, especially since China has closed agreements with Iran and Saudi Arabia that have what it takes to turn enemies into friends, so that the tide can turn into the opposite, especially because there is still no agreement between China and the United Arab Emirates. This can be changed quickly. It is of course also obvious that the agreement between two small states will not change the world. Overall it’s just a drop in the ocean, but Netanyahu and Trump currently need every straw that could ensure that they can cling to their chairs, no matter how criminal they are. That being said, the agreement is little more than an Letter of Intent (The National, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement of US, Israel and UAE) that must first be filled with life before it can be called an “agreement”. The mutual opening of embassies that have already been announced will not work because the Emiratis have announced that this will only take place after a peace agreement has been concluded between Israelis and Palestinians. Whether and how the symbolic act will actually affect Iran’s ability to act remains to be seen, because one thing is of course clear: In the Middle East nothing is set in stone and rarely as it seems at first glance. This can be seen, among others, because of the fact that it is Iran of all countries that, through its expeditions in foreign territories, has brought closer ties between the Arab Gulf states and Israel. Netanyahu is now talking about a “turning point”, while he probably only saw a Fata Morgana in the Negev. The small states of Bahrain and Oman may well follow suit, because both states have had good unofficial relations with Israel for a long time. All three countries benefit from this. To hope that normalization with Saudi Arabia will take place just as quickly would be an outright self-deception. You have to look at Saudi Arabia’s political system, which, unlike in the West, is not based on parties, but on a clan/tribal economy. Among them are clans/tribes who would be more willing to plunge the country into civil war than to do business with Israel, which in turn would put the royal family in serious danger. This is understandably not worth it to the House of Saud. It will probably be the case that the Saudis will first look at how things are going with their much smaller neighbors and Israel. If it works there, they will familiarize their own population with the idea of ​​normalization. Added to this is the religious importance of Saudi Arabia in the Muslim world. Everything has to be considered twice and three times in order not to cause a catastrophe. So we don’t talk about a year or two in advance, but about decades. For the Palestinians, it means defeat in any case. As “occupied” they should have resisted AND shown willingness to negotiate. But they only delivered 50%, what in return makes it clear again that Israel can exchange as many letters of intent with the Gulf States as it want to: in the end, there is still no solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If you look at the whole picture, the developments result in very positive approaches. If normalization between the states of North Africa, the Gulf States and Israel were actually managed in the next few decades, the potential threat to Israel would be reduced to Lebanon, Palestine and Iran, and for the Gulf States to Iran. If one continues to assume that economic activities among each other would be considerably strengthened through synergy effects, this would have clearly positive effects for the USA and the EU with regard to the billions in support provided to date to the countries of the Levant and North Africa regions, which could be gradually reduced. For the EU this would mean investing the funds released in the expansion of the functioning “Union for the Mediterranean”, which is currently little more than a paper tiger. The bigger challenges are Turkey and Lebanon. The Erdogan regime is currently well on the way to completely pushing the Turkish economy against the wall, which makes the initial situation rather problematic, especially since the Sultan and his neo-Ottomans can hardly deal with defeats, even those completely self-inflicted. Lebanon is in a far more hopeless position: the country must free itself from its corrupt leadership, develop a new political system, rebuild Beirut, overcome the ongoing economic crisis and significantly curb the influence of Iranian-controlled Hezbollah. The country will not be able to cope with the challenges alone. If the EU were to provide support, help and advice and put pressure on individual parties to the extent necessary, it would certainly have positive effects for the entire country. The impetus for this must come from the population themselves. As it turns out in retrospect, the Emiratis have apparently achieved much more than just stopping annexation. As an additional agreement, a billion-dollar arms deal was concluded between the UAE and the USA, which includes the purchase of of F-35 fighter jets. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have wanted to buy US weapons systems for several years, but have always been put off. Apparently they now have found the right lever. Who knows what other agreements have sweetened the Letter of Intent to Israel), The New York Times, 13 August 2020: Israel and United Arab Emirates Strike Major Diplomatic Agreement, DW, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE to start diplomatic ties after breakthrough deal, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement on ‘normalization of relations’ between Israel, UAE, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: Israel-UAE Deal Clears Annexation Muddle. But Not for Everyone, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Hailing ‘new era with Arab world,’ Netanyahu says others will follow UAE’s lead (Ze’ev Jabotinsky and Revisionist Zionism), Haaretz, 13 August 2020: After Netanyahu Commits to Future Annexation, Trump Says It’s Now ‘Off the Table’, Arab News, 13 August 2020: World reacts to UAE’s opening diplomatic ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: In halting annexation, UAE paints its Israel peace deal as win for Palestinians, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: In UAE Deal, Netanyahu Trades Imaginary Annexation for Real Life Diplomacy Win, Arab News, 13 August 2020: Full text of joint statement on UAE and Israel normalizing ties, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: ‘A despicable betrayal’: PA blasts Emirates, demands retraction of Israel deal, Arab News, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel reach ‘historic deal’ to normalize relations, The National, 13 August 2020: Israel freezes Palestine annexation for UAE ties, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace dealUAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace deal, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2020: UAE deal boosts Gulf clout – analysis, The Washington Post, 13 August 2020: The Israel-UAE agreement is an insult to the peace Palestinians and Arabs want and need, The National, 13 August 2020: Gargash: UAE-Israel deal a ‘death blow’ to annexation of Palestine, NPR, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel Move To Normalize Relations As Israel Halts Planned West Bank Annexations, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE’s Jewish community reacts to country’s historic agreement with Israel, France24, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE normalise relations in historic, Trump-brokered deal, The Guardian, 13 August 2020: ‘Truly historic’ Israel signs deal with UAE that will ‘suspend’ West Bank annexation, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Trump scores diplomatic deal with Middle East allies before election, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE to normalise relations in shift in Mideast politics; West Bank annexations on hold, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: Normalization Deal Between Israel and the UAE Signals a Shift in the Region, The Hill, 13 August 2020: 5 takeaways from Israel and UAE opening diplomatic ties, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: In Historic Deal With the UAE, Israel Is the Biggest Winner, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2020: Ehud Olmert to ‘Post’: Netanyahu is still up to his tricks, The Atlantic, 13 August 2020: Why the UAE Made Peace With Israel, The New York Times, 13 August 2020: A Geopolitical Earthquake Just Hit the Mideast, The Washington Post, 14 August 2020: Trump is right. The Israel-UAE agreement is a huge achievement., DW, 14 August 2020: Opinion: Israel-UAE deal means goodbye to independent Palestinian state, France24, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE deal a Trump coup, but his sights are set on Iran, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: ‘It’s a game and we lost’: Palestinians decry Gulf moves towards Israel, Politico.eu, 14 August 2020: EU foreign policy chief Borrell welcomes Israel-UAE deal, Haaretz, 14 August 2020: UAE’s Unique Leverage Over Israel Buried Annexation to Enable Normalization, The National, 14 August 2020: United Nations and major states praise UAE-Israel accord, DW, 14 August 2020: Iran, Turkey slam UAE over agreement with Israel, CNN, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE agreement a meek version of the historic Mideast deal Trump pledged, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: While Israel celebrates a new peace accord, Palestinians once again lose (Trump “should be a frontrunner for the Nobel Peace Prize”. :-D .. following this logic, Iran would be the #1 candidate, because without its activities in the region the Arab Gulf states wouldn’t agree to normalize relations with Israel in the coming 200 years), Al Arabiya, 14 August 2020: After UAE-Israel peace deal, a Palestinian state is the next step, DW, 15 August 2020: Mixed reaction to historic agreement between Israel and UAE, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Morocco said likely to be one of the next states to normalize ties with Israel (unabashed corruption in public: Morocco offers to normalize relations with Israel if the US in return recognizes the illegal annexation of Western Sahara as legal), The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: The historic deal between Israel and the UAE shows Trump’s strategy is paying off, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: Israeli Delegation to Head to UAE to Hammer Out Details of Accords, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: UAE locals hail Israel peace, offer hotel discounts; elsewhere in Gulf, wariness, The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: Israel’s relations in the Middle East, explained, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: King of Bahrain Congratulates the UAE on Deal With Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 15 August 2020: The Emirati-Israel-Trump Treachery, Bloomberg, 15 August 2020: Bahrain Joins Egypt, Oman in Supporting UAE, Israel Deal, Arab News, 15 August 2020: Ankara burns bridges with UAE but maintains ties with Israel: Why?, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2020: UAE says Israel deal not about Iran, rejects criticism from Turkey’s Erdogan, The New York Times, 15 August 2020: Shifting Dynamics of the Mideast Pushed Israel and U.A.E. Together, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: ‘UAE Deal Won’t Keep Us at Home’: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Draw Thousands, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Turnout lower as thousands rally against Netanyahu two days after UAE deal, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Taking normalization over annexation, Netanyahu poised to enter exalted company, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Iran threatens to attack UAE over Israel deal, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Once Again, the U.S. Saves Netanyahu From Himself, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Normalization with other Arab countries is possible, says Avi Berkowitz, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Stopping Annexation Was Our Main Concern: Top UAE Official Hails ‘Historic’ Israel Deal in Haaretz Interview, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Why Lebanon won’t make peace with Israel so long as Hezbollah is around, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: UAE Is Normalizing Relations With Israel. Lebanon Should, Too, France24, 16 August 2020: Telephone service begins between Israel and UAE after historic deal, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Netanyahu: UAE deal based on strength, will yield ‘true peace’ with Palestinians, Arab News, 17 August 2020: Netanyahu says UAE deal signals end to ‘land for peace’, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Five countries that could be next to make peace with Israel, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Thanks for Dubai, Now Bye Bye: An Evening With Israel’s Happiest anti-Netanyahu Protesters, Israel Hayom, 16 August 2020: EU welcomes Israel-UAE deal as good for Mideast stability, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Born of internal Arab despair, UAE deal gives Israel genuine chance of peace, DW, 16 August 2020: UAE, Israel firms sign deal after establishing ties, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Only Trump Could Get Bibi to Pose as Shimon Peres, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: UAE foreign minister calls his Israeli counterpart to launch direct phone lines, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Base set by UAE-Israel deal must be built upon, France24, 16 August 2020: Macron urges new Middle East peace talks after call with Abbas, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Made Peace in Dubai? Now Make Peace With the Palestinians, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Middle East peace talks remain priority, Macron says after call with Abbas, The National, 16 August 2020: EU says UAE-Israel peace accord a ‘fundamental step’ for stability, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2020: Phone calls open between UAE and Israel, websites unblocked after agreement, Al Arabiya, 17 August 2020: Six major events in Oman-Israel relations: Timeline, Times of Israel, 17 August 2020: Lapid: In ‘dangerous’ move, Netanyahu denying economic crisis, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: Trump says moved embassy to Jerusalem ‘for the evangelicals’, The Washington Post, 18 August 2020: Netanyahu’s diplomatic sleight of hand can’t hide his failures at home, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: The Palestinians weren’t betrayed by the UAE. They were simply left behind, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: Gaza Tensions: Hamas Doesn’t Seek Escalation, but Won’t Make Do With Restoring Calm, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: UAE official reportedly rebuffs Netanyahu denial he okayed F-35 sale, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: A Deal With UAE? If Israeli Settlers Are Mad, It Must Be Good, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: It’s time for the Palestinians to call Israel’s bluff on peace, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: Trump: We moved the capital of Israel to Jerusalem for the Evangelicals, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: Despite worst economy in years, anti-Netanyahu protests struggle to grip nation, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: ‘Impossible’ Beirut Port blast was caused by Hezbollah arms – president, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2020: Fake Facebook accounts comparing Netanyahu to Hitler taken down, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Likud source says coalition not working, elections likely, as PM goes walkabout, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: Five Days Before Deadline, Election Appears Imminent as Netanyahu, Gantz Lock Horns, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2020: Netanyahu confidant gives sign elections are on the way, NPR, 19 August 2020: Israel And UAE’s Accord Is A Big Win, But Don’t Overplay It, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: After Israel-UAE Normalization, Saudi FM Says Committed to Arab Peace Initiative, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Saudi FM: No Israel normalization without peace with the Palestinians, Arab News, 19 August 2020: Foreign minister: Saudi Arabia is committed to Arab peace plan, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: Trump and Netanyahu Are Pushing Palestinians Back to Armed Struggle, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Israel said to express concerns to US over Saudi nuclear program, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2020: Friedman to ‘Post’: Israeli security not undermined in UAE deal, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: How Netanyahu’s Huge Diplomatic Achievement Turned Into a Self-made Political Fiasco, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Reported deal to sell UAE F-35 jets edges in on US promise of Israeli dominance, The National, 19 August 2020: Sudan: spokesman fired after remarks on Israel ties, JStreet, 19 August 2020: One of the Israeli right’s think tanks commissioned a study into American Jews. They didn’t like the results., Middle East Monitor, 19 August 2020: Fatah, Hamas hold joint protest against UAE-Israel deal (after all, the rapprochement initially stopped the “great annexation” of the West Bank and East Jerusalem by Israel through the engagement of the UAE. Of course, the many “small annexations” will continue in the future, as they did in the past decades. At the end of the day, however, the Palestinians need also do their part to achieve a sustainable overall solution before Israel has annexed the entire Palestinian state land. Even if the Palestinian view is perfectly understandable, it is neither goal-oriented nor solution-oriented. By the way, insulting the Arab supporters isn’t either), The New York Times, 19 August 2020: Trump Administration Pushes Arms Sale to U.A.E. Despite Israeli Worries, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: Ehud Olmert to ‘Post’: How will the Israel-UAE deal affect all involved?, Haaretz, 20 August 2020: UAE Deal Is an Economic Opportunity, but Perhaps Not of the Kind Israelis Think, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: To end the occupation, Palestinians need the moral high ground – opinion, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: My Word: The Abraham Accord’s splendid past, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: This Weekend, the Netanyahu Family Is Set to Decide if Israel Is Going to Election, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2020: EU spent €5m. promoting east Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital in 2019 (well done, EU. Good spent money. Even though Israel, like so many other occupying powers around the world, think that occupation is on its side, while international law and numerous UN resolutions say otherwise), Times of Israel, 21 August 2020: Thousands take part in weekly anti-Netanyahu protest, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: F-35 Sale to UAE: ‘Netanyahu Knew… It’s an Outrage’, Palestine Chronicle, 21 August 2020: UAE to Establish Embassy in Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: Thousands of anti-Netanyahu Protesters Gather Outside PM’s Residence in Jerusalem, Palestine Chronicle, 21 August 2020: Jewish Settlers Storm Palestinian Village near Bethlehem, Al Arabiya, 21 August 2020: Saudi Arabia’s price for ties with Israel is Palestinian state: Prince Turki, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: Netanyahu’s Campaign Against Law Enforcement Has Paid Off. Now He Wants to Complete It, Palestine Chronicle, 21 August 2020: How Israel Wages War on Palestinian History, Arab News, 21 August 2020: The UAE has skillfully moved to check Iranian aggression, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2020: Republican Party launches 2020 election campaign in Israel, Times of Israel, 23 August 2020: More than 500 Israelis have died from COVID-19 in July-August, DW, 23 August 2020: Israel PM Netanyahu accepts budget compromise, avoids election, Haaretz, 23 August 2020: Israel Seeking to Close Its Doors to Converts From ‘Emerging’ Jewish Communities, Times of Israel, 23 August 2020: Netanyahu wants elections — and fears them, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: Iran could bear responsibility for UAE-Israel reconciliation: Veteran US diplomat, The Guardian, 23 August 2020: Netanyahu accepts budget delay to avoid fresh elections, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: Another Israel-Arab deal expected in coming weeks: Israeli ambassador to US, DW, 24 August 2020: Mike Pompeo arrives in Israel on first stop of Middle East tour (a really interesting show. While the UAE has demanded the Israeli annexation freeze and a substantial arms deal with the US as the price for normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia announced at the weekend that its price for normalization is a peace treaty concluded between Israel and Palestine. Whereby the term “normalization” is interpreted differently. While Netanyahu speaks of “complete normalization in all areas”, the UAE only of “economic normalization only”. It remains to be seen what prices the US and Israel will have to pay for the consent of the other Arab and North African states to normalize relations with Israel. Whether the effort is worth it or not remains to be seen on November 3rd, the day of the US presidential election. It is already a great challenge in the remaining time frame to develop a more concrete agreement from the Letter of Intent between the UAE and Israel, to sign it and then to fill it with life later on), Times of Israel, 24 August 2020: UAE-Israel Accord, Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, Haaretz, 24 August 2020: Netanyahu’s Become All-powerful, but Most Israelis No Longer Believe a Word He Says, Timws of Israel, 24 August 2020: UAE said to scrap meet with Israel, US envoys after Netanyahu panned F-35 deal (looks like Netanyahu and Trump messed it up once again. Dumb and dumber), Arab News, 24 August 2020: Pompeo hopes other Arab states open relations with Israel, Haaretz, 25 August 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Won’t Bring Him Down. But They’ve Already Made Him Blink, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2020: Iran says talks with IAEA chief in Tehran were ‘constructive’ – Tasnim, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: UN Security Council rejects US demand to ‘snap back’ Iran sanctions (the third major defeat of the Trump administration at UN within a few weeks and there is even more to come. Awesome), Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2020: Snapback mechanism for Iran sanctions not triggered, UNSC president says, France24, 25 August 2020: Sudan not considering normalising ties with Israel before end of interim govt in 2022, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: Pompeo arrives in Bahrain for next leg of Middle East charm offensive, Arab News, 25 August 2020: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Pompeo discuss strengthening UAE-Israel deal, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2020: Abbas: Normalization between Arabs, Israel won’t achieve peace, Haaretz, 25 August 2020: Netanyahu: Top U.S. Officials to Join Israeli Delegation to UAE to Discuss Cooperation, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: Abbas slams ‘illusion of peace for peace’ in meeting with UK FM, The New York Times, 25 August 2020: Pompeo Delivers R.N.C. Speech From Israel, With Eye Toward 2024, Times of Israel, 26 August 2020: Pompeo dives into GOP confab from Jerusalem, defying precedent and possibly law, Palestine Chronicle, 26 August 2020: UAE-Israel Normalization Hits Snag, Trilateral Meeting Canceled, Israel Hayom, 26 August 2020: Europe is clinging to the Palestinians (once again the already well-known and typical Likudnik and anti-EU propaganda. The EU and most member states would be pretty happy, if and when the letter of intent between the UAE and Israel would be filled with life. There are still a myriad of unchallenged issues to overcome, so that it is far to early to celebrate. At the same time the Israel Hayom is Netanyahu’s advertisement agency, so that the Likudniks make clear what kind of supporters they are looking for: racist, far-right-wing and/or autocratic governments. Pretty telling), Haaretz, 27 August 2020: Pompeo’s Controversial Jerusalem Endorsement of Trump Hits Home With Israelis No Less Than Evangelicals, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2020: Ashkenazi meets EU counterparts in Germany on first diplomatic trip overseas, CNN, 27 August 2020: Pence reinvents Trump’s presidency on a disorienting night of crises, Haaretz, 27 August 2020: How the UAE and Saudi Arabia Now Hold Israel Hostage, Times of Israel, 27 August 2020: Pompeo heads home after appearing to hit wall in push for Israel ties, Times of Israel, 27 August 2020: Messing with the Law of Return again, Der Spiegel, 28 August 2020: Israel’s Ambassador to Germany on UAE Deal: “We Don’t Talk Enough — Israelis, Arabs, Palestinians”, Times of Israel, 30 August 2020: At biggest anti-Netanyahu rally yet, police are restrained and Hasidim join in, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2020: Gantz to Kushner: Let’s work together to keep Israel’s military edge (“to find the right avenues to ensure that Israel’s defensive superiority, which is vital to regional stability, is preserved.” – there’s a bit of a glitch here, as it isn’t “vital to regional stability”, but for Israel exclusively), Haaretz, 30 August 2020: These Israelis, Under Fire From Hamas, Think Netanyahu Is a Bigger Risk, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2020: Finance Ministry budget chief quits, furious with Katz’s behavior, Times of Israel, 30 August 2020: On eve of 1st UAE flight, PM claims Palestinians can’t ‘veto’ Israel-Arab peace (Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement – the lie of the alleged “peace treaty” is even spreading on Wikipedia. There has never been a war between the UAE and Israel. The deal is just a trade agreement. Rather, it is about the US election campaign and Trump’s imminent election defeat), Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2020: Jared Kushner visit shows importance of accord to Trump’s campaign, Haaretz, 31 August 2020: Netanyahu May Be Just as Corrupt and Disruptive, but He’s No Match for Trump in Terms of Crazy, The National, 31 August 2020: Historic first flight from Israel to UAE lands in Abu Dhabi, Times of Israel, 31 August 2020: El Al flight lands in UAE after becoming 1st Israeli plane to cross Saudi Arabia, CNN, 31 August 2020: First Israeli commercial flight between Israel and UAE takes to the skies, BBC, 31 August 2020: Israel and UAE in historic direct flight following peace deal, Haaretz, 3 September 2020: Opening Saudi Skies to Israel May Pave the Crown Prince’s Way Back to Washington, Times of Israel, 5 September 2020: Intel minister: We’ll act against sale of F-35s to UAE, including in US Congress, Haaretz, 5 September 2020: Trump Secures Long Overdue Israeli Recognition of Kosovo. But What’s That Have to Do With ‘Middle East Peace’?, Times of Israel, 5 September 2020: Israel-UAE normalization to be given peace treaty status — report (based on a lie. What else can be expected from Netanyahu and Trump?), Jerusalem Post, 5 September 2020: Russia, US, Turkey and EU have military tensions that border Middle East, Haaretz, 6 September 2020: UAE and F-35s: Netanyahu Doubletalk Sets Up Dogfight Between Trump and Congress, Times of Israel, 6 September 2020: Kosovo’s Jerusalem embassy offer was available for years, but Israel was wary, Jerusalem Post, 6 September 2020: Israel’s Defense Ministry views UAE-US arms deal as ‘almost done deal’, Times of Israel, 7 September 2020: New Israeli film projects AIPAC’s steady drift from idealistic bipartisan roots, Haaretz, 8 September 2020: Israel’s Economy Will Pay Heavily for Bibi’s Lockdown Retreat, Jerusalem Post, 8 September 2020: The coronavirus chaos is caused by one person: Netanyahu – comment, Times of Israel, 8 September 2020: As High Holidays near, harsh judgment looms for Israel’s handling of COVID-19, Haaretz, 9 September 2020: Israeli Filmmakers Put AIPAC and U.S. Evangelicals Under the Spotlight – and Are Alarmed at What They Find, Haaretz, 10 September 2020: Israel Is Heading Down Lebanon’s Failed State Trajectory, The Hill, 11 September 2020: Israel, Bahrain to normalize diplomatic relations, Trump announces (the next lie about a “peace agreement”. Just as the UAE were never at war with Israel, so was Bahrain. But it is better not to share this knowledge with Trump apologists, because they then become abusive and will claim that you are only out to prove with facts why Trump did not deserve a Nobel Peace Prize. In their view this is shameful behaviour :-D ), The Guardian, 11 September 2020: Bahrain to normalise ties with Israel, Donald Trump announces, Haaretz, 11 September 2020: Biden Says Trump Is ‘Dangerous’ to Israel – and Bad for American Jews, Haaretz, 11 September 2020: Israel’s COVID-19 Tragedy: How Hubris, Hasbara and Netanyahu Downed the Start-Up Nation, Times of Israel, 12 September 2020: In last major rally before lockdown, Anti-PM activists joined by business owners, Haaretz, 12 September 2020: Netanyahu’s Cynical Crusade Against Law Enforcement Will Cost Israel Dearly, Times of Israel, 12 September 2020: After UAE and Bahrain deals, Trump said aiming for direct Israel-Morocco flights, Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2020: Demonstrators denounce Netanyahu for untimely trip to US amid coronavirus, Haaretz, 12 September 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protesters Warn of ‘Anti-democratic’ Coronavirus Lockdown Ahead of Vote, Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protesters to gather in DC amid UAE-Israel deal signing, Arab News, 12 September 2020: Thousands of Israelis protest outside Netanyahu’s residence, Al Arabiya, 13 September 2020: Israeli protesters keep up pressure on PM Netanyahu over alleged corruption, Haaretz, 13 September 2020: Trump’s White House Peace Pageant Bound to Deny Netanyahu the Glory He Yearns For, Haaretz, 15 September 2020: Netanyahu at the White House: Big Triumph Abroad, Big Failures at Home, CNN, 15 September 2020: Two Gulf nations will recognize Israel at the White House. Here’s what’s in it for all sides, Haaretz, 15 September 2020: Trump Says ‘No Problem’ Selling F-35 Jets to UAE, Despite Netanyahu’s Denial, Jerusalem Post, 15 September 2020: Only Ashkenazi, not Netanyahu, qualified to sign UAE, Bahrain deals, Times of Israel, 15 September 2020: Israel inking historic accords with UAE, Bahrain at White House ceremony, Jerusalem Post, 15 September 2020: Gantz: Israel must restart talks with Palestinians, The New York Times, 15 September 2020: Israel, U.A.E. and Bahrain Sign Accords, With an Eager Trump Playing Host, Haaretz, 16 September 2020: Trump and Netanyahu’s Big Fat Fake Peace Deal, Times of Israel, 16 September 2020: As lockdown set to begin, Rivlin apologizes for leaders’ virus failures, Jerusalem Post, 16 September 2020: The Abraham Accord: No details, no devil – analysis (“peace treaties” – hahaha .. by now, they are little more but marketing stunts), Haaretz, 16 September 2020: Election Poll After UAE-Bahrain Deal: Netanyahu Loses Seat as Far-right Alliance Surges, Haaretz, 17 September 2020: White House Peace Deals Are as Vacuous as Miss Universe Statements, and That’s by Design, France24, 18 September 2020: Israel: What’s left of the utopian ideal of the kibbutz?, Haaretz, 18 September 2020: Fake Lockdown, Imaginary Reality: Netanyahu Is Leading Israel Into Darkness, Haaretz, 22 September 2020: With No Clear Goal for Second COVID Lockdown, Israeli Economy Could Spiral Out of Control, Jerusalem Post, 22 September 2020: How low will Netanyahu go to save himself as his legal cases heat up?, Haaretz, 22 September 2020: Netanyahu Calls to Curb ‘Farce’ of Protests Against Him Under Coronavirus Restrictions (trying to silence protesters is what suits politicians not that well, when at the same time they are claiming to lead a “democratic” country, except when they think that autocracy is a weird form of democracy), Times of Israel, 22 September 2020: Cabinet delays decision on new virus rules as Netanyahu pans protest ‘farce’, Haaretz, 22 September 2020: Netanyahu’s Cardinal Sin: Making Israelis Feel Like Suckers, Jerusalem Post, 24 September 2020: Israel’s political wars have become that of religious wars, The National, 25 September 2020: Israel admits ISIS fighter in Iraqi prison is its own and permits his return, Haaretz, 26 September 2020: Thousands Protest in Front of Netanyahu’s Residence After Attempts to Curb Demos, Times of Israel, 26 September 2020: Thousands take part in protests against Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 26 September 2020: Netanyahu Wages a Holy War Against Protests. It’s Already Claimed the First Casualty, Jerusalem Post, 26 September 2020: Watch: Virtual ‘Balfour protest’ draws over half a million online viewers, Haaretz, 26 September 2020: Captain Netanyahu Sets the Passengers Against Each Other as Mother Ship Israel Sinks, Haaretz, 28 September 2020: COVID-19 Failure of Populists Like Trump and Netanyahu Hardly a Coincidence, Times of Israel, 29 September 2020: UN will ‘lose its right to exist’ if it doesn’t treat Israel fairly, envoy says (Gilad “Drama Queen” Erdan is at it again *hahaha* .. at the same time he makes it clear what was to be expected beforehand: He is even more untrustworthy than Danny Danon – although this is really difficult), Haaretz, 29 September 2020: Israel’s Attorney General Not Ruling Out Declaring Netanyahu Incapacitated Over Abuse of Office, Haaretz, 1 October 2020: Curbing Protests, Israel Takes Another Step Toward Civil War, Times of Israel, 1 October 2020: Hundreds of small, local anti-Netanyahu protests nationwide ahead of new limits, Haaretz, 1 October 2020: Hundreds of Small Protests Mushroom Across Israel Over ‘Draconian’ Restrictions, Times of Israel, 1 October 2020: Netanyahu’s lawyers buy more time to respond to charges, likely delaying trial, Haaretz, 1 October 2020: Court Extends Deadline for Netanyahu’s Lawyers, Possibly Delaying Corruption Trial, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2020: ‘Rabin was a Nazi’ spray-painted under anti-Netanyahu protester’s home, Haaretz, 3 October 2020: Hundreds of anti-Netanyahu Protests Held Across Israel; Arrests, Clashes in Tel Aviv, Times of Israel, 3 October 2020: Tens of thousands protest Netanyahu across Israel; activists assaulted, arrested, Haaretz, 4 October 2020: PODCAST: Bibi Learns the Hard Way: You Can’t Lock Down Dissent, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Chaos Raging on Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Streets Reveals Unraveling Leadership, Times of Israel, 6 October 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protests resume at hundreds of locations around country, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Continue in Tel Aviv in Shadow of Lockdown, Police Violence, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2020: Cabinet to vote on extending limit on demos as protests surge, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Netanyahu Flees Coronavirus Fight Out of Fear of Being Infected With Responsibility, CBS News, 7 October 2020: Protesters burn masks in Brooklyn coronavirus hotspot over Cuomo’s crackdown on religious gatherings, The New York Times, 7 October 2020: Backlash Grows in Orthodox Jewish Areas Over Virus Crackdown by Cuomo, Times of Israel, 8 October 2020: Jewish journalist assaulted by ultra-Orthodox mob at Brooklyn virus protest, The Washington Post, 8 October 2020: Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jews burn masks in violent protests as New York cracks down on rising coronavirus cases, Haaretz, 8 October 2020: Why ultra-Orthodox Trump-worshipping Mobs Are Attacking Fellow Jews in New York, Times of Israel, 8 October 2020: NYC mayor pans ‘disgusting’ attack on reporter at ultra-Orthodox virus protest, Jerusalem Post, 8 October 2020: Jewish reporter assaulted by ultra-Orthodox mob in Brooklyn, Haaretz, 8 October 2020: Thousands Protest Against Netanyahu Across Israel; Demonstrators Report Attacks, Haaretz, 9 October 2020: Anarchy Prevails in Israel, and It Starts With Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 9 October 2020: Hundreds of anti-Netanyahu protesters march in Tel Aviv despite virus lockdown, Haaretz, 10 October 2020: Tens of Thousands Protest Against Netanyahu at Hundreds of Locations Across Country, Times of Israel, 10 October 2020: Tens of thousands nationwide protest against Netanyahu in over 1,000 locations, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2020: Miri Regev to ex-soccer star: Apologize to Likud or don’t be Israel coach (he shall apologize for that he isn’t a religious, nationalistic, racist, right-wing nut job – interesting), Haaretz, 10 October 2020: Police Shut Down Protest Outside Netanyahu’s Home, Hand Out Fines to Participants, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2020: 16th week of protests kick off with tension between demonstrators, police, The National, 11 October 2020: Israel’s anti-Netanyahu protests draw tens of thousands despite Covid rules, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Secret ultra-Orthodox program treating thousands of COVID patients at home, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Mass anti-Netanyahu rallies planned as government ends lockdown curb on protests, NPR, 12 October 2020: Police Arrest Anti-Lockdown Protest Leader In New York’s Orthodox Jewish Community, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Jewish Democrats and Republicans jointly condemn Brooklyn attack on journalist, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Data shows police have fined very few ultra-Orthodox for mass prayer gatherings, Haaretz, 12 October 2020: As Israel Passes 2,000 COVID Deaths: The Lives Behind the Numbers (Trump sacrificed over 200,000 Americans just to make it to the next presidential election. Since Netanyahu is politically permanently under water, it will be interesting to see how many Israelis he is willing to sacrifice to appease his sectarians), Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Israel passes 2,000 COVID-19 deaths — doubling its toll in just 5 weeks, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Mass anti-Netanyahu rallies planned as government ends lockdown curb on protests, Haaretz, 12 October 2020: Israel’s Reputation as ‘Startup Nation’ Is Fraying, Survey Finds, Haaretz, 12 October 2020: ‘Israel Lost Its Moral Compass,’ President Rivlin Warns as Knesset Returns to Work, Jerusalem Post, 12 October 2020: ‘I feel the air is full of gunpowder,’ Rivlin says, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Ex-Defense Ministry chief’s testimony ties Netanyahu to submarine graft case, Jerusalem Post, 12 October 2020: Iconic UAE-Israel peace image stirs antisemitism, online hate, Haaretz, 13 October 2020: Like Trump, Netanyahu Has Sabotaged Israel’s War on COVID, and Everyone Knows It, Haaretz, 13 October 2020: How evangelicals working in settlements bypassed Israel’s COVID-19 entry ban, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2020: Settlers attack N12 team in clashes with Palestinians in West Bank, Haaretz, 13 October 2020: Settlers Attack Israeli Journalist Reporting on Clashes With Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2020: Tensions high at Jerusalem protests as anti-protest incitement increases, Haaretz, 13 October 2020: Ex-defense Official: Netanyahu Pounded on the Table, Demanding Israel Buys Seventh Submarine, Haaretz, 15 October 2020: Netanyahu’s Coalition Whip Must Be Investigated for Extortion, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: Sudan to normalize ties with Israel after US ultimatum – report (well, a costly experiment for US tax payers to try to buy up “friends” for Israel), Times of Israel, 15 October 2020: AG says won’t investigate Netanyahu over lucrative stock sales, submarine case, Haaretz, 15 October 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protesters Report Attacks as Weekend of Demos Kicks Off Across Israel, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: Israel denies visas to UN human rights staff after settlement blacklist (no wonder, because the blacklist is likely to be incomplete, so Israel is making it difficult for UN employees to visit the Palestinian East Jerusalem and West Bank, and the Syrian Golan heights to change this), Times of Israel, 15 October 2020: Knesset approves UAE normalization 80-13; mainly Arab party is sole opposition, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: Yitzhak Rabin memorial canceled, activists plan rally at Rabin Square, Haaretz, 17 October 2020: Ultra-Orthodox Leader Orders Schools to Fully Reopen Against Regulations, Times of Israel, 17 October 2020: Thousands mass at PM’s residence as major protests resume after restrictions, Haaretz, 17 October 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Resume in Jerusalem, Across Israel, in Shadow of Right-wing Violence, Times of Israel, 17 October 2020: Prominent rabbi orders Haredi schools to reopen; Netanyahu warns against move, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2020: Demonstrators flock to Balfour after mass protest ban lifted, Haaretz, 18 October 2020: Right-wing, ultra-Orthodox Parties Accused of Plotting ‘Hostile Takeover’ of Key Zionist Institutions, The Washington Post, 18 October 2020: Israel ordered a second lockdown in response to coronavirus resurgence. It’s not going so well., Haaretz, 18 October 2020: After Today’s ultra-Orthodox Rebellion, Netanyahu Looks Weaker Than Ever, Haaretz, 20 October 2020: Trump Is the Best U.S. President for Netanyahu. For Israel, He Might Be the Worst, Times of Israel, 20 October 2020: So, you think Trump has been good for Israel?, Jerusalem Post, 21 October 2020: Netanyahu plunged to new depths in submarine scandal vote – analysis, Jerusalem Post, 22 October 2020: Trump’s record on Israel is not as people tend to think – opinion, Haaretz, 22 October 2020: How the Lockdown Only Bolstered anti-Netanyahu Dissent, Times of Israel, 22 October 2020: Thousands demonstrate against government in Tel Aviv, Haifa (weekend after weekend, Israeli democracy supporters have been taking to the streets for months (including during the corona pandemic) to save their country from the complete loss of democracy prescribed by Netanyahu. In comparison: when 100,000 demonstrators protest in Israel, then 1 million protesters against the Merkel government would have to come together in Germany – we are at least 900,000 people away from it. From this it can be deduced how much the Israeli democracy has come under pressure in comparison. Another difference is that in Israel there are demonstrations for essential and existential reasons, while in Germany a few crazy musicians, cooks and anti-Semitic, racist agitators are yelling on the marketplaces of the republic because they supposedly would not have their say heard (although here you need to differentiate between the actually legitimate concerns and pure nonsense – unfortunately the boundaries are becoming more fluid by the day). There is a considerable difference in quality in comparison), Haaretz, 22 October 2020: Reform Leaders Warn Netanyahu Over Orthodox Takeover of Zionist Institutions, Times of Israel, 25 October 2020: Justice minister compares Netanyahu secrecy on F-35s to submarine graft case, Haaretz, 26 October 2020: If Biden and Democrats Win, Netanyahu Morphs From Asset to Liability, Haaretz, 29 October 2020: Netanyahu: 25 Years After Rabin Murder, Incitement Against PM Persists (poor little boy! If your agitation against Rabin hadn’t led to his murder, nobody would have to or want to talk about it today), Times of Israel, 29 October 2020: Yitzhak Rabin’s true legacy is trust, Haaretz, 30 October 2020: The Case for Nationalism, by the Israeli Credited With Shaping Trump’s Foreign Policy, Haaretz, 1 November 2020: Netanyahu’s Complicity With Traitor Trump Has Tainted Israel-U.S. Ties, Times of Israel, 1 November 2020: Israel hasn’t learned the lesson of Rabin’s assassination, slain PM’s son says, Times of Israel, 2 November 2020: Opposition leader accuses Netanyahu of alienating Democrats for personal gain, Jerusalem Post, 2 November 2020: Will a Trump or Biden win have a greater impact on Israel’s economy?, DW, 4 November 2020: Yitzhak Rabin murder still casts its shadow, Haaretz, 4 November 2020: Trump and Netanyahu May Go, but the Erosion of Democracy Is Here to Stay, Times of Israel, 5 November 2020: Likud officials worry Biden victory could damage Netanyahu, Israel’s UN standing, Haaretz, 5 November 2020: In Florida, Trump Got More Jewish Votes Than Anywhere Else. Here’s Why, The Hill, 6 November 2020: Facebook removed Iranian network of fake accounts targeting protests in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 6 November 2020: Benny Gantz: Will call for an election if budget is not passed by December, Haaretz, 6 November 2020: Would a Lame Duck Trump Give Israel One Last Gift?, Haaretz, 6 November 2020: Biden Victory Will Free Israel From Trump’s Sinister Soul, Haaretz, 6 November 2020: Defund the WZO, Defund the JNF, Defund UIA, Defund JAFI, Times of Israel, 7 November 2020: Biden a veteran friend of Israel, critic of settlement, may be at odds over Iran, Haaretz, 7 November 2020: World Leaders Congratulate Joe Biden as Netanyahu, Gantz Remain Silent (“When you discover you’re riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.” – this is what can happen, if you set all in and lose the bet :-D ), Times of Israel, 7 November 2020: As worldwide congratulations rain down on Biden, Israel’s top leaders remain mum, Haaretz, 7 November 2020: With Biden Victory, ultra-Orthodox Lose Influence, AIPAC and J Street Gain, Times of Israel, 7 November 2020: ‘Trump’s out and Bibi’s next’: Thousands at weekly protests against Netanyahu, Haaretz, 7 November 2020: Thousands Attend Rabin Memorial in Tel Aviv Marking 25 Years Since Assassination, Jerusalem Post, 7 November 2020: Protestors celebrate Biden win, call out Likud Iran accusations, France24, 8 November 2020: Netanyahu congratulates Biden, ‘a great friend of Israel’, Jerusalem Post, 10 November 2020: Israel is in trouble with the Democrats and it needs to move fast, Haaretz, 10 November 2020: Israeli Mayor, a Former Likud Minister, Arrested for Corruption (what else is new?), Jerusalem Post, 10 November 2020: Gantz: Netanyahu emphasis on Republicans causes Israel ‘strategic harm’, Jerusalem Post, 11 November 2020: Sa’ar 6: The new backbone of Israel Navy (Jerusalem Post, 5 November 2020: Israel’s Navy to receive first German-made Sa’ar 6 ship, Times of Israel, 11 November 2020: Navy takes helm of first new warship from Germany to guard gas rigs – in contrast to the submarines gifted zo Israel, Netanyahu has not yet been found guilty of any corruption concerning the corvettes), Times of Israel, 13 November 2020: Obama: Keeping power as ‘defender of Jews,’ Netanyahu justified almost anything, Haaretz, 14 November 2020: Thousands Attend anti-Netanyahu Protests in Jerusalem, Across Israel, Times of Israel, 14 November 2020: Turnout at anti-Netanyahu protests lower amid chill weather, Haaretz, 14 November 2020: Obama: Netanyahu Will Justify ‘Almost Anything’ to Stay in Power, Times of Israel, 15 November 2020: Netanyahu corruption trial continues with hearing on defense request for delay, Haaretz, 16 November 2020: Biden Can Stop Netanyahu From ‘Doing a Trump’ on Israeli Democracy, Jerusalem Post, 17 November 2020: Yair Netanyahu compares Israeli kibbutz movement to Nazi Germany (he forgot to include the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian East Jerusalem, West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights by the Israeli (extreme/extremist) right-wingers, who are actually ideologically far closer to Nazi Germany’s Lebensraum campaigns, than the Israeli left will ever be), Haaretz, 19 November 2020: Gantz to Oppose Netanyahu’s anti-Arab Pick for Yad Vashem Chairman, Haaretz, 21 November 2020: Jonathan Pollard, Jewish American spy, is a free man after parole ends, The Washington Post, 21 November 2020: Parole ended for Jonathan Pollard, who spied for Israel, freeing him to leave the United States (of course Donnie has great sympathy for criminals who have massively damaged the US. After all, they are his brothers in mind. In Israel, Pollard is considered a national hero. Those who have such “close allies” don’t need enemies), Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2020: Jonathan Pollard’s lawyers: All restrictions lifted, parole terminated, Times of Israel, 21 November 2020: Netanyahu, Rivlin welcome end of Pollard’s parole, await his arrival in Israel, Haaretz, 21 November 2020: Submarine Affair Starts to Surface, Along With Netanyahu’s Dread, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2020: Israel’s shortsighted UNESCO decision in focus amid US election – analysis (who could have seen it coming? Well, probably everyone, except for the Likudniks, as nationalists are in general not that clever. It was clear from the start that the international community would ask the new US President to re-join UNESCO. At the same time it was also clear that the international community wouldn’t care at all whether Israel was a member or not (World Heritage Sites in Israel and Jerusalem and World Heritage Sites in Palestine)), Times of Israel, 21 November 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protesters defy wintry weather to hold weekly rallies, Haaretz, 22 November 2020: Pompeo’s Grotesque Farewell Party in Israel Shows That the Trump Team Knows It’s Over, Times of Israel, 22 November 2020: In blow to gov’t, Gantz sets up probe of submarine scam that’s hounded Netanyahu, The Washington Post, 22 November 2020: Netanyahu’s cruel, booby-trapped inauguration gift to Joe Biden, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: After setting up submarine probe, defiant Gantz says he’s ready for a fight, Haaretz, 23 November 2020: Why Netanyahu Should Be Pleased Over the Submarine Affair Inquiry, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: With submarine probe, a cornered Gantz shows he’s willing to sink the coalition, Haaretz, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu Secretly Flew to Saudi Arabia, Met MBS and Pompeo, Israeli Sources Say, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu, Mossad head traveled to Saudi Arabia, met with crown prince — report (Arab News, 22 November 2020: Pompeo arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2020: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince discusses latest Middle East developments with US’ Pompeo), France24, 23 November 2020: Saudi Arabia and Israel: quiet prelude to landmark meeting, BBC, 23 November 2020: Israel PM ‘flew to Saudi Arabia for secret talks with crown prince’, The Guardian, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu holds secret meeting with Saudi crown prince – reports, Arab News, 23 November 2020: Saudi foreign minister to Arab News: No Israelis attended Pompeo meeting, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2020: Saudi FM denies Netanyahu NEOM visit: ‘There were no Israelis present’, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: TV report: Netanyahu, Pompeo hoped for normalization, but Saudis said no, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2020: Netanyahu, UAE Crown Prince nominated for Nobel Peace Prize (never in history was a Nobel Peace Prize awarded to people who closed a trade deal. This would be a first :-D ), DW, 24 November 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia, Times of Israel, 25 November 2020: The long path to Israeli-Saudi normalization, Jerusalem Post, 25 November 2020: Ethiopian-Israeli activists denounce PM for failure to fulfill aliyah vow, Times of Israel, 26 November 2020: ‘Until King Salman has gone,’ no progress on Israel-Saudi normalization – report, Politico.eu, 27 November 2020: Iran points finger at Israel after atomic expert killed, vows revenge, The New York Times, 27 November 2020: Gunmen Assassinate Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientist in Ambush, Provoking New Crisis, The Washington Post, 27 November 2020: Iraq fears Trump’s final weeks could see confrontation between U.S. and Iran, Palestine Chronicle, 27 November 2020: Iran Accuses Israel of Assassinating Top Scientist, Fakhrizadhe, NPR, 27 November 2020: Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Killed In Attack, Times of Israel, 27 November 2020: Israel behind hit on architect of Iranian nuclear weapons program — NY Times, Al Arabiya, 27 November 2020: Attacks on scientists in Iran in recent years: A list, The New York Times, 28 November 2020: Analysis: Killing of Iranian Scientist Threatens Fate of Nuclear Deal (Biden only needs to make it clear that it is not his way of solving problems and that should be very easy for him, especially since the terrorist attack clearly bears the signatures of Netanyahu and Trump), DW, 28 November 2020: Iran vows retaliation, blames ‘Israeli mercenaries’ for assassination, France24, 28 November 2020: Iran vows to avenge killing of nuclear scientist, points finger at Israel, The New York Times, 28 November 2020: Iran Threatens Payback for Assassination of Top Nuclear Scientist, BBC, 28 November 2020: Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran blames Israel for killing top scientist, The Guardian, 28 November 2020: Was scientist’s killing the opening shot of a Trump-led war on Iran? (exactly what Netanyahu has been pushing for years. And again he came a little closer to his goal), CNN, 28 November 2020: Iran’s supreme leader vows revenge after top nuclear scientist apparently assassinated, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: Trump Might Leave Scorched Earth on His Way Out. Netanyahu Is Happy to Lend Him a Lighter, The Guardian, 28 November 2020: Iran: Supreme leader calls for ‘definitive punishment’ of scientist’s killers, Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2020: Warning from the past comes back to haunt Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: Despite the Blow to Morale, Iran Will Find a Nuclear Scientist Just as Talented as the Assassinated Fakhrizadeh, The Washington Post, 28 November 2020: Iran’s president blames Israel for nuclear scientist’s killing, vows response at the ‘right time’, Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2020: EU condemns assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist, calls for ‘calm’, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: Killing Iran’s Nuke Chief May Hurt Israel More Than He Ever Did in His Life, The National, 28 November 2020: How will Iran retaliate for the assassination of its top nuclear scientist?, Times of Israel, 28 November 2020: Coronavirus is driving thousands of people into hunger. Where is the state?, Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2020: Protest caravan with huge submarine, F-35 props makes way to Jerusalem, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: ‘Netanyahu Endangers Israel’: 100-car Protest Convoy Headed to Jerusalem to Demonstrate Against PM, Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2020: Committee investigating Submarine Affair to begin proceedings Tuesday, Times of Israel, 28 November 2020: Convoys head to Jerusalem to demand state inquiry into submarine affair, DW, 28 November 2020: Fakhrizadeh killing: Iran’s security apparatus under scrutiny, Politico.com, 29 November 2020: Iran newspaper: Strike Haifa if Israel killed scientist, France24, 29 November 2020: Body of slain Iranian nuclear scientist taken to Muslim shrine, The Guardian, 29 November 2020: Nuclear chief’s body prepared for burial as anger focused on Israel and US, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: World Should Thank Us for Killing Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientist, Senior Israeli Official Tells NYT (the good news is that Israel is neither a NATO nor an EU member. Except for the US arms industry, the United States protectorate has given them little pleasure, especially this year), Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: World should thank Israel for hit on Iran nuke chief, Israeli official tells NYT, New York Post, 29 November 2020: Iran’s Mohsen Fakhrizadeh killed by 62-person hit squad, reports say, Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: Minister chides EU for condemning killing of top Iran nuclear scientist, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: Killing of Iranian Scientist Is a Dangerous Provocation, Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: J Street denounces killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist, The Hill, 29 November 2020: Iranian op-ed urges attack on Israeli port city over scientist killing, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Was Killed by Remote-controlled Machine Gun, Report Says (even terrorist squads are using latest technology these days), Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: Killing of nuke chief was done entirely by remote control — Iranian report, Israel Hayom, 29 November 2020: EU’s hypocrisy knows no bounds (this is how whiny pussy propaganda from Israel looks like. They want so dearly a war with Iran, but of course not fought by themselves, as they are far to weak to get it done. The EU has a lot of very good reasons to fill the Iran deal with life and not a single one to fight Iran. So if the Israeli wimps really want to wage war with Iran, they have to do it themselves instead of embarking on the ridiculous search for pseudo-responsible entities outside the country that should only cover up Israel’s weakness and inability to wage war against Iran. For its part, the EU should make a clear and unambiguous commitment to the Iran deal in order to show Netanyahu and his Likudniks how isolated they really are on the issue), Reuters, 29 November 2020: Iran to give a ‘calculated’ response to nuclear scientist killing, says official, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: Assassinations and Sanctions Aren’t Working: Why America and Israel Need a New Iran Strategy, Jerusalem Post, 29 November 2020: Yadlin: Iran may wait until end of Trump era to retaliate, Israel Hayom, 29 November 2020: Former CIA chief calls killing of top Iranian scientist ‘state-sponsored terrorism’, i24 News, 29 November 2020: EU condemns killing of Iranian nuclear scientist, Arab News, 29 November 2020: UAE condemns killing of Iranian scientist, calls on all parties to exercise self-restraint, The National, 29 November 2020: Iran will wait patiently for Trump’s term to end, Al Arabiya, 29 November 2020: All you need to know about Iran’s nuclear program, Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: Netanyahu’s lawyers to court: The charges are fabricated; cancel them (they are trying to sell to the world how supposedly democratic Israel shall be and then they come up with this Trump-style nonsense), Israel Hayom, 29 November 2020: Hundreds protest outside PM’s residence in Jerusalem, The Guardian, 30 November 2020: Analysis: Is Iran likely to retaliate over assassination of top nuclear scientist?, DW, 30 November 2020: Iran accuses Israel at funeral for slain military nuclear scientist, France24, 30 November 2020: Iranian official blames Paris-based opposition, Israel for death of nuclear scientist (the Iranian leadership is playing a dangerous game here. If, on the one hand, it takes on Netanyahu’s Israel and Trump’s America, the bitter opponents of the JCPOA, and, on the other hand, on France and the EU, the clear supporters of the JCPOA, then the country threatens to end up empty-handed), BBC, 30 November 2020: Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran scientist ‘killed by remote-controlled weapon’, Haaretz, 30 November 2020: Did the Iran Assassination Blast a Hole in the Biden-Netanyahu Relationship?, CNN, 30 November 2020: Assassinated Iranian nuclear scientist shot with remote-controlled machine gun, news agency says, The Guardian, 30 November 2020: Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran says nuclear scientist killed by remote-controlled device, Haaretz, 30 November 2020: Iran Has Plenty of Options to Retaliate Against Israel. But What Will It Actually Do?, The Guardian, 1 December 2020: Iran: MPs seek to harden nuclear stance after killing of scientist, Times of Israel, 1 December 2020: Iran MPs advance bill to stop UN nuclear inspections, step up enrichment, The Guardian, 1 December 2020: The Guardian view on an Iranian nuclear scientist’s assassination: danger ahead, Haaretz, 1 December 2020: There’s No Need for an Israeli Fox News. Its Spirit Is Already Here, France24, 1 December 2020: Israel’s Gantz says will back bill to dissolve parliament, Times of Israel, 1 December 2020: Gantz says party will vote to dissolve Knesset, setting stage for new elections, Haaretz, 1 December 2020: Gantz Says His Party Will Vote With the Opposition to Dissolve Parliament, Times of Israel, 1 December 2020: ‘This is an emergency’: Top health official warns Israel is at start of 3rd wave, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2020: Sudan puts Israel ties on hold until US grants immunity, France24, 2 December 2020: Israel again facing fresh elections, the fourth in two years, Haaretz, 2 December 2020: Toughest Job in Israel? The Challenges Facing Biden’s Future Ambassador, CNN, 2 December 2020: US official says Israel was behind assassination of Iranian scientist, Haaretz, 2 December 2020: Gantz Breaks With Netanyahu, Votes With Opposition to Dissolve Parliament, Times of Israel, 2 December 2020: Knesset advances motion to disband, moving toward 4th elections in 2 years, Arab News, 2 December 2020: Israel parliament takes first step towards new election, France24, 3 December 2020: Israel could head to elections as ‘Netanyahu-Gantz power-sharing deal at heart of dispute’, Haaretz, 3 December 2020: How a Campaign to Legalize West Bank Outposts Settled Into Gantz’s Party, Times of Israel, 3 December 2020: Finance minister to present Gantz with budget plan in bid to stave off elections (Gantz would be well advised not to fall for the trick. Instead, he should remember his military career and do the right thing. That would also bring back voters that he initially lost because of Netanyahu’s bluff. Unlike Gantz, Netanyahu is neither credible nor trustworthy at all), Haaretz, 3 December 2020: Almost Everything He Said Was a Lie: Netanyahu’s Speech Would Shatter a Lie Detector, Haaretz, 4 December 2020: Netanyahu and Gantz Are Locked in a War of Attrition. Israel’s Security Is Under Threat, Haaretz, 4 December 2020: Gantz: ‘Election Isn’t the Right Thing, but It’s Much Better Than a Paralyzed Government’, Haaretz, 4 December 2020: Ex-CIA Chief: Israel Helped Kill Bin Laden, Netanyahu Is Not an Ethical Man, Haaretz, 5 December 2020: Around 30 Arrested as Thousands Protest Against Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 5 December 2020: Gantz says he’s ‘done believing Netanyahu,’ insists he’s still best alternative, Haaretz, 5 December 2020: In One Israeli City, Suppressing anti-Netanyahu Protests Is No Mistake – It’s Policy, Times of Israel, 5 December 2020: ‘Banish the darkness’: Clashes, arrests as thousands protest PM in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 5 December 2020: ‘People Will Follow Me’: Gantz Insists He Is Only Centrist Who Can Form Gov’t, Times of Israel, 5 December 2020: Jerusalem removes statue of anti-Netanyahu protestor based on iconic image, Jerusalem Post, 6 December 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protesters: Demonstrations to grow during elections, Times of Israel, 6 December 2020: Netanyahu trial may face further delay as judges hint indictment must be revised, Palestine Chronicle, 6 December 2020: Thousands of Israelis Take Part in anti-Netanyahu Protests as Israel Moves toward Early Election (VIDEO), Times of Israel, 6 December 2020: As elections loom, center-left must contend with its loyalty problem, Haaretz, 7 December 2020: Hundreds of anti-Netanyahu Protesters Were Attacked. These Are Some of Their Stories, Haaretz, 7 December 2020: Israel Removed Thousands of Social Media Posts It Deemed Foreign Interference in 2019 Election, Times of Israel, 8 December 2020: Reclaiming Israel as a bipartisan issue in American politics, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: Diaspora ‘in danger’ from loss of Jewish identity, says Diaspora minister, Haaretz, 8 December 2020: Gideon Sa’ar, Netanyahu Rival, to Break With Likud and Start New Party, Jerusalem Post, 11 December 2020: Anti-Netanyahu submarines sail the Yarkon as protest statue re-erected, Haaretz, 13 December 2020: Police Spying on Israelis Online via Secret Backdoor, Times of Israel, 14 December 2020: Court orders prosecutors to amend indictment against Netanyahu, Haaretz, 14 December 2020: Court Orders Netanyahu’s Indictment Be Amended, but Timetable Remains Unchanged, Times of Israel, 14 December 2020: Israel passes grim milestone of 3,000 coronavirus deaths since start of pandemic, Haaretz, 17 December 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protesters Gather in Solidarity After Activists’ Home Targeted With ‘Traitors’ Graffiti, Times of Israel, 17 December 2020: S&P: ‘Real risk’ for Israel ratings downgrade if instability delays austerity, Haaretz, 18 December 2020: The Conservative U.S. Group Trying to Transform Israel’s Justice System, Haaretz, 18 December 2020: ‘The Integration Failed’: Tel Aviv Is Segregating Foreign Kids at School, Haaretz, 19 December 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protesters Mark Six Months of Weekly Demonstrations, Haaretz, 20 December 2020: Violence in Israel’s Arab Community Reaches a Grim Peak, but Prospects for Change Are at All Time Low, Haaretz, 20 December 2020: Israel’s Understanding of American Jews Is a Sad Joke.

By far the easiest way would be to get public discussions going under the obviously barely achievable “peace treaties” (the “Letter of Intent” between the United Arab Emirates and Israel is not a peace agreement at all, because there was never a war between the two states). The prerequisite for this would be that Benny Gantz takes over government affairs. As a former IDF leader and future head of government, he would represent the necessary credibility that Netanyahu lost years ago. As a former soldier he represents everything that can be emulated in neighboring countries, namely the constant fight, which is why he could make it plausibly clear why he would like to end it. As a former head of the IDF, he is also used to thinking on a large scale, i.e. clearly supraregional. In addition, with the coalition between himself and Netanyahu, he has already proven that he is ready for compromises that are not always to his advantage. Basic prerequisites for taking the following considerations into account: The general situation in the Middle East is mostly about signing grandiose peace treaties (which are not concluded or hardly exist) or about recognizing Israel as a Jewish state (i.e. as another theocracy in the Middle East). Both alternatives are only moderately successful. But it is also clear that Israel within the borders of 1967 will not disappear, because the West will ensure that, above all the two most important supporters of Israel, namely the USA and Germany. In order to get something going, it would make much more sense to concentrate on the real needs of all states in the Levant, North Africa and the Middle East as a whole, namely security and the economy. The basis for this actually already exists: The Union for the Mediterranean (which should be supplemented by the Arabian Peninsula in order to reach the greatest possible effect). Instead of retreating into a quiet rooms for negotiations between governments, as has been the case before, the current basic prerequisites give the opportunity to be pushed to public discussions, not least to include the populations and to create hope for better future prospects in which everyone can participate equally. Strong civil societies working towards a common goal are also able to bring about political change and in the case of Lebanon e.g. to push back Hezbollah. That will not pacify the wars in Syria, Yemen and Libya, but at least generate the desire to participate sooner or later.

March 2021 Israeli legislative election (Round 4)
So at the end of March Israel will play elections once again and all this just so that the corrupt “Crime Minister” doesn’t end up in prison directly. According to recent polls, Netanyahu will be able to garner the most votes, but will still end up far from the majority. The political career of the extremely upright Benny Gantz of the Blue and White alliance is likely to come to an end. In the Corona year he broke a key election promise for the benefit of Israel and entered into a coalition with Netanyahu. His electoral alliance broke as a result and his voters will not forgive him for this either. Not only did he not benefit from sacrificing himself, but the government coalition has now even burst due to the failure of a state budget, largely caused by Netanyahu without harming him so far: DW, 22 December 2020: Israel calls fourth election in two years after parliament dissolves, France24, 22 December 2020: Israel’s government collapses, triggering fourth early election in two years, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2020: Hundreds of haredim protest arrest of yeshiva student in Jerusalem (the so-called “Taliban with Kippah” are at it again), CNN, 22 December 2020: Israel’s government collapses, not with a bang but a whimper, triggering fourth election in 2 years, The Hill, 22 December 2020: Israeli parliament fails to pass budget, setting up snap election, Israel Hayom, 22 December 2020: Diaspora Jews should not be given a formal voice in Israel, Haaretz, 22 December 2020: The Knesset Dissolves; Israelis Will Return to the Polls on March 23, NPR, 22 December 2020: Israel To Hold 4th Election In 2 Years As Coalition Fails To Pass Budget, Haaretz, 22 December 2020: Arab Voters, Biden and COVID: The Factors That Will Determine Israel’s Next Election, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2020: Buckle up for the ugliest election Israel has ever known – analysis, BBC, 23 December 2020: Israel election: New poll due after unity government crumbles, The Guardian, 23 December 2020: Israel to hold fourth election in two years as political crisis grinds on, Times of Israel, 23 December 2020: Israel calls 4th election in 2 years as Netanyahu-Gantz coalition collapses, Arab News, 23 December 2020: Israel to hold snap election, with Netanyahu facing new challenges, The National, 23 December 2020: Israeli government fails to pass budget, triggering election, Haaretz, 23 December 2020: To Save Its Ailing Democracy, Israel Must First Rid Itself of the Tyrant, The New York Times vom 23.12.2020: Why Israel Faces a Fourth Election in Just Two Years, Times of Israel, 25 December 2020: As Santa Trump goes, will Netanyahu seek Biden rifts in place of election gifts?, Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2020: 86% of Blue and White voters won’t vote for Gantz in next elections – poll, Haaretz, 26 December 2020: Netanyahu Is a Danger to the State of Israel, Former Ally Elkin Says, Jerusalem Post, 27 December 2020: Thank you Benny Gantz, but goodbye – opinion, Haaretz, 27 December 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Bloc Gains Steam in Latest Israeli Election Poll as Likud Drops, Jerusalem Post, 27 December 2020: Settlers: If Netanyahu wants votes, he must legalize outposts, Haaretz, 29 December 2020: China Is the Middle East’s Rising Power. Israel Must Tread Carefully, Times of Israel, 29 December 2020: Blue and White’s Ashkenazi expected to quit party, leave politics, Haaretz, 29 December 2020: Mendelblit Secretly Consulted With a Group of Scholars Before Deciding on Netanyahu’s Cases, Arab News, 29 December 2020: Netanyahu could be biggest loser in Israeli polls, DW, 30 December 2020: Jonathan Pollard: Convicted US spy lands in Israel, France24, 30 December 2020: Former US spy Pollard welcomed by Netanyahu as he arrives in Israel, The Guardian, 30 December 2020: Israel Former spy Jonathan Pollard arrives in Tel Aviv from US, The New York Times, 30 December 2020: Jonathan Pollard, Spy for Israel, Gets Hero’s Welcome, Haaretz, 30 December 2020: Former Jewish American Spy Jonathan Pollard Lands in Israel, Times of Israel, 30 December 2020: Gabi Ashkenazi quits Blue and White, as party further disintegrates, Haaretz, 30 December 2020: Israel’s Political Musical Chairs Are Just Noise – Netanyahu Is the Only Player in the Game, Times of Israel, 30 December 2020: Jonathan Pollard arrives in Israel, 35 years after his arrest for spying, Jerusalem Post, 30 December 2020: Jonathan Pollard: Former Jewish spy lands in Israel 35 years after arrest, Haaretz, 30 December 2020: Poverty in Israel Report for 2020 Won’t Be Published Until After Election, The Algemeiner, 31 December 2020: US, Israel Vote Against 2021 United Nations Budget, Citing ‘Hate, Antisemitism, and Anti-Israel Bias’, Jerusalem Post, 31 December 2020: How Netanyahu’s criminal gang took over Israel – opinion (for years everyone could and can see that Netanyahu and his gang are pathological criminals. But what does that say about their voters, who end up voting for them again and again?), The Guardian, 31 December 2020: Joe Biden should end the US pretence over Israel’s ‘secret’ nuclear weapons, Haaretz, 1 January 2021: Holocaust, Militarism and Machiavelli’s Advice: How Fear Took Over Israel, Haaretz, 1 January 2021: Gantz, Stop the Ethnic Cleansing in the West Bank, Haaretz, 2 January 2021: Police Detain Eight Outside Netanyahu’s Jerusalem Residence as Protests Resume, Jerusalem Post, 2 January 2021: Anti-Netanyahu protesters with flaming torches gather at Balfour, Arab News, 3 January 2021: Israeli prosecutors spell out allegations against Netanyahu, Haaretz, 4 January 2021: Netanyahu’s Amended Indictment Reveals a Web of Corruption, Jerusalem Post, 5 January 2021: Israel-Europe ties improving, warming up to Abraham Accords – exclusive (wishful thinking. Some irrelevant backbenchers and Hasbara lobbiysts in the EU are trying to push the topic in the main light, but it isn’t working at all, as Europe has far more important topics on the plate in 2021 and 2022 and no endless capacities at hand (Brexit and the consequences, Coronavirus and the consequences, EU reforms and their consequences, New Deal with the Biden adminstration, to name just a few of them). Given that Netanyahu will be able to form the 4th failing government coalition within two years, the political stand still between the EU and Israel will continue anyway, as he is seen more or less a “persona non grata” in most EU member countries. Besides all that, the normalization processes between some Arab states and Israel are seen positive in the EU in general, but will unlikely change government positions on other topics. When looking at the comments underneath the article (and articles concerning the EU in general), Israelis are hating the EU full-hearted anyway, so that it doesn’t matter what is happening on the political stage. In this respect, the next EU-Israel Association Council meeting will have to wait for better timing and circumstances), Haaretz, 5 January 2021: Netanyahu Discovers Arabs Just Before the Election, but Do Voters Actually Believe Him?, Haaretz, 5 January 2021: Tel Aviv Mayor Huldai Slams Gantz for Netanyahu Partnership, Promises Gender-balanced Party, Israel Hayom, 6 January 2021: Building bridges: 2020 proves successful for Israel-Europe relations, Times of Israel, 6 January 2021: Netanyahu seeks delay at court, weighs reviving parliamentary immunity bid, Haaretz, 6 January 2021: Israel Under Major Strategic Threat From Government Dysfunction, Think Tank Warns, Times of Israel, 6 January 2021: Israel still world’s best for vaccination, but now among worst for contagion, Times of Israel, 7 January 2021: Shocked by US Capitol attack, Rivlin urges Israelis to protect their democracy, Arab News, 7 January 2021: Netanyahu should treat Arabs better if he wants their votes, Times of Israel, 7 January 2021: Top Likud MK compares mob that stormed Capitol to anti-Netanyahu protesters, Times of Israel, 7 January 2021: Even as his party members desert him, Gantz insists he’s running in March, Haaretz, 7 January 2021: Revealed: How Israel’s Submarine Scandal Was Buried, Times of Israel, 8 January 2021: Judges delay Netanyahu’s 2nd appearance in court for his trial, citing lockdown, Haaretz, 8 January 2021: Court Postpones Next Hearing in Netanyahu’s Corruption Trial, Citing Coronavirus Lockdown, Israel Hayom, 8 January 2021: Right-wing individualism has replaced national religious isolationism, Haaretz, 8 January 2021: In Israel Too, the Virus Breaks Down Society, Community and the Most Basic Norms, Jerusalem Post, 9 January 2021: Netanyahu taken to safe room during protests prior to Capitol riots (for weeks, the Crime Minister has had his right-wing extremists and the police beat up anti-Netanyahu demonstrators and is now trying to use a PR stunt to create the impression that he is the victim. His supporters, who are mostly well below average intellectually, will certainly believe it anyway. What a manipulative and lying scumbag), Arab News, 9 January 2021: Israelis protest Netanyahu amid 3rd virus lockdown, Jerusalem Post, 9 January 2021: Anti-Netanyahu protesters nationwide report targeted attacks, Arab News, 9 January 2021: Why it’s time for a political party to serve all Israelis, Jerusalem Post, 9 January 2021: Twitter banned Trump, now it needs to ban Khamenei (interesting. When thinking this to the end, other violence and incitement loving freaks like Netanyahu, Erdogan, Nasrallah, Orban etc. will have to lose their social media accounts as well. That would be a big win for democracy worldwide), Haaretz, 10 January 2021: Thousands of anti-Netanyahu Protesters Gather Amid Warnings of Violence Against Protesters, Haaretz, 10 January 2021: The Con-men League: How Netanyahu’s Bromance With Trump Could Come Back to Haunt Him, Times of Israel, 12 January 2021: Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, key backer of Trump and Netanyahu, dies at 87, The Guardian, 12 January 2021: We are Israel’s largest human rights group – and we are calling this apartheid, CNN, 12 January 2021: Israel isn’t a democracy, it’s an ‘apartheid regime,’ rights group says, The Guardian, 12 January 2021: Israel is a non-democratic apartheid regime, says rights group, NPR, 12 January 2021: Israeli Human Rights Group Says The Country Pursues Nondemocratic ‘Apartheid Regime’, Jerusalem Post, 12 January 2021: B’Tselem, for first time, labels Israel an apartheid state, Haaretz, 12 January 2021: Israel Is an ‘Apartheid’ State, Says Israeli Human Rights Group B’Tselem, Times of Israel, 12 January 2021: High Court hears petition against law that smothered anti-Netanyahu protests, Haaretz, 13 January 2021: Adelson’s Legacy: Israeli Democracy Can Easily Be Bought, Jerusalem Post, 13 January 2021: German prosecutor closes bribery investigation into Submarine Affair, Haaretz, 13 January 2021: Anti-Netanyahu Bloc Has Majority Even as Likud Gains Strength, Election Poll Shows, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2021: As Trump leaves office, Ambassador Erdan heads to Washington (or in other words “spew as much propaganda as possible”), Haaretz, 14 January 2021: Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Prefer a Jewish State to a Democratic One, Survey Finds, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2021: Israel Elections: The Israeli public, the abused spouse, Times of Israel, 15 January 2021: Netanyahu challenger Gideon Sa’ar pledges change to Israeli-US ties with Biden, Haaretz, 16 January 2021: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Resume Across Israel for 30th Week in a Row, Haaretz, 17 January 2021: Not ‘Apartheid in the West bank.’ Apartheid (The London Review of Books, 21 January 2021: The Separate Regimes Delusion: Nathan Thrall on Israel’s apartheid, The Guardian, 18 Jauary 2021: The Guardian view on Israel and apartheid: prophecy or description? (Israel and the apartheid analogy), Palestine Chronicle, 19 January 2021: On Apartheid, White Supremacy and Ongoing Police Violence: Whose Words Really Matter?, Haaretz, 21 January 2021: The Duty to End Israeli Apartheid, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2021: Calling Israel an apartheid state is false and pointless – opinion, Arab News, 26 January 2021: Time for Israelis to confront the inconvenient truth, Palestine Chronicle, 27 January 2021: B’Tselem’s Historic Declaration: Israel’s Open War on Its Own Civil Society, The New Yorker, 27 January 2021: Why an Israeli Human-Rights Organization Calls Israel an Apartheid Regime), Haaretz, 17 January 2021: Netanyahu Making Progress in Bid to Cancel His Corruption Trial (while his no less corrupt and criminal minions (while reading up Israeli newspapers, sometimes on a daily basis new names of Likudnik MPs are popping up because of criminal charges. At the same time, the same people vehemently demand compliance with the law – only from others, of course. Something they have in common with right-wing populists and right-wing extremists around the world) are voting in favor for him again and again, which forms the nail in the coffin of the once admired democratic orientation of the state. On the other hand, by doing so, the country is integrating better and better in its neighborhood and the region), The Guardian, 18 Jauary 2021: The Guardian view on Israel and apartheid: prophecy or description? (Israel and the apartheid analogy), Times of Israel, 18 Jauary 2021: Meeting Arab mayors, Netanyahu vows to tackle community crime like terrorism, Times of Israel, 18 Jauary 2021: Israel’s coming election may be decided on the religious right, Haaretz, 19 January 2021: Can the ‘Menachem Begin Project’ Drive Netanyahu Crazy Like the Lincoln Project Did to Trump?, Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2021: New antisemitism hates Jews, loves Israel – opinion, Haaretz, 21 January 2021: The Three Issues Netanyahu Can Use to Create an Early Crisis With Biden , Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2021: What will be the future of US-Israel security cooperation? – analysis, Haaretz, 21 January 2021: The Duty to End Israeli Apartheid, Jerusalem Post, 22 January 2021: Olmert: I hate everything Sheldon Adelson loved about Israel – opinion, Haaretz, 23 January 2021: 1,500 Protesting Against Netanyahu in Jerusalem for 31st Consecutive Week, Haaretz, 23 January 2021: Arab-Israeli Man Killed on Way Home From Protest Against Violence, CNN, 25 January 2021: Facebook suspends Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-linked chatbot for breaking its privacy rules, Haaretz, 25 January 2021: Welcome to the Worst Job in Israeli Politics, Merav Michaeli, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2021: Calling Israel an apartheid state is false and pointless – opinion, Jerusalem Post, 26 January 2021: When will Joe Biden call Benjamin Netanyahu? – analysis, Times of Israel, 26 January 2021: IDF chief says he’s ordered fresh military plans to thwart Iran’s nuke program, Haaretz, 26 January 2021: Bribery Suspect Netanyahu Is Trying to Buy Off the Public, Haaretz, 27 January 2021: Israel’s Top General Is Confused. He’s Not Joe Biden’s National Security Adviser, Times of Israel, 27 January 2021: Gantz appears to rebuke IDF chief over public criticism of US, threat to Iran, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2021: Gantz presents new IDF draft outline, aims to include haredim, Arabs, Haaretz, 27 January 2021: Israel’s Military Chief’s Iran Comments Are Way Out of Line (this is one of the reasons why Israel is not part of the Iran deal. All negotiations would be implausible from the start if you had someone sitting at the negotiating table who had publicly dreamed of starting a war with Iran for decades), Times of Israel, 27 January 2021: Gantz threatens to enlist all Haredim unless his national service plan advances, Jerusalem Post, 28 January 2021: Israel Elections: ‘Anyone but Bibi’ not enough anymore, Times of Israel, 29 January 2021: TV: PM’s wife working from private home, costing state hundreds of thousands, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2021: Why Kochavi picked a fight with Biden and why it’s not good for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2021: The EastMed Pipeline is a win-win for Israel, Cyprus and Greece, Haaretz, 30 January 2021: Police Arrest One, Deploy Water Cannons at anti-Netanyahu Protest in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 30 January 2021: For 1st time in months, police use water cannon on anti-Netanyahu protesters, Haaretz, 31 January 2021: Shameless Netanyahu Turns a Blind Eye to ultra-Orthodox Anarchy, Haaretz, Post, 1 February 2021: Netanyahu’s Partnership With the ultra-Orthodox Is Facing Its Greatest Challenge Yet, Israel Hayom, 1 February 2021: NATO 2030 and Israel (now, that’s a big amount of wishful thinking, which most likely will not materialize), Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2021: Israel Elections: Poll shows Netanyahu wins 61-seat coalition for first time, Times of Israel, 3 February 2021: Netanyahu names ex-Breitbart journalist as his campaign chief, Haaretz, 3 February 2021: Israel Election: At Netanyahu’s Urging, Kahanist Party Joins Forces With Far-right Slate, Times of Israel, 3 February 2021: Far-right parties led by Smotrich and Ben Gvir, a Kahane disciple, join forces, The New Yorker, 3 February 2021: Joe Biden Is Playing It Cool with Benjamin Netanyahu, DW, 3 February 2021: Israel on Iranian nuclear threat: ‘A violent confrontation is the last resort’, Jerusalem Post, 4 February 2021: Michaeli is the opposite of everything Netanyahu represents – opinion, Reuters, 5 February 2021: International Criminal Court says it has jurisdiction in Palestinian territories (even that will not prevent the Netanyahu apologists from declaring the corrupt crime minister the “flawless democrat of the Levant”), DW, 5 February 2021: ICC clears way for war crimes probe of Israeli actions (the support of the Israeli position by the German government was obviously not a good idea: Times of Israel, 14 February 2020: Germany, Hungary tell ICC they support Israeli position against war crimes probe. Palestine, like Israel, is only recognized as a state by a majority of the international community, but as it is in democratic processes: majority is majority. That cannot be discussed away. Another aspect is interesting: Anyone who denies the Palestinians their right to self-determination and self-defense denies Israel these rights to the same extent, because as mentioned: Israel is also only recognized as a state by a majority, still far away from unanimity. Surprisingly, Israel is recognized by Palestine, but conversely, Israel does not recognize Palestine, which is why the Palestinians now want to reconsider the recognition of Israel. It would be understandable), The Algemeiner, 5 February 2021: ICC Rules Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem Are Under Its Jurisdiction, Haaretz, 5 February 2021: ICC Approves Probe Into Possible War Crimes by Israel, Hamas in Palestinian Territories, Israel Hayom, 5 February 2021: ICC asserts jurisdiction to investigate Israel, Hamas for war crimes, Palestine Chronicle, 5 February 2021: ICC Finally Approves Investigation into War Crimes in Occupied Palestine, Al Arabiya, 5 February 2021: World court rules it has jurisdiction over war crimes in Palestinian Territories, Times of Israel, 6 February 2021: ICC has jurisdiction to probe Israel, Hamas for war crimes, pretrial judges rule, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2021: ICC approves investigation into Israel, citing war crimes, The National, 6 February 2021: ICC paves way for war crimes probe in Palestinian territories, Times of Israel, 6 February 2021: Netanyahu: An ICC investigation of Israel would be ‘pure anti-Semitism’ (the “Crime Minister” is a funny guy. He should now know from his own experience that you simply shouldn’t commit or order any crimes if you don’t want to end up in court), Haaretz, 6 February 2021: Israel Worries a Swift Iran Deal Is in the Works as Biden Gives Bibi Cold Shoulder, Times of Israel, 6 February 2021: First polls since lists closed show far-right at 4-5 seats, Yamina in key role, Haaretz, 6 February 2021: Over Ten Thousand March to Protest Violence, Police Inaction in Arab Israeli Community, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2021: Israel Elections: Likud remains largest party, no bloc wins – polls, Haaretz, 6 February 2021: Thousands of Israelis Protest in Front of Netanyahu’s Residence in Jerusalem, The Algemeiner, 6 February 2021: ICC Ruling Brings Hope for Palestinians, Dismay for Israelis, Palestine Chronicle, 6 February 2021: Investigation to Move Forward: Everything You Need to Know about ICC Latest Ruling on Israeli War Crimes (SPECIAL REPORT), Haaretz, 6 February 2021: The ICC’s Decision Is a Red Flag for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2021: Notable activist injured during 33rd week of anti-Netanyahu protests, Haaretz, 7 February 2021: The Hague Ruling on Israel Is Cause for Hope, Times of Israel, 7 February 2021: Prominent activist injured in clashes at anti-Netanyahu rally, Reuters, 7 February 2021: At anti-Netanyahu protests in Israel, pink is the new black, Times of Israel, 7 February 2021: Israel asking allies to ‘discreetly’ pressure ICC prosecutor – report (while Netanyahu is blabbering about “Israel’s democracy”, his actions are showing the exact opposite. In this case, that he is obviously used to buy up court rulings, which is, of course, far from being democratic), Haaretz, 7 February 2021: Prosecuting Israeli Officials Could Take Years, but the ICC’s Chilling Effect Will Be Immediate, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2021: Germany, Hungary join states opposing ICC probe of Israel (all to often, German governments tent to not miss a chance to stand on the wrong side of history. Above all, it is an opportunity to have decades of mutual allegations clarified in court, especially since it is not about one-sided investigations into possible war crimes, but investigations against both the IDF and Hamas), Haaretz, 9 February 2021: Biden Isn’t Calling Netanyahu. For Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen That’s Actually an Opportunity (instead of calling Netanyahu, Biden might consider to call one or some of the opposition leaders. By doing so, he would send a pretty clear signal), Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2021: Court rules in favor of state prosecution, and against Netanyahu, Palestine Chronicle, 9 February 2021: Report: Israel Launches International Campaign to Stop ICC Investigation, Haaretz, 9 February 2021: American Jews’ Identities Used in Catfishing Operation Targeting anti-Netanyahu Protesters, The Guardian, 10 February 2021: Call me maybe? Disquiet in Israel that Biden has yet to phone Netanyahu (for obvious reasons, the Biden administration, unlike Trump, doesn’t want to become part of the meanwhile fourth attempt within two years by Netanyahu to form a lasting government. When looking at the current election forecasts, then it clearly looks like a fifth and sixth early election is in the making), Times of Israel, 10 February 2021: Former Israeli envoy to UN urges Biden to phone Netanyahu, tweets his number, The National, 10 February 2021: Former Israeli ambassador to UN tweets fake number asking Biden to call Netanyahu, Haaretz, 10 February 2021: The Idiot’s Guide to Israel’s Idiotic Election: How We Got Here | Part 1, Jerusalem Post, 10 February 2021: Israel not the reason Biden hasn’t called Netanyahu. What is? – analysis, Haaretz, 11 February 2021: Why Netanyahu Chose Racist Jewish Supremacists Over His Oldest Political Allies, Haaretz, 11 February 2021: First Netanyahu Embraced the Kahanists. Now It’s the Homophobes’ Turn, Haaretz, 11 February 2021: Illegal Missile Sale to ‘Asian Country’ Could Harm Israel-U.S. Ties, Israel Hayom, 12 February 2021: The ICC’s European puppet masters (the Likudniks on their usual “they against us” whining election campaign trails), Israel Hayom, 12 February 2021: ‘Europe’s perception of Israel is finally shifting’ (wishful thinking. In the real world only a handful of backbenchers in each of the European parliaments are interested in the issues. Even if their number is slowly increasing, it will take many years before the topics will become mainstream issues. Europe has completely different problems to solve than Israel/the Middle East, which is why the priorities are completely different, too), Palestine Chronicle, 12 February 2021: White House: No ‘Specific Date’ Yet for Biden-Netanyahu Call, Times of Israel, 12 February 2021: Former US envoy to Israel says timing of Biden phone call ‘utterly irrelevant’ (while Netanyahu is wetting his pants), Jerusalem Post, 12 February 2021: Judgement Day has come for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – opinion, Haaretz, 12 February 2021: Netanyahu Worries That Star Witness Milchan Will Drop Bombshell, Jerusalem Post, 14 February 2021: How did Trump and Netanyahu end up in such different legal postures?, Haaretz, 15 February 2021: Israel Election Poll: Netanyahu’s Party Dips, Neither Bloc Has a Majority, Jerusalem Post, 15 February 2021: PM’s opening door to Ben-Gvir will hurt later in DC – analysis, Haaretz, 15 February 2021: No Phone Call From Biden Is a Wake-up Call, CNN, 15 February 2021: Biden is hitting the reset button with Israel, Haaretz, 16 February 2021: From COVID to Corruption, Eight Issues That Will Decide the Outcome of the Israeli Election, Times of Israel, 16 February 2021: Poll signals slight drop in support for Netanyahu’s Likud, continued deadlock, Haaretz, 17 February 2021: Why Is AIPAC Staying Silent on Netanyahu’s Latest Electoral Deal With Racists and Homophobes?, Haaretz, 17 February 2021: The Idiot’s Guide to Israel’s Idiotic Election, Part II: The Seinfeld Factor, Jerusalem Post, 18 February 2021: The real message Netanyahu should take from Biden’s phone call, Haaretz, 18 February 2021: Jewish National Fund for Apartheid, The Algemeiner, 18 February 2021: Netanyahu Remembers Rush Limbaugh as ‘Great Friend of Israel’, Haaretz, 18 February 2021: A Day After Biden Finally Called Him, Netanyahu Decided to Spit in Democrats’ Faces, CNN, 19 February 2021: Israeli opposition horrified by Netanyahu deal with homophobic party, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2021: Netanyahu trial: Witness testimony to kick off after elections, CNN, 22 February 2021: Netanyahu, long a supporter of LGBTQ rights, courts homophobes and racists in bid to cling to power, Israel Hayom, 22 February 2021: ‘We need to BDS them’: Mark Levin on how to handle media hostility towards Israel and US, Haaretz, 22 February 2021: Court Will Hear Witnesses in Netanyahu’s Trial Only After Israeli Election, Times of Israel, 23 February 2021: Kahane lives? Focus turns to would-be MK Ben Gvir’s exact brand of extremism, Haaretz, 23 February 2021: I’m Tired of American Jews Making Excuses for Netanyahu and His Proud Boy Allies, Times of Israel, 23 February 2021: Israel said to trade coronavirus vaccines for diplomatic support, Haaretz, 23 February 2021: Israeli Scientists Warn Pfizer CEO: Netanyahu May Exploit Your Visit for Election Campaign, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2021: Israel Elections: Netanyahu asks parties in his bloc for loyalty oath, Times of Israel, 23 February 2021: Haredi parties pledge loyalty to Netanyahu, refuse to join any other coalition, Haaretz, 23 February 2021: Welcome to Netanyahu’s Potemkin Economy, Times of Israel, 24 February 2021: Rivlin skips Jerusalem theater reopening over Netanyahu’s attendance, Haaretz, 24 February 2021: Israel Is Heading to Its Most Dangerous Election Ever, Arab News, 24 February 2021: Israel’s supporters attack critics to avoid the issues, Haaretz, 25 February 2021: Netanyahu’s Plan to Send COVID-19 Vaccines Abroad Halted After Legal, Political Challenges, Haaretz, 25 February 2021: A Guide to Israel’s Idiotic Election, Part 3: The Irrelevant Israeli ‘Left’, Haaretz, 25 February 2021: Support for Netanyahu’s Likud Party in Decline, Election Poll Shows, Times of Israel, 26 February 2021: 35 hurt as cops use rubber bullets, stun grenades against Arab Israeli protest, Haaretz, 26 February 2021: Netanyahu Fails to Secure Loyalty in His Bloc, but So Do His Rivals, CNN, 26 February 2021: Analysis: Saudi Arabia feels downside of betting on Trump family (if so, Netanyahu can bury his dream of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel right away ), Israel Hayom, 26 February 2021: ‘Facebook and Twitter? Boycott them, there are other sites’, Times of Israel, 26 February 2021: ‘Netanyahu resorts to bigoted lies’: Iran says Israeli PM seeks to demonize it, Haaretz, 27 February 2021: Anti-Netanyahu Protester Pepper-sprayed as Demonstrations Resume Across Israel, Times of Israel, 27 February 2021: Gantz, opposition scrutinize claim Haredim let into Israel while secular denied, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2021: From Finland to Tel Aviv: Israelis wave flags and call on Netanyahu to go, The Algemeiner, 28 February 2021: When Israel Hits Iran, Politicians and the Media Will Hit Israel’s Supporters, Haaretz, 28 February 2021: Netanyahu’s Hubristic Vaccine Diplomacy Abroad Could End Up Costing Him at Home, Times of Israel, 28 February 2021: Vitriolic Bardugo turns Army Radio into Netanyahu weapon against the rule of law, Haaretz, 28 February 2021: Politics in the Netanyahu Era Is a Dangerous Thing, and the PM Is the Ultimate Danger, France24, 1 March 2021: Netanyahu accuses Iran of attacking Israeli-owned cargo ship (you can’t trust Netanyahu and his minions during normal times, and for sure not during election campaign times. Until the allegations have been confirmed by reputable sources, they are nothing more than baseless allegations), Times of Israel, 1 March 2021: Israeli-owned ship hit by blast in Gulf of Oman begins repairs in Dubai port, Haaretz, 1 March 2021: Israel’s High Court Orders State to Recognize non-Orthodox Conversions Under Law of Return, Times of Israel, 1 March 2021: Israel’s top court recognizes Reform, Conservative conversions, Haaretz, 1 March 2021: Netanyahu Is in Distress, and His Pre-election Media Blitz Proves It, Times of Israel, 1 March 2021: Former French president Sarkozy convicted of corruption, jailed for a year (and this is how it works in a democracy: In contrary to Netanyahu, Sarkozy isn’t a pussy. Sooner or later he will accept the verdict and there are good reasons for it: Carla Bruni is waiting for him. A very good reason to stay a bit longer at home longer), Times of Israel, 1 March 2021: Israeli ex-officials round up European lawmakers to pressure Israel on West Bank, Haaretz, 1 March 2021: Israel’s Vaccine Apartheid, DW, 2 March 2021: Morocco cuts contact with German embassy – reports (it is shocking how much the incompetent and corrupt fools Netanyahu and Trump have weakened international law), DW, 2 March 2021: Behind Moroccan-German diplomatic crisis, a list of grudges, Haaretz, 2 March 2021: Why Pfizer’s CEO Would Be Wise to Delay His Visit to Israel Until After the Election, Times of Israel, 2 March 2021: Ultra-Orthodox MK: Women who convert to Judaism through IDF are ‘shiksas’, DW, 2 March 2021: Coronavirus: Austria and Denmark break ranks with EU on vaccines (there are always some fools who believe they can reach their goals with stupid and short-sighted nationalism and thus put the community at risk. That should come with a corresponding price tag in the future. On the other hand, the Kurz administration, like the Netanyahu administration, is facing a large wave of corruption allegations. That is probably the real reason for the meeting), Arab News, 2 March 2021: Netanyahu’s unforgivable legitimization of Israel’s very far right, Haaretz, 3 March 2021: Israel Says Iran Is Behind Major Oil Spill, Accusing Tehran of ‘Environmental Terrorism’ (what a joke! :-D There is also the possibility that an Israeli pipeline is leaking and Netanyahu is trying to cover it up before the elections), The Algemeiner, 3 March 2021: ‘Why Not China?’ Protests Greet New Zealand Sovereign Wealth Fund’s Decision to Divest From Israeli Banks (“It continued: “It is curious that only Israeli banks listed in the NZSF have been divested from, and not those in China, Turkey, Russia, or Saudi Arabia.” – funny, Israel has tried for years to portray itself as a democracy, but at the same time compares itself to non-democracies on such occasions. Apparently they do not believe that the country is or could become a democracy one day and is therefore immediately looking for countries that are actually similarly oriented. Basically, of course, much higher demands are held against democracies than against non-democracies. It is in the nature of things. At the same time, such attacks on the business decisions of foreign investors are of course the basis for not investing in Israel in the first place, in order not to expose oneself to the attacks in the event of a possible later market exit), Times of Israel, 3 March 2021: As Biden weighs human rights and security in Mideast, some see peril for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2021: Moroccan Jewish community thrown out of longtime Jerusalem synagogue, Haaretz, 4 March 2021: Netanyahu Ally Defends Campaign Ad Likening Reform Jews to Dogs: It Was ‘Merely Showing the Truth’, Jerusalem Post, 4 March 2021: Demanding Israeli Arabs’ gratitude is hypocritical – opinion, Haaretz, 4 March 2021: Greenpeace Slams Israeli Minister’s ‘Baseless Claim’ Accusing Iran of Eco-terrorism in Devastating Oil Spill, Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: Thousands protest police response to Arab crime; dissident MK Abbas chased away, Haaretz, 5 March 2021: ‘Life in Amsterdam Is Freer, Unlike the Existential Struggle in Israel’, Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: As transmission rate rises above 1, virus czar says 4th lockdown a possibility, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2021: Israel is updating attack plans against Iran’s nuclear sites – Gantz, Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: Pfizer CEO postponed Israel visit because he isn’t fully vaccinated — report, Haaretz, 5 March 2021: Israel’s Apartheid Debate: Smash the Mirror or Fix Reality?, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2021: Israel is in a religious war between haredi, democratic forces – opinion, Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: Branding liberal converts a demographic threat, Haredi campaigns get second wind, Israel Hayom, 5 March 2021: Biden abandons Middle East peace (unlike Trump, the Biden administration is apparently not ready to support the “Crime Minister” and his election campaign, as they are not a fan of him for obvious and very good reasons. Apparently the Likudniks are annoyed about it. Cool. The article itself is of course a mix of more or lesse pure and baseless pro-Trump and -Netanyahu propaganda and veritable brain farts), Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: Political dyscalculia in the anti-Netanyahu camp, Israel Hayom, 5 March 2021: A question of morality, The New York Times, 5 March 2021: The Israeli Feminist Trying to Save Liberal Zionism, Haaretz, 6 March 2021: Anti-Netanyahu Protesters Attacked in 37th Consecutive Week of Demos, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2021: Anti-Netanyahu protesters ramp up demonstrations ahead of elections, Times of Israel, 6 March 2021: Amid latest protests, anti-PM groups say violence against them now ‘routine’, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2021: US: Our Middle East allies don’t get blank check to oppose US interests, Haaretz, 6 March 2021: Picture Israeli Labor Party Leader Michaeli in Prison, Times of Israel, 7 March 2021: Lapid: My ambitions can wait; if Netanyahu wins, Israel will enter dark times, Arab News, 7 March 2021: With many vaccinated, Israel reopens economy before election, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2021: Israel, Cyprus and Greece agree to link power grids via subsea cable (European taxpayers therefore not only pay for the electricity that Israel taps, but even for the cable itself with which Israel taps into the European electricity grid), Haaretz, 8 March 2021: How Christian Evangelical Money and Biblical Prophecy Are Driving Immigration to Israel, Times of Israel, 8 March 2021: After walling itself in, Israel learns to hazard the jungle beyond, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2021: Gantz compares Netanyahu’s remarks to Capitol riot incitement, The Algemeiner, 8 March 2021: Germany Can Show True Repentance by Confronting Iran (not the first time, that pro-Nutty Yahoo lobbyists are trying to drag Germany and the EU into the Crime Minister’s Middle East Bullsh!t Bingo and for sure not the last time that it won’t work. The most important reason is, that it would be against the fundamental selfinterests of Germany and the EU, including security interests. The second one is, that Netanyahu massively contributed to the Israel-Iran dispute, not least by pushing Trump to abonden the Iran deal, without having a reasonable alternative at hand and by doing so enabling Iran to develop own nuclear war heads or in other words: “you break it, you own it”. Meanwhile Germany and the EU are trying to keep the Iran deal alive, e.g. by maintainig the INSTEX mechanism, to bring US President Joe Biden in the position to re-start negotiations. Netanyahu did never anything good to Israel and is only interested in his self-enrichment through various criminal actions. Sooner or later the Israelis will pay a price for that. Iran is also a challenge for Germany. The bigger task, however, is to protect the Israelis from their greatest enemy, and that is clearly Netanyahu), The New York Times, 8 March 2021: Sanctions Reimposed on Israeli Billionaire Granted Relief Under Trump, The Hill, 8 March 2021: State Department revokes Trump-era exception for sanctioned Israeli billionaire, Haaretz, 9 March 2021: Why the Upcoming Election Will Determine the Fate of U.S. Bipartisan Support for Israel, The Algemeiner, 9 March 2021: Hungarian, Czech Premiers to Meet Israeli PM on Pandemic Strategy (the next corrupt EU traitors to do some election campaign for the “Crime Minister”), Haaretz, 9 March 2021: Netanyahu Took a Gamble on Reopening, and the Cost of His COVID Policy Will Only Be Clear After Election, Times of Israel, 9 March 2021: Gantz: ‘Incitement’ by Netanyahu puts attorney general’s life in danger, Arab News, 9 March 2021: Netanyahu’s surreal attempt to woo Palestinians, Haaretz, 10 March 2021: As Israel Heads to Fourth Election in Two Years, Poll Predicts Political Deadlock, Haaretz, 10 March 2021: Latest Polls: Israel Election 2021, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: Coronavirus and the haredim: By the numbers, Times of Israel, 11 March 2021: Jordanian FM appears to assail Netanyahu for cancellation of Temple Mount visit, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: Netanyahu’s anti-Iran campaign is Israel’s greatest failure – opinion (should Iran one day consider it necessary to build nuclear weapons in order to be able to defend the country and its people against Israeli aggression, it would be the greatest political successes for Netanyahu and Trump), Haaretz, 11 March 2021: Netanyahu Severely Damaged Jordan-Israel Ties, Gantz Says After UAE Snafu, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: Jordan: Crown prince nixed Jerusalem visit due to Israeli ‘restrictions’, Haaretz, 11 March 2021: The U.S. Billionaires Secretly Funding the Right-wing Effort to Reshape Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: 10 things to know about Israel’s jittery peace with Jordan, Haaretz, 11 March 2021: Blaming Jordan, Netanyahu Cancels Historic UAE Visit, Arab News, 11 March 2021: Jordanians welcome decision to close national airspace to Israeli PM, Haaretz, 11 March 2021: How Netanyahu’s Aborted UAE Visit Turned From a Perfect Campaign Ad to a National Embarrassment, Israel Hayom, 11 March 2021: ‘Hungary is leading the change in EU stance on Jerusalem’ (in the real world, the autharian Hungarian regime is leading no one outside its borders anywhere, and especially not when it comes to the EU’s assessment of the Jerusalem question. Within its borders, the regime leads the destruction of democracy and the rule of law, which, after all, is one reason Netanyahu and Orban are such good friends. After all, they have a lot in common here), Haaretz, 11 March 2021: Why Some Voters in ‘Settler Heartland’ Are Ready to Turn Their Backs on Netanyahu, Israel Hayom, 11 March 2021: Israeli president, IDF chief of staff to visit Europe next week, The Wall Street Journal, 12 March 2021: Israeli Strikes Target Iranian Oil Bound for Syria (Israel is bombing Iranian tankers and as a result has now oil on its beaches. Thank you for nothing, incompetent Crime Minister Netanyahu), Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: US officials say Israel has hit many ships taking Iran oil, arms to Syria: WSJ, Jewish News Syndicate, 12 March 2021: Report: Israel has carried out multiple attacks on Syrian-bound Iranian ships, The Guardian, 12 March 2021: Israel Country ‘bombed a dozen ships carrying Iranian oil or weapons in past two years’, Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: Storm brings more tar to Israel’s Mediterranean coast following major oil spill, Jewish News Syndicate, 12 March 2021: Kosovo to open embassy in Jerusalem as Czech Republic institutes new office, Haaretz, 12 March 2021: Iran Ship Damaged in ‘Terrorist’ Attack in Mediterranean, State Company Says, Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: Long-frustrated Jordan finally finds a way to hit Netanyahu where it hurts, Haaretz, 12 March 2021: Guided by Netanyahu, Army Radio Is Taking a Sharp Turn to the Right, Jerusalem Post, 12 March 2021: We must stop enabling haredi domination of religion and state – opinion, Haartz, 13 March 2021: 10 Days Before Israel’s Election, anti-Netanyahu Protesters March for 38th Week in a Row, The Times, 13 March 2021: Israel ‘secretly attacked Iranian oil tankers and weapons carriers’, Haartz, 13 March 2021: Israel’s Reported Attacks on Iranian Tankers Expose It to Greater Risks, Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2021: Take a stand against ICC politicization – opinion (not that surprising that Israeli government officials are opposing international law), Times of Israel, 13 March 2021: Far-right Ben Gvir says he’ll only join coalition if Netanyahu’s trial canceled, Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2021: Israel Elections: Netanyahu is sounding the alarm once again, Haaretz, 14 March 2021: Report: Netanyahu Ordered Closing Airspace to Jordan Following Spat Over UAE Flight, The Algemeiner, 14 March 2021: IDF Chief, Israeli President to Lobby European Leaders Against Iran Deal Starting Tuesday (no leader in Germany, France or Austria is nearly as stupid as Trump, and, unlikle Trump’s senior advisor for the conflict, Jared Kushner, they have read far more than just seven books about the Middle East conflicts, so that the lobbying efforts won’t work), Haaretz, 14 March 2021: Netanyahu’s Dream Government Is a Nightmare for Everyone Else, Jerusalem Post, 14 March 2021: Netanyahu pledges to legalize West Bank settler outposts if re-elected, Haaretz, 15 March 2021: Why American Jews Should Reject Israel’s Law of Return, Times of Israel, 15 March 2021: Visually impaired protester camps out resolutely in hope of end to Netanyahu era, Haaretz, 15 March 2021: Israel’s Security Service Warns B’Tselem Researcher Not to ‘Make Trouble’ for the Army, Haaretz, 15 March 2021: Eyeing a ‘Full’ Right-wing Government, Netanyahu Becomes Lobbyist for Kahanist Party, Foreign Policy, 15 March 2021: How Do You Say ‘Stop the Steal’ in Hebrew?, Haaretz, 15 March 2021: As Election Nears, Violence Against anti-Netanyahu Protesters Spikes, but Fewer Indictments Filed, DW, 16 March 2021: German and Israeli presidents discuss Middle East and the coronavirus (it is remarkable how very different the views on the Iran deal are. Here it becomes clear once more), Times of Israel, 16 March 2021: In Germany, Rivlin says he trusts Europe will ‘stand by us’ against ICC probe, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: Rivlin heads for diplomatic trip to Europe, warning of Iranian danger, Haaretz, 16 March 2021: ‘Labor Is Back’: Merav Michaeli Is Rebuilding a Dying Party, and Won’t Stop Until It’s in Power, DW, 16 March 2021: Israeli Labor Party looks to new leader as elections loom, Haaretz, 16 March 2021: Israel Misses 2020 Renewable Energy Goal, by a Very Long Way, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: IDF briefs European ambassadors on Hezbollah, Iran (“.. the importance that the visit held on a diplomatic level, in changing the strategic perception on Iran and Hezbollah to better correspond with Israel’s national security concerns” – this isn’t going to happen sometimes soon, as the strategic and security interests and the ways to reach these goals concerning the Levant, the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf States of Europe and Israel are fundamentally different, even to the point of diametral opposition. While the EU relies on “change through trade” or “change through rapprochement” to stabilize the regions, Israel relies on instability. It is a very long way to go to reconcile the two opposing approaches – Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: Israel’s three defense giants lead world in arms industry), Haaretz, 16 March 2021: Israel’s Theft Business Against the Palestinians Is as Thriving as Ever, The National, 17 March 2021: Iran enriching uranium with new advanced machine, says UN watchdog (why not? With Trump’s termination of the Iran deal, pressured by Netanyahu, the two fools have ensured that Iran can now legitimately enrich uranium and build atomic bombs as much as it wants), Arab News, 16 March 2021: Netanyahu takes ties with Jordan to the brink, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: Netanyahu ups focus on settlements, as housing starts hit 10-year low, Haaretz, 17 March 2021: An Israeli Yelled ‘Bibi Go Home.’ The Shin Bet Security Service Had Him Arrested, Times of Israel, 17 March 2021: Internal Biden memo said to back 2-state solution along 1967 lines, Haaretz, 17 March 2021: What Each of Israel’s Election Night Scenarios Will Mean for Working Ties With Biden, Times of Israel, 17 March 2021: Emiratis said angry at Netanyahu for trying to use them in his election campaign, Haaretz, 17 March 2021: Netanyahu’s Humiliation Campaign Against Arab Allies Takes Off, Haaretz, 18 March 2021: Benjamin Netanyahu, Godfather of Israel’s Rising Jewish Fundamentalism, Haaretz, 19 March 2021: This Southern Israeli City Is Worried It Will Become the Next Secular-Haredi Battleground, Times of Israel, 19 March 2021: UAE official: ‘We signed Abraham Accords for our people, not individual leaders’, Haaretz, 19 March 2021: Netanyahu 2021: Israel’s Most Radical Government Ever Would Bring Fascism Within Reach, Jerusalem Post, 19 March 2021: How Netanyahu’s foreign policy achievements turned into a fiasco, Süddeutsche Zeitung, 19 March 2021: Israel: Below the Surface (The New York Times, 7 April 2019: Will the Israeli ‘King’ Be Recrowned? – the closer you look, the clearer it becomes that after more than a decade of destructive Likud and Netanyahu policies, the “only democracy in the Levant” associated with high hopes is, as of today, only a rump of what it should become. At the same time, as in neighboring countries, the country’s leadership staff apparently thinks the country is a self-service shop and ATM that can be milked at will, shamelessly and without a sense of guilt. In this respect, Israel has at least arrived in the region and has adapted to the regional customs), Jerusalem Post, 20 March 2021: Anti-Netanyahu protesters gather for largest demonstration, Haaretz, 20 March 2021: Three Days to Election, Thousands of Israelis March From Knesset in Protest Against Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 20 March 2021: Thousands protest against Netanyahu in final pre-election demonstration, Jerusalem Post, 20 March 2021: Netanyahu source of Israel’s dysfunction, Merav Michaeli tells CNN, France24, 21 March 2021: Israeli PM Netanyahu courts Arab voters ahead of tight election, Haaretz, 21 March 2021: It’s Not Netanyahu, Stupid: What This Israeli Election Is Really About, The Guardian, 21 March 2021: Benjamin Netanyahu: Uncertainty hangs over Israel PM’s bid to break political impasse, France24, 21 March 2021: ‘Go home,’ chant anti-Netanyahu protesters ahead of Israel’s snap polls, Times of Israel, 21 March 2021: What sort of ‘victory’ would await a victorious Netanyahu?, Haaretz, 21 March 2021: What You Need to Know About Israel’s Unprecedented Election: Special Haaretz Briefing, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2021: Tens of thousands anti-Netanyahu activists gather for pre-election protest, DW, 22 March 2021: Benjamin Netanyahu faces election decision day, Times of Israel, 22 March 2021: Unemployment down to 16.7% in February as economy reopens, CNN, 22 March 2021: Netanyahu credits himself with bringing Israel ‘back to life.’ Now he hopes his Covid-19 campaign will save his political future, Haaretz, 22 March 2021: Israel Election: On the Verge of an Illiberal Democracy (well, obviously there are a number of people in Israel who are voting for Likud or its coalition partners, so that there is a large number of voters who actually want a illiberal democracy (or a theocracy or autocracy with a religious touch)), Times of Israel, 22 March 2021: A mandate to remake Israeli democracy: Why this Netanyahu win would be different, Arab News, 22 March 2021: How will the Israel election outcome affect its Arab neighbors and Palestinians?, The Algemeiner, 22 March 2021: No Normalization With Israel Before Palestinian Statehood, Senior Former Saudi Official Says, France24, 23 March 2021: Netanyahu’s future at stake as Israelis vote for the fourth time in two years, The Guardian, 23 March 2021: Voting opens in fourth national election in two years, France24, 23 March 2021: ‘Bibi whisperers’: Republican strategists tighten Netanyahu’s grip on Israeli politics, Haaretz, 23 March 2021: Gideon Levy Explains to Mehdi Hasan Why This Is Israel’s Most Dangerous Election Ever, Times of Israel, 23 March 2021: With election turnout lowest since 2009, parties break out panic campaigns, Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2021: Will Netanyahu’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s MBS happen after elections? (as the Saudis stated over and over again during the past months: “Come to terms with a negotiated two state solution and we can talk about a normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. One step after the other”), Haaretz, 23 March 2021: Dramatic Exit Polls Give Netanyahu Slim Majority, but Only if Bennett Joins Him. Kahanist, Homophobic Party Makes Major Gains, Al Arabiya, 23 March 2021: Israeli election exit polls give Netanyahu slim majority, Arab News, 23 March 2021: No clear winner in Israeli election, but Netanyahu could have edge – TV exit polls, The National, 23 March 2021: Israel election 2021: Benjamin Netanyahu likely needs coalition, The Atlantic, 23 March 2021: ‘Netanyahu Is Playing With Fire With the Democrats’, The New York Times, 23 March 2021: Netanyahu Has Path to Majority and Sixth Term, Israeli Exit Polls Show, The Washington Post, 23 March 2021: Netanyahu’s party wins the most seats and governing coalition may be within reach, exit polls show, The Algemeiner, 23 March 2021: Israeli Election 2021: Exit Polls Show Netanyahu With Largest Party, and Bennett’s Yamina as Kingmaker, Haaretz, 23 March 2021: Israel Election Results: Kahanist Racism, Homophobia Enter Knesset After Far-right Party’s Strong Showing, The Guardian, 24 March 2021: Israel election: Near-complete results suggest extended deadlock (it is quite remarkable that subordinate politicians in the West because of morally dubious deals with corona masks either voluntarily resign within hours of the allegations becoming known or political pressure is exerted until they give in, while politicians from the government coalition and in top positions in Israel, some of which are very credibly associated with massive and tangible corruption affairs, are in good old Levantine tradition not only celebrated, but even elected again and again), Haaretz, 24 March 2021: A New Government Seems Unlikely. Here’s Five Scenarios to Break Deadlock, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2021: Netanyahu gained in election from high haredi, weak Arab turnout, Times of Israel, 24 March 2021: Entering Knesset, far-rightists want to legalize outposts, fight ‘LGBT agenda’, Haaretz, 24 March 2021: Israel Election, the Day After: The Right Gears Up for Massive ‘The Left Stole the Vote’ Campaign, Times of Israel, 24 March 2021: Arab vote for Likud barely budges despite Netanyahu’s overtures, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2021: Ultra-Orthodox children attack woman at a polling station on Election Day, Arab News, 24 March 2021: Why Palestinians should try to change Israel from the inside, The National, 24 March 2021: Why Israel’s Netanyahu needs an Arab party and an old frenemy to keep his job, The Washington Post, 24 March 2021: Israel faces another political impasse, thanks to Netanyahu, Haaretz, 25 March 2021: Israel Election Results: Young Haredim Swept the Vile Kahanists Into the Knesset. It’s Great News for the Jews, Jerusalem Post, 25 March 2021: Lapid begins courting partners for anti-Netanyahu coalition, Haaretz, 25 March 2021: Israel Election Results: How Netanyahu Lost, and Why He Might Still Win, Jerusalem Post, 25 March 2021: Netanyahu will leave Balfour – opinion, Times of Israel, 26 March 2021: Reform rabbi, Kahanist agitator, firebrand writer: The new Knesset’s 16 rookies, Jerusalem Post, 26 March 2021: A split over Bibi, not impending ‘tribal war’, Haaretz, 26 March 2021: Israel Election Results: Who Was Meir Kahane, and Why Is His Racist Legacy Relevant Again, Times of Israel, 26 March 2021: Is a fifth election now a self-fulfilling prophecy?, Haaretz, 26 March 2021: Israel Election Results: For a ‘Political Genius,’ Netanyahu Screwed Up Real Bad, New York Magazine, 26 March 2021: Israel’s Democracy Is Broken, and Netanyahu Is to Blame, Times of Israel, 26 March 2021: Israeli politics has now moved from farcical to surreal; insanity is looming, Haaretz, 26 March 2021: A Fifth Election Would Be Israel’s 11th Plague, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2021: Anti-Netanyahu bloc parties continue talks for possible coalitions, Arab News, 27 March 2021: Israel continues its march to the right, Haaretz, 27 March 2018: Netanyahu Said He’ll Never Do It, and That’s When I Knew He Would Go With Islamist Party, The Econmist, 27 March 2021: The evolution of Israeli politics, Haaretz, 28 March 2018: Israel Election Results: Lapid, Gantz Meet Sunday to Discuss Forming Coalition, Haaretz, 28 March 2021: Israel Election Results: Most Ultra-Orthodox Leaders Declare They Will Back Netanyahu for Prime Minister, Arab News, 29 March 2021: The missing lessons from Israel’s latest elections, Haaretz, 29 March 2021: Israel Election Results: Anti-Netanyahu Bloc Struggles to Agree on a Candidate for Prime Minister, Haaretz, 30 March 2021: Gantz Nearly Became the Joke of the Election, but Israel Still Needs Him as a Gatekeeper, The Algemeiner, 31 March 2021: 2021 Israeli Elections: Extremists Became Stronger — and There’s Still No Alternative to Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 1 April 2021: If at fourth he can’t succeed, Netanyahu signals he’s ready to try, try again, France24, 1 April 2021: Islamic party leader, surprise kingmaker calls for new Israel ‘reality’, Haaretz, 1 April 2021: Israel Election Results: Far-right Party’s Demand Highlights Israel’s Longstanding Neglect of Equality for Women, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2021: Netanyahu brought the political dilemma on himself – analysis, Times of Israel, 1 April 2021: Islamist who could hold keys to Israeli gov’t pleads for Jewish-Arab cooperation, Times of Israel, 3 April 2021: For Israel, endless electoral discord carries perils for ties with Arab world, Times of Israel, 4 April 2021: Retired judge predicts Netanyahu graft trial will last at least 3 years, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2021: Who are the cast of key characters in Netanyahu’s trial?, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2021: Pfizer halts corona vaccine shipments to Israel after country fails to pay (the best response to the article come directly out of the comment section: “Israel a Banana Republic? No! Not under BooBoo and his circus. We’d have to go UP a few levels to achieve a Banana Republic rating. Pfizer’s mistake is trusting the Balfour Bluffer, who doesn’t even know the size of the deficit he’s created.”), France24, 5 April 2021: Israel’s Netanyahu in court for corruption trial as coalition talks ramp up, BBC, 5 April 2021: Netanyahu trial: Editor ‘told to drop negative stories about Israel PM’, Times of Israel, 5 April 2021: Ex-CEO of top news site: Skewed coverage of Netanyahu was part of quid pro quo (“Netanyahu was sometimes called “Kim Jong Un,” North Korea’s dictator, around the office, while Sara Netanyahu was called “Ri Sol-ju,” Kim’s wife.”- that’s seems to be a pretty accurate description of the couple), The Guardian, 5 April 2021: Netanyahu in court as Israel’s lawmakers mull over his political fate, Politico.com, 5 April 2021: Israel’s Netanyahu in court as parties weigh in on his fate, Haaretz, 5 April 2021: Israel’s Democracy Has Exhausted Itself – This Could Save It, Times of Israel, 5 April 2021: Political fate in balance, Netanyahu in court at start of trial’s evidence stage, Al Arabiya, 5 April 2021: Israel’s Netanyahu back in court over corruption allegations, The Algemeiner, 5 April 2021: Netanyahu’s Favors Were ‘Currency’, Prosecutor Says as Corruption Trial Starts, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Netanyahu Trial: Key Witness Says He Was ‘Instructed to Destroy Evidence, Coordinate Versions’, The Algemeiner, 6 April 2021: Skeptical President Invites Netanyahu to Form Next Israeli Government, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: Rivlin hands Netanyahu mandate to form coalition despite low chance of success, Times of Israel, 6 April 2021: Fighting on two fronts: His leadership wobbling, Netanyahu faces his prosecutors, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Israel Election Results: President Rivlin Tasks Netanyahu With Trying to Form Government, Times of Israel, 6 April 2021: Rivlin reluctantly taps Netanyahu to form government: ‘Not an easy moral choice’, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Netanyahu Is Now More Desperate and Dangerous Than Ever Before, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Mark the Date: The Exact Moment When Bibi Launched the Rebellion (Netanyahu was, is and will remain to be the living definition of the word “depravity”. It is truely unbelievable that a current head of state indirectly calls on his fan base to storm the institutions in order to divert attention from his crimes. At the same time, an admission of guilt could hardly be clearer), Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: Defense may demand halting Netanyahu trial to appeal Yeshua testimony, Times of Israel, 6 April 2021: On day 2 of testimony, Yeshua describes effort to hide PM’s alleged quid pro quo, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Netanyahu Will Try to Use His Mandate From President Rivlin to Push for a Fifth Election, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: Coronavirus damage on economy is four times worse than 2008 crisis, The Algemeiner, 6 April 2021: Israeli Central Bank Chief Deplores Lack of Stable Government, State Budget, The New York Times, 6 April 2021: Israelis and Americans Both Are Asking, Whose Country Is This Anyway?, Foreign Policy, 7 April 2021: Israel’s Osirak Option, Haaretz, 7 April 2021: Netanyahu’s Far-right Ally: Israel Belongs to the Jews. Arabs Who Don’t Recognize That Won’t Stay Here, Times of Israel, 7 April 2021: Netanyahu: We won’t be bound by ‘Iran deal that threatens us with annihilation’ (a typical Netanyahu stunt: using the victims of the Holocaust for political propaganda and gains – disgusting), Haaretz, 7 April 2021: Netanyahu Trial: PM Aides Vetted Senior Appointments at News Site, Key Witness Says, Times of Israel, 7 April 2021: Ex-news site CEO: I was told to ax Sara Netanyahu item or I’d sink business deal, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: Massive Backups at Israel’s Ports Taking Big Toll on Local Businesses, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: Israeli Settler Assaults Left-wing Activist After Dispute on West Bank Grazing Land, Times of Israel, 8 April 2021: Rights activist rabbi beaten in settler attack near illegal West Bank outpost, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: Netanyahu’s Shameful Speech: When Holocaust Remembrance Day Becomes a Campaign Event, Times of Israel, 8 April 2021: Mandelblit warns lack of justice minister has ‘far-reaching’ consequences, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: 175,000 Holocaust Survivors Live in Israel. Most Live on $101 a Month in Government Stipends, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: They’re Israel’s Far Right, Pro-ethnic Cleansing Nationalists. But Don’t Call Them ‘Nazis’, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: U.S. Conservatives Gave the Israeli Right Huge Political Power. When Will the Left Do the Same?, Times of Israel, 9 April 2021: Pfizer said to warn Israel: Pay up or go to the back of vaccine line, Times of Israel, 10 April 2021: ‘No 5th election’: Anti-Netanyahu protests return amid ongoing deadlock, Haaretz, 10 April 2021: Netanyahu Pressures Far-right Ally, Prepares for Yet Another Israeli Election, Times of Israel, 11 April 2021: Netanyahu, big business, and the skewing of Israeli media, Haaretz, 11 April 2021: How J Street Could Become More Influential Than Ever in the Biden Era, Progressive Israel Network, 12 April 2021: Eight Members of the Progressive Israel Network: “JNF-KKL’s Executive Board Wants to Make Palestinian Dispossession its Policy”, Haaretz, 12 April 2021: At the Heart of the Netanyahu Trial Is His Desire for ‘My Own Media’, The Washington Post, 13 April 2021: Official: Iran to enrich uranium to 60%, highest level ever (Netanyahu’s plan to finally arm Iran with nuclear weapons and thus position it as a global player is slowly but surely paying off. You can really only congratulate him on that one), Times of Israel, 13 April 2021: Walla owner told CEO: ‘Give Sara everything, Netanyahu’s killing himself for me’, Haaretz, 13 April 2021: At a Critical Moment for Netanyahu, Israel’s Iran Ambiguity Blows Up, Arab News, 13 April 2021: Israel’s rude awakening as pro-Netanyahu camp ups the rhetoric, Israel Hayom, 14 April 2021: How the wheels came off Israel’s auto industry, Haaretz, 14 April 2021: Israel Is Walking Straight Into an Iran Crisis With Eyes Wide Open, Times of Israel, 15 April 2021: Haredi teens said to burn wreaths on troops’ graves, PM blasts ‘barbaric’ act, Jerusalem Post, 15 April 2021: Ultra-Orthodox extremists burn Israeli flags on Independence Day, Jerusalem Post, 15 April 2021: Netanyahu’s Holocaust Remembrance Day speech a wretched insult – opinion (once more, spot on), Haaretz, 16 April 2021: Israel’s Democracy Has Stood the Test, but the Fight Is Far From Over, Haaretz, 16 April 2021: Israel’s Independence Day Ceremony Signifies a Whole New Moral Low, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2021: Anti-Netanyahu demonstrators cry out against state holiday politicization, Haaretz, 18 April 2021: Netanyahu Can’t Be Trusted to Keep Israel Out of War With Iran, Times of Israel, 18 April 2021: After years of delays and strife, Jerusalem Tolerance Museum nears completion, Haaretz, 19 April 2021: Netanyahu Has Lost Control of His Own Racist Creation, Arab News, 19 April 2021: Jerusalem on verge of exploding thanks to Israel’s fires, Haaretz, 19 April 2021: For Sixth Night in a Row, Palestinians Confront Israeli Police in Jerusalem’s Old City , Times of Israel, 19 April 2021: Hundreds of Palestinians clash with police by Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate, Haaretz, 19 April 2021: Netanyahu, Go on to the Next Trick, Times of Israel, 20 April 2021: Netanyahu threatens ex-PM Olmert with lawsuit for calling family mentally ill (for what reason? Looking back the past few years, Olmert’s analysis seems to be pretty sport on), Haaretz, 20 April 2021: Netanyahu pulls last rabbit out of his hat, Times of Israel, 20 April 2021: Likud lashes out at Bennett, Smotrich after shock Knesset defeat, Haaretz, 20 April 2021: Jerusalem Police Attacked, Trapped While Trying to Carry Out Arrests in ultra-Orthodox Area (Netanyahus natural partners in crime and politics), Times of Israel, 20 April 2021: Ultra-Orthodox mob locks cops in building; then suspect flees dressed as woman, Jerusalem Post, 20 April 2021: Netanyahu can lose power in the blink of an eye – analysis, The New Yorker, 20 April 2021: Netanyahu—on Trial and Trying to Form a Government—Is Promoting His Own Big Lie, Haaretz, 22 April 2021: In Hysterical Remarks, Netanyahu Presents His Only Remaining Lifeline, Times of Israel, 22 April 2021: Criminal rot in the heart of Israel, Haaretz, 23 April 2021: Naval Conflict With Iran Sheds Lights on a Critical Israeli Weak Spot, Times of Israel, 23 April 2021: Netanyahu’s direct election gambit changes the rules mid-race to ensure he wins, Times of Israel, 24 April 2021: Police detain 3 people ahead of weekly protest outside Netanyahu residence, Haaretz, 25 April 2021: America’s Unconditional Love for Israel Must End, Times of Israel, 25 April 2021: Extremist to Arab reporter neighbor: I want to expel you, not burn your village, Palestine Chronicle, 25 April 2021: ‘Jaffa is not for sale’: Palestinians Protest Planned Evictions, Haaretz, 26 April 2021: Ultra-Orthodox Dropouts Flock to Violent Jerusalem Protests, Pointing to a Worrying Trend , Haaretz, 26 April 2021: Conditioning U.S. Military Aid May Never Happen, but the Debate Should Worry Israel, Times of Israel, 27 April 2021: PM forces vote to make a Likud colleague justice minister; AG says it’s illegal (just another wonderful day in Fucknutsville), Haaretz, 27 April 2021: After ‘Illegal’ Cabinet Vote Pushed by Netanyahu, Justice Minister Dispute Moves to High Court, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2021: Netanyahu is attacking Israel. Stop him – comment, Haaretz, 27 April 2021: Why Benny Gantz Must Be Israel’s Next Justice Minister, Times of Israel, 28 April 2021: Gantz appointed justice minister after Netanyahu U-turn; court cancels hearing, Haaretz, 28 April 2021: Netanyahu Is Incompetent to Serve as Prime Minister for Even One More Day, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2021: Netanyahu blinks, finally makes Gantz justice minister, Haaretz, 28 April 2021: Netanyahu U-turn on Justice Minister Exposes ‘Illusion of Functioning’ State, President Says, Times of Israel, 29 April 2021: ‘Israel’s worst constitutional crisis,’ until the next one, Jerusalem Post, 29 April 2021: Netanyahu needs to go, Israel needs a reset – opinion, DW, 29 April 2021: Israel: Dozens dead in stampede at Lag B’Omer religious gathering, Haaretz, 30 April 2021: At Least 44 Crushed to Death at Lag Ba’Omer Disaster in Northern Israel (precisely this has been warned about for decades. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia only stepped up the security precautions in Mecca significantly after an even greater disaster occurred there), Times of Israel, 30 April 2021: A packed narrow walkway, a slippery metal floor: How the Meron tragedy unfolded, Jerusalem Post, 30 April 2021: World leaders, Jewish orgs send Israel condolences amid Mt. Meron tragedy, Haaretz, 30 April 2021: Israel’s Watchdog Issued Warning a Decade Ago. Last Night, 44 People Were Killed, Times of Israel, 30 April 2021: Meron exit route was known for years as bottleneck; police commander takes blame, Haaretz, 30 April 2021: Why Do Orthodox Jews Flock to the Mt. Meron Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai?, France24, 30 April 2021: Dozens killed in stampede at Israeli religious festival, BBC, 30 April 2021: Israel crush: Netanyahu vows to investigate ‘terrible disaster’, CNN, 30 April 2021: Crush at religious festival in Israel’s Mount Meron kills 45 people, The Guardian, 30 April 2021: Israel: Dozens killed in crush at religious festival, The Times, 30 April 2021: Dozens of Israeli pilgrims killed in stampede, NPR, 30 April 2021: Dozens Crushed To Death, Scores Injured In Stampede At Israeli Religious Festival, The New York Times, 30 April 2021: Israel Mourns After Religious Festival Turns Into a Disaster, The Washington Post, 30 April 2021: At least 45 killed, dozens injured in stampede at religious festival in Israel, Israel Hayom, 30 April 2021: How Biden is smashing America’s moral compass (sweet. When Netanyahu’s fan boys and girls are fuming, then President Biden is doing everything right), Times of Israel, 30 April 2021: After Meron, Gantz said to explicitly tell Netanyahu no on forming government, Haaretz, 30 April 2021: Israel Turned a Blind Eye to the ultra-Orthodox Autonomy – Until Disaster Struck, Reuters, 1 May 2021: U.S. citizens were among those killed in Israeli festival disaster, France24, 1 May 2021: Funerals for pilgrimage stampede victims in Israel resume after Sabbath pause, BBC, 1 May 2021: Israel crush: Israel mourns as festival crush victims identified, Jerusalem Post, 1 May 2021: Comptroller warned years ago that Mt. Meron was disaster waiting to happen, Haaretz, 1 May 2021: Netanyahu’s Rotting Regime Is to Blame for Israel’s Lag Ba’omer Disaster, Times of Israel, 1 May 2021: After tragedy, reports emerge that politicians pressed not to limit Meron event, Jerusalem Post, 1 May 2021: Female soldiers who came to rescue in Meron were attacked – IDF, France24, 2 May 2021: Israel observes day of mourning for religious festival stampede victims, Times of Israel, 2 May 2021: Meron disaster site revealed as a place where nobody was ever really in charge, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2021: Wage war on the ‘it will be okay’ mentality – analysis, BBC, 2 May 2021: Israel crush: Day of mourning after dozens killed at Jewish festival, CNN, 2 May 2021: As families bury their dead, recriminations begin over deadly crush at a religious festival in Israel, The Guardian, 2 May 2021: Israel: Day of mourning held for 45 crush disaster victims, Times of Israel, 2 May 2021: A Hasidic singer, a dozen boys and teens, a father of 11: All 45 Meron victims, The Washington Post, 2 May 2021: Israel asks whether autonomy of the ultra-Orthodox contributed to stampede, Haaretz, 2 May 2021: American Jews, Stop Funding Jewish Terrorism, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2021: Due to Meron tragedy, time is running out for Netanyahu to form gov’t, Times of Israel, 2 May 2021: Gantz rules out coalition with Netanyahu, says he’s committed to replacing him, Haaretz, 3 May 2021: Honor Extended to Jonathan Pollard by Australia’s Orthodox Jewish Community Stirs Controversy, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2021: Israel’s stigma: A country of prosperity suffers from poverty, Haaretz, 3 May 2021: In Crunch Time, Right-wing Leader Bennett Says Netanyahu ‘Doesn’t Have a Government’ , The New York Times, 3 May 2021: Netanyahu Offers Rival a Year in Office, in Last-Minute Bid for Government, The Washington Post, 3 May 2021: Israel’s stampede tragedy shines a light on Netanyahu’s failures of governing, Times of Israel, 3 May 2021: In bombshell recordings, Shaked calls Netanyahus ‘tyrants’ with ‘lust for power’, Haaretz, 4 May 2021: With Midnight Coalition Deadline, Here’s How Netanyahu May Try to Foil Lapid, The Guardian, 4 May 2021: Netanyahu struggles to form government before deadline, The Times, 4 May 2021: Netanyahu runs out of time amid rivals’ plan for coalition, Haaretz, 4 May 2021: Netanyahu Trial: PM Asked to Remove Stories About Bereaved Families, Key Witness Says, Times of Israel, 4 May 2021: In last-ditch gambit, Likud seeks fast-tracked vote on direct election for PM, Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2021: Netanyahu trial: Yeshua told staff Bibi ‘destroying Zionist enterprise’, Haaretz, 4 May 2021: Mount Meron Disaster Proves That Israeli Sovereignty Is an Illusion, France24, 4 May 2021: Israel’s Netanyahu fails to form government by deadline, prolonging political deadlock. The New York Times, 4 May 2021: Israeli Officials Had a Plan to Prevent Tragedy at Mt. Meron. It Was Ignored., The Washington Post, 4 May 2021: Netanyahu has deadline to form new government and no clear path to do it, Haaretz, 4 May 2021: As Netanyahu’s Coalition Deadline Expires, Lapid Seen Likely to Get the Nod, Times of Israel, 5 May 2021: Rivlin starts talks on new mandate to form a government, expected to tap Lapid, DW, 5 May 2021: Opposition leader Yair Lapid tapped to form government, Times of Israel, 5 May 2021: Netanyahu blames Bennett, but it’s his own far-right protégés who doomed him, Haaretz, 5 May 2021: The End of the Netanyahu Era? Not Quite Yet, Times of Israel, 5 May 2021: Out of tricks, Netanyahu again denied a government — because of his own voters, Jerusalem Post, 5 May 2021: Lapid, Bennett hope to form government within a week, Arab News, 5 May 2021: Israeli opposition leader tapped to form new goverment, France24, 5 May 2021: Israel opposition chief Yair Lapid handed mandate to form government, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2021: Netanyahu family sues ex-PM Ehud Olmert for defamation (so, the Crime Minister and his family are suing Olmert because he was stating something totally obvious? That’s rich, especially as they claim over and over again that they are committed to tell the truth), Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2021: Seeing the news in Israel from the outside – opinion, The Algemeiner, 7 May 2021: President Biden and Israel (give me my daily dose of propaganda: “Israel 100% super and correct and the rest of the world, that doesn’t join, support and promote Netanyahu’s nonsense, racism, historical revisionism (ethnonationalism) and whatever else the Crime Minister calls “politics”, is made up of anti-Israel anti-Semites.” To live in an ideological black and white world is definitely a great thing and so beautifully simple. At the same time, of course, one is also a prisoner of that world. That’s not so nice), Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2021: Olmert to ‘Post’: Ohana, Netanyahu responsible and guilty for Meron, Jerusalem Post, 8 May 2021: Anti-Netanyahu protesters bring boxes to Balfour to ‘help Bibi pack’, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2021: Case 3000 indictments advanced against some Netanyahu aides, Times of Israel, 10 May 2021: Several indicted in submarine affair; ex-navy chief, Netanyahu’s cousin off hook, Haaretz, 10 May 2021: Israel Should Focus on Evangelicals, Not U.S. Jews Who Are More Critical, Dermer Says, Times of Israel, 10 May 2021: Dermer suggests Israel should prioritize support of evangelicals over US Jews, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2021: UNSC to meet on Jerusalem violence, Jordan summons Israel’s envoy, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2021: Netanyahu warns of long IDF Gaza campaign after rocket barrage on Tel Aviv (surprise, surprise, exactly what he was asking for), Al Arabiya, 11 May 2021: Hamas chief, Israel’s Netanyahu threaten to escalate violence , Times of Israel, 11 May 2021: Pollard: ‘Jew-hatred’ a foundational belief of ‘Amalek’ Biden administration (the hero of Netanyahu and his extremists and at the same time the enemy of the US and the American people is accusing the US and the American people of antisemitism and jew-hatred. You can’t make this up. The Americans should have sent this traitor and terrorist to Guantanamo and threw the keys away), Haaretz, 11 May 2021: Rivals’ Coalition Talks Mean Netanyahu’s in No Rush to De-escalate Gaza Tensions, Haaretz, 11 May 2021: Almost Half of Young U.S. Jews Feel No Connection to Religion, New Pew Survey Shows, Haaretz, 12 May 2021: Netanyahu Is Leading Israel Into Civil War Between Jews and Palestinians, Haaretz, 12 May 2021: ‘There’s Systematic Expulsion of Arab Society in Israel, and We’ve Reached a Boiling Point’, Haaretz, 12 May 2021: Israel’s Coalition Talks Must Resume Once Gaza Fighting Stops, Islamist Party Leader Says, Times of Israel, 13 May 2021: I grew up in a divided Jerusalem. I’d like to live in a shared one., France24, 13 May 2021: Israel orders ‘massive reinforcement’ of security to quell internal violence, The Guardian, 13 May 2021: Middle East: Mob violence a bigger threat to Israel than Gaza, says Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 13 May 2021: Bennett rules out ‘change gov’t’ amid national unrest, renews talks with Likud, CNN, 13 May 2021: Israel warns of ‘more targets’ after Arab-Jewish clashes, Times of Israel, 13 May 2021: Welcome to the Israeli Rollercoaster, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2021: The cycle of Israeli-Palestinian violence turns once again – opinion, France24, 13 May 2021: Jewish-Arab clashes spread across Israel as decades-old tensions erupt, Irish Times, 13 May 2021: Gaza conflict worsens as wave of ethnic violence grips Israel, Times of Israel, 13 May 2021: Soldier viciously beaten in Jaffa, synagogue burned in Lod as rioting renews, Haaretz, 13 May 2021: ‘Where Are They Getting All Their Hatred From?’ Amid Jewish-Arab Violence, Some Seek Revenge, Times of Israel, 13 May 2021: 4 Jewish suspects held over fatal shooting of Arab in Lod are released on bail, Arab News, 13 May 2021: Israel should look to South Africa and do the right thing, NPR, 13 May 2021: Israel In Turmoil: Violence Spreads To Streets And Occupied West Bank, The New York Times, 13 May 2021: In Mixed Israel Cities Proud of Good Relations, a Sudden, Explosive Division, The Atlantic, 13 May 2021: America’s Vaccine Nationalism Isn’t Working, Times of Israel, 13 May 2021: Jewish-Arab violence rolls through cities like wildfire, with police overwhelmed, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2021: Rivlin appeals to Arab and Jewish leadership amid rising tensions, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: Israel’s opposition leader says ethnic unrest a huge threat, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2021: Israeli soldier attacked in Jaffa, hospitalized in serious condition, Times of Israel, 14 May 2021: Israel says US, Europe allies supportive on Gaza conflict; not so the Arab world, Haaretz, 14 May 2021: Muslim Headstones, Synagogues Vandalized in Israeli City as Jewish-Arab Violence Persists, France24, 14 May 2021: Gaza conflict upsets fragile balance between Arab and Jewish Israelis, The Algemeiner, 14 May 2021: IDF Soldier Seriously Wounded in Jaffa, 5th Synagogue Burnt in Lod, Haaretz, 14 May 2021: As Gaza Conflict Rages, Riots Erupt Across Israel, Dozens Arrested, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2021: Rioters set fire to community center in Lod, Jerusalem violence erupts, The National, 14 May 2021: The role of Israeli and Palestinian politicians in latest violence, The New York Times, 14 May 2021: Bernie Sanders: The U.S. Must Stop Being an Apologist for the Netanyahu Government, Haaretz, 14 May 2021: Gaza, Jerusalem, Jewish-Arab Tensions and Israeli Politics: A Roadmap to Bloodshed, France24, 14 May 2021: Gaza conflict upsets fragile balance between Arab and Jewish Israelis, The Hill, 14 May 2021: Sanders: Netanyahu has cultivated ‘racist nationalism’, The New York Times, 14 May 2021: In Israel’s Rising Violence, Ripples From 1948, Politico.com, 14 May 2021: Still buddies? Mideast violence tests Biden and Netanyahu’s friendship, The Washington Post, 14 May 2021: Israel has chosen a two-tiered society. Violence is the inevitable result., France24, 15 May 2021: Itamar Ben Gvir, the ultra-nationalist accused of stirring up violence in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 15 May 2021: Arab boy seriously hurt in firebombing of Jaffa home; riots spread across Israel, Times of Israel, 15 May 2021: ‘We’ll shout against the killing’: Thousands rally for Nakba Day, coexistence, DW, 15 May 2021: Arab Israelis in spotlight as IDF’s Gaza strikes continue, Jerusalem Post, 16 May 2021: Seven police injured in Sheikh Jarrah ramming attack as riots continue, Al Arabiya, 16 May 2021: Several injured in east Jerusalem car-ramming attack: Israel police, Haaretz, 16 May 2021: Lapid Suggests Political Considerations Are Behind Israel’s Gaza Operation, Jerusalem Post, 16 May 2021: Internal riots more concerning than rockets, says Ashdod hospital’s head (Netanyahu is the right guy to fuel civil war further more), The New York Times, 16 May 2021: For Trump, Hamas and Bibi, It Is Always Jan. 6 (It was only a matter of time when and which parts of the “Abraham Agreement” would collapse and thereby trigger a chain reaction. The beginning has been made. If the situation were not so serious, one would have to laugh heartily again at the simplicity and incompetence of Netanyahu and Trump), Haaretz, 16 May 2021: With the U.S. Seemingly Indifferent, Egypt Is Israel’s Best Bet to End Gaza Flare-up, Al Arabiya, 16 May 2021: Two dead, dozens hurt in Israeli synagogue accident: Ambulance service, New York Magazine, 16 May 2021: Violence in Israel Is a Political Victory for Netanyahu, BBC, 16 May 2021: Two killed as seats collapse at synagogue in West Bank, Times of Israel, 16 May 2021: Lapid blames PM, Ben Gvir for violence; Ra’am chair condemns synagogue arsons, The Hill, 17 May 2021: Biden approves $735M weapons sale to Israel (the word “sale” is misguiding, as this “sale” in reality is financed by US taxpayers. It’s military aid from the US to Israel), Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2021: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls Israel an apartheid state (Jerusalem is not Israel’s capital, at best West Jerusalem and even this status is only “tolerated” and not recognized. As for the “apartheid” accusation: Even conservative Israeli circles admit this, but are simply looking for another word for it. All in all, there is pretty much agreement from left to center-right), Times of Israel, 18 May 2021: Arabs hold general strike across Israel as Palestinians declare ‘day of rage’, France24, 18 May 2021: Against backdrop of Gaza violence, Israel’s Jews and Arabs join forces for peace, Politico.eu, 18 May 2021: Borrell calls for Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire, but Hungary blocks joint EU position (not very surprising. Still, it is interesting that the only supporter of Netanyahu is his autocratic colleague from Hungary. In the past few months, backbenchers and Israel lobbyists have called for the country to join the EU. There is at least one clear answer to that: Forget about it!), CNN, 18 May 2021: Why Biden is not diving into Middle East peace brokering, Haaretz, 18 May 2021: This Is Israel’s Most Failed and Pointless Gaza Operation Ever. It Must End Now, The Guardian, 18 May 2021: Israel TV reporters face attacks and threats from Jewish extremists, Haaretz, 18 May 2021: Gaza Lives Erased: Israel Is Wiping Out Entire Families on Purpose, Irish Times, 18 May 2021: Netanyahu’s master plan for Israel and Palestine has failed, The New York Times, 18 May 2021: Biden Is Said to Have Taken Firmer Line With Netanyahu on Private Call, Haaretz, 18 May 2021: Meet the New Progressive Lawmaker Challenging the D.C. Consensus on Israel-Palestine, New York Magazine, 18 May 2021: U.S. Discourse Is Growing More Pro-Palestinian. U.S. Policy Isn’t. (in Europe and the USA it can be seen that there are more and more echo chambers that have decoupled from each other and no longer listen to each other. In addition, there is generally growing government skepticism. which, on controversial issues, can lead to diametrically opposed opinions among governments and electorates), Arab News, 18 May 2021: Israel cannot contain the trio of crises it has ignited, The New York Times, 18 May 2021: Kushner’s Absurd Peace Plan Has Failed, Politico.eu, 18 May 2021: On Israel-Palestine, Americans and Europeans swap scripts (on scripts only, as the EU still lacks a working security architecture to be able do deliver more than just babbling), Haaretz, 19 May 2021: Jewish Google Employees Ask Company to End Its Ties With Israeli Military, The New York Times, 19 May 2021: The ‘Unshakable’ Bonds of Friendship With Israel Are Shaking, The New York Times, 19 May 2021: Gaza Conflict Stokes ‘Identity Crisis’ for Young American Jews, The Guardian, 19 May 2021: Peaceful coexistence in Israel hasn’t been shattered – it’s always been a myth, Haaretz, 19 May 2021: Three Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution Calling for Halt to Arms Sale to Israel, Arab News, 19 May 2021: CNN journalist manhandled by Israeli forces, The Hill, 19 May 2021: Ocasio-Cortez leading effort to block arms sale to Israel, The New York Times, 19 May 2021: New Political Pressures Push U.S. and Europe to Stop Israel-Gaza Conflict, The Washington Post, 19 May 2021: Biden’s warning to Israel shakes up diplomacy — and politics, Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2021: Israel’s hasbara can’t combat Jew-hatred – opinion (hasbara is nothing other than very easy to unmask and at the same time a synonym for “Israeli state propaganda”, made up of half-truths, distortions, historical revisionism and false claims. It is a good sign that the Israeli version of state propaganda works just as little as it does for propaganda from other states, like Poland, Hungary, China, Russia, etc.), Times of Israel, 20 May 2021: Israel’s political stalemate impacts economy more than Hamas rockets – Moody’s, The Atlantic, 20 May 2021: Inside a Jewish-Arab City in Israel, The Times, 20 May 2021: America is no longer united behind Israel, Haaretz, 21 May 2021: Netanyahu Should Have Thanked Biden for Paying the Check, but He Couldn’t Help Himself, Arab News, 21 May 2021: Gaza media building owner complains to ICC: lawyer, The Atlantic, 21 May 2021: A New Word Is Defining the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in Washington, The Guardian, 21 May 2021: Israel should take note: the weight of opinion is turning against it, Times of Israel, 22 May 2021: Politicians across spectrum slam PM for Gaza failures, reported ceasefire terms, The Guardian, 22 May 2021: American Jews are at a turning point with Israel, Jerusalem Post, 22 May 2021: Anti-Netanyahu protesters blame PM for Gaza escalation, Haaretz, 22 May 2021: When It Comes to Gaza, Biden and Sissi Show Israel That It’s Not the Boss, Times of Israel, 22 May 2021: Police chief warns Jewish-Arab violence inside Israel could resume — TV, Jerusalem Post, 22 May 2021: Thousands of Jews and Arabs march in Tel Aviv for peace, coexistence, DW, 22 May 2021: Israel’s ‘mixed’ cities: Palestinians and Jews struggle to rebuild trust, The Washington Post, 22 May 2021: How Black Lives Matter changed the U.S. debate on the Mideast, Times of Israel, 23 May 2021: First polls after ceasefire show political deadlock still firmly in place, The National, 23 May 2021: Hamas holds victory parade as anti-Netanyahu march decries ‘pointless war’, Times of Israel, 23 May 2021: Losing the war: The rising cost of Israel’s lapsed support for 2-state solution (“And since we no longer avowedly aspire to be part of the solution, we are increasingly perceived as part of the problem, as rejectionists.” – that’s exactly how the world started to look at Israel for quite some time now (three or four years in the making)), Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2021: French FM warns Israel on its way to apartheid (Le Drian is of course right. Everyone with brains for 10 cents could watch this development coming for years), The National, 24 May 2021: In 45 years, I’ve never seen Americans shift this much on Palestine, Times of Israel, 24 May 2021: Netanyahu trial: Ex-CEO testifies Walla owner said Netanyahu and his aides acted like ‘criminals’ (“It isn’t easy to admit that our country has been hijacked by criminals” – no more words needed), Haaretz, 24 May 2021: Hamas Came Out Ahead in the Gaza War. Here’s How Israel Can Turn Adversity Into Victory, The National, 24 May 2021: Inside the decades-long struggle for the right to live in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah, The Atlantic, 24 May 2021: The Costly Success of Israel’s Iron Dome, The New York Times, 24 May 2021: As Israel’s Dependence on U.S. Shrinks, So Does U.S. Leverage, The Washington Post, 24 May 2021: The truce quieted Israeli-Palestinian hostilities — but not the Jerusalem disputes that triggered them, Times of Israel, 25 May 2021: US Jews wrestle with internal rifts exposed by Israel-Gaza brawl, Haaretz, 26 May 2021: U.S. Jews’ Dangerous Disengagement From Israel, Times of Israel, 26 May 2021: In Jaffa, neighborhood watches emerge amid Jewish-Arab ethnic violence, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2021: From air defense to ‘occupation’: The plan for endless war in Gaza, Haaretz, 26 May 2021: These Young Jewish Staffers Are Bringing Their Disillusionment With Israel to Capitol Hill, Times of Israel, 26 May 2021: Netanyahu slams France for ‘insolent’ claim Israel at risk of apartheid, Haaretz, 27 May 2021: Germany Gave Israel Unwavering Support During the Latest Gaza War. Here’s Why, Times of Israel, 27 May 2021: Netanyahu’s responsibility for the Jewish-Arab meltdown in Israel, Haaretz, 27 May 2021: Israel’s War on Facts and the Infographic Intifada (“But perhaps the biggest lie of them all is that this current round of fighting is between Israel and Palestine, and not between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas on the one hand, and those living under their reign of lies on the other.”), Times of Israel, 28 May 2021: Jewish mob beats Arab driver in Binyamina; Jewish family home firebombed in Lod, Times of Israel, 29 May 2021: Reform movement legal arm calls to classify extreme-right Lehava as terror group, Times of Israel, 29 May 2021: Bennett widely expected to announce formation of government with Lapid Sunday, Haaretz, 29 May 2021: Israel Election: Bennett Expected to Announce Coalition Deal With Lapid Within Days, Source Says, France24, 30 May 2021: Israel’s far-right ‘kingmaker’ Bennett joins anti-Netanyahu coalition (one can only wish for Israel that it will work, even when the new coalition is anything but perfect. The main thing is that Netanyahu disappears into oblivion and Israel gets the chance to turn the clock back to become a real democracy (instead of drifting in the direction of Brunei, e.g. to establish freedom of religion as a basic right, but undermine this basic right through other laws to the extent that Sharia law actually applies), to make peace with neighboring countries, especially with Palestine, to create the two-state solution and to enable coexistence. All topics and problems that can’t be solved under Netanyahu, who in turn can now prepare for his time in prison), Times of Israel, 30 May 2021: Last-ditch offer: Netanyahu says Sa’ar can be PM 1st in 3-way deal with Bennett, Jerusalem Post, 30 May 2021: Sa’ar rejects last-minute offer from Netanyahu of 3-man rotation, BBC, 30 May 2021: Key Israel party backs deal to end Netanyahu rule, Haaretz, 30 May 2021: It’s Not a Done Deal Yet, but Israel Hasn’t Been This Close to Replacing Netanyahu Since 2009, DW, 30 May 2021: Netanyahu rival agrees to join coalition to unseat him, The Guardian, 30 May 2021: Opposition figures reach deal aimed at ousting Netanyahu, Haaretz, 30 May 2021: Israel Coalition Talks: Bennett Backs Deal to Oust Netanyahu; PM Decries ‘Fraud’, Times of Israel, 30 May 2021: Saying Netanyahu-led effort futile, Bennett opts for unity government with Lapid, Jerusalem Post, 30 May 2021: Bennett’s decision to oust Netanyahu is Israel’s first step to sanity, Al Arabiya, 30 May 2021: Israel nationalist hardliner Bennett joins anti-Netanyahu camp, Arab News, 30 May 2021: Netanyahu’s grip on power loosens as far-right leader Bennett backs rival coalition, The National, 30 May 2021: Netanyahu era under threat as kingmaker Naftali Bennett lends support to new Israeli coalition, NPR, 30 May 2021: Netanyahu Could Lose PM Job As Rivals Attempt To Join Forces, The Hill, 30 May 2021: Israel, Egypt hold high-level talks on ceasefire, rebuilding Gaza, The New York Times, 30 May 2021: Israel Moves Toward Coalition Deal That Could Sideline Netanyahu, The Washington Post, 30 May 2021: Israeli opposition parties reach agreement to oust Netanyahu, The Guardian, 31 May 2021: Israel Far-right politician would be country’s next PM in proposed deal, Haaretz, 31 May 2021: Live Updates: Shin Bet Orders Security at Nearly Highest Level for Bennett, Shaked as Incitement Spikes (when even the right-wing extremists Bennett and ShakedShaked have to be put under police protection because of death threats from their own crazy Likudniks, then that says everything about Netanyahu’s broken Israel), Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2021: Bennett, Shaked security levels raised to 2nd highest amid death threats, Times of Israel, 31 May 2021: If Netanyahu is not careful, there will be blood, Haaretz, 31 May 2021: Netanyahu Is Bankrupt, and Everyone in the Business of Politics Knows It, The Guardian, 31 May 2021: Explainer Who are the politicians trying to oust Netanyahu?, The New York Times, 31 May 2021: Opinions from Israeli media on the possible end of the Netanyahu era were as emphatic as they were varied., The National, 31 May 2021: Benjamin Netanyahu could yet disrupt Israel’s government formation, The Times, 31 May 2021: Netanyahu fights to split coalition and cling to power, The New York Times, 31 May 2021: Can a new “change government” mark a profound shift for Israel?, NPR, 31 May 2021: Unlikely Israeli Political Coalition Poised To Oust Netanyahu, New York Magazine, 31 May 2021: The End of the Netanyahu Era?, The New York Times, 31 May 2021: Israel on Edge as Politicians Wrangle Over Coalition to Oust Netanyahu, Haaretz, 1 June 2021: His Rule Slipping Away, Netanyahu Could Bring Capitol Insurrection to Israel, Times of Israel, 1 June 2021: Gantz expected to seek $1 billion Iron Dome restock during snap US visit, Haaretz, 1 June 2021: Sen. Graham Says Israel Plans to Ask for $1b in U.S. Aid Following Gaza Fighting, Times of Israel, 1 June 2021: Meretz MK flees her home after right-wing threats to her baby, protests outside, Haaretz, 1 June 2021: A President for Israel and a Leader of the Entire Jewish People, Times of Israel, 1 June 2021: State allows Dead Sea Works to pump more water, even as iconic lake recedes, Haaretz, 1 June 2021: Security Threats Are Still Hovering Over Israel’s Coalition Talks, Arab News, 1 June 2021: Israel’s motley coalition has one goal: Ousting toxic Netanyahu, France24, 1 June 2021: Dreams of the father guide Lapid as he eyes Israel’s premiership, The New York Times, 1 June 2021: As Israelis Await Netanyahu’s Fate, Palestinians Seize a Moment of Unity, France24, 2 June 2021: Centre-left Labour veteran Isaac Herzog elected Israeli president (Isaac Herzog), Haaretz, 2 June 2021: As Drama Swirls in Israeli Politics, Herzog May Be the ‘Boring’ President the Country Needs, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 2 June 2021: Netanyahu changed the way Americans view Israel — but not always in the way he wanted, Times of Israel, 2 June 2021: Isaac Herzog elected Israel’s 11th president, with 87 votes of Knesset’s 120, Jerusalem Post, 2 June 2021: Isaac Herzog elected 11th President of the State of Israel by wide margin, France24, 2 June 2021: Israeli opposition leaders strike coalition deal aimed at ending Netanyahu’s 12-year stretch as PM (In spite of all justified skepticism about the “durability” of the new coalition, the interim result is one thing above all, namely a reason for a boisterous party. The eviction of Netanyahu has been long overdue. It is not yet clear whether it was actually a success, but celebrating still doesn’t hurt. Congratulations Israel and Middle East! The international press is positioned quite differently on the subject. For the most part, the result so far is seen positive or very positive. Some are exuberant, others are still waiting to see whether the coalition will really come about and a relatively small part is now wearing black in deep mourning because their Messiah has been overthrown), Haaretz, 2 June 2021: Lapid Announces He Has Formed a Government With Bennett, Sending Netanyahu Into the Opposition, The Guardian, 2 June 2021: An anti-Netanyahu coalition government would suggest Israelis are ready for change, Times of Israel, 2 June 2021: Lapid informs president he can form government removing Netanyahu from power, Jerusalem Post, 2 June 2021: Lapid tells Rivlin: I have succeeded in forming coalition with Bennett, The Guardian, 2 June 2021: Under terms of proposed deal, far-right politician Naftali Bennett would replace Benjamin Netanyahu as PM, BBC, 2 June 2021: Israel opposition parties agree to form new unity government, CNN, 2 June 2021: Israeli opposition parties strike coalition deal, paving the way for Netanyahu’s exit, DW, 2 June 2021: Opposition reaches deal to unseat longtime PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Irish Times, 2 June 2021: Netanyahu’s opponents say they have reached deal to form new coalition, The Washington Post, 2 June 2021: Israel opposition says it’s ready to vote on ousting Netanyahu, NPR, 2 June 2021: Israeli Politicians Say They Have Reached A Deal That Would Oust Netanyahu, The New York Times, 2 June 2021: Netanyahu Is on Verge of Being Ousted as Opponents Agree on Coalition, Arab News, 2 June 2021: Bennett, Israel’s right-wing leader tipped to be prime minister, The National, 3 June 2021: Israeli coalition led by Yair Lapid announces formation of new government, The Guardian, 3 June 2021: Israel Netanyahu attacks ‘dangerous’ coalition seeking to topple him (this is just a propaganda joke, of course, but his fanbase will of course believe it), Haaretz, 3 June 2021: ‘King Bibi’ Wasn’t the Only Big Myth Shattered in Israel This Week, DW, 3 June 2021: Naftali Bennett: The hard-liner hoping to replace Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 3 June 2021: Netanyahu: What caused the downfall of Israel’s legendary prime minister?, Times of Israel, 4 June 2021: Is pro-Israel advocacy in crisis? How Gaza war exposed US political fault lines, Haaretz, 4 June 2021: Right-wing Groups Plan Israeli Flag March Through Jerusalem’s Old City (Netanyahu’s Likudniks are still at it. If they were Palestinians they would be called terrorists and treated as such), Israel Hayom, 4 June 2021: Iranian FM: Netanyahu joins Trump, Bolton, Pompeo in ‘dustbin of history’ (at least something Iran and the West can agree on), Times of Israel, 4 June 2021: Nationalist groups reschedule controversial Jerusalem march scuttled by rockets, Israel Hayom, 4 June 2021: There will be disagreements, but goals can be met, Jerusalem Post, 4 June 2021: Bernie Sanders says he ‘will not be mourning’ Netanyahu’s departure, Haaretz, 4 June 2021: Volatile Days for Netanyahu, Dangerous Days for Israel, Israel Hayom, 4 June 2021: The price of friendship with Biden’s Washington, Times of Israel, 4 June 2021: Belfast City Council calls for expelling Israeli ambassadors from UK and Ireland, The Algemeiner, 4 June 2021: Leading US Jewish Organization Hails Support From Biden, Congress for ‘Life-Saving’ Israeli Missile Defense, Jerusalem Post, 5 June 2021: Belfast calls for Israeli ambassadors to be expelled from UK, Ireland, Haaretz, 5 June 2021: Shin Bet Head Warns: Online Incitement, Calls for Violence Could Lead to Physical Harm, Times of Israel, 5 June 2021: Shin Bet head in rare warning: Stop violent discourse now, someone will get hurt, Arab News, 5 June 2021: Muslim Brotherhood’s true colors on display as Arab Islamist party joins Jewish nationalists in Israeli coalition, The Washington Post, 5 June 2021: Naftali Bennett, likely to be Israel’s next leader, represents a break with its more secular past, Haaretz, 6 June 2021: ‘Stealing Right-wing Votes’: What Netanyahu Supporters Want You to Know, Times of Israel, 6 June 2021: Knesset speaker may hold vote on new government as soon as Wednesday, Haaretz, 6 June 2021: Naftali Bennett, Next Israeli PM: The Man Behind the Slogans and Stereotypes, The National, 6 June 2021: Israel’s ‘change’ coalition faces last hurdle as officials warn of violence, Times of Israel, 6 June 2021: Netanyahu bemoans incitement, raps ‘dangerous left-wing’ coalition, claims fraud, Haaretz, 6 June 2021: ‘Pro-Israel’ Evangelicals Furious at Netanyahu’s Fall Turn to Sickening Antisemitism, DW, 7 June 2021: Israel’s parliament to vote on approving new government, Times of Israel, 7 June 2021: Buying time for Netanyahu, speaker declares Lapid coalition but doesn’t set vote, Haaretz, 7 June 2021: Coalition Deal Between Bennett and Lapid Gives Both Veto Power, Times of Israel, 7 June 2021: Echoing Trump, Netanyahu says election stolen, ‘deep state’ within new coalition (Netanyahu’s career began with the murder of Rabin and now seems to be supposed to end with the murder of Bennett. That would be, even when horrible, at least consistent), The Guardian, 7 June 2021: Israel: Police stop far-right march through Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2021: Coalition deal: Kotel deal will implement egalitarian prayer section, Times of Israel, 7 June 2021: Police nix contentious Jerusalem flag march, angering nationalists, Haaretz, 7 June 2021: Organizers Cancel Jerusalem March After Police Refuse to Let It Pass Through Muslim Quarter, Times of Israel, 7 June 2021: Echoing Trump, Netanyahu says election stolen, ‘deep state’ within new coalition, Arab News, 7 June 2021: Democracy can be the winner of Israel’s dramatic week, The Washington Post, 7 June 2021: Netanyahu is on his way out. Why am I still nervous?, Haaretz, 8 June 2021: Israeli Lawmakers to Vote on New Bennett-Lapid Government on Sunday, DW, 8 June 2021: Israel parliament sets date for new government vote, Haaretz, 8 June 2021: Netanyahu Loyalists Know He Has Led Them Into a Political Deathtrap, BBC, 8 June 2021: Jerusalem march through Muslim Quarter to go ahead, Haaretz, 8 June 2021: Israel’s Security Cabinet Orders Yet Another Delay for Controversial Jerusalem March, Times of Israel, 8 June 2021: Jerusalem flag march to be held next Tuesday, 2 days after vote on new coalition, Haaretz, 8 June 2021: Netanyahu Is Leading an Incitement That Could End in Murder, Again, Times of Israel, 8 June 2021: Netanyahu was long appreciated for keeping Israel safe. Now he’s endangering us, Al Arabiya, 8 June 2021: Israel parliament to vote June 13 on anti-Netanyahu government, The Hill, 8 June 2021: Israeli parliament to vote Sunday on new governing coalition that would oust Netanyahu, The New Yorker, 8 June 2021: Netanyahu’s Likely Departure Is Not Easing the Fears of Palestinians, Times of Israel, 9 June 2021: Likud MK: I can’t see any way to prevent ‘change government,’ Netanyahu’s ouster, Haaretz, 9 June 2021: Israeli Police Bar Far-right Kahanist Lawmaker From Temple Mount, Flag March, Times of Israel, 9 June 2021: Netanyahu, not Lapid or Bennett, is the chief architect of his looming undoing, Haaretz, 9 June 2021: Knesset Panel Confirms Swearing-in of Bennett-Lapid Gov’t Sunday Afternoon, Times of Israel, 9 June 2021: ‘Change bloc’ heads debate term limits bill that could hamstring Netanyahu, Palestine Chronicle, 9 June 2021: On the Politics of Victory and Defeat: How Gaza Dethroned the King of Israel, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2021: Netanyahu’s incitement is an invitation to murder, Haaretz, 10 June 2021: Abolish Israel’s Most Impotent, Patronizing and Useless Ministry, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2021: Post-COVID-19 economic challenges facing Israel’s next government, Times of Israel, 11 June 2021: Haredi demonstrators harass Women of Wall worshipers, tear their prayer books, Haaretz, 11 June 2021: Israel’s Political Makeover Is Finally Here, but Netanyahu Is Not Letting Go Yet, Times of Israel, 11 June 2021: Lapid finalizes coalition deals with all parties in incoming ‘change government’, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2021: Israeli government to be sworn in on Sunday, coalition complete, Haaretz, 11 June 2021: Over 50 Progressive Groups, Leaders Back Ilhan Omar Against ‘Bad Faith Attacks’, Israel Hayom, 11 June 2021: Bennett: Time for the government to work for the people again, France24, 12 June 2021: Anti-Netanyahu protesters claim ‘victory’ on eve of Israel vote, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: Netanyahu Was Involved in Saudi-U.S. Campaign to Undermine Jordan’s King Abdullah, Report Says, Times of Israel, 12 June 2021: Expecting Netanyahu ouster, protesters rally in Jerusalem one last time, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: Bennett Calls on anti-Netanyahu Activists to Avoid ‘Provocations’ on Eve of New Government, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2021: Protests at Balfour for the last time before new government is formed, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: Bennett-Lapid Government Set to Assume Power. But When Is Netanyahu Moving Out? , Arab News, 12 June 2021: Israel’s new government seals coalition deals as Netanyahu era nears end, The National, 12 June 2021: Divided Israelis contemplate end of Netanyahu era as Palestinians remain apathetic, The New York Times, 12 June 2021: Yair Lapid Won’t Be Israel’s Next Leader. But He’s the Power Behind the Throne., Al Arabiya, 13 June 2021: Explainer: What will change under Israel’s new government?, Haaretz, 13 June 2021: ‘Great Joy but Even Worse Anxiety’: One Last Night With the anti-Netanyahu Protesters, DW, 13 June 2021: Israeli lawmakers poised to end Netanyahu’s reign, BBC, 13 June 2021: Israel’s Netanyahu poised to lose power to new government, Times of Israel, 13 June 2021: Netanyahu unseated by a new generation of leaders he tried, and failed, to crush, The New York Times, 13 June 2021: Analysis: The coalition’s partners agree on little other than ousting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu., France24, 13 June 2021: Israeli parliament set to end Netanyahu’s long rule, swear in new coalition, CNN, 13 June 2021: Netanyahu battles to stay in power in potential last weekend as Israel’s Prime Minister, Times of Israel, 13 June 2021: ‘End this chaos’: Constantly heckled, Bennett says new government ‘here to work’, Haaretz, 13 June 2021: Bennett Sworn in as Israel’s Prime Minister, Ending 12 Years of Netanyahu Rule (congratulations and mazel tov! A very nice and good day for Israel and the Levant, combined with many hopes and wishes, but also very big challenges and inclines, which result from the numerous small and very big mistakes of Netanyahu. The topics range from restoring the ability of government institutions to act, approval of a state budget (the last regular one was approved in 2018), effectively combating corruption in the institutions, realigning domestic, foreign and security policy, overcoming social fragmentation, new impulses for business and social affairs (including significant investments in infrastructure and housing), reversal of the massive demolition of democracy under Netanyahu, up to the restoration of trust and reliability in dealing with international partners, because both have decreased considerably under Netanyahu (or were focused on authoritarian and dictatorial regimes), and the list doesn’t end there. One of the easier exercises will be to pass a law requiring a prosecuted prime minister to resign immediately. The number of topics is so large that they cannot be dealt with during one legislative period. With the new “Government of Change“, however, a government coalition has now been concluded which, with a little good will on the part of all those involved, can achieve a lot of goals because it represents a much broader spectrum of society (even if only with a wafer-thin majority) than the right-wing Likudniks. From tomorrow it will show whether the coalition partners want and can live up to their responsibilities. Today, of course, there will be big celebrations. Cheers! At the same time, Netanyahu now has enough time to prepare for his expected prison sentence. So there are only winners), Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2021: Protesters gather at Balfour, Rabin Square to celebrate new government, The New York Times, 13 June 2021: Israel’s Parliament Will Vote on a Coalition to Replace Benjamin Netanyahu, The Washington Post, 13 June 2021: Israel set to approve new governing coalition, ending Netanyahu’s 12-year tenure, Haaretz, 13 June 2021: Bennett Sworn in as Israel’s Prime Minister, Ending Netanyahu’s 12-year Rule, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2021: Antagonism during Bennet speech ugly promo of things to come – analysis, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2021: Israeli epoch comes to close as Netanyahu, longest-serving leader, is out, Haaretz, 13 June 2021: Bibi Raised, and Betrayed, a Generation of Politicians. Today They Dethroned Him, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2021: Biden congratulates Naftali Bennett, new Israeli gov’t, France24, 13 June 2021: Israel parliament votes in Naftali Bennett as PM, ending Netanyahu’s long rule, BBC, 13 June 2021: Netanyahu out as new Israeli government approved, CNN, 13 June 2021: Israel’s new prime minister is sworn in, ending Netanyahu’s 12-year grip on power, DW, 13 June 2021: Israel parliament confirms coalition, ousting Netanyahu, The Guardian, 13 June 2021: British backing for Israel helps to sustain the unbearable status quo, The New Yorker, 13 June 2021: From 2013: A Profile of Naftali Bennett, Haaretz, 13 June 2021: Netanyahu’s Gains Were Israel’s Losses, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2021: Bennett’s full speech to Knesset – Read it here, Palestine Chronicle, 13 June 2021: WATCH: Chaos and Tensions as Israeli Knesset Votes on New Government, NPR, 13 June 2021: Netanyahu Is Out: Naftali Bennett Sworn In As Israel’s New Prime Minister, Haaretz, 13 June 2021: Renewing Palestinian Ties, Cozying Up to Biden, and Iran: The New Foreign Minister’s To-do List, The Hill, 13 June 2021: Bennett sworn in as new Israeli prime minister, hails ‘beginning of a new day’, The New Yorker, 13 June 2021: The Defeat of Benjamin Netanyahu, NPR, 13 June 2021: A Political Brawler, Netanyahu Deepened The Divides In Israel And The U.S., Haaretz, 14 June 2021: World Leaders Congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett After Swearing-in, Times of Israel, 14 June 2021: Thousands in Tel Aviv celebrate ousting Netanyahu with foam, confetti and flags, The New York Times, 14 June 2021: Did Israel Just Have a Constitutional Revolution?, Haaretz, 14 June 2021: Israel Will Remember Netanyahu for Stopping at Nothing to Halt His Corruption Trial, France24, 14 June 2021: Naftali Bennett: From tech millionaire to Israel’s ultranationalist PM, Haaretz, 14 June 2021: Why New Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Neighbors Are So Angry With Him, Times of Israel, 14 June 2021: Lapid vows to rebuild international ties after ‘reckless’ last government, The New York Times, 14 June 2021: For Israel’s Netanyahu, the Official Residence Became a Fortress, Haaretz, 14 June 2021: New FM Lapid Says Israel Needs to Rethink Relations With ‘Angry’ Democrats, The National, 14 June 2021: With Netanyahu gone, Biden breathes sigh of relief but differences with Israel remain, Times of Israel, 14 June 2021: Israel awakens to its most representative government ever, courtesy of Netanyahu, Haaretz, 14 June 2021: Palestinians Hail ‘End of Dark Chapter’ With Netanyahu’s Ouster, but Warn Bennett, The New York Times, 14 June 2021: Israel’s fragile new coalition gave a first glimpse of its priorities, which include mending ties with the U.S., DW, 14 June 2021: German President Steinmeier to visit Israel under new government, Haaretz, 15 June 2021: Record Number of Women Serving in New Israeli Cabinet, Times of Israel, 16 June 2021: Netanyahu attorneys ask for graft trial to be halted until late September (the Crime Minister is still trying to dodge his fair jail sentence. Right-wing extremists are just thumpers. But when it comes to taking responsibility for their own actions, they behave like little school girls), Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2021: Young Evangelical support for Israel drops by half in 3 years – study, Haaretz, 16 June 2021: Jerusalem March Was Netanyahu’s Land Mine for Bennett’s Government, Times of Israel, 16 June 2021: Central bank urges new government: Think long-term, make Israel more productive, Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2021: No-confidence vote filed against new government, The New York Times, 16 June 2021: Israelis Wonder When or Whether Netanyahu Will Exit Official Residence, Haaretz, 17 June 2021: Netanyahu Ordered Illegal Shredding of Docs at His Office Before Bennett Took Over, Sources Say (no surprise here. That’s how criminals are acting), The Algemeiner, 17 June 2021: Israel Headed for Severe Garbage-Disposal Crisis, Environment Ministry Warns, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2021: How Yair Lapid changed the world with his government-building strategy, Haaretz, 17 June 2021: ‘Severe Shock’: Netanyahu Left Scorched Earth for Bennett at Prime Minister’s Office, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2021: US removing anti-missile batteries from Middle East due to age, not policy shift, The Wall Street Journal, 18 June 2021: U.S. Military to Withdraw Hundreds of Troops, Aircraft, Antimissile Batteries From Middle East, Times of Israel, 19 June 2021: Bennett tells Netanyahu to vacate official residence within 14 days — TV (From Prime Minister to Crime Minister to squatter. What a career path), Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2021: Most Americans back banning Israel to use US funds to annex land – poll, Arab News, 19 June 2021: Netanyahu: Between a statesman and a wheeler-dealer politician, Haaretz, 20 June 2021: Why Democrats Shouldn’t Rush to Embrace Israel’s New Government, Times of Israel, 20 June 2021: Gantz orders fresh probe of submarine scandal after previous one floundered, Times of Israel, 20 June 2021: Government appoints 36 diplomats, a move held up by Netanyahu for over 6 months (with his mistaken assumption that he and Israel would form the center of the world, Netanyahu has once again done more harm than good to Israel. World powers like the USA or China could afford such a thing, but not even they do that. A country as small as Israel is constantly dependent on the goodwill of others. But you can only achieve this by actively creating a good mood on site. This is what ambassadors are for, among other things. For the vast majority of countries in the world, it doesn’t really matter at all whether there is an Israel or not. In both cases, the world continues to turn unimpressed. For Israel, however, it makes all the difference. One of Netanyahu’s multiple failures is to assume that it would be a “punishment” if diplomatic missions were downgraded by withdrawing ambassadors or not appointing them in the first place. The “punishments” only affect Israel itself, while those “to be punished” for their part can use the capacities that are freed up elsewhere. With the appointments that have now been made, the new governing coalition is making it clear that it has initiated a departure from Netanyahu’s semi-autocratic course by giving up centralization on the office of prime minister and thus handing the powers back to the individual ministries. The administration is positioning itself much broader and enables decisions to be made on the basis of technical principles instead of political games. That can only be good for Israel), Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2021: Meet the 36 new ambassadors approved to new posts around the world, NPR, 20 June 2021: Netanyahu To Leave Prime Minister’s Residence By July 10, The New York Times, 20 June 2021: This Is Still Benjamin Netanyahu’s Israel, Times of Israel, 21 June 2021: Lapid: Likud government left behind ‘unbelievable’ destruction and neglect, Jerusalem Post, 21 June 2021: The Palestinian vaccine fiasco is how Netanyahu ran Israel – comment, Times of Israel, 21 June 2021: Coalition whip fires back at Haredi lawmaker after he calls her ‘a little girl’, Haaretz, 22 June 2021: Fearing Israeli Version of Capitol Riots, Knesset Guard Stocks Up on Riot Gear, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2021: Effort underway to outlaw Lehava as Jewish terror group, Haaretz, 22 June 2021: This Is the Biggest Problem Facing Israeli Public Diplomacy, Arab News, 23 June 2021: Israeli government’s policies stink worse than its skunk water, Haaretz, 23 June 2021: What European Jews Want From the New Israeli Government – and Will They Miss Netanyahu?, Haaretz, 24 June 2021: The Lawyer Who Took on Chevron Has a Warning for Israel, The Algemeiner, 25 June 2021: ‘We Won’t Pay for German Crimes,’ Insists Polish PM, as Antisemitic Invective Swirls Around Controversial Holocaust Restitution Law (Poles still have great difficulty recognizing their part in the Holocaust. Closing your eyes and pretending that nothing has happened is typical for right-wing extremists, but it doesn’t solve the problem. They are as antisemitic as ever before. Stealing other peoples land and property is a popular sport there), Haaretz, 26 June 2021: Polish Prime Minister to Lapid: ‘Poland Won’t Pay a Single Zloty, Euro or Dollar for German Crimes’, Times of Israel, 26 June 2021: ‘Poland will not pay’: Polish PM hits back at Lapid criticism of restitution law, Al Arabiya, 27 June 2021: US supports Abraham accords but Israel needs to engage with Palestinians: Blinken, The National, 27 June 2021: Israel’s Lapid seeks to mend fences with US in Blinken meeting, DW, 27 June 2021: Israel looks to fix ‘mistakes’ of past with US as Lapid meets Blinken (if you look at the public discussion on the Iran deal in Israel in the past few days, the question is whether there are actually reservations about the resurgence or whether it is more about what Israel gets in return from the US), The Algemeiner, 27 June 2021: President Rivlin Heads to the United States for Last Trip as Head of State, Der Spiegel, 28 June 2021: Israeli Corruption Fighter on the German Submarine Affair: “It Appears that Bribe Money Is Coming from Germany” (if the allegations turn out to be true, then large German corporations should look much more closely and carefully when choosing their representatives, especially since the current case is reminiscent of the particularly “generous” Greek representative of a large German corporation in Athens), Times of Israel, 28 June 2021: Poland says it’s hoping Israel will come around on Holocaust legislation, Haaretz, 28 June 2021: West Bank Settlers Just Showed Bennett Who Really Runs the Country , Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2021: US Blinken Meets Israel’s New FM Lapid to Discuss Iran, Palestine, Haaretz, 29 June 2021: Explained: Israel’s ‘Compromise’ Evacuation of an Illegal Outpost – What the Settlers Achieved, Jerusalem Post, 29 June 2021: Bennett loses on Evyatar settler outpost, no matter what he does, Haaretz, 30 June 2021: Why Israel’s New Government Is Finally Standing Up to Poland’s Holocaust Revisionism, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2021: Free debate must continue, but ‘apartheid’ causes confusion – opinion, DW, 2 July 2021: Germany’s Steinmeier welcomes ‘fresh start’ in Israel, Haaretz, 2 July 2021: Amid Coalition Row, Lapid to Insist on Submarine Affair Probe, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2021: Poles leave chunks of brick outside Israel’s Warsaw embassy in protest, Haaretz, 2 July 2021: Ex-Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen Is Arrogant and Corrupt – and Wants to Be Prime Minister, TechCrunch, 3 July 2021: A new ‘digital violence’ platform maps dozens of victims of NSO Group’s spyware, Jerusalem Post, 3 July 2021: Activists protest hiring of former Netanyahu spokesperson by president, Haaretz, 4 July 2021: Rivlin Was the Best President Israel Could Expect in Such Fraught Times, Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2021: Another reason for term limits: Fixing problematic diplomatic ties, Haaretz, 4 July 2021: Israeli President Congratulates Belarus Strongman, Shunned by the West, on National Day, Haaretz, 5 July 2021: In Blow to Bennett, Knesset Votes Down Extending Citizenship Law, Times of Israel, 5 July 2021: Court rejects Yair Netanyahu’s appeal to cancel libel verdict against him, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2021: Netanyahu trial delayed third time, Haaretz, 6 July 2021: Netanyahu’s Citizenship Law Victory Won’t Help Him Return to Power, Times of Israel, 6 July 2021: In blow to coalition, Knesset knocks down extension of family unification law, CNN, 6 July 2021: New Israeli government suffers first major legislative setback on controversial ‘citizenship’ law, Haaretz, 6 July 2021: Poland’s Kaczynski Slams Israel for Criticism Over Holocaust Restitution Law, Jerusalem Post, 6 July 2021: Polish deputy PM condemns Lapid’s comments on restitution bill, Haaretz, 6 July 2021: Netanyahu’s Glee Aside, Bennett’s Defeat on Citizenship Law Is a Promising Step for Israel, Times of Israel, 6 July 2021: Right wingers slash at each other after citizenship ban extension fails, The Washington Post, 6 July 2021: Israel’s disparate new coalition splits over law separating Palestinian families in first big test, The Algemeiner, 7 July 2021: Restitution of Property Stolen During Holocaust Is ‘Question of Dignity and Justice,’ Israeli Diplomat Tells Polish Senate Hearing, Arab News, 7 July 2021: New Israeli govt dealt blow in controversial citizenship vote, France24, 7 July 2021: How Israel’s political hodgepodge helped end its contentious citizenship law, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: An Ex-judge Exposes the Rotten Underbelly of Israel’s Court System, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2021: Palestinians start applying for citizenship under family unification laws, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: The Most Crucial Issue for U.S.-Israel Relations – and It’s Not Iran, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2021: For first time in over 12 years Israeli FM to address top EU body, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: Israel’s Top Court Rules the Nation-state Law Is Constitutional, Denies Petitions Against It (state-approved democracy deconstruction. Nothing good can be expected for the future), Times of Israel, 8 July 2021: High Court rejects petitions seeking to strike down nation-state law, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: Ultra-Orthodox Up in Arms After ‘Evil’ Lieberman Cuts Daycare Subsidy , Haaretz, 9 July 2021: An Unbreakable American-Israeli Bond? Maybe Not, Times of Israel, 9 July 2021: Avigdor Liberman’s moves against the ultra-Orthodox have the coalition seething, Haaretz, 9 July 2021: Bennett Lurches Between the Bright Side and the Dark Side, but It’s Going Nicely, Times of Israel, 10 July 2021: Netanyahus move equipment out of PM’s residence as departure deadline arrives, Haaretz, 10 July 2021: ‘We Saw Jews With Hearts Like Germans’: Moroccan Immigrants in Israel Warned Families Not to Follow, Times of Israel, 10 July 2021: Coalition in talks with Joint List for cooperation on state budget — report, France24, 11 July 2021: Israel top court approves surrogacy for same-sex couples, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2021: ‘Benjamin Netanyahu does not deserve credit for economic success’, Haaretz, 11 July 2021: After Midnight, Netanyahu Left the Official Residence. Outside, These People Celebrated (and a lot of people from around the world are celebrating with them), Times of Israel, 11 July 2021: Ra’am MK: We’re boycotting Knesset votes and meetings until further notice, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2021: Ra’am threatens coalition over Joint List talks, Times of Israel, 12 July 2021: Bennett, Netanyahu bash each other over Iran, COVID in first Knesset showdown, Arab News, 13 July 2021: Israeli demolition of Bedouin homes in West Bank ‘unlawful and heartless,’ says UN expert, Times of Israel, 13 July 2021: In bid to topple government, Netanyahu seeks a dysfunctional Knesset, Haaretz, 13 July 2021: One Month In, the World Sees a Difference in Israel’s New Government, Times of Israel, 13 July 2021: Poll finds a quarter of US Jews think Israel is ‘apartheid state’, Arab News, 13 July 2021: Netanyahu’s exit opens new doors for Jordan, Israel, France24, 14 July 2021: UAE becomes first Gulf state to inaugurate embassy in Israel (Netanyahu had touted that all countries would in future have to open their embassies in West Jerusalem to support Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as the capital. If it fits into the political agenda, Israel’s de jure capital Tel Aviv is obviously sufficient as a location), Times of Israel, 14 July 2021: ‘Just the beginning’: UAE opens Tel Aviv embassy as sides hail ties, Jerusalem Post, 14 July 2021: US Jewry failed to teach its youth about Israel, here is the result (another “great achievement” by Netanyahu, whose one-sided policies have been extremely repugnant not only to American Jews. Just another example that he was and is a disaster and security risk for Israel), Jewish Journal, 15 July 2021: A startling revelation: Some prominent Jews classify Evangelical Christians as Israel’s saving grace, Times of Israel, 15 July 2021: Netanyahu’s trial delayed once again, won’t resume until mid-September, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 15 July 2021: More American Jews are calling Israel an ‘apartheid’ state, and big organizations are struggling to fight the trend, Times of Israel, 16 July 2021: Erdan leads international ambassadors to US and UN on tour of Israel (funny. Iraels leading Hasbara troll is becoming a Hasbara troll tour guide), Jerusalem Post, 17 July 2021: 10 ambassadors visiting Israel, to tour national sites, Jerusalem Post, 17 July 2021: Gantz and Sa’ar to launch official inquiry into Submarine Affair, Haaretz, 17 July 2021: Non-Orthodox Tisha B’Av Service at Western Wall Crashed by Religious Right-wingers, The New York Times, 17 July 2021: Israeli Companies Aided Saudi Spying Despite Khashoggi Killing (Pegasus (spyware)), Washington Post, 18 July 2021: Private spy software sold by NSO group found on cellphones of journalists, activists worldwide, Haaretz, 18 July 2021: The Pegasus Project: How NSO’s Pegasus Is Used to Spy on Journalists, The Guardian, 18 July 2021: What is Pegasus spyware and how does it hack phones?, Jerusalem Post, 18 July 2021: Hardline Orthodox activists take over Western Wall egalitarian section, Haaretz, 18 July 2021: Netanyahu, Longtime Inciter Against the Arabs, Is the New National Legitimizer, The Washington Post, 18 July 2021: Takeaways from the Pegasus Project, Politico.com, 18 July 2021: Spyware used to target journalists and activists around the world, reports indicate, The Washington Post, 18 July 2021: Invisible surveillance: How spyware is secretly hacking smartphones, The Guardian, 19 July 2021: NSO clients spying disclosures prompt political rows across world, DW, 19 July 2021: Pegasus spying reports ‘completely unacceptable,’ says EU’s von der Leyen, BBC, 19 July 2021: Pegasus: Who are the alleged victims of spyware targeting?, Times of Israel, 19 July 2021: Israel’s PM is playing with fire on the Temple Mount, Haaretz, 20 July 2021: Spyware Revelations Place Israel on the Bad Guys’ Side, Irish Times, 20 July 2021: The Irish Times view on Israeli spyware: big brother is listening, The Washington Post, 20 July 2021: France voices anger over world leaders’ presence on list, orders spyware probe, France24, 20 July 2021: Phones of Macron and some French ministers targeted in Pegasus affair, French media reports, Haaretz, 20 July 2021: The Pegasus Project: Where Netanyahu Went, NSO Followed: How Israel Pushed Cyberweapon Sales, The Guardian, 20 July 2021: The Pegasus project: French minister’s phone shows traces linked to NSO spyware, Irish Times, 20 July 2021: Macron targeted in project Pegasus spyware case on behalf of Morocco, Politico.eu, 20 July 2021: Macron’s phone identified for Pegasus spyware targeting: Report, Haaretz, 21 July 2021: Macron Calls for Probe After Being Targeted by Israeli Spyware Pegasus, The Washington Post, 21 July 2021: ‘Somebody has to do the dirty work’: NSO founders defend spyware they built, DW, 21 July 2021: Pegasus — the favorite cyber weapon of dictators (no wonder that Netanyahu has massively promoted the exports. After all, he himself has constantly shown that he has no understanding or sympathy for democracy and the rule of law. In addition, he has expressed himself increasingly hostile toward the EU in recent years, so that no one need to be surprised about such actions), Haaretz, 21 July 2021: Embroiled in NSO Spytech Scandal, Hungary’s Orban Scapegoats Soros, Jerusalem Post, 21 July 2021: Israelis are most concerned with internal Arab-Jewish conflict – study, Haaretz, 21 July 2021: Israel’s NSO and Pegasus Are a Clear and Present Danger to Democracy Around the World, The Guardian, 22 July 2021: Why Israel is more concerned about Ben & Jerry’s than the Pegasus revelations, CNBC, 22 July 2021: Unilever CEO ‘fully committed’ to Israel business after Ben & Jerry’s stops selling in occupied territories, France24, 22 July 2021: Pegasus Affair: Macron changes phone, reinforces security in wake of spyware allegations (anyone can count the result of the “investigation” on one finger, especially since it is already clear beforehand what will come of it in the end, namely “We are totally innocent and have done everything right”. Here, too, Israel acts like Russia and China: Deny it until the facts are so overwhelming that they can no longer deny them), Times of Israel, 22 July 2021: Israeli panel to review potential misuse of NSO spyware around world, Haaretz, 22 July 2021: NSO’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week Is Just the Start, Politico.eu, 22 July 2021: Pegasus: Macron changes one of his numbers and cellphones, Times of Israel, 22 July 2021: The world isn’t buying what Israel’s selling in the West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2021: What is the State of Israel’s diplomacy? – opinion, Haaretz, 23 July 2021: Was Israel Aware of NSO Clients’ Surveillance Targets?, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2021: Polish Law preventing restitution of Jewish property passes in Senate, Arab News, 24 July 2021: A welcome turning point in Israel–Jordan relations, Times of Israel, 25 July 2021: Firms like NSO are causing direct harm to Israel, says diaspora affairs minister (as was to be expected. In addition to the diverse challenges in connection with Israel, there is now the fact that Israel is a security problem for the West), Haaretz, 25 July 2021: Israel’s Leap to True Economic Change, CNN, 25 July 2021: Global phone hacks expose darker side of Israel’s ‘startup nation’ image, The Guardian, 25 July 2021: The Pegasus project: Emmanuel Macron ‘pushes for Israeli inquiry’ into NSO spyware concerns, The Sunday Times, 25 July 2021: All the bad guys loved an Uzi. Now Israeli cyberspies are the autocrat’s weapon of choice, Haaretz, 25 July 2021: America Is Losing Its ‘Leader of the Free World’ Mantle. That’s Bad News for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2021: Lapid blames failed Israeli PR for rise in antisemitism, Israel bashing, Haaretz, 25 July 2021: Three Stories Reveal What Israel Prefers to Hide About NSO, Haaretz, 26 July 2021: ‘You’re a Terrorist’: Kahanist MK Blasts Arab Lawmaker as Marathon Debates Begin in Israeli Parliament (Netanyahu’s right-wing facists and terrorists are at it once again), Times of Israel, 26 July 2021: Itamar Ben Gvir dragged off Knesset podium for calling Arab chair ‘terrorist’, Haaretz, 27 July 2021: U.S. Lawmakers Call for Punitive Measures Against Israeli NSO Over Spyware Allegations, Times of Israel, 27 July 2021: Gantz heads to Paris to discuss NSO Group with French counterpart (the damage has already been done. In Israel they wanted to talk about Ben & Jerry’s instead of talking about the fact that the (former) Israeli government poses a serious security risk, especially for the EU), France24, 27 July 2021: Israel minister to discuss Pegasus scandal in France visit, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2021: Israel Defense Minister Gantz to visit France to discuss NSO, Iran, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: American Jews Aren’t Soldiers in Israel’s Political Wars, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: Bennett looking to strengthen Israel as a Middle East player – analysis, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: Israel Secretly Detained Innocent Palestinians in Remote Desert Camps in Sinai, Times of Israel, 30 July 2021: Could the shaky coalition break Orthodox hold on religious life in Israel?, The Guardian, 30 July 2021: US voices concern with Israeli officials about Pegasus revelations, Haaretz, 30 July 2021: French Intelligence Confirms Findings of NSO Investigation, Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2021: Israel back to normal with budget passing – analysis, Palestine Chronicle, 1 August 2021: 14 African States Agree to Reject Israel’s Membership in the African Union, Haaretz, 2 August 2021: Israel’s Standing in America Is Now Far Weaker Than It Seems, The Guardian, 2 August 2021: The Pegasus project: Princess Latifa campaigner had ‘phone compromised by spyware’ (Israel has evidently become a far greater threat to freedom, democracy, peace and security than was evident during Netanyahu’s terms in office. The West should take a clear and precise position very promptly and take appropriate measures against this hostile behavior), Times of Israel, 2 August 2021: Cabinet approves state budget for 1st time in 3 years in key test for government, Haaretz, 2 August 2021: In First, Israeli Spyware Found on U.K. Phone. The Target: A British Human Rights Lawyer, Times of Israel, 2 August 2021: Health funding, farming reform, later retirement for women: Israel’s new budget, Palestine Chronicle, 4 August 2021: Netanyahu: Israel Has Become at American ‘Protectorate’, Times of Israel, 4 August 2021: China’s Middle East Gambit, Times of Israel, 4 August 2021: The Military Is Looting Israel, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2021: The beginning of the end for Bibi? – analysis, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2021: Haredim criticize Netanyahu for congratulating gold medalist on Shabbat, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2021: Israel Police Solved 71% of Murders in Jewish Community, but Only 23% for Arabs, Times of Israel, 8 August 2021: Budget shows Bennett-Lapid gov’t aims to transform Israel, as Netanyahu once did, The Algemeiner, 9 August 2021: US House Speaker Pelosi Calls on Polish Counterpart to ‘Use Every Possible Tool’ to Block New Law Closing Off Holocaust Restitution Claims, Times of Israel, 9 August 2021: Cabinet set to debate ultra-Orthodox conscription bill at upcoming meeting, Haaretz, 9 August 2021: Israel’s Diaspora Minister Warns: If We Lose U.S. Jews, We’ll Lose America (thanks to Netanyahu, a clear majority of younger American Jews lost all interest in Israel years ago. That’s what you get when you elect a right-wing wanna-be autocrat as prime minister over and over again. According to surveys, there has always been a lack of interest in Israel. During his tenure in office, Netanyahu has considerably strengthened the negative development. It remains to be seen whether the development is still reversible at all), Times of Israel, 10 August 2021: ‘We may lose US’ if liberal Jews continue backing BDS, BLM — Diaspora minister, Haaretz, 10 August 2021: Not a Fact-finding Mission: CIA Chief Is Coming to Tell Israel What Biden Wants, Israel Hayom, 11 August 2021: Illegal waste dumps in Negev akin to ‘ecological terrorism’, Haaretz, 11 August 2021: Guess Who’s Fueling Israel’s Disastrous COVID Anti-vaxxer Movement?, Haaretz, 11 August 2021: How Israel’s Defense Minister Embarrassed NATO Over Iran, The New York Times, 11 August 2021: America Needs to Start Telling the Truth About Israel’s Nukes, The Algemeiner, 11 August 2021: ‘Legalized Theft’: Israel, World Jewish Leaders Slam Polish Parliament’s Approval of Legislation Dismissing Restitution for Holocaust Survivors, Haaretz, 11 August 2021: Israel Condemns Polish Vote on Holocaust Restitution, Re-examines Joint 2018 Statement, Times of Israel, 11 August 2021: US urges Poland’s Duda not to sign WWII restitution law passed by parliament, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2021: Polish parliament approves Holocaust anti-restitution law, DW, 12 August 2021: Poland: Lawmakers approve Holocaust restitution bill, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2021: Israel will pay a price for being on wrong side of the US-China fight, Arab News, 13 August 2021: Questions Israel’s PM must answer in Washington, Haaretz, 14 August 2021: Netanyahu, an Eccentric Millionaire Who Flits From Hotel to Hotel, Palestine Chronicle, 14 August 2021: Bennett Prevents Gantz from Meeting with PA President Abbas, Haaretz, 14 August 2021: In Protest Over Polish Restitution Law, Lapid Recalls Israel’s Top Diplomat to Warsaw, Times of Israel, 14 August 2021: Polish president approves WWII restitution law, defying Israel and US (U.S. Department of State, Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues: Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act Report . How quickly things can change: while Netanyahu tried to turn his no less corrupt and autocratic colleagues of the Visegrád Group in favor of Israel against Brussels (not least because he himself had blocked Israel’s access to EU membership) and therefore forgave all of their anti-Semitic attacks, the Bennett-Lapid administration apparently sees it differently. Good for them and improving relations with the EU), Jerusaem Post, 14 August 2021: After Polish restitution law, Lapid recalls embassy head to Israel, Arab News, 14 August 2021: Israel recalls Poland envoy over ‘anti-Semitic’ property claims law, Haaretz, 15 August 2021: Polish PM Says Family of Envoy to Israel Threatened as Diplomatic Spat Deepens (first putting an anti-Semitic law into effect and then complaining about the consequences. A classic. Go, figure), Times of Israel, 15 August 2021: Lapid slams Poland’s ‘antisemitic threats,’ casts Warsaw as ‘anti-democratic, Politico.eu, 15 August 2021: Israel recalls top diplomat from Poland citing ‘anti-Semitic’ restitution law, Haaretz, 16 August 2021: Poland Recalls Israel Envoy, Considers Downgrading Ties as Row Over Restitution Law Deepens, Times of Israel, 16 August 2021: One year on, here’s how Abraham Accords agreements are holding up, Haaretz, 16 August 2021: Flouting Travel Recommendations, Netanyahu Spotted Sitting Atop Luggage Trolley in San Francisco Airport, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2021: Poland ‘reexamining’ Israeli student trips to concentration camps, Haaretz, 16 August 2021: Police Opens Probe Into ex-Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen Over $20,000 Cash Gift From James Packer (who could have thought that a Netanyahu fan boy would be as corrupt as his master), Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2021: Blinken: Poland must ‘provide justice’ for Holocaust victims, Haaretz, 17 August 2021: Poland’s New Law ‘Slams the Door’ on Holocaust Survivors’ Hopes for Restitution, Times of Israel, 16 August 2021: With US credibility gashed by Kabul fiasco, Israel may be bruised by association, Palestine Chronicle, 17 August 2021: Diplomatic Crisis between Israel and Poland Escalates, Arab News, 18 August 2021: Afghan turmoil helps Israel suppress media coverage of its abuses, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Fighting antisemitism should not be Israel’s primary concern – opinion, Palestine Chronicle, 18 August 2021: The Quiet Rebellion: Why US Jews Turning against Israel is Good for Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: No Palestinian state under Bennett led government, FM says (it wasn’t to be expected otherwise. Bennett is a Mesianic, far-right settler. Anyone who believed that he would suddenly come to his senses during his tenure also believes in the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. On the other hand, the composition of the current government coalition ensures that the extent of the stupid things he can do is limited. The parties involved are clearly aware of what is at stake if the government fails and new elections are therefore required), Palestine Chronicle, 19 August 2021: CIA Director Warns Bennett against China Investments in Israel, Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Why Israelis Don’t Care About the NSO Scandal, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Forecast for Bennett in Washington is sunny – analysis, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Israel’s national failure: Not stopping violent crime in the Arab sector, Haaretz, 19 August 2021: A Short Drive From Tel Aviv, Hundreds Live Without Power or Water, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Israel’s national failure: Not stopping violent crime in the Arab sector, Haaretz, 20 August 2021: Woman Shot Dead in 71st Murder in Israel’s Arab Community This Year, The Algemeiner, 20 August 2021: Taliban Triumph in Afghanistan Has Arab States and Israel Hedging Dependence on US, Haaretz, 20 August 2021: Between Biden and Egypt, Bennett’s Diplomatic Efforts Get a Booster Shot, Times of Israel, 21 August 2021: Netanyahu on vacation at island owned by Larry Ellison, a witness in graft trial, Haaretz, 22 August 2021: Israeli Cabinet Endorses ultra-Orthodox Conscription Legislation in ‘Historic Step’, Times of Israel, 22 August 2021: Vowing to reject Holocaust ‘distortion,’ Dani Dayan appointed head of Yad Vashem, Haaretz, 22 August 2021: Israel Officially Appoints Former N.Y. Consul General Dani Dayan as Yad Vashem Head, Times of Israel, 22 August 2021: Ministers okay compromise to lower ultra-Orthodox IDF exemption age, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2021: Gov’t approves IDF Draft Law for haredim, lowers exemption age to 21, The Algemeiner, 22 August 2021: Israeli Cabinet Approves New Budget Czar, The Algemeiner, 23 August 2021: Slovenia Backs Israeli Push to Revive High-Level Ties With EU, Signs Bilateral Cybersecurity Pact, Jerusalem Post, 23 August 2021: Haredi enlistment law designed to increase haredi employment – analysis, Israel Hayom, 23 August 2021: ‘Allowing Israeli Arabs into the government is equivalent to losing a war’, The New York Times, 24 August 2021: New Israeli Leader Backs Hard Line on Iran but Softer Tone With U.S., Times of Israel, 24 August 2021: The return of the international arena, DW, 25 August 2021: Big shoes to fill: What the press is saying about that new guy meeting Biden, NPR, 25 August 2021: Israel’s New Leader Wants A Fresh Start With America. Here Are 3 Reasons Why That Will Be Tough, CNN, 25 August 2021: Biden looks for air-clearing in first meeting with Israel’s new leader, NPR, 25 August 2021: What To Know About The Spying Scandal Linked To The Israeli Tech Firm NSO, Jerusalem Post, 26 August 2021: Who are Israel’s other lobbies?, Jerusalem Post, 26 August 2021: We must not let Biden divide Jerusalem – opinion (Westjerusalem actually is Israel’s “undivided capital”, while Eastjerusalem is Palestine’s capital), Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: Afghanistan’s lessons for Israel (interesting that there are apparently people in Israel who believe that they are doing nation-building in Palestine, even though they themselves are still in the middle of the process), The Algemeiner, 27 August 2021: Biden to Israeli PM: US Has Options if Iran Nuclear Diplomacy Fails, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: Biden assures Bennett US ‘has options’ if Iran nuclear diplomacy fails, The Algemeiner, 27 August 2021: Israel Shipyards Announces Last Stage Before Building New Combat Vessel for Navy, The New York Times, 27 August 2021: Biden Vows ‘Unshakable Partnership’ With Israel in Meeting With Bennett, Haaretz, 28 August 2021: Biden, Bennett Statements Prove: Actors in U.S. Change, but the Show Must Go On, Arab News, 28 August 2021: Rights are rights, in Warsaw or Jerusalem, Haaretz, 28 August 2021: Bennett-Biden Meeting Made a Good First Impression, and That’s All It Was Meant For, The Algemeiner, 29 August 2021: Afghanistan’s Lessons for Israel, Axios, 29 August 2021: Scoop: Former Israel ambassador joins U.S. Iran team, Jerusalem Post, 29 August 2021: Israeli MKs react to Bennett-Biden meeting on social media, Haaretz, 29 August 2021: 77 Israeli Arabs Were Murdered This Year. Police Insist They Haven’t Lost Control, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2021: Netanyahu asked to return gifts from Trump, Obama, Putin, Haaretz, 30 August 2021: Fuel Leak From Major Pipeline in South Israel Is ‘Highly Serious,’ Says Minister, Times of Israel, 31 August 2021: Thousands mourn at Tel Aviv funeral for slain Border Police officer, Times of Israel, 31 August 2021: Liberman rolls out ‘most social budget ever’; predicts swift passage, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: U.S. Jews Got Out of Two Toxic Relationships This Year, Jerusalem Post, 2 September 2021: Israel opens China-operated Haifa port to boost regional trade links, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: When It Comes to Security, the Israeli Right Is a Lot of Talk, Little Substance, Israel Hayom, 2 September 2021: Chinese-run port opens in Haifa to boost local trade links, The Algemeiner, 2 September 2021: Israel Opens New Haifa-Based Shipping Port, Operated by a Chinese Company, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: After Two and a Half Years, State Budget Passes Initial Knesset Approval, Times of Israel, 2 September 2021: In boon to Bennett, Knesset fully okays 2021-2022 budget in its first readings, Jerusalem Post, 2 September 2021: Bennett to take action on China investments after Biden meeting – source, Haaretz, 4 September 2021: Israeli Officer’s Death Sparked Anti-army Public Campaign – and It’s Gone Too Far, Israel Hayom, 5 September 2021: Dermer: World won’t stop Iran from acquiring nuclear bomb, Haaretz, 5 September 2021: The Year Israel Freed Itself of Netanyahu – and Discovered It Can Survive Without Him, Times of Israel, 8 September 2021: Israeli troops said to arrest family members of fugitives in West Bank raids (Israel was perhaps 20 years ago on the way to a democratic order. Today, the “democratic” views are based on those of the neighboring countries), Arab News, 8 September 2021: Israel arrests relatives of escaped Palestinian prisoners, Haaretz, 9 September 2021: It’s the End of Israel’s Beautiful Friendship With China. So What?, Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2021: Bennett weighing ‘alternative’ funding for Gaza instead of Qatari cash, Haaretz, 12 September 2021: Israel’s Lapid Presents Plan for Gaza Reconstruction, Saying Wars and Blockade Are Not Working (ha, someone from the Israeli government has read this block entry. Read: Solution proposal), Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2021: Lapid outlines ‘economy for security’ plan to stop Hamas terror in Gaza, France24, 13 September 2021: Israeli Foreign Minister Lapid proposes Gaza development plan, Haaretz, 13 September 2021: Mr. Bennett Goes to Egypt, Under Shadow of Biden and Renewed Violence, Israel Hayom, 13 September 2021: ‘PM’s efforts to defend Israel’s interests were undermined’, DW, 14 September 2021: Netanyahu corruption witness dies in Greece plane crash (when readnig up propaganda pieces like this, you would expect them to come from the foreign ministries of Turkey, Russia or Iran, but not necessarily from the self-proclaimed “only democracy in the Middle East”), Haaretz, 15 September 2021: Bennett Says Israel Pushing for Long-term Truce in Gaza ‘But if Not, There Are Alternatives’, The Guardian, 15 September 2021: The Pegasus project: EU commissioner calls for urgent action against Pegasus spyware, Israel Hayom, 15 September 2021: Israel must preserve its alliance with Eastern Europe, Haaretz, 17 September 2021: Back to sane politics, Jerusalem Post, 18 September 2021: Gantz orders construction of IDF intelligence HQ in the Negev, Jerusalem Post, 18 September 2021: Gantz meets with Netanyahu once more, Times of Israel, 21 September 2021: Poll: Nearly 80% of Palestinians want Mahmoud Abbas to resign, Politico.com, 21 September 2021: Democrats yank $1B for Israeli missile defense from doomed shutdown and debt patch, Jerusalem Post, 21 September 2021: House Dems remove Iron Dome funding from upcoming budget, Times of Israel, 21 September 2021: Dems nix $1 billion for Iron Dome from budget bill after progressive pressure, Haaretz, 21 September 2021: Progressive Democrats Succeed in Removing $1 Billion Iron Dome Funding From Bill, The Hill, 21 September 2021: Democrats to nix $1B for Israel’s Iron Dome from bill to avert shutdown, Haaretz, 22 September 2021: Progressive Democrats Are Targeting Iron Dome. That’s Good News for Israel, Times of Israel, 22 September 2021: The immorality of Democratic ‘progressives’ targeting Iron Dome (Israel isn’t the 51th US state, not even an US overseas teritorry, so why should US taxpayers spend billions on Israel, while the US infrastructure is crumbling? It’s pretty easy and would be even revolutionary: Israel might want to PAY for the military toys it wants. That would be a real game changer and totally new, so that not even the Democrats would oppose this sensational and awesome new path), Haaretz, 23 September 2021: Once Israel’s National Airline, El Al Is Fast Becoming the Haredi Carrier, Times of Israel, 25 September 2021: ‘Yes, I wept’: AOC assails ‘unjust, reckless process’ on bill to fund Iron Dome, Times of Israel, 26 September 2021: Israelis take to streets, bridges to protest secret UAE oil deal, Haaretz, 27 September 2021: Israel’s UN Envoy Says Congress Members Who Voted Against Iron Dome ‘Either Ignorant or Antisemitic’ (when Netanyahu’s propaganda minister und now Israel’s lunatic at the UN and bubblehead of Israel to the US, a xenopboe in general and islamophobe in particular, with it a typical example of Israeli right-wing extremism, says so), Jerusalem Post, 27 September 2021: Likud: Bennett spoke empty words in empty auditorium, Haaretz, 28 September 2021: What Bennett Didn’t Tell the UN Is Further Proof Israel Has No Foreign Policy, Palestine Chronicle, 28 September 2021: Biden Rejects Israeli Prime Minister’s Ideas about Location for US Consulate in Palestine, Times of Israel, 28 September 2021: Bennett suggested Biden reopen consulate in Ramallah or Abu Dis, US said no, Palestine Chronicle, 28 September 2021: US Conservatives Condemn ‘Stop Antisemitism’ for Calling GOP Congressman ‘Jew Hater’ (it is becoming clearer every day that the assumption that “someone is an Antisemite” is increasingly being used for purely ideological/propaganda purposes, but has absolutely nothing to do with the actual facts), Times of Israel, 29 September 2021: As Netanyahu trial resumes, defense says news reports also altered for other MKs, Haaretz, 29 September 2021: ‘Netanyahu Got It Badly Wrong’: Senior Democrat Says Party Not Divided Over Israel, The New York Times, 29 September 2021: For Progressives, Iron Dome Isn’t the Issue. It’s Israel Itself., Haaretz, 30 September 2021: Israel’s Prime Minister Now Pretends the Palestinians Don’t Exist. It’s a Brilliant Move, Times of Israel, 1 October 2021: Is Iron Dome Funding Really An Israeli Victory?, Haaretz, 1 October 2021: If the Israeli Sniper Could See the Devastation He Caused, He Wouldn’t Shoot Again, Haaretz, 1 October 2021: Israel’s Other Epidemic: Violence in Arab Community Threatens Entire Country, Times of Israel, 2 October 2021: Report: Benny Gantz told PA chief Abbas he wants to be ‘the new Rabin’, Haaretz, 3 October 2021: Meretz Ministers Meet Abbas: We Will Block ‘Steps on the Ground’ to Kill Two-state Solution, The National, 3 October 2021: First EgyptAir flight to Israel lands at Ben Gurion Airport (since Netanyahu was finally out of the way, there is room for normalization with the neighbors), Haaretz, 3 October 2021: Palestinian Officials Say U.S. Seeks to Reopen East Jerusalem Consulate After Israel Approves Budget, Haaretz, 4 October 2021: ‘Some Progressives Will Only Talk With Us About Israel if It’s Not in Public’, Haaretz, 4 October 2021: Israel Needs to Deal With Its Jewish Terrorists, The Algemeiner, 5 October 2021: Opposing Iron Dome Funding Is Not a Peaceful Proposition (the average failed propaganda “mimimi” to try to connect American foreign aid funding (or not foreign aid funding) of Israel with Antisemitism. Laughable. The biggest problem with it is still that there are people who are buying this nonsense), The National, 5 October 2021: Israeli Interior Minister: Israel to ‘manage conflict‘ with Palestinians not resolve it, The Algemeiner, 5 October 2021: Iron Dome Funding Delayed by Republican Senator Rand Paul, Haaretz, 5 October 2021: AIPAC Compares Rand Paul to ‘The Squad,’ Slams Him Over Iron Dome Vote (now AIPAC even turn Republicans into alleged Antisemites :-D ), Palestine Chronicle, 5 October 2021: Republican Senator Rand Paul Blocks US Funding for Israel’s Iron Dome, Arab News, 5 October 2021: Dissenting Democrats rattle cozy US-Israel relations, Haaretz, 6 October 2021: Both of These Politicians Opposed Iron Dome Funding. Only One Was Called Antisemitic, Haaretz, 6 October 2021: Israeli Bus Companies’ Embarrassing Capitulation to the Right, Jerusalem Post, 8 October 2021: Bernie Sanders to support Iron Dome funding in exchange for Gaza aid, Haaretz, 8 October 2021: How Netanyahu’s Polish Pandering Paved the Way for the Restitution Crisis, Haaretz, 8 October 2021: Israel’s Government Should Appease Gantz to Prevent the Return of Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 10 October 2021: 31% increase in Jewish immigration to Israel so far this year, Times of Israel, 10 October 2021: Immigration police start looking for Hebrew Israelites with deportation orders, Haaretz, 10 October 2021: Don’t Let Fanatic Violent Settlers Take Israel’s Future Hostage, Arab News, 11 October 2021: Germany’s Merkel tells Israel not to ‘lose sight’ of deal with Palestinians, Times of Israel, 11 October 2021: Extremist settlers injure cop in clash near flashpoint West Bank settlement, Haaretz, 11 October 2021: The Time Has Come to Admit: Israel Is an Apartheid Regime, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2021: Bennett: Iran aspires to build an army on Israel’s Golan border (even more illegal Israeli settlements and terrorists on Syrian soil. Within a decade or so, half of Israel will be built on stolen land. That will be the last nail in the coffin for what once should become a democracy), The National, 11 October 2021: Israel will keep Golan Heights, says Bennett, The Algemeiner, 11 October 2021: Bennett Says Israel Will Keep Golan as Assad’s Fortunes, US Views Shift, Times of Israel, 11 October 2021: Bennett said to tell Merkel Israel wants to advance controversial submarine deal, Haaretz, 11 October 2021: Merkel, What About the Submarines?, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2021: US to warn Israel: China ties are a joint national security risk, Globs, 13 October 2021: UBS: Tel Aviv housing highly overvalued, Haaretz, 13 October 2021: Tehran-Riyadh Detente Could Mark the End for Israel’s anti-Iran Coalition (The normalization agreements, the so-called Abraham Accords, came about because the Trump administration had promised the Gulf States major sales agreements for top-class US weapons technology. Now that it is becoming more and more obvious that these sales agreements are unlikely to come about, Saudi Arabia in particular is understandably losing interest in signing a normalization agreement with Israel for its part, as there is zero incentive to do so. Other countries will, of course, follow suit), Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2021: A message to Israelis, Palestinians, Germans about Palestinian statehood – opinion, Times of Israel, 13 October 2021: Four IDF soldiers held over alleged abuse of Palestinian detainee, The Washington Post, 13 October 2021: Israeli minister says ‘no way’ to U.S. reopening of consulate in Jerusalem (some Israelis still seem to believe that East Jerusalem will some day become Israeli. The international community will prevent it over and over again), The Algemeiner, 13 October 2021: Qatar Rules Out Normalizing Relations With Israel, Jerusalem Post, 14 October 2021: Israel can give more than aliyah to the Diaspora (or in other words: Israel shall become for the Jewish world what Saudi Arabia already is for the Muslim world? Just another theocracy in the region. Awesomeness in progress .. or so), The Algemeiner, 14 October 2021: Israel Can’t Ignore China’s Threat to the Free World, Jerusalem Post, 14 October 2021: How do Israelis feel about Iran, Bennett and peace in the Middle East?, The Algemeiner, 14 October 2021: US Made Clear Its Opposition to Settlements, Israeli Official Says, Jerusalem Post, 14 October 2021: Genocide, apartheid: Problems in extreme Left American Jews, Jerusalem Post, 14 October 2021: A US consulate in Jerusalem extends the Palestinian conflict – opinion (and the fact-free statements and illegal actions against international law and long standing UN resolutions by the Israeli governments are going on and on. No wonder that there is very limited trust from the international community in them), Times of Israel, 15 October 2021: A US consulate in Jerusalem states that Jerusalem is not in Israel (according to UN resolution 2334 East Jerusalem isn’t Israeli, therefore the US is stating the obvious), Haaretz, 15 October 2021: Whom Does Israeli Far-rightist Bezalel Smotrich Really Represent?, Times of Israel, 16 October 2021: How some of extremist rabbi, onetime MK Kahane’s ideas entered Jewish mainstream, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2021: Swedish foreign minister in Israel marking thaw in relations, Times of Israel, 17 October 2021: Swedish foreign minister en route to Israel in major step in rebuilding ties, Israel Hayom, 17 October 2021: Washington acting out of spite (some Israelis think that Jerusalem might be united. West Jerusalem is only tolerated by the international community as the capital of Israel with Tel Aviv being the de jure capital of Israel, while East Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine), Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2021: Don’t base Israeli-German ties only on the Holocaust – opinion, Palestine Chronicle, 17 October 2021: Report: Israeli FM Misled Blinken on US Consulate in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2021: IAF, Luftwaffe fly over Knesset in Jerusalem as Blue Flag drill launches (what a waste of tax money, just to perform a laughable and useless show somewhere in the desert. As if European countries would be stupid enough to engage militarily in the endless Middle East conflicts. Israel has just been transferred from EUCOM to CENTCOM. Perhaps this shall create the wrong impression as if this isn’t the case, but that Israel is now being looked after by both EUCOM and CENTCOM), Times of Israel, 17 October 2021: German military planes fly over Jerusalem for 1st time since WWI in show of ties, Jerusalem Post, 18 October 2021: Netanyahu: Time to stop using Rabin murder to stain Right (without Netanyahu’s endless tirades of hatred, the assassination attempt on Rabin would probably not have happened. No wonder that he therefore doesn’t want people to talk about it anymore), Times of Israel, 18 October 2021: A tragic wake-up call: The Rabin assassination as a catalyst for social change, Haaretz, 18 October 2021: Lapid: The Ideological Descendants of Rabin’s Assassin Are Sitting in the Knesset Today, Times of Israel, 18 October 2021: At memorials, Rabin family hails gov’t that toppled Netanyahu: ‘The people won’, Jerusalem Post, 18 October 2021: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin commemorated 26 years after assassination, Haaretz, 19 October 2021: The Real Reason Why Netanyahu Skipped Rabin’s Annual Memorial, Times of Israel, 19 October 2021: Israel said to approve $1.5 billion budget for potential strike on Iran, The Algemeiner, 19 October 2021: Iran is Cozying Up to Moderate States, and Israel Is Worried, Palestine Chronicle, 19 October 2021: After Corbyn, Israel Lobby Turns Its Guns on UK Academia, Haaretz, 20 October 2021: The Harsh Truth Biden Needs to Tell Israelis Now About Their Future (that’s a must-read for anyone who is interested in resolving the given problems and challenges), Times of Israel, 20 October 2021: Biden aide raises Israel normalization in meet with Saudi crown prince — report (in other words, there is absolutely no new news, especially since Saudi Arabia has only made it clear again what it would expect all along in return for a normalization agreement, namely a deal on advanced US weapons systems and a viable peace agreement between Israel and Palestine, but neither is even in the distance in sight, so that there is not a single incentive for Saudi Arabia to do Israel a favor, in exchange for a lot of trouble for itself. On the contrary. Saudi Arabia has to give priority to other options out of its own security interests, because it is now clear that the majority of Democratic and Republican US senators are against an arms deal and that US armed forces are withdrawing further and further from the Gulf region. The best way for the Saudis to improve their own security situation is to try to reach agreements with Qatar and Iran. If that succeeds, the Arab Gulf States would be in relatively safe waters and that is of course top priority – and one result might even be the end of the war in Yemen, too), Haaretz, 20 October 2021: Report: Biden’s Top Advisor Discussed Saudi-Israel Normalization With MBS, The Atlantic, 20 October 2021: Germany Found a Way to Reduce Polarization. Could It Work in the U.S.?, Haaretz, 21 October 2021: Israel’s Third Option for Dealing With Iran, Jerusalem Post, 21 October 2021: Liberman: Conflict with Iran a matter of time, not far off (“This is a problem of the international community but first of all ours” – Benjamin Netanyahu managed to drag Bush Junior into the Iraq war with the help of lies and falsified information. He also succeeded in persuading Trump to take the completely crazy step of a unilateral exit from the Iran deal, which has resulted in Iran today being closer than ever to building a nuclear weapon. However, it is a complete misjudgment to deduce that the international community would have to compensate for the mistakes of the largely incompetent Israeli leadership. That is by no means the case. The member states of the international community are primarily committed to the security of their own populations and not to Benjamin Netanyahu’s perverse violent fantasies. For decades he has wanted to wage war against Iran and is getting closer and closer. To make this dream come true, many soldiers and civilians from the Levant, including quite a few Israelis (only to please a deeply corrupt, incompetent, Islamophobic criminal), will die, but certainly no others, because they will stay out of it. So, good luck with you war games. Enjoy), Times of Israel, 21 October 2021: IDF said to resume practicing potential strike on Iranian nuclear sites, Haaretz, 21 October 2021: Israel Needs to Step Away From the Trump-Orbán-Bolsonaro Illiberal Alliance, Haaretz, 22 October 2021: Israel’s Chances of a Political Assassination Rise, and Netanyahu Is the Only Reason, Times of Israel, 22 October 2021: Bennett extends Russia trip over Shabbat after ‘warm’ Putin talks run long, The Algemeiner, 22 October 2021: Israel’s Bennett Holds First Meeting With Putin, Haaretz, 22 October 2021: In the War Between Wars, Israel Faces More Than a Military Threat, Jerusalem Post, 23 October 2021: Putin-Bennett talks come amid Russia tensions with West – analysis, Jerusalem Post, 23 October 2021: Israel must recognize civil marriage – opinion, Times of Israel, 24 October 2021: Israel, Germany agree to add NIS 20 million to Holocaust survivors’ stipends, Haaretz, 24 October 2021: Putin Was Friendly Toward Bennett, but He’s Nobody’s Friend, Israel Hayom, 24 October 2021: Is the Palestinian consulate dilemma placing Israel, US on collision course? (there is this illusion in some circles in Israel that there would be a “united” Jerusalem. But this is not the case. Not only the so-called “Jerusalem Law” has been declared null and void by the UN several times. West Jerusalem is merely “tolerated” by the international community as Israel’s capital, while Tel Aviv remains the de jure capital of Israel. East Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine and that’s why the US embassy belongs there too), Arab News, 25 October 2021: London exhibition pushes UNESCO to list Palestinian refugee camp as World Heritage Site, The Algemeiner, 25 October 2021: Hosting Emirati General, Israel Sees Airpower Cooperation, The New York Times, 25 October 2021: Whose Promised Land? A Journey Into a Divided Israel, Times of Israel, 25 October 2021: Looking for terror in all the wrong places, The New Yorker, 25 October 2021: The Arab-Israeli Power Broker in the Knesset, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 26 October 2021: What would Germany’s military do if Israel were in a fight for survival?, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: US diplomat raised objection with Bennett aide over settlement announcement, Arab News, 26 October 2021: World must not be hoodwinked by Israel’s latest lie, Haaretz, 26 October 2021: UN Rights Chief Slams Israel’s Terror Classification of Palestinian NGOs, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: UN rights chief slams ‘arbitrary’ Israel decision to outlaw Palestinian groups, Haaretz, 27 October 2021: These Refuseniks Say They’re Still Being Denied Aliyah – This Time by Israel, The New York Times, 27 October 2021: Israel Advances Plan for New Settlement Homes, in First for Bennett Era, Khaleej Times, 27 October 2021: Next stop: Making UAE-Israel relations extraordinary, Haaretz, 27 October 2021: Recognize, Apologize and Educate About the Kafr Qasem Massacre, Jerusalemn Post, 27 October 2021: Jordan is Falling Apart and Israel Could Have Helped, Times of Israel, 27 October 2021: An Israeli Pre-Emptive Strike on Iran?, Haaretz, 28 October 2021: Vote on Kafr Qasem Massacre Proves Israel Isn’t Ready for Brave Decisions (Kafr Qasim massacre), Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: Why does Israel keep losing easy diplomatic wins? – opinion, The National, 28 October 2021: Israeli gang caught after theft of millions from German clients in scam, Haaretz, 28 October 2021: The Climate Crisis Report Is an Indictment of Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: US-Israel ties are ‘tense’ as new envoys Herzog, Nides take up posts, Times of Israel, 28 October 2021: Bennett quoted predicting government likely to collapse before Lapid becomes PM, Haaretz, 28 October 2021: Five-year Plan for Israel’s Arab Community: $9 Billion Won’t Bridge a Gap Decades in the Making, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: Netanyahu protests Yesh Atid minister’s threat, Haaretz, 28 October 2021: Unprecedented Images of Israel’s Top-secret Sites Published Online, Times of Israel, 28 October 2021: IDF liaison sets up shop in US CENTCOM offices, solidifying move, Haaretz, 29 October 2021: Neo-Nazis? As Long as They’re Friends of Israel, Times of Israel, 29 October 2021: German photographer spills the beans: Jordan flew in IDF aerial drill, Haaretz, 29 October 2021: Netanyahu Knows Bennett’s Government Won’t Collapse, but That Won’t Stop Him, Times of Israel, 30 October 2021: ‘Obsessive anti-Israel bias’: Erdan rips up human rights report at UN podium (NuttyYahoo’s propaganda minister Gilad Erdan at “work” once again. A total waste of life time to even listen to this completely freed from the realities and facts guy), Haaretz, 31 October n Israel, the Right Acts and the Left Babbles, Times of Israel, 31 October 2021: Heading to Glasgow, Bennett says ‘desperate’ opposition will fail to foil budget, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2021: Israel’s army launches week-long simulation of full-scale war with Hezbollah, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2021: Drill for 2,000 rockets a day and internal strife: IDF preps for war, Times of Israel, 31 October 2021: Gantz submits formal proposal for government inquiry into murky submarine deal, Haaretz, 31 October 2021: Netanyahu’s Political Future Could Be Decided This Week, and He Knows It, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2021: Extradition of senior Lev Tahor leaders to US from Guatemala approved, The Algemeiner, 1 November 2021: Saudi FM Says Palestinian State Before Israel Normalization With Israel, Arab News, 1 November 2021: West failing to back up its condemnations of Israel with action, The Algemeiner, 1 November 2021: Israel and Germany Kick Off Digital Cooperation to Boost Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Jerusalem Post, 1 November 2021: Netanyahu trial: Bezeq, Avi Berger issues could determine Bibi’s fate – analysis, Al Arabiya, 1 November 2021: Israel says its future ties with Sudan are unclear after coup, Jerusalem Post, 1 November 2021: Irish FM to visit Israel amid tensions on settlements, NGO terror labeling, Forward, 1 November 2021: Donald Trump: ‘I could run for prime minister of Israel’, Arab News, 2 November 2021: Israelis damn themselves by labeling human rights groups as terrorists, Times of Israel, 2 November 2021: Top ultra-Orthodox MK says Bennett ‘betrayed the State of Israel’, The New York Times, 2 November 2021: Inside the Unraveling of American Zionism, Irish Times, 2 November 2021: Proof is required to back up Israeli allegations against NGOs, says Coveney, The Algemeiner, 2 November 2021: IDF Home Command Imagines ‘Worst-Case’ War Scenario as Third of Israelis Lack Bomb Shelters, Arab News, 3 November 2021: Israel government’s fate hangs on key budget vote, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2021: Bennett: ‘I am saving Israel from a mess’, Times of Israel, 3 November 2021: In key test for government, Knesset votes on state budget, the 1st in 3.5 years, The Algemeiner, 3 November 2021: Israel’s Central Bank Urges Government to Meet Looming Budget Deadline, Arab News, 3 November 2021: Israel settlement expansion should be treated as presumptive war crime: UN experts, Al Arabiya, 3 November 2021: US blacklists Israel’s NSO, Candiru for spyware undermining national security, Haaretz, 3 November 2021: U.S. Blacklists Israeli Cyberarms Firms NSO, Candiru for Harming ‘National Security and Interests’, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2021: Israeli companies NSO and Candiru blacklisted by US, The Guardian, 3 November 2021: Pegasus project: Israeli spyware company NSO Group placed on US blacklist, France24, 3 November 2021: US blacklists Israeli firm behind Pegasus spyware, DW, 3 November 2021: US sanctions NSO Group, Israeli maker of Pegasus spyware, The Hill, 3 November 2021: Blacklisting of NSO Group shakes up spyware debate, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2021: Malicious activities: US blacklists Israel’s NSO Group and Candiru spyware firms, Haaretz, 3 November 2021: Cancel the UAE Oil Deal, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2021: Bennett: Passing budget most important moment of my government, Haaretz, 4 November 2021: Netanyahu Shares Haredi Call to ‘Protect’ Western Wall From Liberal Jewish Activists, Times of Israel, 4 November 2021: In jab at Netanyahu, attorney general warns rule of law in Israel slipping away, Haaretz, 4 November 2021: Israeli Parliament Approves Budget for the First Time in Over 3 Years (after many years of political uncertainty, finally some good news from the Knesset that suggests relative political stability in the coming years – hopefully. This would also be of outstanding importance for the internal stability of Israel. After “Chaos King Bibi” Netanyahu inflicted severe internal and external damage on the country, one can only wish for a few years of relative normality and calm for Israel in order to regain its senses. The next big hurdle, however, will be the agreed handover of the Prime Minister’s office from Naftali Bennett to Yair Lapid in 2023. The time until then must therefore be used as effectively as possible in order to implement as many coalition goals as possible or at least to get them started), Times of Israel, 4 November 2021: Coalition passes 2021 budget, first in 3.5 years, averting early election threat, Forward, 4 November 2021: Israel approves national budget, averting new government’s collapse and repeat election, Jerusalem Post, 4 November 2021: Israel passes first budget in 3.5 years, Netanyahu votes with coalition by mistake, Times of Israel, 4 November 2021: Budget in hand, Bennett’s once-brittle coalition proves it can take on Netanyahu, Haaretz, 4 November 2021: Passing Budget Hurdle, Bennett Government Cements Political Stability, Neuters Netanyahu’s Comeback Options, Israel Hayom, 4 November 2021: Amid Cyprus-Turkey tensions, Israel joins Cypriot oil rig drills, The Algemeiner, 4 November 2021: Israel’s Parliament Passes 2021 State Budget in 61-59 Vote, Times of Israel, 5 November 2021: Knesset passes 2022 budget, capping key win for Bennett-led coalition, Jerusalem Post, 5 November 2021: Knesset approves 2022 stars budget after marathon debate, Israel Hayom, 5 November 2021: Bennett’s diplomatic tsunami (after the state budget was approved and Netanyahu failed miserably in attempting to break up the unusual government coalition, his supporters are still trying to keep themselves afloat with mischief. This is another example of it. Well, nobody likes sour grapes. They have lost and should learn deal with it.), Arab News, 5 November 2021: Netanyahu’s hopes for a comeback dim as Israel passes budget, Times of Israel, 5 November 2021: Scuffles at Western Wall as hundreds of Haredim try to block progressive prayer, The Washington Post, 5 November 2021: Blacklisting this Israeli spyware firm is only a first step, Haaretz, 5 November 2021: Budget Vote Gives Bennett-Lapid Coalition a Badge of Immunity, but No Easy Life, Jerusalem Post, 5 November 2021: Haredi protesters clash with police during Women of the Wall services, Haaretz, 5 November 2021: From Virginia to the Knesset, Bad News for Trump and Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 5 November 2021: Liberman says budget defeat shows Netanyahu has ‘lost his magic,’ is washed up, DW, 5 November 2021: Israel passes 2022 budget in key win for Naftali Bennett coalition, The Algemeiner, 5 November 2021: Isaac Herzog Calls for the Word ‘Traitor’ to Be Banned From Political Discourse (denigrates a respected ice cream company as a “terrorist organization” but complains about the word “traitor” – that’s rich), Haaretz, 5 November 2021: With the Budget Approved, These Are the Challenges Awaiting Israel’s governing Coalition, Times of Israel, 6 November 2021: As ‘Jewish Taliban’ sect tossed out of Iraq, its leaders stand trial in New York, Los Angeles Times, 6 November 2021: Op-Ed: Israel just declared our human rights work ‘terrorism.’ But it won’t silence us, Haaretz, 6 November 2021: NSO Blacklisting: Global Reckoning Begins for Spyware and Its Tools of Repression, The National, 6 November 2021: Sierra Leone fuel explosion kills at least 99, The Washington Post, 6 November 2021: ‘Nobody should have to live like this’: Black residents hope infrastructure bill will fix city’s water woes — if state allows it, Jerusalem Post, 6 November 2021: Bennett: The government is stable, will last its entire term, Times of Israel, 6 November 2021: Israeli dossier on blacklisted rights groups contains little evidence, AP finds, Haaretz, 6 November 2021: Israel’s Lapid Says ‘No Problem’ With U.S. Consulate in Ramallah, but Not in Jerusalem (the UN should work on a resolution that makes it clear that Tel Aviv is and will remain Israel’s de jure capital, while West Jerusalem is and will only be tolerated as the provisional seat of government. There can only be a conceivable change in status through a negotiated peace treaty with Palestine. It is up to Israel to decide whether this peace treaty will exist or not and thus also to decide whether West Jerusalem will ever be internationally recognized as Israel’s capital or not), Jerusalem Post, 6 November 2021: Feting new budget, PM says government will last out term, vows to honor rotation, Haaretz, 7 November 2021: Blacklisting Is Not Enough: Democrats Want Sanctions on Israeli Spyware Firm NSO, The Algemeiner, 7 November 2021: Israel Suggests US Open Consulate for Palestinians in West Bank, Not Jerusalem, CNN, 7 November 2021: Israel says no room in Jerusalem for an American Consulate for Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 7 November 2021: Bennett coalition set for post-budget clashes, Haaretz, 7 November 2021: Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Live Outside the Law, The Washington Post, 7 November 2021: Biden takes major step in putting $3 trillion stamp on economy, jobs, Times of Israel, 7 November 2021: Even with budget test passed, key challenges threaten unity of diverse coalition, The Washington Post, 7 November 2021: Democrats seek political identity amid dismal election results and legislative triumph, Haaretz, 7 November 2021: Why Netanyahu Joined the Haredi War on Women’s Prayer at the Western Wall, Los Angeles Times, 7 November 2021: Palestinians, Israel spar over U.S. mission in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 8 November 2021: Irish Embassy tweets, then deletes, anger at 2010 Mossad operation, Haaretz, 8 November 2021: Israeli Coalition Leaders Push for Mixed-gender Prayer at Western Wall, Times of Israel, 8 November 2021: Lapid pans ‘hateful’ discourse; Netanyahu suggests MK fabricated assault story, Haaretz, 8 November 2021: It’s the End of the Road for ‘Orthodox’ Judaism, Times of Israel, 8 November 2021: Report: Palestinian activists’ phones hacked with controversial NSO Group tech, Haaretz, 8 November 2021: NSO Spyware Used Against Palestinian Activists From NGOs Israel Outlawed, Report Says, Times of Israel, 9 November 2021: France’s Azoulay re-elected to head UNESCO as it seeks to woo back Israel, US (getting the USA back on board is of course of great importance not only for UNESCO but also for the USA, which is why efforts are being made accordingly. Israel, on the other hand, still owes a lot of money to UNESCO. As long as this is not paid for, there is no reason for UNESCO to put efforts in a freeloader or, if so, only to collect the debts), Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2021: Lessons need to be learned from the NSO affair – analysis, Times of Israel, 9 November 2021: Israel said lobbying US to reverse blacklisting of NSO spy firm, Haaretz, 9 November 2021: Democratic Jews Elected a Military Dictatorship, Forward, 9 November 2021: You don’t have to choose between loving Israel and opposing the occupation, France24, 10 November 2021: How Israel uses facial recognition to monitor West Bank Palestinians, Haaretz, 11 November 2021: It’s Just a Consulate: Why the Latest Israeli-U.S. Spat Is Pointless and Useless, Haaretz, 12 November 2021: The Coalition’s Mission Impossible Kicks Off as Netanyahu Becomes Joint List’s Gofer, Haaretz, 12 November 2021: Settlers Attack Israeli Activists Helping Palestinian Farmers in West Bank, Arab News, 14 November 2021: The clock is ticking on Netanyahu’s political life, Times of Israel, 14 November 2021: Ministers approve bill setting term limits for prime ministers, Haaretz, 14 November 2021: Spyware and Corruption: NSO’s Ties to Netanyahu, Bennett and Other Israeli Politicians, Times of Israel, 14 November 2021: B’Tselem accuses Israel of using settler violence as ‘tool’ to oust Palestinians, Haaretz, 15 November 2021: Israel Must Deal With Settler Violence Sooner Rather Than Later, Jerusalem Post, 15 November 2021: By funding blacklisted NGOs, European governments are financing terror (what is laughable is that a lobbyist from the nut job club “NGO Monitor” is seriously asking to be taken seriously. Not even the Israelis themselves beleave in the crappy “evidences” against die Palestinian NGOs), Haaretz, 15 November 2021: Israel Asked U.S. to Pressure European, Arab Countries to Increase Aid to PA (it’s part of the obligations of the occupying power Israel to fully take care for the Palestinians. The EU and the Arab states should mind their own businesses and leave it to Israel to take care for Palestine and the Palestinians), Times of Israel, 15 November 2021: New evidence in Netanyahu trial alleges ex-PM illicitly got luxury jewelry, clothes, The Times, 16 November 2021: Netanyahu corruption trial paused as new gifts for wife emerge, The Guardian, 16 November 2021: Technology: Israeli firm’s spyware linked to attacks on websites in UK and Middle East, Palestine Chronicle, 17 November 2021: Over 100 Hollywood Stars Criticize Israel’s Labeling of Palestinian NGOs in Open Letter, Times of Israel, 17 November 2021: New witness testimony indicates Netanyahu knew about illicit gifts for wife: report, Haaretz, 17 November 2021: Israel Hasn’t Provided Evidence on Palestinian NGOs It Labeled as Terror Groups, EU Foreign Minister Says, Palestine Chronicle, 17 November 2021: From Pegasus to Blue Wolf: How Israel’s ‘Security’ Experiment in Palestine Became Global, Haaretz, 19 November 2021: Settler Attacks on Palestinian Spike, Reflecting Israel’s Systemic Failure, Politico.com, 19 November 2021: Biden’s balancing act in the Middle East has a problem: Israel, Times of Israel, 20 November 2021: Woman files police complaint against Likud MK who threatened to ‘trample’ leftists, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2021: On This Day: Israel’s A-G announces intent to indict Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2021: Hefetz paints Netanyahu as media-obsessed empty political shell – analysis, Times of Israel, 22 November 2021: Knesset passes first reading of bill to limit PM’s term to 8 years, Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2021: Ex-PM trial: Hefetz describes secret Netanyahu, Elovitch media bribery scheme meeting, Haaretz, 22 November 2021: Democratic Lawmakers Warn Against ‘Doomsday’ Israeli Settlement Plan (the idea of a future democratic state of Israel will finally collapse and die, as it partially already did during the Netanyahu years, when the two-state solution will be buried by Israel), Foreign Policy, 22 November 2021: Israel Is Enlisting King David to Sell the Abraham Accords, Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2021: Israel about to sever West Bank from Jerusalem, an EU envoy warns, Times of Israel, 23 November 2021: Netanyahu’s wife, son demanded incriminating texts be deleted, ex-aide testifies, Jerusalem Post, 23 November 2021: Bennett: Israel won’t be obligated to Iran Deal if US returns, Haaretz, 23 November 2021: Netanyahu Trial: Master-manipulator Mercenary Takes the Stand, and He’s Out for Blood, Al Arabiya, 24 November 2021: Israel Aerospace eyes 25 percent share sale and more UAE deals, Haaretz, 24 November 2021: Attorney General Orders Netanyahu to Return Money Given by Benefactors for Legal Defense, Forward, 24 November 2021: Less than half of Jewish Israelis support a mandatory army draft, per new poll, Times of Israel, 25 November 2021: Hate Israel’s high cost of living? Don’t blame supermarket chains., Israel Hayom, 25 November 2021: Israel must rejoin UNESCO (as far as is known, Israel still owes UNESCO millions in contributions. As long as they are not paid, the question of resumption does not arise. In contrast to the membership of the USA, which is of great importance, it doesn’t give the impression that UNESCO has a particular interest in a membership of Israel. The allegations that UNESCO would be anti-Israeli certainly doesn’t improve the situation), Israel Hayom, 26 November 2021: Israel must not follow the US back into UNESCO, Haaretz, 26 November 2021: Herzog Decided He Wants to Be the President of the Settlements. It’s Not Too Late to Change It, Jerusalem Post, 27 November 2021: Hamas threatens violence if Herzog lights first Hanukkah candle at Hebron Cave of the Patriarchs, Haaretz, 27 November 2021: Israel Can Help Its Poorest Citizens – and the Planet – With Green Energy, The Algemeiner, 28 November 2021: Israel and the New ‘Old Europe’, Times of Israel, 29 November 2021: The ‘Ugly Israeli’ abroad and at home, Haaretz, 29 November 2021: The Zionist Selection Revealed: The Movement Blocked Weak and Sick Jewish Migrants, Arab News, 30 November 2021: Young Jordanians show they will not accept normalization with Israel, Times of Israel, 30 November 2021: He led IDF intel gathering on Iran, was ignored and fears Israel is now paying price, Forward, 30 November 2021: Israel uses new surveillance technology to distance itself from the occupation. It’s not working, Times of Israel, 1 December 2021: Israel’s UN envoy said under fire for using post to advance own political agenda, Haaretz, 1 December 2021: ‘Tel Aviv Is Heading Toward an Explosion,’ Says the Mayor of the World’s Most Expensive City, Times of Israel, 1 December 2021: Israel’s less-reported pandemic: Poverty, Jerusalem Post, 2 December 2021: More Evangelicals are ‘dismissive’ of Israel than loyal to it – survey, Al Arabiya, 3 December 2021: US State Department phones hacked with Israeli company spyware: Sources, Haaretz, 3 December 2021: Israeli NSO Spyware Found on Phones of U.S. State Department Officials, Jerusalem Post, 3 December 2021: US strongly opposed to settlement advancement, Blinken tells Bennett, Haaretz, 3 December 2021: Tel Aviv Is the Most Expensive City in the World. Here Are a Few Reasons Why, Times of Israel, 3 December 2021: War: What Israel talks about when it talks about striking Iran’s nuclear program, Haaretz, 3 December 2021: Settler Violence Is an Integral Part of the Israeli Occupation, CNN, 4 December 2021: We know who is attacking us and we know how to get even, says Israel’s cyber defense chief, Jerusalem Post, 4 December 2021: Nides to present credentials Sunday, EU ambassador on Monday, Israel Hayom, 5 December 2021: Israel doesn’t have Washington’s attention, Times of Israel, 5 December 2021: New poll shows Bennett-Lapid government unpopular, but no other viable options, Israel Hayom, 5 December 2021: Is the world against us? Think again, Arab News, 6 December 2021: Israeli racism and violence are symptoms of a ‘sick’ society, Haaretz, 6 December 2021: Israel Joins Major EU Research Program That Excludes Settlements, France24, 6 December 2021: Israel lays down law on cyber exports, after Pegasus spy scandal, Times of Israel, 6 December 2021: Israel, sans West Bank, officially joins EU’s huge flagship R&D program, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: Israel signs Horizon Europe deal despite West Bank exclusion (well, when it comes to putting EU tax money into their pockets for dubious projects, experience has shown that the Israeli governments find it easy to adhere to international laws and to see the illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as such – unfortunately mostly only then), Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: Only Israel votes at UN to oppose ME nuclear-free zone, Haaretz, 7 December 2021: Ultra-Orthodox Parties Declare War on Israeli Government’s Religious Reforms, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: A-G: If Netanyahu had continued, Israeli democracy would have been in danger, Times of Israel, 7 December 2021: Netanyahu was fraying democracy, we were saved ‘by grace of God,’ AG reported to say, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: Haaretz reporter arrested after questioning police, Haaretz, 8 December 2021: Foreign Ministry: Israel Can Cope With Fallout of Cancelling UAE Oil Pipeline Deal (Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company), Haaretz, 9 December 2021: Classified Docs Reveal Massacres of Palestinians in ’48 – and What Israeli Leaders Knew, Haaretz, 9 December 2021: Eric Zemmour and Benjamin Netanyahu: Two Jews With a Shared Dream, The Algemeiner, 10 December 2021: Time for a New Chapter in German-Israeli Relations (to make a long story short: the article asks for a blank check from the German government for Israel’s government no matter what it’s doing. That’s not gonna happen. Standing up for the security of Israel does not mean promoting the Israeli government, but rather keeping an eye on the security of the state as a whole, even if there are very significant differences in the assessment of Israel’s borders and the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine), The Times, 10 December 2021: Trump lashes out at ‘disloyal’ Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2021: Trump accuses Netanyahu of deceiving him over peace intentions, Times of Israel, 10 December 2021: ‘F*ck him’: Trump rages at Netanyahu, claims he saved Israel from destruction, Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2021: UNGA approves six anti-Israel resolutions (there is a pretty easy solution to that: stop abusing international law on a daily basis and become a democratic, law abiding country instead so that UNGA doesn’t have to step in again and again. That simple), Times of Israel, 11 December 2021: Trump: I thought Israelis would do anything for peace, but found that not to be true, Haaretz, 12 December 2021: Netanyahu Family to Lose Security Detail From Monday, Arab News, 12 December 2021: Israel’s massacre guilt goes all the way to the top, Times of Israel, 12 December 2021: Ministerial committee pulls security, chauffeurs from Netanyahu’s family (the one who was at least involved in the assassination attempt against Rabin through his rhetoric is now afraid of being given his own medicine. Nice. Anyway, no one should give him or his family the pleasure of ending up as martyrs or “national heroes”. For the family, the creeping, painful and slow death is the certainty of sinking into insignificance and only being remembered as the “Crime Minister’s family”), Haaretz, 12 December 2021: Netanyahu and His ‘Inner Circle’ Are Losing Their Minds Over Losing Their Bodyguards, The Algemeiner, 12 December 2021: Israel Shelves Plan for Western Wall Egalitarian Plaza, Haaretz, 12 December 2021: Bennett Celebrates Historic Visit, and It’s Not the Worst Part of Netanyahu’s Day, Times of Israel, 12 December 2021: Liberman says tourism workers should find a new job amid ongoing travel, Haaretz, 12 December 2021: Pro-Israel Evangelicals Stay Silent on Trump’s ‘Fuck Bibi’ Comment, Arab News, 12 December 2021: Middle East in denial as solutions prove elusive, The Guardian, 12 December 2021: Naftali Bennett: Israel’s PM to visit UAE to discuss deepening ties (As expected a few months ago in this blog post, the US withdrawal from the region is leading to the expected reactions. According to the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”, Iran, which has been built up as a “rogue nation” over the years, ensures that the Arab Gulf States open up to Israel in order to find a common line towards Iran. As was also to be expected, the Arab Gulf states do not share Israel’s desire for an open war with Iran, especially since this could set the entire Gulf region ablaze. Apart from that, solid economic interests naturally also play a role. The same applies to parts of the North African states. Should this result in the revival of the “Union for the Mediterranean”, it would have been worth all the trouble of recent years), Forward, 12 December 2021: ‘The president doesn’t like you guys now’: The inside story of Trump’s rage against Netanyahu, Haaretz, 13 December 2021: Israel Must Not Forget the Golan Heights Are Occupied Territory Too, Jerusalem Post, 13 December 2021: US rejects Israeli request for tanker aircraft as Iran plans advance (so, the US isn’t activly supporting Israel’s desire to start a war with Iran. Surprise, surprise), Haaretz, 13 December 2021: Despite UAE Visit, Bennett Unlikely to Find Backers for Iran War, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2021: ‘We must protect settlers,’ Bennett says amid Bar Lev ‘violence’ row, Haaretz, 14 December 2021: ‘Merkel Entered Israelis’ Hearts, but She Had No Trust in Netanyahu’ (of course, she didn’t. Who, in his right mind, ever did so? No single trustworthy person on this planet. He’s a shameless, cleptocratic liar), Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2021: There must not be a second Nakba – editorial, Israel Hayom, 14 December 2021: ‘Normalization with Israel conditional on Arab Peace Plan,’ Saudi official says, The Algemeiner, 15 December 2021: Israel Plans 30-Minute High-Speed Train From Haifa to Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 15 December 2021: Mendelblit Admits He Was Not the One Who Saved Us From Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 15 December 2021: Scant data on Israeli settler violence helps fuel right-wing denial, The Algemeiner, 15 December 2021: Israel to Tax All Sweetened Drinks Starting January, Haaretz, 15 December 2021: Spare Us the Illusion of Israel Investigating Its Own Deadly Violence, Times of Israel, 15 December 2021: US holding off on reopening Jerusalem consulate amid strong pushback from Israel (this will for sure come with a prize tag for Israel – rightly though), Haaretz, 15 December 2021: The Executive Arm of the Settler Organizations, Jerusalem Post, 15 December 2021: ‘Entire Muslim world’ will recognize Israel if it withdraws to 67′ line, Haaretz, 15 December 2021: Bennett Says Settler Violence Is ‘Insignificant.’ The Reality on the Ground Tells a Different Story, Times of Israel, 15 December 2021: Settler attacks on Palestinians are on the rise, but justice remains elusive, Haaretz, 16 December 2021: Jews Were Massacred in 1948 Too, So Why Dwell Only on the Nakba?, Times of Israel, 16 December 2021: Lapid: Extremist violence ‘a stain on Israel,’ there must be zero tolerance (it will become a mammoth task to re-socialize those of them who are still reachable for rational argumentation at all (that are the fewest) and to integrate them as valuable and useful members into the majority society), Haaretz, 16 December 2021: 2021, the Year of Israel ‘Shrinking’ the ‘Apartheid’, Times of Israel, 16 December 2021: Jewish extremist violence against Arabs: End the denial and act!, Haaretz, 17 December 2021: Compromise on UAE Pipeline Puts Israel’s Commitment to the Environment to the Test, The Times, 17 December 2021: Netanyahus fight for their privileges and protection, Jerusalem Post, 17 December 2021: Reopening Jerusalem consulate a priority for Biden admin. – Nuland, The Algemeiner, 17 December 2021: Powerful US Jews ‘Don’t Like’ Israel, Trump Charges, The Times, 17 December 2021: Fact or fiction? The mass-suicide at Masada, Arab News, 18 December 2021: Israel’s malign grip on Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2021: Israeli government encouraging settler violence – Palestinian Authority, Times of Israel, 18 December 2021: Police arrest 13 at Jerusalem protest calling for government action against attacks, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2021: Trump: ‘Evangelicals love Israel more than Jews in the US’ (interesting. While others land a place on the Wiesenthal Center’s list of the “worst anti-Semitic outbreaks of the year” for much lesser anti-Semitic convictions, this obviously doesn’t apply to the “true friend of Israel” #45), Times of Israel, 18 December 2021: Jewish groups pan Trump antisemitic tropes after remarks on Israeli, Jewish control, The Guardian, 18 December 2021: Trump: Ex-president condemned for using antisemitic tropes, Jerusalem Post, 19 December 2021: Settlers clash with IDF, Border Police at Homesh settlement, Haaretz, 19 December 2021: How Israel Expelled Me, a German Ph.D. Student, for Something I Had No Intention of Doing, Times of Israel, 19 December 2021: Israeli forces raze structures set up at illegal outpost after deadly terror attack, Haaretz, 19 December 2021: Settlers Attack Israeli Forces at West Bank Outpost Days After Deadly Attack, Times of Israel, 19 December 2021: Jerusalem church leaders: ‘Radical’ Israeli groups driving Christians from Holy Land, The Times, 20 December 2021: A leader without power: why Naftali Bennett is struggling to make his mark in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 20 December 2021: Israeli companies exported cruise missiles to China without permit, Times of Israel, 20 December 2021: IDF begins allowing troops to shoot at fleeing rock-throwers, Jerusalem Post, 20 December 2021: Coalition calls to probe Netanyahu for ‘smearing Israel’s reputation’, Times of Israel, 20 December 2021: 10 Israelis set to be indicted for illegally exporting missiles to China, Jerusalem Post, 20 December 2021: Netanyahu trial: Hefetz testifies about triangle with PM, media, Haaretz, 20 December 2021: Bio-Zionism: Why Claiming Jews Are ‘Indigenous’ to Israel Is So Dangerous, Arab News, 20 December 2021: EU diplomat visits threatened Sheikh Jarrah home, Times of Israel, 21 December 2021: UAE Targeted Khashoggi’s Wife With NSO Spyware Before His Murder, Analysis Finds, Haaretz, 21 December 2021: ‘Cyber Mercenaries’: Israel’s Spyware Industry Is Getting Slammed Around the World, Politico.eu, 21 December 2021: Polish spyware scandal stokes tensions with Brussels (that’s what you get if you choose Israel as your role model: a pseudo-democratic, semi-authoritarian police state), Haaretz, 22 December 2021: Israel, U.S. ‘Don’t See Eye to Eye’ on Iran, Official Says as Sullivan Meets Bennett (apparently, people in Israel are still under the illusion that the West will intervene to straighten out what the two simpletons Netanyahu and Trump have brought about to the region with the unilateral termination of the Iran deal. But that won’t happen. No government will sacrifice its own security interests for it. Not even the USA, which after decades in Afghanistan will certainly not start the much less predictable, even longer expedition to Iran, especially since it would not only be done with Iran, but also the dispatch of large contingents of troops to Iraq, to Syria, possibly even Lebanon. Since US interests are now clearly in the Indo-Pacific, you can count the likelihood of major military missions in the Middle East on your thumb, which points down. For Netanyahu disciples, therefore, there remain several insights that have been clear and open on the table for the rest of the world for months: a) Netanyahu betrayed them and Israel massively in order to pursue his narcissistic and short-sighted, as well as rarely stupid, ideas, which the entire region will suffer from for many years to come. b) In Israel, Netanyahu successfully tried to convince his disciples that under him the security of Israel would have been strengthened, although the exact opposite is the case. With sleepwalking certainty, he made sure that he himself became the greatest enemy of the fragile Israeli democracy and, at the same time, with the unilateral termination of the Iran deal, greatly facilitated and supported Iran’s successful preparations for the construction of an atomic bomb. It is clear in security circles that before the termination of the Iran deal, Iran was years away from successful tests. It has been months at most since the agreement was terminated. Simultaneously, the simpletons Netanyahu and Trump stand in front of the cameras and seriously claim that their “Maximum Bullsh!t Bingo” was successful. What they are hiding is that Iran was much more successful than the two together. After all, Iran has been familiar with US sanctions for decades. They certainly don’t scare the rulers in Tehran. Why should they? There are alternatives to the West, which has offended Iran for the umpteenth time. A potent partner is available in China and is already supporting the Iranian economy. c) Israel is militarily much weaker than it would like to persuade itself and others and has also been actively persuaded by Netanyahu. Only a few days ago the IDF admitted that a military option against Iran cannot be seriously considered because there is no realistic possibility for a successful operation. This would require additional, substantial gifts of arms from the USA, which the Biden administration then demonstratively pushed back so far that the successor administration will probably only decide on the actual extradition. In doing so, Biden sent several clear signals to Iran: “1. We are currently not considering a military option, 2. We will not allow anybody to drag us into a military operation and 3. We are in control of the situation. The Israeli government pisses us off. At that front we just won some time, so let’s see how we can successfully restart the Iran deal in order to save what can be saved and before it gets uncomfortable.”), Times of Israel, 22 December 2021: 4,000 US immigrants moved to Israel in 2021, the highest annual figure since 1973, Haaretz, 22 December 2021: Netanyahu’s Trial Is Going Worse Than His Worst Nightmare, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2021: Israel’s incoming Air Force chief: We can attack Iran tomorrow if needed (of course, and sink yourself with it. Congrats), Haaretz, 22 December 2021: Kahanist Lawmaker Pulls Gun on Arab Security Guard Who Asked Him to Move Car, Times of Israel, 22 December 2021: NSO’s Pegasus used to target Khashoggi’s wife before his murder — Washington Post, Haaretz, 22 December 2021: Mendelblit Going Shamefully Easy on Israeli Politicians Who Broke the Law, Der Spiegel, 23 December 2021: Bibi’s Last Act: A Look Back at Israel’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister (normally you don’t write an obituary until after someone has died. It is obviously different here. It is also interesting how Netanyahu’s terms of office are perceived, in some cases considerably, differently in Israel and the West. Very few top Western politicians, most of whom tend to be authoritarian themselves, even trusted him. He has been judged on the basis of his deeds and they were very often at least doubtful. It may be that he made life in Israel better for some Israelis, but on the contrary, he was a disaster for Israel’s standing in the world. With the loss of trust in his person, there was also a loss of trust in the country itself. Like any other simple-minded nationalist, Netanyahu has tried to describe it as an alleged “hostility to Israel”. This is nonsense, of course, but his sect members (Likudniks) are only too happy to believe it. Democracy in Israel suffered considerably under Netanyahu, only increased in value by excluding the occupation of and illegal settlements in Palestinian East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Syria in the evaluation for the Democracy Index. Israel was closer to becoming a theocracy than a democracy. Undoing that would take years. With a messianic settler as the new prime minister, however, it is questionable whether it is even wanted), Times of Israel, 23 December 2021: Over 2.5 million Israelis live in poverty, among them 1.1 million kids, report finds, Haaretz, 23 December 2021: So You Don’t Like the Two-state Solution? Meet the One-state Model, Times fo Israel, 23 December 2021: Polish opposition senator hacked with spyware from Israel’s NSO Group, Jerusalem Post, 23 December 2021: Will the government succeed in breaking up Haredi autonomy in Israel?, Israel Hayom, 23 December 2021: 2021 sees record-breaking immigration from US to Israel, Haaretz, 23 December 2021: 2021 Was a Great Year for Aliyah – Mainly Because 2020 Was Such an Awful One, Times of Israel, 24 December 2021: Former Supreme Court Justice Mazuz says Netanyahu tried to ‘crush’ legal system, Jerusalem Post, 24 December 2021: 125 countries back opened-ended UNHRC war crimes probe against Israel, Times of Israel, 25 December 2021: Government set to approve NIS 1 billion Golan Heights development plan on Sunday (stealing other people’s land remains to be stealing, no matter if it is Palestinian or Syrian land), Palestine Chronicle, 25 December 2021: Majority of UN Members Back War Crimes Investigation against Israel, Times of Israel, 26 December 2021: Hundreds of thousands of chickens to be culled as bird flu spreads; egg shortage due, France24, 26 December 2021: Large Israel bird flu outbreak kills 2,000 wild cranes, DW, 26 December 2021: Israel set to double settlements in Golan Heights, The Algemeiner, 26 December 2021: Israel Set to Approve $317 Million Golan Heights Development Plan, France24, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settler population in Golan Heights, The National, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settler population in the Golan Heights, Foreign Policy, 26 December 2021: Why Israel Hates Gaza, Arab News, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settlers in occupied Golan, The National, 27 December 2021: Israeli minister under 24/7 guard after threats from Jewish extremists, Times of Israel, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns ‘dangerous’ Israeli plans to double Golan population, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns Israeli plans to double number of Golan settlers, ABC News, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns Israel’s plans to expand Golan settlements, Haaretz, 27 December 2021: Lapid Slams Netanyahu for Critical Videos in English: ‘Campaign Against Israel’, The Algemeiner, 27 December 2021: Israel Fortifies ‘Northern Shield’ Along Lebanese Border to Protect Civilians Against Rocket Attacks, The Washington Post, 27 December 2021: The spyware crisis is much bigger than NSO Group, Palestine Chronicle, 27 December 2021: Israel to Double Number of Illegal Jewish Settlers in Golan Heights (VIDEO), The Washington Post, 28 December 2021: An Israeli leader criticized Jewish ‘settler violence.’ Now he has 24/7 protection after extremist threats., Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2021: Ignore the bluff, Israel won’t attack Iran post-deal – analysis, The Times, 28 December 2021: Bibi wages war of attrition against man who took his job, Palestine Chronicle, 29 December 2021: Why is Israel Amending Its Open-Fire Policy: Three Possible Answers, Jerusalem Post, 29 December 2021: Netanyahu’s cabinet secretary admits to shredding files on tape – report, Haaretz, 29 December 2021: Netanyahu Cabinet Secretary Admits to Shredding Docs Before Bennett Took Office, DW, 29 December 2021: Palestinian president meets Israeli defense minister in rare trip, Palestine Chronicle, 29 December 2021: PA President Abbas Meets with Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz (VIDEO), France24, 29 December 2021: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas visits Israel’s Benny Gantz in rare trip, Arab News, 29 December 2021: Find political solution or ‘West Bank will explode,’ Abbas warns Israel, Jerusalem Post, 29 December 2021: Gantz-Abbas meeting: DM to approve status of 9,500 Palestinians, Times of Israel, 29 December 2021: Gantz’s right-wing coalition partners assail him for hosting PA chief Abbas, Haaretz, 29 December 2021: And Now for a Bennett-Abbas Meeting, Israel Hayom, 29 December 2021: No easy way out for Israel and the PA, Haaretz, 30 December 2021: 2021, the Year Israel Learned Not to Take Its Democracy for Granted, Jerusalem Post, 30 December 2021: Tel Aviv: Spending a day in the world’s most expensive city, The Guardian, 30 December 2021: Biden and Putin exchange warnings during phone call amid rising Ukraine tensions, Times of Israel, 31 December 2021: Settlers riot during demolition at West Bank outpost, 3 cops and several youths hurt, Haaretz, 31 December 2021: Israeli Security Forces Injured by Settlers in Evacuation of West Bank Outpost, Times of Israel, 31 December 2021: Amid Iran nuke talks, Lapid says Israel has capabilities many ‘cannot even imagine’ (wishful thinking, but in times like that may be necessary and helpful to lift the spirit and motivation), Arab News, 31 December 2021: Global action offers a cure for Israel’s apartheid variant, Al Arabiya, 31 December 2021: Israel signs deal to buy $3.1 bln in US helicopters, refueling planes, Arab News, 1 January 2022: Jailed Palestinians boycott ‘political weapon’ of detention without charge, Times of Israel, 2 January 2022: IDF issues demolition order for home of Hamas terrorist who killed Eli Kay (interesting, but why is it that Jewish Israeli terrorists who are committing terrorist attacks against Palestinians aren’t punished in the same way, as Israel claims to be a democracy and not just another theocracy in the region?), Times of Israel, 2 January 2022: First phase of major reform in Israel’s kosher certification system enters effect, Times of Israel, 2 January 2022: Challenging rabbis, Orthodox activists hand out fliers after Walder victim’s suicide, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: Israel’s Mossad bombed German, Swiss firms to stop Pakistani nukes – report, Times of Israel, 3 January 2022: Lapid: 2022 will see intense effort to paint Israel as apartheid state (the occupation is one thing, the settlement of East Jerusalem and the West Bank is quite another. If the settlements aren’t reversed, Israel cannot claim to be a democracy because it would clearly not be the case. Should it come to the point that the two-state solution is abandoned in favor of a one-state solution and the Palestinians do not get absolutely the same rights as the Israelis, then Israel would in fact be an apartheid state. If the Palestinians were given absolutely the same rights as the Israelis, then the country would no longer be a Jewish state for demographic reasons. Difficult decisions await Israel’s governments), Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: Poland bought NSO hacking tools shortly after Netanyahu met Polish PM – report, Haaretz, 3 January 2022: Poland Purchased NSO’s Pegasus After Netanyahu Meeting, Report Says, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks won’t end in good result for Israel – Lapid, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: US, UK, Israel should help form an Arab NATO, Arab News, 4 January 2022: The future looks grim for beleaguered Syrians, Haaretz, 4 January 2022: Why Criticize Israel, When Cruelty Elsewhere in the World Is Worse?, Arab News, 4 January 2022: Israel prepares to seize its Golan ‘moment’, Haaretz, 5 January 2022: ‘Unbelievable,’ ‘Disgrace’: Likud Lawmakers Erupt Over Knesset Speech in Arabic (Arabic was one of the two official languages until the nation state law was passed by the right wing association Likud. Since then the language has only a “special status”. The heckling of the Likudniks during the speech was then correspondingly racist and Islamophobic), Times of Israel, 5 January 2022: Power struggle: Bill to hook up illegal Arab homes to grid passes in stormy session, Palestine Chronicle, 5 January 2022: As Israel Plots Endgame in Occupied Golan, Bennett Must Remember Lessons of the Past, Haaretz, 5 January 2022: Israel Fell Out of Love With Its Left-wing Parties – but Can They Ever Reunite?, Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2022: Over 50% of Israelis want leader who makes decisions alone, Haaretz, 6 January 2022: Provoked, Israeli PM Bennett Blows a Fuse, Times of Israel, 6 January 2022: Deputy minister assails settlers at illegal outpost as ‘subhuman,’ sparking furor (sometimes the truth hurts. In this case, especially those who base their revisionist world views on “alternative facts”), The Algemeiner, 6 January 2022: Israeli Minister Blasted for Referring to Settlers as ‘Subhuman’, Arab News, 6 January 2022: Israeli MP faces heat for remarks on settlers, Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2022: Senior Israeli diplomat tells Europeans their complaints ‘piss me off’ (there is a very simple and easy solution to this: stop doing bullsh!t day in, day out and, above all, stop accepting aid funds worth billions and there will be no additional complaints coming in from Europe), Times of Israel, 6 January 2022: ‘You’re pissing me off!’ Israeli diplomat reportedly yells at European envoys, Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2022: Thank God there is a trial for Benjamin Netanyahu (someone is making the case for a Jewish theocracy without any rule of law), Haaretz, 6 January 2022: Why Palestinian Kids’ Playgrounds Are Such Prime Targets for Israeli Settlers, Times of Israel, 6 January 2022: Deputy minister says he regrets ‘subhuman’ settlers comment, but stands by criticism, The Algemeiner, 6 January 2022: Israelis’ Loss of Trust in State Institutions Is ‘Deeply Troubling,’ Says President Herzog, Times of Israel, 7 January 2022: From Iron Dome to supply chains, US Christian group quietly shaping US-Israel ties, Haaretz, 7 January 2022: Record-breaking COVID Infections Flood Israel’s Parliament With Bad Blood, Arab News, 7 January 2022: US turns a blind eye to Israeli violence against Palestinians, Haaretz, 8 January 2022: Zionism Is Not Colonialism, and Israel’s Settlement Enterprise Is Not Zionism, The Washington Post, 8 January 2022: Israel’s ultra-Orthodox women take their quiet revolution to art school, Haaretz, 9 January 2022: Israeli NSO Spyware Found on Activists’ Phones in Kazakhstan, Haaretz, 9 January 2022: Netanyahu Family Ordered to Appear for Suit Against Former Prime Minister Olmert, Arab News, 10 January 2022: Israel not bound by any nuclear deal with Iran, Bennett says (of course not, just as no one is bound to support Israel in its madness towards Iran), Haaretz, 10 January 2022: Oil, Cyber and Weapons: Inside Israel’s Relationship With Kazakhstan, The Algemeiner, 11 January 2022: Israeli Security Startup Pentera Raises $150 Million in Funding Round, Eyes IPO, Jerusalem Post, 11 January 2022: Israel Police officer to suicidal woman: ‘Go ahead and kill yourself, idiot’, Haaretz, 12 January 2022: Clashes in Southern Israel Over JNF Tree-planting Resume, Times of Israel, 12 January 2022: Why tree planting in the Negev sparked protests, riots and a coalition crisis, Haaretz, 13 January 2022: ‘Peace With the Palestinians Is Possible’: Meet Israel’s Last Optimist, Jerusalem Post, 13 January 2022: The IDF is losing the public’s trust and this will be Kohavi’s legacy, Haaretz, 13 January 2022: Instead of Planting Trees, the Jewish National Fund’s Negev Project Starts a Fire, The Guardian, 13 January 2022: Hollywood stars back Emma Watson after Palestinian solidarity post, Palestine Chronicle, 13 January 2022: Hollywood Stars Support Emma Watson after her Solidarity Post with Palestine, Times of Israel, 14 January 2022: Israel’s new man in NY: Bring on the broad — but legitimate — criticism of Israel, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2022: Year of the bus: The Chinese brand selling the most buses in Israel, Forward, 14 January 2022: Israeli museum shutters its doors after 47 artists ask to remove their work, The Algemeiner, 14 January 2022: Israel’s Government to Vote on Launching Inquiry Into ‘Submarine Affair’ (the big question is if Israel ever paid a dime for the subs or if the bill was footed by German taxpayers alone, as Israel is far to poor to afford first world technology), Times of Israel, 14 January 2022: Shin Bet probing as potential ‘terror’ several violent incidents during Negev riots, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2022: If Netanyahu accepts court decisions on political career, A-G will enter deal talks (there are still peopöe who say that there is no institutional corruption in Israel. They are proven wrong. Netanyahu’s future should be a prison cell and nowhere else. That would be democratic and a sign that Israel want to become a democracy one day), The Algemeiner, 14 January 2022: Report: Prosecutors Believe Netanyahu Will Agree to Plea Deal, Times of Israel, 14 January 2022: Report: Prosecutors believe Netanyahu will sign plea deal, perhaps even next week, Haaretz, 15 January 2022: Netanyahu’s Plea-deal Dilemma: Does Get-out-of-jail Mean Ending His Political Career?, Times of Israel, 15 January 2022: Report: Netanyahu, AG may agree to leave ‘moral turpitude’ to judges in plea deal, Jerusalem Post, 15 January 2022: Inflation in Israel hits highest rate for decade in 2021, Haaretz, 15 January 2022: How Israel Intentionally Destroyed the Dead Sea, The Algemeiner, 16 January 2022: Israel’s Netanyahu Discusses Plea Bargain in Graft Trial, Source Says, Jerusalem Post, 16 January 2022: Israel needs to remove the Netanyahu fault line – comment, Haaretz, 16 January 2022: Rushing to Ink Netanyahu Plea Deal, Can Anyone Stop Israel’s Attorney General?, The Guardian, 16 January 2022: Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly near to plea bargain in corruption trial, Al Arabiya, 16 January 2022: Israel’s Netanyahu discusses plea bargain in graft trial: Reuters, Jerusalem Post, 16 January 2022: Israel should not attack nuclear Iran alone, but should join a NATO 2.0 (or in other words: Israel wants to threaten Iran with attacks or total destruction at any point, but at the same time wants others to do the job and pay the price for it), Haaretz, 16 January 2022: Israeli Military, Intel Agencies to Enlist High Schoolers for Weapon Development Program, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2022: Coalition loses vote on IDF draft reform bill, Times of Israel, 17 January 2022: In first since 2017, police try to evict family in flashpoint Jerusalem neighborhood, France24, 17 January 2022: Israel police in standoff with Palestinians over Jerusalem eviction, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2022: Netanyahu green lights lawyers to further pursue deal – report, Haaretz, 17 January 2022: JNF Board Members Demand End to Controversial Tree-planting in Negev Until Questions Answered, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2022: Israel could sign deal to buy three submarines from Germany, Haaretz, 17 January 2022: Netanyahu Plea Deal Would Be Contrary to the Public Interest, Times of Israel, 18 January 2022: Former state attorney calls potential Netanyahu plea deal ‘shameful’, Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Israel to Pay Double for German Submarines in Light of Sudden Price Hike (even more nuclear first-strike capacity for Israel, “brought to you by German taxpayers”), Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2022: Knesset asked to probe Israel Police use of NSO spyware on citizens, Politico.eu, 18 January 2022: EastMed: A pipeline project that ran afoul of geopolitics and green policies, Times of Israel, 18 January 2022: Comptroller to probe spyware use on citizens, as outraged lawmakers demand inquiry, Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Israel’s Attorney General Asks Police to Explain Use of NSO Spyware, Watchdog Opens Probe, Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2022: US informs Israel it no longer supports EastMed pipeline to Europe, Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Why Is Netanyahu Suddenly Rushing to Secure a Plea Deal? Haaretz Explains, Times of Israel, 18 January 2022: Israel Police accused of using NSO spyware on civilians for years without oversight, Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Police Using Pegasus Spyware Against Israelis Shows: NSO Is an Arm of the State, The Guardian, 18 January 2022: Israel: Citizens targeted by police using Pegasus spyware, report claims, Jerusalem Post, 19 January 2022: US views on EastMed pipeline have ripples for Israel-Greece ties, Times of Israel, 19 January 2022: Netanyahu plea deal talks appear to be in dire straits, as AG’s departure looms, Jerusalem Post, 19 January 2022: New Israeli submarines to have new capabilities, Times of Israel, 19 January 2022: Jerusalem police evict Palestinian family overnight, ending standoff; 18 arrested, Forward, 19 January 2022: Israeli police evict Palestinian family from Sheikh Jarrah, neighborhood that sparked May 2021 conflict with Hamas, The Guardian, 19 January 2022: East Jerusalem: Israeli police demolish Palestinian family’s Sheikh Jarrah home, CNN, 19 January 2022: Palestinian family home demolished in sensitive East Jerusalem neighborhood, Haaretz, 19 January 2022: Inflation Comes Back to Haunt Israel, Arab News, 19 January 2022: Israel probes alleged Pegasus use to spy on citizens, Haaretz, 20 January 2022: There’s a Mass Palestinian Grave at a Popular Israeli Beach, Veterans Confess, Times of Israel, 20 January 2022: Israel signs scandal-ridden €3 billion deal with Germany to buy new submarines, Haaretz, 20 January 2022: ‘Married, but Has Grindr’: How Israeli Police Spied on Activists With NSO’s Pegasus, Haaretz, 20 January 2022: A Wild, Dangerous Military-security Complex Has Seized Power in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2022: NY-Israel flight turns around after Israelis sneak into business class, Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Flight from NY to Tel Aviv turns back after two unruly Israelis grab business seats, Khaleej Times, 21 January 2022: Israel is waiting to welcome Emirati tourists, says country’s first ambassador to the UAE, Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Police chief defiant amid NSO scandal: ‘Some want to harm our crimefighting ability’ (well, when the Chinese Government is doing it to their population, why shouldn’t Israel do it, too?), Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2022: Dozens of masked settlers violently attack Israelis, Palestinians in West Bank (that’s what you get when extremists and terrorists are not stopped in time and given clear limits to action, but are sometimes even supported by the IDF, while the terrorist settlers are whining about allegedly anti-Semitic acts by Palestinians that actually represent retaliatory measures), Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Dozens of settlers assault Palestinians and left-wing activists in West Bank, Haaretz, 21 January 2022: Settlers Attack Left-wing Activists in West Bank, Set Their Car Ablaze, Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: The NSO scandal should be an earthquake for the Israel Police, Haaretz, 21 January 2022: NSO Scandal: Israel Police Chief Tells Cops Technology Will Still Be Used, Upgraded, Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Non-Jewish US House reps form congressional ‘Caucus for Advancement of Torah Values’ (can’t stop laughing” :-D .. would be a great name for a comic: “General Bacon and Major Eggs”), Jerusalem Post, 23 January 2022: Settler attack against Burin was ‘organized terror’ incident – Bar Lev, Times of Israel, 23 January 2022: Olmert asks court to order psychiatric evaluations for Netanyahu, wife and son (about time), Haaretz, 23 January 2022: For Israel’s Settlers, It’s War. Their Target: Palestinian Land – and Bodies, The Algemeiner, 23 January 2022: The UN Descent to Its Deepest Depths of Hostility to Israel, Times of Israel, 23 January 2022: Israel-Europe ties may not get much warmer with Macron as president of EU Council, DW, 23 January 2022: Israel to probe purchase of German submarines under Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2022: Smotrich insulting dead judge angers Lapid, Haaretz, 24 January 2022: Submarine Probe Is a Chance for Israel to Rethink How It Buys Arms, Spyware, Times of Israel, 24 January 2022: Illegal outpost gets demolition notices days after Jewish extremist attack, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2022: Poverty still rampant among Israeli children – report, Haaretz, 25 January 2022: The Netanyahu Era Has Dragged Down Israel’s Corruption Ranking, Arab News, 25 January 2022: Netanyahu’s plea deal talks a final attempt to avoid justice, Jerusalem Post, 26 January 2022: US Reps question withdrawal of US support for EastMed pipeline from Israel, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2022: Israel-Turkey reconciliation is important, but won’t be easy, Haaretz, 27 January 2022: ‘We Are the Gatekeepers of Historical Truth. We’ll Fight for It Even When It Is Inconsistent With Israel’s Interest’, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2022: Israel needs to combat settler violence, Haaretz, 27 January 2022: The Great Exploitation: Palestinians Forced to Pay Huge Sums to Work in Israel, France24, 27 January 2022: Organised crime on the rise in Israel (Israeli mafia), Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2022: Israel pressing to stop UNHRC from labeling it an apartheid state, The New York Times, 28 January 2022: The Battle for the World’s Most Powerful Cyberweapon, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: Saudi crown prince called Netanyahu to renew kingdom’s NSO spyware license – report, Haaretz, 28 January 2022: NSO Played Key Role in Israel’s Gulf Diplomacy, NYT Finds, Confirming Haaretz Reports, Jerusalem Post, 28 January 2022: Members of the ‘Jewish Taliban’ Lev Tahor spotted in Bosnia, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: Finland alleges diplomats’ phones hacked with Israeli spyware, Jerusalem Post, 28 January 2022: Israel among ‘populist’ nations which mishandled pandemic in 2020, Haaretz, 28 January 2022: Labeled a Traitor, She Fled Israel. Now She Wants to Deconstruct Zionism, Palestine Chronicle, 28 January 2022: Morality Cannot Be Divided: How Netanyahu’s Corruption has Exposed Israel’s ‘Democracy’, Israel Hayom, 28 January 2022: EU earmarks $736M for power cable connecting Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: Former IDF chief calls US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal ‘a strategic mistake’, Haaretz, 28 January 2022: Why the Submarine Probe Will Be a Whole Different Ballgame for Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2022: Pluralists outraged over Bennett ruling out Kotel deal, DW, 29 January 2022: Pegasus scandal: In Hungary, journalists sue state over spyware, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2022: Likud rejects outreach from ‘antisemitic’ Romanian party, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2022: PA slams Bennett for opposing Palestinian state, Times of Israel, 30 January 2022: NSO chief calls blacklisting by US ‘an outrage,’ rejects ‘hypocritical’ criticism (well, he got caught and is now trying to blame others. That won’t work), Arab News, 30 January 2022: Israeli President Herzog visits the UAE for the first time, Al Arabiya, 30 January 2022: Israeli President Herzog arrives in the UAE for first visit: Spokesman (this is an exceptional event. However, the joy that other Islamic states would conclude normalization agreements with Israel has recently suffered several setbacks, especially since those being courted, in particular the dream partner Saudi Arabia, have already gone back to their original positions (no normalization without a prior two-state solution)), Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2022: WATCH: Israel’s president Herzog meets UAE crown prince, received by honor guard, Times of Israel, 30 January 2022: In ‘message to the region,’ Herzog meets UAE crown prince in Abu Dhabi, France24, 30 January 2022: Israeli president on first-ever visit to UAE, Politico.com, 30 January 2022: How the Biden Presidency Became a Cultural Black Hole, DW, 30 January 2022: Israel: President vows support for UAE after Abu Dhabi attacks, Forward, 30 January 2022: Amnesty International describes Israel as an apartheid state in new report, Haaretz, 31 January 2022: Benjamin Netanyahu, the Saboteur, Times of Israel, 31 January 2022: Liberal Jewish movements ‘feel betrayed’ by Israel’s freezing of Western Wall plan, Jerusalem Post, 31 January 2022: IDF draft bill for haredim passes in Knesset in second attempt, Times of Israel, 31 January 2022: Israel to join massive US-led naval exercise in Red Sea for first time, The Times, 31 January 2022: Israel leaks Amnesty report on ‘apartheid’, DW, 31 January 2022: Israel and UAE: How nominal enemies became allies, Times of Israel, 31 January 2022: Israel blasts Amnesty UK for ‘antisemitic’ report accusing it of apartheid, The Guardian, 1 February 2022: The Pegasus project: NSO offered US mobile security firm ‘bags of cash’, whistleblower claims, Amnesty International, 1 February 2022: Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: a cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity (Q&A: Israel’s Apartheid against Palestinians: Cruel System of Domination and Crime against Humanity), Haaretz, 1 February 2022: Israel’s Hysterical Response to Amnesty’s ‘Apartheid’ Report Is a Typical Hasbara Fail, NPR, 1 February 2022: Israel is an apartheid state, Amnesty International says (the Israeli government’s reaction is neither original nor unexpected, especially since at the turn of the year 2021/2022 it swore in lobby organisations, speakers and propagandists that 2022 shall become the “year of the fight against accusations of apartheid”. She has now demonstrated how she imagines this by bringing forward accusations of antisemitism and thus further and further devaluing the term as a pure combat term and eroding its effectiveness, instead of dealing with the report itself. Amnesty International in particular will certainly not publish 280 pages of nonsense. In addition to expected inaccuracies and controversial representations, you will certainly find a lot of truth there. The Israeli government is trying to cover this up with accusations of antisemitism. However, it is at least questionable whether this will succeed. Genuine anti-Semitism is, alarmingly, once again a growing problem around the world. No matter where you look, anti-Semitic (criminal) acts are taking place. Jews are attacked on the street and in daylight, as are synagogues. Attempts are being made to deny the Holocaust in whole or in part, also by deriding its victims, wearing yellow Jewish stars with the inscription “unvaccinated” at Covidiot meetings, in order to then claim with abysmal maliciousness that one now knows how Jews are must have felt in Nazi Germany. That’s all bad and against this background the (over)reactions and (over)sensitivities to the Amnesty International report are easier to understand (although the accusations of apartheid are anything but new). Nevertheless, neither a free pass nor a fig leaf for a cover-up is derived from this. While in some niches in Germany people still want to get incredibly upset about the report (probably just about the headline), in Israel people have now started to read the report at all and realize that there is more to it than they thought. Surprisingly, not only in the left camp, but also some conservative commentators are speaking out in this direction. The right-wing camp does not deny the allegations made in the report (or does not address the issues at all), but rather think about the possible consequences for international reputation and possible international consequences, which is why the report is rejected without being read. We know the resistance to facts from our own right-wing extremists, so that’s no surprise. When the smoke clears, everyone wipes the foam from their mouths and independent experts have thoroughly analyzed the 280 pages, it will become clear where Amnesty’s report is correct and where it is not. Until then, the report will be used by lobbyists and activists of all tendencies as they see fit on their own behalf – Times of Israel, 3 February 2022: Amnesty’s ‘apartheid Israel’ calumny, Haaretz, 3 February 2022: Tell Me What’s Untrue in Amnesty’s Report on Israel), The Guardian, 1 February 2022: Israel: Amnesty International calls actions against Palestinians apartheid, BBC, 1 February 2022: Israeli policies against Palestinians amount to apartheid – Amnesty, Times of Israel, 1 February 2022: Amnesty to release ‘apartheid’ report despite Israeli call to withdraw it, CNN, 1 February 2022: Amnesty accuses Israel of apartheid over treatment of Palestinians, prompting angry response, Arab News, 1 February 2022: Amnesty International report brands Israel an apartheid state, Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2022: Stop Israeli apartheid, halt arms sales to Jewish state, Amnesty says, Palestine Chronicle, 1 February 2022: Palestinians Welcome Amnesty Report on Apartheid Israel, CNN, 1 February 2022: Amnesty accuses Israel of apartheid, is labeled anti-Semitic in return (it is noteworthy that the report is about how Israelis would supposedly treat Palestinians and not the other way around. How they turn it so that it becomes anti-Semitism is impressive), Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2022: Amnesty: We reject Israel’s bare faced lie that we are antisemitic, Irish Times, 1 February 2022: Israel is an apartheid state, Amnesty report says, Times of Israel, 1 February 2022: ‘Absurd’: US rejects Amnesty accusation of Israeli apartheid against Palestinians, DW, 1 February 2022: Amnesty accuses Israel of ‘apartheid’ state, Forward, 1 February 2022: Sweeping Amnesty ‘apartheid’ report solidifies human rights consensus on Israel, Haaretz, 1 February 2022: Adeldon’s Paper Is No Longer Backing Netanyahu. Who Will It Champion Next?, The Times, 2 February 2022: Israeli lasers will shoot down Hamas missiles by next year, says prime minister, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2022: Bennett’s laser bluff: New system promises less than headlines imply – analysis, Arab News, 2 February 2022: Israel upholds use of surveillance technology on protesters, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2022: Israel Police hacked phone of key person in Netanyahu case – reports, Arab News, 2 February 2022: Israeli treatment of Palestinians termed study in the mechanics of apartheid, DW, 2 February 2022: Germany rejects Amnesty’s ‘apartheid’ label for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2022: Israeli apartheid and the one-state solution – eight takes, Times of Israel, 2 February 2022: Amnesty to ToI: No double standard in accusing Israel, but not China, of apartheid, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2022: Netanyahu: Olmert request for Sara’s health records extortion, improper (Olmert is obviously not the only one who comes to the assessment of the Netanyahu family that he has publicly expressed), Haaretz, 2 February 2022: Israeli Officials Fear UN Will Adopt ‘Apartheid’ Narrative This Year, Reuters, 2 February 2022: Israel participates in huge U.S. Mideast naval exercise alongside Saudi, Oman, Al Arabiya, 2 February 2022: Israel participates in huge US Gulf naval exercise alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, Times of Israel, 2 February 2022: Gantz lands in Bahrain to sign security agreements, in first official visit, Haaretz, 2 February 2022: Bullets, Brutality and Bulldozers: What Israeli Apartheid Is Really Like, Times of Israel, 3 February 2022: Amnesty’s ‘apartheid Israel’ calumny, Haaretz, 3 February 2022: Israel’s Spyware Diplomacy Is an Extension of Its Long Bloody History of Arms Sales, Al Arabiya, 3 February 2022: Israel signs defense agreement with Bahrain in Gulf first, The Jewish Chronicle, 3 February 2022: Calls for Amnesty charity probe over Israel ‘apartheid’ smear, Haaretz, 3 February 2022: Tell Me What’s Untrue in Amnesty’s Report on Israel, Jerusalem Post, 3 February 2022: How Netanyahu, Friedman convinced Trump that Abbas doesn’t want peace (it was perfectly obvious that Netanyahu never wanted to make peace with the Palestinians (additionally supported by his own statements) and this policy is adamantly continued under Bennett, Of course, this does not mean how Abbas assesses the situation, whether he wants peace with Israel on the terms mentioned and whether Ron Lauder’s assumptions on the subject are correct), Arab News, 3 February 2022: Bahrain’s King Hamad meets Israeli defense minister, Jerusalem Post, 3 February 2022: The Western Wall is for all Jews, Haaretz, 3 February 2022: ‘We’re Outraged’: Liberal U.S. Jews Feel Betrayed by New Israeli Government, Jerusalem Post, 3 February 2022: Haredi IDF refusal is a crime, violates Judaism, The Guardian, 3 February 2022: Benjamin Netanyahu: Israeli police ‘may have hacked phone’ of key witness in trial, Jerusalem Post, 4 February 2022: Erdogan says Turkey, Israel can jointly bring gas to Europe, Jerusalem Post, 4 February 2022: Haredi MK lashed out at Bennett for putting nationality over religion, Irish Times, 5 February 2022: Amnesty report alleging Israeli apartheid deserves a hearing, Arab News, 5 February 2022: Lebanese letter to UN raises pressure on Israel to demarcate maritime borders, Haaretz, 5 February 2022: Netanyahu Used NSO’s Pegasus for Diplomacy. Now He Blames It for His Downfall, Times of Israel, 5 February 2022: Netanyahu lawyers expected to seek delay of key testimony over phone hacking scandal, Jerusalem Post, 5 February 2022: Justice Min. Sa’ar enables retaliation against Ben & Jerry’s (attacking private business decisions with a law? That’s the final end of Israel as a free market and don’t cry about the consequences that will have, because you brought them on yourself with ignorance, overconfidence, short-sightedness and sheer stupidity), Haaretz, 5 February 2022: Justice Minister Blocks Israel Boycotters From State Tenders and Benefits, France24, 5 February 2022: Israel wants to maintain an ‘unsustainable’ status quo, Palestinian PM Shtayyeh says, Haaretz, 6 February 2022: Israelis Didn’t Care About NSO and Pegasus – Until This Scandal, Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: Israeli-Palestinian confederation plan to be presented to UN, US by Beilin, Arab News, 7 February 2022: Decades of Israeli lies are finally being exposed, Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: IDF must stop Jewish extremist violence, but arrests are a police affair, Haaretz, 7 February 2022: Israeli Army and Police Blame Each Other as Settler Violence Rages On, Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: Pegasus affair has snowballed from small scandal to major outrage, France24, 7 February 2022: Israel’s Bennett vows action on Pegasus after reports of domestic police spying, BBC, 7 February 2022: Israeli police probed over hacking claims, The Guardian, 7 February 2022: Pegasus: Israel inquiry to look into alleged police use of spyware, Haaretz, 8 February 2022: The Darling Export Turns on Its Master: What to Make of Israeli Ministers’ ‘Shock’ Over NSO, The Algemeiner, 8 February 2022: Israel’s Future Submarines Seen as Key Development Towards Regional Naval Ascendency, Arab News, 8 February 2022: Submarine inquest could sink Netanyahu’s political career, Haaretz, 8 February 2022: Explainer: What Israel Police Did, Who Was Hacked With Pegasus and How It May Affect Netanyahu’s Trial, Forward, 8 February 2022: Amnesty’s Israel report has dangerous implications — for Jews and Palestinians alike, Jerusalem Post, 8 February 2022: Pegasus intelligence capabilities threaten state security (so, when it’s used against others then it’s all fine, but when it’s used against yourself then it’s a threat. Interesting, right? Welcome to the real world and enjoy), Times of Israel, 8 February 2022: Bill restricting prime ministers to 8 years in office cleared for final votes, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: Amnesty International report doesn’t bring Israel closer to peace (interesting read. I myself am not familiar enough with the individual topics to be able to formulate an expert opinion on the Amnesty report. But even with my level of knowledge, it is clear that a division into “bright Israel” (Israel within the borders of 1967) and “dark Israel” (annexation, occupation and settlements), which is also common in Israel, is absolutely necessary. Not all that glitters is gold in “bright Israel” and non-Jews are (sometimes heavily) discriminated against, but none of this has anything to do with apartheid. “Dark Israel”, on the other hand, is more like this and Amnesty should have concentrated on that instead of formulating a rather dubious all-round blow or at least making clear distinctions between “bright and dark Israel”. Unfortunately, this hasn’t happened so far, but in view of the numerous reactions to the report, it may be a good reason to make corrections accordingly. Reasons why Israel exists at all today or what role the Palestinians themselves have played and are playing were not considered at all. Voices and initiatives that really have great potential were not even considered. There are quite a few of them: Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: Israeli-Palestinian confederation plan to be presented to UN, US by Beilin. It will be interesting to hear what independent experts say about the report after each topic has been cross-checked), Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: Right-wing activists set up new settlement in the Negev, Arab News, 9 February 2022: US lawsuit threatens lie that criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: Top British Jewry group tells Smotrich to leave Europe, calls him ‘disgrace’, Times of Israel, 9 February 2022: Top UK Jewish body tells visiting far-right MK Smotrich to ‘get back on a plane’, Haaretz, 9 February 2022: ‘Holy Land Confederation’: Oslo Accords Architect Presents New Peace Plan, Haaretz, 10 February 2022: How Kahanism Became Mainstream in Israel, DW, 10 February 2022: German foreign minister commemorates Holocaust victims, Haaretz, 10 February 2022: You Want an Israeli Passport? Then Prove You’re Staying for Good, Haaretz, 10 February 2022: British Jews Condemning Far Right Racist Bezalel Smotrich Is Just the Beginning, Times of Israel, 11 February 2022: Ra’am head Abbas rejects Amnesty’s apartheid label for Israel, The Algemeiner, 11 February 2022: How America Is Helping Iran Get a Nuclear Arsenal (in real life it was Netanyahu who, with the help of outright lies and completely wrong assumptions, put massive pressure on Trump to unilaterally cancel the Iran deal, which he did. Of course, it was easy to feed nonsense to the fact-free Trump, because he is much more receptive to that than to fact-based decisions. Fact is that the two weirdos hadn’t, haven’t and never will have any alternative to the Iran deal, but still decided to free fall without a parachute and at the same time made Iran’s potential construction of a nuclear bomb possible in the first place. As a reminder, at the urging of then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose job it was to avert harm to the Israeli people, but instead, in his utterly misguided mania, chose the opposite direction. Trying to distract from this by attempting to blame President Biden for the complete failure of Netanyahu and Trump is cheapest political propaganda), Haaretz, 11 February 2022: Russia Decries Israel’s ‘Crude Violations of Syria’s Sovereignty’ After Airstrikes, Al Arabiya, 11 February 2022: Israel’s El Al Airlines says Dubai flights will be disrupted from Feb. 13, The Algemeiner, 11 February 2022: It’s Time to Give Arab Countries Their Due for Normalizing Relations With Israel, Haaretz, 11 February 2022: Pegasus Scandal: Experts Say ’90 Percent Chance’ Phones of Ex-finance Ministry Officials Hacked, Arab News, 12 February 2022: Israel would be better off working with the UN than attacking it, Al Arabiya, 12 February 2022: Israeli officer stationed in Manama part of intl coalition: Foreign ministry, The Algemeiner, 12 February 2022: Bahrain Confirms Israeli Officer Will Be Stationed in the Country – State Agency, DW, 14 February 2022: Far-right lawmaker visit sparks uproar in east Jerusalem, Haaretz, 14 February 2022: The Strongest Army in the Middle East Cannot Even Feed Its Own Soldiers, Times of Israel, 14 February 2022: Liberman said planning mix of cuts, benefits to boost Haredi workforce participation (the never ending story of trying to turn ultra orthodox Jews into reliable citizens of Israel. Good luck!), DW, 14 February 2022: Israeli Prime Minister Bennett on historic visit to Bahrain, Arab News, 14 February 2022: Israeli prime minister lands in Bahrain in first visit, Forward, 14 February 2022: The East Jerusalem flashpoint that could ignite the entire Middle East, Times of Israel, 14 February 2022: Clashes resume in Sheikh Jarrah, as firebrand MK vows to stay in eye of storm (Jewish and Palestinian terrorists turn up the violence again to invite to another hot party), Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Israeli forces kill Palestinian in West Bank clash: Palestinian health ministry, Haaretz, 14 February 2022: The East Jerusalem Flashpoint That Could Ignite the Entire Middle East, Times of Israel, 14 February 2022: US fears repeat of violence in Israel as religious holy days converge in April, Times of Israel, 14 February 2022: Ashkelon car bombing kills local crime family’s top moneyman (Israeli mafia), Times of Israel, 15 February 2022: Relative of former top Arab cop Hakrush shot dead, Arab News, 15 February 2022: Israel must rein in the far right to avoid repeat of violent clashes, The National, 15 February 2022: Israel PM meets Bahrain king on landmark visit, Arab News, 15 February 2022: Turkish delegation heads to Israel to prepare for Israeli president’s meeting with Erdogan, Haaretz, 15 February 2022: No More Supporting Israel ‘At All Costs’, Times of Israel, 15 February 2022: Bennett meets Bahrain king and crown prince, urges ‘peace between people’, Haaretz, 15 February 2022: Israel Must Do ‘Everything Possible’ to De-escalate Jerusalem Tensions, Senior Official Says, Times of Israel, 15 February 2022: The Hilltop Youth and Jewish Terrorism, Israel Hayom, 15 February 2022: ‘Israel-Saudi peace could be bridge to entire Muslim world’, Haaretz, 16 February 2022: Why the Saudis Are Slower to Make Peace With Israel, Times of Israel, 17 February 2022: Thousands protest in Tel Aviv against rising cost of living (during the Corona pandemic, prices have skyrocketed around the world. On the one hand, this is due to the paralyzed supply chains and, on the other hand, to the inflation that has been fueled as a result. Israel’s “island economy” (due to location) also increases transportation costs. Of course, all of this is reflected in the final prices, so it’s not a surprise or based on party politics, but the logical consequence of various factor), Jerusalem Post, 17 February 2022: Israeli apartheid charge: A matter of law, antisemitism or occupation?, Haaretz, 17 February 2022: This Is One of Israel’s Most Miserable, Self-defeating and Cruel Failures, Jerusalem Post, 17 February 2022: Why does Ireland hate Israel? (“One might have expected there be a natural friendship between the Republic of Ireland and the State of Israel” – that is a wrong assumption. Because of the British occupation of Ireland, nationalist Irish have sympathies for the Palestinians. They don’t hate Israel, they despise it as much as they do Britain. This is a big and significant difference. This is particularly true of Sinn Féin, the political arm of the IRA. Just as some nationalist Israelis whitewash their country’s history with the help of historical revisionism, so do some Irishmen), Times of Israel, 17 February 2022: Israel rejects cooperation with ‘morally bankrupt’ UN rights probe into May fighting (if there is a ‘morally bankrupt’ party in this case, it’s for sure not the UN), Haaretz, 18 February 2022: Thanks to Netanyahu’s Party, Meir Kahane Has Been Resurrected in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem Post, 18 February 2022: What are Israel’s new COVID-19 financial aid rules?, Arab News, 18 February 2022: No end in sight to the skewed portrayal of Israeli-Palestinian violence, Israel Hayom, 18 February 2022: Poll: 60% of Israelis say government plan to bring down cost of living ineffective, Haaretz, 19 February 2022: ‘War Tomorrow’: How Israel Is Preparing for a West Bank Conflict, Haaretz, 19 February 2022: Netanyahu Paved the Way for Israel’s Far-right Pyromania, Jerusalem Post, 20 February 2022: Palestinians will have ‘an entity,’ not a state, says Gantz (well, this says loud and clear “the Israeli government has given in to Israeli right-wing terrorists, so that the Palestinian can’t have their own state” (besides the fact that the State of Palestine ist alrady accepted as such by a majority of the international community, just like the State of Israel)), Times of Israel, 20 February 2022: In 1st, Israel advancing plan to expand national park onto E. Jerusalem church lands, Jerusalem Post, 20 February 2022: Settler violence is a strategic threat to Israel, Horowitz warns, Haaretz, 20 February 2022: ‘Crazy Backlash’: Progressive Lawmakers Under Fire After Visiting Israel, The Algemeiner, 20 February 2022: Poverty in the Haredi Sector Is Not Destiny, Jerusalem Post, 20 February 2022: Submarine investigation committee members announced, The Algemeiner, 21 February 2022: Israel Appoints First Muslim Justice, Mizrachi Woman to Supreme Court, Haaretz, 21 February 2022: The Iran Nuclear Deal Isn’t a Threat, and Israel Must Find a New Approach, Times of Israel, 21 February 2022: Amnesty’s Israel chief criticizes group’s report accusing Israel of apartheid, Haaretz, 21 February 2022: Israel’s Iran Policy: From 2015 to 2022, Déjà Vu All Over Again, The Guardian, 21 February 2022: ‘The police don’t care’: The gun violence engulfing Israel’s Arab community, The Algemeiner, 22 February 2022: Israeli Groceries Rank Sixth Most Expensive in New Survey, The National, 22 February 2022: Israeli court halts Sheikh Jarrah family eviction, Times of Israel, 22 February 2022: Netanyahu urges US Jews to fight Iran deal or risk nuke threat on NY, LA (Netanyahu is still fighting hard to make sure that his buddys in Iran will be able to develop the bomb. Awesome! The Israelis will love it), Al Arabiya, 22 February 2022: Israel court freezes eviction order of Palestinian family in Sheikh Jarrah, Times of Israel, 22 February 2022: Court freezes eviction of Palestinian family from Sheikh Jarrah home, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2022: Israel weighing condemnation as Russia escalates against Ukraine, The Algemeiner, 22 February 2022: Israel Backs Ukraine’s ‘Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty,’ Avoids Stance on Russia, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2022: Syria strike: Russia’s role, why Israel must be cautious on Ukraine, Times of Israel, 23 February 2022: New consul general to Shanghai under fire for comments on anthem, Jewish state (there is nothing wrong and for sure not anti-Semitic or Anti-Zionist by stating the obvious: The Israeli national anthem isn’t representing non-Jewish Israelis. Just read the text of the anthem yourself: national anthem of Israel), Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2022: Uproar over appointment of Meretz MK who ‘doesn’t sing Hatikva’ as Shanghai consul, Arab News, 23 February 2022: Jerusalem should be a beacon of peace, not the heart of conflict, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2022: Calling out Israeli apartheid isn’t antisemitism, it’s reality – PA envoy, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2022: Amnesty International’s report on Israel doesn’t matter, Jerusalem Post, 24 February 2022: Why Jews and Christians must work together for Israel, Times of Israel, 25 February 2022: For some Russian-speaking Israelis, Putin is a hero; others would ‘kill the bastard’, Haaretz, 25 February 2022: How Deep Has Chinese Intelligence Penetrated Israel?, Jerusalem Post, 25 February 2022: Invasion of Ukraine makes it obvious: IDF will fight its own battles, Haaretz, 25 February 2022: Russia Summons Israeli Envoy Over Statements Supporting Ukraine, Times of Israel, 25 February 2022: Russia summons Israeli envoy, said to ask: ‘Why are you backing Nazis?’, The Algemeiner, 25 February 2022: At UN, Russia Denounces Israel’s Sovereignty in Golan Heights After Jerusalem Backs Ukraine, Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2022: Israel’s actions in West Bank equivalent to Russian invasion – British MP, Times of Israel, 26 February 2022: Israel moves to end rift with Poland amid Ukraine fighting, sends envoy to Warsaw, Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2022: Israel fails to sign onto US text condemning Russia at UNSC, Haaretz, 26 February 2022: Russia Sees Coordination on Syria Continuing After Israel Condemns Attack on Ukraine, Haaretz, 27 February 2022: Those Loyal to Democracy in Israel Must Wake Up, The Algemeiner, 27 February 2022: What Israel Must Learn From Ukraine’s War, Haaretz, 27 February 2022: The Israeli Kettle and the Russian Pot, Times of Israel, 28 February 2022: Netanyahu tells government to be quiet on Russia and focus on Iran, Jerusalem Post, 28 February 2022: France’s Macron comes out against claims of Israeli apartheid, Haaretz, 28 February 2022: Israel’s Herzog Rebukes British Jewish Leadership for ‘Insulting’ Far-right Leader, The Guardian, 28 February 2022: Israel: Country under pressure to conclude flawed case against aid worker, Jerusalem Post, 1 March 2022: Israel will increase work visas for Palestinians from Gaza Strip – Gantz, Haaretz, 1 March 2022: Jerusalem Board Approves Old City Promenade on Remains of Muslim Cemetery, Jerusalem Post, 1 March 2022: Ukraine’s ambassador: Israel is deporting dozens of refugees, we need more help, Haaretz, 1 March 2022: Israel Cannot Stand on the Sidelines of the Ukraine Crisis, Arab News, 1 March 2022: Arabs continue to bear the brunt of organized crime in Israel, DW, 1 March 2022: Ukraine-Russia war overshadows German chancellor’s Israel visit, Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2022: If the West can stand up to Russia, it can stand up to Iran (first of all, it has to be said again and again that the two world champions of incompetence, Netanyahu and Trump, have ensured that the situation is as it is today. So the negotiations to revive the Iran deal are about fixing the results of the stupid things the two have done. If that succeeds, the Israelis are lucky, if not, they can visit Caesarea in Israel and/or Palm Beach in Florida to personally thank the two protagonists there. That said, if Israel wants to start a war with Iran it can do so at any given point, but shouldn’t expect the backing by the west, not least because the West has different interests than Israel. Europe has its own much larger and more powerful Iran in the neighborhood with Russia. The problems created by Putin are likely to keep Europe busy for a few years to come), Haaretz, 2 March 2022: ‘I Wouldn’t Mind if the West Gets Its Butt Kicked’: The Israelis Siding With Putin (well, there are weirdos everywhere. When it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there a quit a few people in West who say “why wasting time and money on this? Let’s gift Israel to Putin and his wonderful friends, the freedom fighters from Iran, who will then sort it out!), Palestine Chronicle, 2 March 2022: On Palestine’s Everyday Victories: Why Israel is No Longer the Exception, Times of Israel, 2 March 2022: Herzog: Russian strike near Babyn Yar memorial ‘epitomizes pain’ of those in the war, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2022: Nearly 8% of Ukrainians have been denied entry into Israel since invasion, Palestine Chronicle, 3 March 2022: Israeli Government Authorizes Right-Wing Israelis to Hold Provocative Rally in Sheikh Jarrah (VIDEOS), Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2022: Israel, Saudi Arabia can be allies if Palestinian conflict solved – MBS, Foreign Policy, 3 March 2022: Israel Needs to Make Up Its Mind on Ukraine, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2022: Israel freezes plan to expand Jerusalem national park on church land, Haaretz, 3 March 2022: She Survived Antisemitism in the USSR. She Might Not Survive This Israeli Censorship Affair, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2022: The significance of Germany’s Olaf Scholz’s Israel visit, Palestine Chronicle, 4 March 2022: Palestinian Activist from Occupied Jerusalem Threatened with Expulsion from Israeli Authorities, Times of Israel, 4 March 2022: Today, Ukraine is Israel: We implore Jews across the world to come to our aid, Haaretz, 4 March 2022: Nothing Excuses Israel’s Moral Failure on Putin and His War on Ukraine, Israel Hayom, 4 March 2022: ‘A Jewish state has democratic values’, Palestine Chronicle, 4 March 2022: Navigating our Humanity: Ilan Pappé on the Four Lessons from Ukraine, Times of Israel, 4 March 2022: We need air defenses from Israel, not goodwill statements, Lviv commander tells ToI, Israel Hayom, 4 March 2022: Lessons of Ukraine war already unfolding, Jerusalem Post, 4 March 2022: Ultra-Orthodox protest against Women of the Wall at the Western Wall, Times of Israel, 4 March 2022: Thousands of Haredim try to stop egalitarian prayer at Western Wall, clash with cops, Haaretz, 5 March 2022: How Much Is Russia Willing to Pay for Ukraine?, Gulf Times, 5 March 2022: Israeli PM Bennett meets Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine crisis, Haaretz, 5 March 2022: Israel’s Rejection of Ukrainian Refugees Shows That It’s the Darkness Unto the Nations, Forward, 5 March 2022: Israeli PM Bennett meets with Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine, then phones Zelensky, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2022: UN may update blacklist of companies operating in Israeli settlements, Haaretz, 5 March 2022: One More Reason to Dismantle the Jewish National Fund, Times of Israel, 6 March 2022: Bennett returns to Israel after whirlwind trip to meet Putin, Germany’s Scholz (probably the only one who still has effective access to Putin is China’s President Xi Jinping), Haaretz, 6 March 2022: Ukraine-Russia Updates: Bennett Meets Putin in Moscow as Cease-fire Attempt Fails, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2022: Can Israel and Turkey’s renewed relations lead to a new Middle East?, DW, 6 March 2022: Israel’s Naftali Bennett informs Berlin after meeting with Vladimir Putin, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2022: Losing Russia safety measures a strategic problem for Israel in Syria, Forward, 6 March 2022: AIPAC’s PAC endorses dozens of Republicans who refused to certify Joe Biden as president, Haaretz, 6 March 2022: AIPAC’s Endorsement List: Dozens of Republicans Who Deny Biden’s Election Win, France24, 7 March 2022: Israeli missile strikes near Damascus kill two, says Syrian state media, Times of Israel, 7 March 2022: Ukraine FM accuses El Al of accepting ‘blood-soaked’ Russian money; El Al denies it, Haaretz, 7 March 2022: Jewish Settlers in La La Land, Palestine Chronicle, 7 March 2022: Sanctioning Israel: Canada Must Demonstrate Equal Regard for Ukraine and Palestine, Israel Hayom, 7 March 2022: ‘A defense pact with the US wouldn’t be worth the paper it’s written on’, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2022: Iran regime poses threat to Middle East beyond nuclear one – CIA chief, Haaretz, 8 March 2022: ‘Truly Horrifying’: AIPAC Criticized for Endorsing GOP ‘Election Deniers’, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2022: Herzog heads to Turkey for rapprochement with Erdogan, Haaretz, 8 March 2022: Israel Braces for New Wave of Russian Aliyah Amidst Ukraine Crisis (for Israel, of course, the whole issue is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there is the situation in Syria, which allows Israel to carry out thousands of airstrikes against Syrian targets from Lebanese airspace without Russia having intervened so far. On the other hand, Israel is itself an occupier in Syria and Palestine and has come under harsh international criticism, not just since the Russian invasion of Ukraine expanded. The Israeli government can only hope that international public opinion is sufficiently distracted by Putin’s war against Ukraine to not find itself in crosshairs once again), The National, 9 March 2022: Erdogan marks ‘turning point’ for Turkey and Israel as Herzog visits, Arab News, 9 March 2022: Israel’s president arrives in Turkey as countries heal rift, Al Arabiya, 9 March 2022: UAE envoy says trade, investment deal with Israel will be signed this month, Jerusalem Post, 9 March 2022: Herzog advances Israel-Turkey ties in meeting with Erdogan, Haaretz, 9 March 2022: Historic Summit in Ankara: Alongside Israeli President Herzog, Turkey’s Erdogan Says Believes Visit Heralds a New Era in Ties, Times of Israel, 9 March 2022: Hosting Herzog in landmark visit, Erdogan lauds ‘turning point’ in relations, Israel Hayom, 9 March 2022: ‘Economic warfare is the ultimate weapon’, Jerusalem Post, 10 March 2022: Erdogan’s interests and Israel’s morality paradigm, Jewish Chronicle, 10 March 2022: Israel’s balancing act to stay on the right side of history over Ukraine, Haaretz, 10 March 2022: Israel Is Strong – at Extortion and Self-pity, Jerusalem Post, 10 March 2022: Israel, Cyprus face an opportunity for shared economic reservoir, Palestine Chronicle, 10 March 2022: Israel to Approve New Housing Units in Naqab, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2022: Tamano-Shata sets a goal of 100,000 immigrants in next six months, Times of Israel, 11 March 2022: Behind Israel’s rekindled flame with Turkey, a rabbi with a penchant for matchmaking, Los Angeles Times, 11 March 2022: Israel renews law keeping out some Palestinian spouses of Israeli citizens, Haaretz, 11 March 2022: The Great Jewish Oligarchs’ Escape: ‘The Ground Is Trembling. They Will Stream Into Israel’, Times of Israel, 11 March 2022: Israel said to turn away 200 Ukrainian refugees as policy continues to cause uproar, Haaretz, 11 March 2022: Settler Suspected of Terrorist Activities to Be Placed in Administrative Detention, Jewsih Insider, 11 March 2022: Israel ‘shouldn’t exist as a Jewish state,’ Amnesty USA director tells Democratic group, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2022: Israel’s mediator role can’t justify lackluster support – Ukrainian envoy, Haaretz, 11 March 2022: Russia-Ukraine Updates: Ukrainian Official Says Israel’s Mediation Is Useless, ‘Bennett Wants Us to Surrender’, Haaretz, 11 March 2022: Israel’s Coalition Against Refugees, Times of Israel, 11 March 2022: Senate passes $1.5 trillion spending bill including Iron Dome aid, Ukraine help, Forward, 11 March 2022: How is the Russia-Ukraine war different from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Let me count the ways, Times of Israel, 11 March 2022: US official warns Israel: ‘Don’t be last haven for dirty money fueling Putin’s war’, Haaretz, 11 March 2022: U.S. Synagogues, Stop Canceling Jews Whose Values Compel Them to Criticize Israel, Forward, 12 March 2022: Amnesty International official is ‘opposed’ to Israel as a Jewish state, Haaretz, 12 March 2022: The Extreme Right in Israel Is Realizing Its Power, Arab News, 12 March 2022: Arab anger over Israel’s ‘racist’ marriage law, Haaretz, 12 March 2022: Senior U.S. Official Warns Israel: Don’t Be Last Haven for Dirty Money Fueling Putin’s Wars, Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2022: Supermodel Gigi Hadid pledges aid to ‘Ukrainians and Palestinians’ (Gigi Hadid: quite astonishing that the daughter of a Palestinian is committed to the Palestinian cause. Oh, wait. No, it’s not), Times of Israel, 13 March 2022: Lapid: Israel has moral duty to let in more non-Jews; ‘unforgivable’ airport scenes, Haaretz, 13 March 2022: AIPAC’s Latest ‘pro-Israel’ Political Stunt Endangers America, Haaretz, 14 March 2022: Ukrainian Official Slams Yad Vashem Over Zelenskyy’s Speech Request, Times of Israel, 14 March 2022: EU slapping Russian-Israeli Abramovich, other oligarchs with more sanctions, Arab News, 14 March 2022: Israel’s Jerusalem plans boost settlers at Christians’ expense, Haaretz, 14 March 2022: Minister Decries ‘White Man’s Hypocrisy’ on Ukrainian and Russian Immigrant Plan, Times of Israel, 14 March 2022: ‘Toxic’ Russian oligarchs come under increased scrutiny in Israel (after decades of Israel living well off the illegally acquired fortunes of the Jewish-Russian oligarchs and their donations), The Algemeiner, 14 March 2022: Israel Will Not Serve as Route to ‘Bypass’ Biting World Sanctions on Russia: Lapid, The New Yorker, 14 March 2022: Naftali Bennett’s Calculated Effort to Engage with Vladimir Putin on Ukraine—and Iran, Haaretz, 14 March 2022: This Israeli Minister Created a Useless Ukraine Refugee Fiasco for Israel, Arab News, 14 March 2022: Israel says government sites targeted by hack, Times of Israel, 14 March 2022: Israeli government websites crash after ‘massive’ cyberattack, officials say, Haaretz, 14 March 2022: Israeli-Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich Spotted at Tel Aviv Airport as His Jet Departs for Istanbul, DW, 14 March 2022: Apparent cyberattack on Israel disables government websites, Haaretz, 15 March 2022: Departing CENTCOM Commander Urges Israel to Integrate Missile Defense With Arab Allies to Counter Iran, The National, 15 March 2022: Why Israel has dropped its ‘nuclear option’ in tackling Iran, Arab News, 15 March 2022: Israel-Turkey marriage of interests depends on stability, The Times, 15 March 2022: Israel hit by cyberattacks hours after Iran ‘foils Mossad plot to sabotage uranium enrichment facility’, Jerusalem Post, 17 March 2022: Israel and the Ukraine crisis: A false choice between Russia, the West, Haaretz, 17 March 2022: Ukraine War: ‘Other Democracies Paid a Price. They’ll Ask Why Israel Isn’t Joining’, Jerusalem Post, 17 March 2022: When Iran counterstrikes Mossad in secret war, The Algemeiner, 18 March 2022: Biden’s Unconscionable Empowerment of Both Russia and Iran (there is a pretty simple solution to this: The Likudniks want to fight a war against Iran. Just do it and do it fully on your own. No one in the West, except Donald Trump, is dumb enough to join in, as it would be just another lost case in the Middle East right from the beginning. And on top: there is not a single justified reason to spill American soldier’s blood for some looney Israeli insterests), Haaretz, 18 March 2022: How Israel Legalized Theft, Times of Israel, 18 March 2022: State tells court Ukrainians without lsraeli ‘affiliation’ can seek refuge in Europe (the world should remember this in case that Israelis might seek shelter one day. It should then be prevented that they enter Europe or North America), Haaretz, 18 March 2022: Netanyhau’s Legacy and the Shortfalls of Any New Iran Nuke Deal, Jerusalem Post, 18 March 2022: Bennett and Lapid to US: Don’t abandon allies for promises from terrorists (no, Netanyahu’s war against Iran isn’tg a global mission. It remains to be Netanyahu’s war), Times of Israel, 18 March 2022: Ukraine: Russia is targeting Jewish sites; what else must happen for Israel to help?, Haaretz, 18 March 2022: Why the Russia-Ukraine War Is a Global Turning Point, Arab News, 18 March 2022: In video call, Biden presses China’s Xi on Russia support, Haaretz, 18 March 2022: Why Jewish Refugees From Ukraine Are Choosing Germany Over Israel, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: Why Israel’s fear of Russia in Syria doesn’t have to drive its Ukraine policy, Arab News, 19 March 2022: Israel and Iran enter a phase of ‘implausible deniability’ in their clandestine war, Haaretz, 20 March 2022: Israel’s Top Immigration Official Made Disgraceful Remarks About Ukraine. He Must Go, Forward, 20 March 2022: In appeal to Israel, Zelenskyy invokes the final solution: ‘You cannot mediate between good and evil’, Times of Israel, 20 March 2022: Israeli fighter jets to join large international exercise in Greece, Haaretz, 20 March 2022: Zelenskyy Tells Israeli Lawmakers: Russia Is Plotting ‘Final Solution’ Like the Nazis, Times of Israel, 20 March 2022: ‘You can’t mediate between good and evil’: Zelensky tells Israel how he really feels, Jerusalem Post, 20 March 2022: Travelers stranded as Israel-Dubai flight security dispute unresolved, BBC, 20 March 2022: Our neighbours want us dead, Zelensky tells Israel, The National, 20 March 2022: Zelenskyy tells Israel ‘to make its choice’ over Iron Dome sale to Ukraine, DW, 20 March 2022: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy pressures Israel for air-defense systems — live updates, Haaretz, 21 March 2022: Israel Goes on the Offensive as World Powers, Iran Nearing a Nuclear Deal, Times of Israel, 21 March 2022: Israeli lawmakers tear into Zelensky for Holocaust comparisons in Knesset speech (of course, major historical events are never repeated 1:1 and President Zelensky exaggerated a bit in his speech here, but who can blame him in the current situation? Probably nobody. At the same time, he is not wrong either, because the Russian war criminal Putin does not recognize the statehood of Ukraine and therefore not the Ukrainians themselves. Apparently he wants to erase Ukraine bit by bit from the map, and with it its history and culture. Unlike Hitler who was mainly fixated on Jews during the Holocaust, Putin is apparently taking the path of “creeping genocide” against all Ukrainians, regardless of religious affiliation. Ukrainians are wiped out through killings, but above all through expulsions and forced Russifications. It’s less gory, takes longer, generates less international backlash, but overall is at least as “effective” as the Holocaust was. In a way, it is a “mixture” of the Holocaust and the actions of the Chinese against the Uyghurs, regardless of religious affiliations or affiliations to population groups), Arab News, 21 March 2022: How Google and Amazon help Israel sustain its apartheid, Haaretz, 21 March 2022: ‘Refugees’ in Private Jets: Russian Oligarchs Could Reshape Israel’s Economy, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2022: Assad claims Israel aims to displace Christians across region – report, Times of Israel, 21 March 2022: After 53 years of ties with Israel, Singapore to open embassy in Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 22 March 2022: Israel Politicized the Holocaust Long Before Zelenskyy, Haaretz, 22 March 2022: Four Killed in an Attack in Southern Israel; Bedouin Assailant Shot Dead, Arab News, 22 March 2022: Four dead in Israel stabbing, car-ramming, assailant shot, NPR, 22 March 2022: A knife-wielding man killed 4 Israelis in Beersheba, police say, The Times, 22 March 2022: Freed Isis sympathiser kills four in knife rampage, Haaretz, 22 March 2022: Netanyahu Trial: Media Tycoon’s Ex-company to Admit to Bribery in Plea Deal, Times of Israel, 22 March 2022: In first deal reached in Case 4000, Elovitch’s Eurocom to confess to all charges, Haaretz, 22 March 2022: Explained: Why Israel’s Iron Dome Won’t Help Ukraine Against Russia, BBC, 22 March 2022: Israel: Four killed in shopping centre attack, Haaretz, 22 March 2022: When Judaism Is Used to Justify Racism, Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2022: UN must hold Israel guilty of crimes of apartheid, investigator says, Times of Israel, 23 March 2022: UN Human Rights Council report accuses Israel of apartheid, Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2022: US offering $1 million to report on Israeli human rights violations, Forward, 23 March 2022: AIPAC’s endorsements risk irreparably damaging the U.S.-Israel relationship, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2022: Israel discourse in the West, Arab world couldn’t be more different (accusing others of being biased and one-sided, while being biased and one-sided yourself, always worked out pretty well – not), Haaretz, 24 March 2022: Putin’s Oligarchs’ Rush for Israeli Luxury Rentals, Preferably in Cash, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2022: Israel and Turkey: A new beginning for strained ties?, Haaretz, 25 March 2022: Netanyahu Is Fading Away, Palestine Chronicle, 26 March 2022: Ukraine is not Palestine, Russia is not Israel, Times of Israel, 27 March 2022: 2 police killed in terror shooting in Hadera; both gunmen shot dead, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: This Is What’s Behind Blinken’s Middle East Visit, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Two Israelis killed in shooting attack in Hadera, attackers shot dead, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: Two Israelis Killed in Shooting Attack Amid U.S.-Mideast Summit, Assailants Shot Dead, Palestine Chronicle, 27 March 2022: Israeli Minister Proposes Citizenship-Revoking Bill for Palestinian Arabs in Israel, DW, 27 March 2022: Israel: Several killed after shooting attack in Hadera, Times of Israel, 28 March 2022: One of Islamic State gunmen who killed 2 cops said to be brother of police officer, The Guardian, 28 March 2022: Islamic State claims responsibility for killing of two Israeli police officers, Haaretz, 28 March 2022: Russia Just Hit a Holocaust Memorial in Ukraine. Israel Doesn’t Want to Talk About It, Times of Israel, 28 March 2022: In twist of history, Holocaust survivors fleeing Ukraine find safety in Germany, Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2022: Thousands of airstrikes carried out by Israel in past five years, Times of Israel, 29 March 2022: Israel reportedly working on air defense pact with regional allies, The Jewish Chronicle, 29 March 2022: Multiple people killed in shootings in central Israel suburbs, France24, 29 March 2022: Separate shooting attacks leave several dead near Tel Aviv (like every year around Ramadan/Easter, i.e. business as usual. Continuity of the superfluous kind), The Jewish Chronicle, 29 March 2022: 12 Arab Israelis with alleged links to IS arrested in northern Israel, The Guardian, 29 March 2022: Israel: at least five dead in Tel Aviv shooting , Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2022: Christians call on Israeli authorities for protection amid ISIS threat (doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Asking the Israeli police for protection against radical Jews and Muslims over and over again fits that very definition. It will not happen even if the victims can identify the perpetrators by name. Apparently it is finally time for Christians to return to civilization and forget the Holy Land), The Jewish Chronicle, 29 March 2022: How you can help make the UK-Israel free trade agreement happen, Times of Israel, 29 March 2022: Despite Palestinian hopes, Russia-style Western sanctions won’t be applied to Israelm, Al Arabiya, 29 March 2022: Suspected Arab gunman kills at least five people in Tel Aviv suburb, Haaretz, 29 March 2022: Gunman Kills Five Israelis in Tel Aviv Suburb in Third Shooting Attack in a Week, Times of Israel, 29 March 2022: Bennett says Israel facing ‘wave of Arab terror’ as security chiefs meet on crisis, The Algemeiner, 30 March 2022: The Startup Nation Myth and Israel’s Struggle for Social Justice, The Guardian, 30 March 2022: Israel steps up security after Tel Aviv attack amid fears of ‘new wave of terror’, Haaretz, 30 March 2022: Copycat Attack After ISIS-inspired Murders Is Israel’s Worst Fear Come True, Jerusalem Post, 30 March 2022: Bar-Ilan University allows only Israeli flags to be hung in dorms, The Algemeiner, 30 March 2022: Israel Reinforces Police With IDF Combat Soldiers, Bolsters Troops After Deadly Palestinian Attack, Haaretz, 30 March 2022: Amid Spate of Attacks, Bennett Calls on All Israelis Who Have a Gun License: ‘Now Is the Time to Carry It’, The Algemeiner, 30 March 2022: Jordan and Israel Leaders Urge Calm After Historic Meeting Following Terror Attacks, Times of Israel, 30 March 2022: Hosting Herzog, Jordan’s king condemns ‘tragic attacks that target civilians’, Jerusalem Post, 30 March 2022: Israel Police shoot two east Jerusalem residents after suspicious behavior, chase, Haaretz, 31 March 2022: Ukraine War Exposes How Russian Oligarchs’ Dirty Money Has Polluted the Jewish World, The Times, 1 April 2022: After a week of Isis terror, holiday clash puts Israel on high alert for Hamas violence, Haaretz, 1 April 2022: In Phone Call With Israeli President, Turkey’s Erdogan Condemns Terror Wave, Times of Israel, 1 April 2022: Erdogan calls Herzog to ‘sharply condemn’ recent terror attacks against Israelis, Haaretz, 1 April 2022: Israeli Gov’t Faces Terror Wave, and the Political Price Is Soaring, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2022: Turkey’s Erdogan ‘strongly condemns’ terror attacks in Israel, The New Yorker, 1 April 2022: Israel and the Triangular Crisis of Ukraine, Iran, and Palestine, Arab News, 1 April 2022: Israel can’t complain about violence when it provokes it, Times of Israel, 2 April 2022: Israel scrambles for solutions as Ukraine war chokes off egg, wheat imports, The Algemeiner, 2 April 2022: Erdogan Tells Israel’s Herzog Synergy in Energy Mutually Beneficial, Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2022: UNHRC approves 4 anti-Israel resolutions, calls for limited arms embargo, Haaretz, 3 April 2022: Ukraine War: Why Most Israelis Blame Putin, but Most Palestinians Don’t, The Algemeiner, 3 April 2022: Israeli Pilots Fly ‘Wing-to-Wing’ With American, European Forces in Joint Exercise, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2022: Liberman equivocates after Lapid condemns Russian war crimes in Bucha (Liberman’s position, as the representative of Russian Jews in Israel, has been clear for years), Arab News, 4 April 2022: Israel’s ‘clean break’ from US gathering momentum, Times of Israel, 4 April 2022: At least 10 terror attacks foiled in past two weeks, IDF chief says, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2022: Settlers accuse Gantz of freezing plans for 4,000 West Bank homes, Times of Israel, 4 April 2022: Israel ranked world’s 10th-largest weapons exporter in past five years, Haaretz, 4 April 2022: Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Israel’s Lieberman Condemns War Crimes but Says There Are ‘Mutual Accusations’, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2022: FADC chief: We may need to declare state of emergency to confront terror wave, Haaretz, 4 April 2022: In Every Terror Attack in Israel, Every Arab Is Guilty, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2022: Russia to resume flights with Israel and 51 other ‘friendly’ countries, Times of Israel, 4 April 2022: Netanyahu trial prosecutors question state witness Filber over changes in testimony, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2022: Ties between Germany and Israel are closer than ever – in the air, Haaretz, 5 April 2022: Fleeing Russia’s Brutality, Ukrainians Reaching Israel Face a Terrible Surprise, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2022: The endless ignorance of tying Ukraine needs to Israel’s Iron Dome (“This was odd, considering Israel had condemned the invasion and was helping Ukrainians.” – by not sending any weapons and by helping Jewish Ukrainians only), Haaretz, 5 April 2022: There Is No Such Thing as a Free Occupation, nor Even a Cheap One, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2022: Germany gets approval for Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system, The Guardian, 5 April 2022: Victim’s iPhone hacked by Pegasus spyware weeks after Apple sued NSO, Haaretz, 6 April 2022: Israel’s Political Bombshell: Bennett Survival, Bibi Comeback, or Elections? (at least there seems to be some continuity in these troubled times: new elections are finally in sight again. That would be round 5. If that were to bring Netanyahu back to the premiership, it can be expected that the EU Commission’s hesitant attitude towards the Bennett government will pay off in the sense that the re-establishment of great political distance will be easy to achieve. After all, nothing can be won in the region with a nationalistic-racist Netanyahu and his party soldiers), Times of Israel, 6 April 2022: Silman’s coalition defection catches her political partners off-guard, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2022: Israel’s coalition loses majority as Yamina MK Silman quits government, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2022: Will Israel’s government fall? Four scenarios, Times of Israel, 6 April 2022: Bennett tells Yamina members Silman ‘broke’ under pressure, Israel needs stability, Haaretz, 6 April 2022: Netanyahu Urges More to Defect as Bennett Turns to Damage Control, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2022: Did Likud break the law by offering Silman a spot?, Times of Israel, 6 April 2022: At rally of supporters, Netanyahu calls on right to unite and ‘return home’ to Likud, Palestine Chronicle, 6 April 2022: Can Israel Exist without America: Numbers Speaks of a Changing Reality, Haaretz, 6 April 2022: Israel’s Political Bombshell: Bennett Survival, Bibi Comeback, or Elections? , Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2022: ‘Israel is bleeding’: Right rallies after gov’t destabilized, Times of Israel, 6 April 2022: How Naftali Bennett doomed his own coalition, Arab News, 6 April 2022: Israel’s Bennett loses majority after MP quits coalition, The National, 6 April 2022: Israeli government loses majority as backbencher leaves ruling coalition, Al Arabiya, 6 April 2022: Israel’s Bennett loses majority after MP quits coalition, Arab News, 6 April 2022: Israel’s failure to pursue peace may provoke more violence, DW, 6 April 2022: Israeli government shaky as lawmaker quits, Times of Israel, 7 April 2022: Court convicts second man in Bat Yam mob attack of Arab Israeli, Jerusalem Post, 7 April 2022: It’s too soon to call time on Bennett’s tenure, Times of Israel, 7 April 2022: As coalition scrambles for stability, sources warn divisions with testy Gantz remain, Jerusalem Post, 7 April 2022: Bennett combats ultimatum that could bring down coalition, Haaretz, 7 April 2022: For Silman, It Was Judaism Versus Israeliness, Times of Israel, 7 April 2022: Even if the Bennett government survives, Israel’s political paralysis has returned, Haaretz, 7 April 2022: The Hypocrisy of Silman’s ‘Values’ Damage Israel, Times of Israel, 7 April 2022: Yamina’s Silman denies Likud deal to defect, says Bennett offered her rival’s job, Haaretz, 7 April 2022: The End of Bennett-Lapid Government, Not the End of the World, Times of Israel, 7 April 2022: 2 killed as terrorist opens fire on Tel Aviv bar; security forces hunting for gunman, Haaretz, 7 April 2022: Two Killed in Tel Aviv Shooting Attack, Manhunt Underway , The Hill, 7 April 2022: Senate votes 100-0 to limit trade with Russia, ban oil imports, Forward, 7 April 2022: Shooting in downtown Tel Aviv leaves 2 dead, at least 4 in serious condition (the lunatics have been killing each other there for over a century and another 100 years are to come. Politics plays a major role in this and contributes accordingly to the violence), France24, 7 April 2022: At least two dead, several wounded in Tel Aviv shooting attack, BBC, 7 April 2022: Israel: Two killed, several wounded in Tel Aviv shooting, Politico.eu, 7 April 2022: Israel: Fatal shooting in Tel Aviv, The Guardian, 7 April 2022: At least two dead and eight wounded in Tel Aviv shooting, Irish Times, 7 April 2022: At least two dead in attack at Tel Aviv bar, Israeli police say, The Hill, 7 April 2022: Shooter kills two, wounds several in central Tel Aviv, Al Arabiya, 7 April 2022: Israeli hospital: 2 killed, 8 wounded in Tel Aviv shooting, Arab News, 7 April 2022: At least 2 killed, 8 wounded in Tel Aviv shooting, Haaretz, 8 April 2022: While Putin Commits War Crimes, Israel Is Still Walking on Eggshells, Al Arabiya, 8 April 2022: Bahrain, UAE condemn ‘terrorist’ shooting in Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 8 April 2022: How a Sandwich and the Netanyahu Cult of Intimidation Could Bring Down Israel’s Government, The Guardian, 8 April 2022: Tel Aviv shooting prompts fears of wider cycle of violence, Haaretz, 8 April 2022: Israel’s Government Is Rotting Away, but a New One Isn’t Looming, Haaretz, 8 April 2022: ‘In Berlin, I Have the Privilege of Playing With Iranians, and Have Friends From Ramallah’, Jerusalem Post, 9 April 2022: Gantz to propose 360 mil. NIS budget for security fence work, Haaretz, 9 April 2022: Ayman Odeh and Ahmad Tibi, Don’t Pave the Way for a Fascist Israeli Government, Times of Israel, 9 April 2022: Why ‘lone wolves’ behind latest terror spree pose such a challenge to Israeli intel, Palestine Chronicle, 9 April 2022: Bennett Gives Israeli Forces ‘Full Freedom’ to Act after Attack, Haaretz, 10 April 2022: Climate Emergency: Israel Lacks Political Will, Times of Israel, 10 April 2022: Tel Aviv terrorist’s family members escape after IDF fires at their car near Jenin, Haaretz, 10 April 2022: The Palestinian Perspective on the Terror Attack, The New York Times, 10 April 2022: Israel’s Ukraine policy has raised questions about Russian-Israeli oligarchs., Haaretz, 10 April 2022: Israel Wave of Violence Skips Jerusalem, but Tensions Still Visible, Times of Israel, 10 April 2022: Renegade Yamina MK Silman: My decision to leave the coalition is final, Haaretz, 10 April 2022: Israeli Boasting on Iran Isn’t Foreign Policy, It’s Just Bragging, Al Arabiya, 10 April 2022: Israel, West Bank on edge after more bloodshed, DW, 10 April 2022: Israel army raids West Bank town as tensions soar, Haaretz, 11 April 2022: ‘It’s the Israeli Occupation We Oppose’: Joint List Leader Clarifies Controversial Video, Jerusalem Post, 11 April 2022: Ayman Odeh is toxic against Israeli-Arab unity, Haaretz, 11 April 2022: Key to Bennett Coalition’s Survival, Times of Israel, 11 April 2022: Conceding coalition management errors, PM vows more focus on politics moving forward, Haaretz, 11 April 2022: For Jewish Converts Fleeing Ukraine, a Not-so-warm Welcome in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 April 2022: ‘No government with Joint List,’ Bennett vows amid coalition crisis, Times of Israel, 11 April 2022: Mansour Abbas slams Joint List’s Odeh: ‘Their politics don’t have a purpose’, Haaretz, 11 April 2022: Bennett Says His Party Remain Loyal to Government, No Elections in Offing, Arab News, 11 April 2022: No amount of Israeli violence will change reality of Palestine conflict, Jerusalem Post, 12 April 2022: Netanyahu offered Silman’s husband a ‘senior political position’, Times of Israel, 12 April 2022: Gantz touts plan to let in tens of thousands more Palestinian laborers, Haaretz, 12 April 2022: Israel Plans to Grant Palestinians ‘Tens of Thousands’ More Work Permits, Gantz Says, Jerusalem Post, 12 April 2022: IDF must get situation under control before rockets are launched, Haaretz, 12 April 2022: If the PA Is Responsible for Palestinian Violence, Who ‘Ratifies’ Jewish Terrorism?, Times of Israel, 12 April 2022: Knesset panel to discuss ousting Odeh after his comments on Israeli-Arab cops, Arab News, 12 April 2022: Nervous Israel considers its next move, Haaretz, 13 April 2022: I’ll Keep Doing All I Can for the Fight to End the Occupation, Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2022: US rights report speaks of Palestinian antisemitism, settler violence, Haaretz, 13 April 2022: Turkey Says Renewed Ties With Israel Will Be Impacted by Palestinian Issue, Times of Israel, 13 April 2022: Turkish foreign minister says ties with Israel dependent on Palestinian rights, Haaretz, 13 April 2022: Jew vs. Jew: How Putin’s Ukraine War Has Torn Apart the Russian-speaking Jewish World, Arab News, 13 April 2022: World needs to hear more about Israel’s serial murders, The Washington Post, 13 April 2022: Israel can’t stay neutral in Ukraine’s battle between good and evil, Haaretz, 14 April 2022: Extremists’ Call for Passover Sacrifice on Temple Mount Is a Provocative Ploy, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: We need to talk about Russian oligarchs and Jewish philanthropy, Jerusalem Post, 14 April 2022: Arab-Israelis have no appetite for another wave of violence, Haaretz, 14 April 2022: We Are Israeli Citizens, but Don’t Ask Us to Stop Being Palestinians, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: Lapid claims political crisis is under control and government will remain in power, Haaretz, 15 April 2022: Israel Police’s Gamble Paid Off, but the Pictures From Temple Mount May Have a Price, Haaretz, 15 April 2022: Dynamics, Not Numbers, Will Determine the Fate of Israel’s Government, Jerusalem Post, 16 April 2022: Russia blasts Israel for UNGA vote in favor of UNHRC suspension, Arab News, 16 April 2022: How many more lives does the Israeli government have?, Haaretz, 16 April 2022: Israel Must Treat All Ukrainian Refugees Fairly – Even if They’re Not Jewish, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2022: Erdogan ‘strongly condemns’ Israel over Al-Aqsa policing, Times of Israel, 17 April 2022: Russia summons Israeli envoy for dressing down after Lapid’s ‘anti-Russian attack’, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2022: Romania eyeing Israeli gas and renewable energy innovation, Times of Israel, 17 April 2022: Ra’am freezes its coalition and Knesset membership amid Temple Mount tensions, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2022: Russia summons Israeli ambassador after slamming Lapid condemnation, Haaretz, 17 April 2022: Russia Summons Israeli Envoy After Lapid’s ‘Regrettable’ Remarks on Ukraine War, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2022: Ra’am freezes coalition, Knesset membership in Temple Mount protest, Haaretz, 17 April 2022: Islamist Party ‘Freezes’ Role in Israel’s Ruling Coalition Over Al-Aqsa Tensions, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2022: In wake of Temple Mount riots, BDS NGOs rally in NYC to support ‘Palestinian resistance’, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: ‘Frozen’ Party Deals Latest Blow to Israel’s Coalition, Setting the Stage for Uphill Battle for Survival, Palestine Chronicle, 18 April 2022: Israeli Media: Putin Urges Israel to Hand over Church Property in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: MK Smotrich requests urgent plenum session to vote on dissolving Knesset, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: Trump’s People Pocket Saudi Billions. What About Top Israeli Officials?, Palestine Chronicle, 18 April 2022: Israeli Islamic Party Freezes Membership in Israeli Coalition Government, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: Islamist Party’s Ploy Buys Precious Time for Israel’s Coalition, The National, 18 April 2022: Israeli-Arab party Raam threatens to quit government over Al Aqsa Mosque violence, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: ‘Collect the Guns’: Arab Israeli Hometown of ISIS Terrorists Pleads for Help, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2022: Left-wing Jewish American orgs. blast Biden admin. for serving wine from Israeli settlement, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: Keep Violent Israeli Police Officers Far From Temple Mount, Arab News, 19 April 2022: Security fears: Israel might ban citizens from going to Qatar for World Cup, Jerusalem Post, 19 April 2022: Police deny right-wing activist’s request to hold ‘flag march’ in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: UN Security Council Debates Jerusalem Violence, UAE Summons Israeli Envoy, Arab News, 19 April 2022: The decline in Israel-Russia ties, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: Israel Wants Biden to Improve Ties With the Saudis. His Party Isn’t on Board, Jerusalem Post, 20 April 2022: Right-wing politicians clash over Temple Mount closure, Times of Israel, 20 April 2022: Jerusalem ‘flag march’ curbed as police block nationalists from Damascus Gate, DW, 20 April 2022: Israel: Police restrict banned far-right Jerusalem march, The National, 20 April 2022: Far-right Israelis defy ban to hold Jerusalem rally, Arab News, 20 April 2022: Police restrict Israeli ultra-nationalists’ Jerusalem march, Al Arabiya, 20 April 2022: Top US diplomat Blinken urges Israel and Palestine to ‘end the cycle of violence’, Haaretz, 21 April 2022: An Israeli Soldier Opened Fire From a Moving Jeep, Killing a Lawyer Taking Kids to School, Jerusalem Post, 21 April 2022: Israel, Germany to expand bilateral defense and industrial cooperation, Times of Israel, 21 April 2022: Russian envoy: We’ll ‘respond accordingly’ if Israel gives Ukraine defensive gear, Jerusalem Post, 21 April 2022: Pro-Israel NGOs submit 2 million complaints to UN inquiry against Israel, Haaretz, 21 April 2022: Israel Must Prevent Ultranationalists From Starting Another War, Jerusalem Post, 21 April 2022: Who can break Israel’s political deadlock?, France24, 22 April 2022: Scores of Palestinians wounded in clashes with Israeli police at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2022: Germany’s Bundestag head to join Knesset’s Holocaust memorials, Times of Israel, 24 April 2022: President of Germany’s Bundestag to attend Knesset Holocaust Remembrance Day events, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2022: Israel’s murky relationship with recognizing the Armenian genocide, Haaretz, 25 April 2022: Why Hasn’t AIPAC Endorsed One of Congress’ Most pro-Israel Republicans?, Times of Israel, 26 April 2022: Letter with bullet and death threats sent to PM Bennett and family; security boosted, Haaretz, 26 April 2022: Israeli Parliament’s ‘Martyred Saint’ Will Vanish Without a Trace, Jerusalem Post, 26 April 2022: Shin Bet increases security for Bennett family after death threat, Arab News, 26 April 2022: Israeli government in cahoots with extremist outpost settlers, Times of Israel, 27 April 2022: Sanctions on Russian oligarchs bite into funding for Jewish institutions, BBC, 27 April 2022: Naftali Bennett: Israeli PM to pay for family’s food after criticism, Haaretz, 28 April 2022: Tel Aviv Is Not Doing Well, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2022: Israel is the status quo nation and it isn’t sustainable, Haaretz, 28 April 2022: Can’t Afford Israeli Real Estate? Israeli Arabs Opt for Nablus and Jenin, Times of Israel, 29 April 2022: As political tensions heat up, Shin Bet defends barring Ben Gvir over security risk, Haaretz, 29 April 2022: Bennett Dubs Far-right Lawmaker’s Attacks on Shin Bet Chief ‘Cowardly, anti-Israel’, Jerusalem Post, 29 April 2022: Shin Bet: Ben-Gvir acts could have led to ‘significant damage to national security’, Haaretz, 29 April 2022: 1995 Makes a Comeback as Netanyahu Revs the Incitement Machine Back Up (after Netanyahu managed to eliminate Yitzchak Rabin through his incitement and incitement without ever being held accountable for it, it worked perfectly for him on the way to become the Israeli prime minister, it is not really surprising that he wants to go the same way again), Times of Israel, 29 April 2022: Lapid and Mansour Abbas agree Ra’am will end boycott, return to battered coalition, Haaretz, 29 April 2022: Israel’s Ukraine Policy Isn’t Only Immoral. It’s Also Unwise, France24, 30 April 2022: Palestinian militant group claims responsibility for killing Israeli guard, Arab News, 30 April 2022: Israel’s first Jewish-Arab coalition facing rough weather, Times of Israel, 30 April 2022: Ra’am leader Abbas brushes aside Sinwar’s treachery claims: I don’t owe you anything, Haaretz, 1 May 2022: Israel Doesn’t Have the Luxury France’s Macron Has, Times of Israel, 1 May 2022: PM hits back at Sinwar, swipes at Netanyahu: ‘Maybe Hamas misses suitcases of cash’, Haaretz, 1 May 2022: ‘Anybody but Bibi’ Is Replaced With ‘Anybody but Bennett’ – the Israeli Che Guevara, Haaretz, 1 May 2022: ADL Chief Compares ‘Radical Left’ Critics of Israel to Right-wing Extremists (the ADL chief seems to be a Trumpanzee), Times of Israel, 1 May 2022: Business owners who must repay undeserved COVID grants go to battle with the taxman, Haaretz, 1 May 2022: Honduras and the Jerusalem Embassy: How Netanyahu Backed Arms and Cocaine Deals, Haaretz, 1 May 2022: A Blow to the War on Corruption in Israel, Times of Israel, 2 May 2022: In Independence Day letter to Herzog, Erdogan wishes Israel prosperity, well-being, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2022: Likud to Bennett: Resign or set date for new Israeli elections, Haaretz, 2 May 2022: Netanyahu, a Different League of Corruption, Times of Israel, 2 May 2022: Silman publicly urges her friends in Yamina and New Hope to quit coalition, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2022: Right slams gov’t for IDF removal of three West Bank settler caravans, Haaretz, 2 May 2022: Turkey’s Erdogan, Israel’s Herzog Call for More Cooperation in Eid al-Fitr Call, Times of Israel, 2 May 2022: Poll: In Israel, right-wing Jews now less likely to see shared future with Arabs, The National, 2 May 2022: Israel holding most Palestinians without charge or trial since 2016, Arab News, 3 May 2022: Israel, furious over Lavrov’s Hitler comment, cannot burn its bridges with Russia, Haaretz, 4 May 2022: Israeli Military Judge Attends Kahanist Party’s Event, in Violation of Ethics Rules, Haaretz, 4 May 2022: Why Israel’s Tourism Industry Is Bracing for a Difficult Summer, Haaretz, 4 May 2022: Beyond Iran: Four Long-term Challenges Facing Israel, Times of Israel, 5 May 2022: ‘Our ties are unbreakable’: Biden, world leaders share Independence Day messages (the knowledge gain from Putin’s Ukraine war and the way the West deals with it, people in Israel will have learned what Western Sunday speeches are worth), Haaretz, 5 May 2022: Three Killed, Four Wounded in Terror Attack in Central Israel; Manhunt Underway, BBC, 5 May 2022: Elad attack: Three dead in central Israeli city, Al Arabiya, 5 May 2022: Three people killed in attack in central Israel, Haaretz, 5 May 2022: Thousands March to Mark the Palestinian Nakba in Northern Israel, The New York Times, 5 May 2022: Live Updates: 3 People Reported Killed in Attack in Israel, Irish Times, 5 May 2022: At least three killed in stabbing attack near Tel Aviv, CNN, 5 May 2022: At least three killed in suspected terror attack in Israel, France24, 5 May 2022: Three killed in central Israel attack, police launch manhunt, Haaretz, 6 May 2022: High Court Justices Know Israel Won’t Face Sanctions Over Masafer Yatta Evictions, Times of Israel, 6 May 2022: Mansour Abbas: Ra’am won’t topple government, but will press coalition on key issues, Haaretz, 6 May 2022: With the Ukrainian Refugees, Israel Isn’t Sure What the Rule of Law Means, Times of Israel, 6 May 2022: Officials expect terror wave to last all year — report, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2022: Israel-bashing is this generation’s existential threat to Judaism /So it’s ultimately about stigmatizing everything that doesn’t fit into one’s own worldview as “antisemitic”, a tactic that is already familiar from other nationalist contexts. With Israel’s right-wing extremists, this will probably be successful. With intelligent people it will certainly not succeed), Times of Israel, 7 May 2022: Riyadh to invest millions in Israeli tech via Jared Kushner’s new fund, Haaretz, 7 May 2022: Jared Kushner’s Fund to Invest Saudi Millions in Israeli Tech, WSJ Reports, Arab News, 8 May 2022: The West’s double standard is not an accusation; it is a reality, Times of Israel, 8 May 2022: Bennett: There won’t be any foreign interference in decisions regarding Temple Mount, Haaretz, 8 May 2022: Israel’s High Court of Justice, the Occupation’s Rubber Stamp, Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2022: US, Israel, Cyprus, Greece to intensify cooperation on energy, economy (now, that’s somehow funny. After years of negotiations about “EastMed this and EastMed that”, even the participants in this found out themselves that nobody will finance it, after pretty much everyone had already told them so years ago, because the profitability isn’t given. In the end, it might not even be enough to finance the undersea power cable from Cyprus to Israel, with the help of which Israel is to be connected to the European power grid), Times of Israel, 9 May 2022: Police round up hundreds of Palestinians in Israel illegally after Elad attack, Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2022: Kosovo, Israel ink cooperation deal a year after Jerusalem embassy opens, Haaretz, 9 May 2022: No Place for an Israeli Militia, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2022: UK Jewish umbrella demands answers from WZO chairman regarding violence at the Kotel, Haaretz, 10 May 2022: Netanyahu Urged Trump to Strike Iran, Ex-defense Chief Suggests in Censored Book, Times of Israel, 10 May 2022: Russian envoy leaves Knesset V-Day event after MKs voice Ukraine war criticism, The Guardian, 10 May 2022: Nine arrested in Israel after air crash images sent to plane passengers, Haaretz, 11 May 2022: A Year After Nationwide Riots, Israeli Arabs Expect Reprise, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2022: Much has changed in the Middle East since Biden’s last visit, Haaretz, 11 May 2022: Why Is Israel So Expensive? Blame Its Founding Fathers, Times of Israel, 11 May 2022: 89% of Israel’s ecosystems have declined in biodiversity, state comptroller says, Haaretz, 11 May 2022: Poor Knesset Decisions May Unwittingly Drag Israel Into War, Forward, 11 May 2022: Vote to bring down Bennett government is foiled, for now, Haaretz, 12 May 2022: Israel Used to Be Beautiful. Then Came Zionism, Times of Israel, 12 May 2022: Netanyahu supporter named as woman who sent threatening letters to Bennett, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2022: Ecuador to move toward Israel at UN, opens Jerusalem innovation office, Haaretz, 12 May 2022: The East Jerusalem Palestinian Who Became Israel’s Chief Scientist, The Times, 13 May 2022: Israel admits soldier may have shot journalist, The National, 13 May 2022: Israeli security forces beat Palestinian mourners at Shireen Abu Akleh’s funeral, Times of Israel, 13 May 2022: Police beat participants at funeral for Al Jazeera journalist, say mob seized casket, Haaretz, 13 May 2022: You Can’t Expect Anytone to Trust the IDF’s Own Investigation of Itself, Times of Israel, 13 May 2022: US ‘deeply disturbed’ by images of police beating funeral participants; EU appalled, Haaretz, 13 May 2022: U.S. Lawmakers Decry Israeli Police Violence at Palestinian Reporter’s Funeral, DW, 13 May 2022: Israeli police, public clash at funeral for slain journalist; EU ‘dismayed’, France24, 13 May 2022: Israeli police clash with mourners at funeral of slain Palestinian journalist, The Guardian, 13 May 2022: As we grieved for Shireen Abu Aqleh, Israeli police attacked us. They have no shame, BBC, 13 May 2022: Shireen Abu Aqla: Violence at Al Jazeera reporter’s funeral in Jerusalem, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2022: When will Israel recognize Palestinian nationalism?, CNN, 13 May 2022: Coffin carrying veteran journalist’s body shown falling as Israeli police beat mourners with batons, The Guardian, 13 May 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Israeli police ?attack funeral procession for shot journalist, Irish Times, 13 May 2022: Israeli police baton charge mourners at Palestinian journalist’s funeral, NPR, 13 May 2022: Israeli police beat mourners at a slain Al Jazeera journalist’s funeral, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2022: Israeli police beat pallbearers at Palestinian American journalist’s funeral, The New York Times, 13 May 2022: Latest Updates: Israeli Police Attack Mourners at Palestinian Journalist’s Funeral, Haaretz, 13 May 2022: As Nakba Day and Jerusalem Day Approach, Israel Struggles to Address Its Main Vulnerability, Times of Israel, 13 May 2022: Returning to coalition at pinnacle of tension, Ra’am aims to solidify paradigm shift, Forward, 13 May 2022: Israeli police attack funeral-goers, nearly toppling the coffin of Palestinian journalist, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2022: US criticizes Israeli attack on mourners during Shireen Abu Akleh’s funeral, Arab News, 13 May 2022: Israeli police violence mars funeral of Palestinian journalist Abu Akleh, DW, 14 May 2022: Israel police to investigate conduct at slain journalist’s funeral, France24, 14 May 2022: Israel launches probe into police actions at Al-Jazeera journalist’s funeral, BBC, 14 May 2022: Shireen Abu Aqla: UN condemns killing of Al Jazeera reporter, NPR, 14 May 2022: Israeli police investigate officers’ use of force at a veteran journalist’s funeral, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2022: US, EU blast police violence at Abu Akleh’s funeral, Arab News, 14 May 2022: Beating of Palestinian mourners recalls apartheid: Tutu foundation, Haaretz, 14 May 2022: Israeli Police Violence at Al Jazeera Journalist’s Funeral Reveals a Deeper Problem , Arab News, 14 May 2022: Palestine-Israel: NYT, BBC and AFP slammed for ‘shamelessly’ inaccurate framing of journalist Abu Akleh funeral clashes, Haaretz, 15 May 2022: Police Violence at Palestinian Journalist’s Funeral Is Israel’s Mark of Cain, Times of Israel, 15 May 2022: High Court rejects petitions against plan to build cable car to Jerusalem’s Old City, Haaretz, 15 May 2022: Three Detained at Nakba Day Event at Tel Aviv University; Police Bolster Jerusalem Forces, Palestine Chronicle, 15 May 2022: Palestinians Urge Al Jazeera to Boycott Israelis after Abu Akleh’s Murder, Haaretz, 15 May 2022: Jerusalem Police Chief Ordered Palestinian Flags Confiscated at Al Jazeera Journalist’s Funeral While Abroad, Times of Israel, 15 May 2022: Nakba Day commemorations pass largely peacefully; 3 arrested at Tel Aviv rally, Haaretz, 15 May 2022: U.S. to Remove Kahanist Org, Other Groups From Foreign Terror Blacklist, Palestine Chronicle, 15 May 2022: Palestine Activists Protest Outside BBC in London Following Murder of Iconic Journalist (PHOTOS), Times of Israel, 15 May 2022: US set to remove Kahane’s ‘Kach’ group from foreign terrorism blacklist, Haaretz, 15 May 2022: Neither Israelis nor Palestinians Care Who Killed Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, Times of Israel, 15 May 2022: For first time, grave of alleged ‘disappeared’ Yemenite baby to be exhumed (Operation Magic Carpet, Yemenite Children Affair), The National, 15 May 2022: Palestinians mark Nakba amid rising anger over death of Shireen Abu Akleh, CNN, 15 May 2022: Israeli police will investigate ‘events’ surrounding funeral of Palestinian journalist: Minister, Haaretz, 16 May 2022: What Binds American White Supremacists and Israel’s Brutal Assault on Palestinians, Times of Israel, 16 May 2022: Video shows cops storming hospital before reporter’s funeral, hitting people inside, Haaretz, 16 May 2022: Educating Israel About the Nakba, Arab News, 16 May 2022: Shireen Abu Akleh: A martyr to the truth of Israeli inhumanity, Times of Israel, 16 May 2022: As calls to amend Nation-State Law gather steam, Shaked says Yamina will veto plans, Haaretz, 16 May 2022: Jerusalem Funeral of Palestinian Killed in Al-Aqsa Clashes Spills Into Violence, The Guardian, 16 May 2022: Israel knows it will get away with the attack on Shireen Abu Aqleh’s funeral (ever since the Nation State Law, fewer and fewer people in the West believe that Israel is a democracy based on Western values. That is why the state is increasingly perceived as “just another country in the region” with all the usual negative side effects, including the respective regimes fighting political opponents with all means possible. Just as other governments in the region are not being punished for atrocities by the international community, so is Israel, increasingly, because it is being judged more and more as “normal” or “that’s how they are in the region”), Arab News, 16 May 2022: Bennett on the brink as Israeli political instability grows, Times of Israel, 17 May 2022: In shift, Bennett’s Yamina moves to strip rebel MK Silman of her committee posts, Arab News, 17 May 2022: Israel will be reassured by world’s response to Abu Akleh’s death, Haaretz, 17 May 2022: In Call With Bennett, Macron Expresses Concern Over West Bank Settlement Expansion, Arab News, 17 May 2022: Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh is potentially a war crime, Times of Israel, 18 May 2022: Report: US threatens visa waiver plan over planned entry restrictions to West Bank, Haaretz, 18 May 2022: Who Is the Israeli Army Censor Protecting?, Times of Israel, 18 May 2022: ‘Arabs are taking over the country’: Likud aims next campaign at far-right voters (the same Likudnik white supremacy BS over and over again), The National, 18 May 2022: Israel arrests pallbearer beaten at journalist Shireen Abu Akleh’s funeral, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2022: How can Bennett’s government still be saved?, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: ‘There’s No Way Back’: Israeli Lawmaker Turns Back on Bennett Gov’t. She May Not Bring It Down, The Guardian, 19 May 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Israel will not hold criminal inquiry into killing (so much for “only democracy in the Middle East”. Wishful thinking, but still far away from reality), Times of Israel, 19 May 2022: ‘Extremists’ tear down barriers, clash with cops as Meron pilgrimage ends in chaos, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: Police End Celebrations at Meron Pilgrimage Site After Thousands Break Into Tomb, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2022: IDF will not open criminal investigation into death of Shireen Abu Akleh, Times of Israel, 19 May 2022: Israel wants to be recognized as Jerusalem’s responsible sovereign. Tell the cops, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: Another Member Just Quit Israel’s Coalition. Is a Fifth Election in Three Years Inevitable?, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2022: US ambassador moving into new Jerusalem residence, France24, 19 May 2022: Israel’s ruling coalition loses majority after left-wing Arab MP quits, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: Year After Gaza War, Right-wing March Endangers Not Only Jerusalemites, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2022: Israel demands answers for Dutch FM’s Al-Haq’s visit (the typical Israeli mantra “everyone in the Levant is a terrorist – except of us of course”. Since Netanyahu’s reign, the West isn’t buying this theory any longer), Times of Israel, 19 May 2022: IDF identifies soldier’s gun that may have killed journalist, needs bullet to verify, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: Shaked, the Price Will Be Paid by the Women in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2022: Biden trip to Israel in jeopardy as Bennett gov’t nears collapse, Times of Israel, 19 May 2022: New elections creep closer with resignation, but coalition of 59 not buried yet, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: The Unbearable Conceit of False Comparisons Between Israel and America, CNN, 19 May 2022: Israeli lawmaker resigns over ‘harassment’ of Palestinians, plunging government into parliamentary minority, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: This Underground Movement Has Become Israel’s Largest Militia. And It’s Just the Beginning, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2022: Israeli military identifies soldier’s rifle that may have killed Shireen Abu Akleh, Haaretz, 20 May 2022: No to Bennett, No to Netanyahu: Israeli Lawmaker Speaks Out on Her Resignation , Times of Israel, 20 May 2022: Meretz MK who quit coalition says ‘alternative to existing government much worse’, Israel Hayom, 20 May 2022: Time for the pro-Israel world to adopt a different mindset, Haaretz, 20 May 2022: Bennett and His Partners Had One Job. They Failed Spectacularly, France24, 20 May 2022: US lawmakers seek FBI probe into Palestinian journalist’s death, Politico.eu, 20 May 2022: Pegasus’ complex structure hinders EU spyware probe, Haaretz, 20 May 2022: 57 U.S. Lawmakers Demand FBI, State Dept. Inquiry Into Shireen Abu Akleh Killing, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2022: Europe has gone from being critical of Israel to admiring it (in fact, there are always the same European backbenchers who make statements about EU-Israel relations in the manner described in the article. All other assumptions are more likely to stem from the fact that someone is hoping for a job. In any case, it has little to do with the actual circumstances, in terms of Putin’s war against Ukraine, the Iran deal that Trump canceled under pressure from Netanyahu or Palestine/the Palastinians. At the same time, of course, it can only be a good thing if the numerous Sunday speeches are actually perceived as described in the article. What is true is that the vast majority of European governments have reacted positively to Netanyahu being history because he is seen as an untrustworthy and unreliable interlocutor and certainly not a partner. There are also some reservations about the Benett administration because of Netanyahu’s long reign and the few positive aspects it has brought to EU-Israel relations. Apparently triggered by the introduction of various European states to the EU (Serbia, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, etc. – all countries have one thing in common: they are all European states), people in Israel seem to get the impression that they could make another attempt at becoming an EU member. Since the reasons why accession failed earlier are still valid, so hopes shouldn’t be hanged too high), Haaretz, 21 May 2022: Gur Hassidic factions fight for second night in a row, clash with police, Times of Israel, 21 May 2022: Bribery charge against Netanyahu may be weakened but case not over, say experts (that’s truly unbelievable. It’s overly clear that Netanyahu is a criminal, but could go unpunished because of political reasons instead of being send to jail for ten years. Institutional corruption on the highest level and from both sides. The fun part is that they even managed to rank their country as #35 in the corruption index ranking, while it actually should rank somewhere between #80 ands #100), Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2022: Turkish FM wants to visit Temple Mount, Times of Israel, 21 May 2022: Progress said made to return Meretz MK to coalition, or have her not vote against it, Haaretz, 21 May 2022: ‘Significant Progress’ in Talks to Bring Back Lawmaker Who Deserted Israeli Coalition, Gov’t Source Says, Jerusalem Post, 22 May 2022: Israel bans European parliamentarian who worked with terror supporters, Israel Hayom, 22 May 2022: The visionary move that changed Israeli-European relations (with the cancellation of the Eastmed project, the only chance to deliver natural gas from Israel to Europe is via Egyptian ports that have LNG terminals, i.e. can liquefy natural gas. Israel does not have such facilities and it is more than doubtful whether a pipeline will ever be laid to Europe, especially since the profitability is anything but given. Rather, it would be a political project with a symbolic character, aided by European taxpayers), The Algemeiner, 22 May 2022: Yandex Wants to Move Headquarters to Israel, With Conditions, Haaretz, 22 May 2022: Australia’s Left Is Back in Power. Here’s What That Means for Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 22 May 2022: US Biden May Cancel Trip to Israel Due to Political Crisis, Times of Israel, 22 May 2022: In reversal, Meretz MK to stay in coalition, removing immediate election threat, Haaretz, 22 May 2022: A Violent Schism Just Exploded in Israel’s Most Powerful Hasidic Sect, Irish Times, 22 May 2022: Irish MEPs on delegation blocked by Israel from entering Gaza, Times of Israel, 23 May 2022: Battling inflation, Bank of Israel hikes interest rate for the 2nd time in 2 months, Haaretz, 23 May 2022: Israeli Government ‘Optimistic’ Ahead of Political Fight Over Soldiers’ Bill, Jerusalem Post, 23 May 2022: Remains of two bodies found in Yemenite Children Affair grave, Haaretz, 23 May 2022: Rinawie Zoabi, Next Time, Act Like Menachem Begin, Times of Israel, 23 May 2022: In historic first, alleged ‘disappeared’ Yemenite baby exhumed, Haaretz, 23 May 2022: The ‘Anyone but Bibi’ War Is Destroying Israel’s Left, Times of Israel, 23 May 2022: European Parliament president to Knesset: To be antisemitic is to be anti-European, Haaretz, 23 May 2022: In Jerusalem, EU Parliament President Vows to Fight Antisemitism, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2022: IDF scholarship bill passes in Knesset after Likud stays out of vote, Times of Israel, 24 May 2022: Knesset passes veterans scholarships law after Likud agrees to Gantz’s compromise, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2022: IDF must fully investigate death of Al Jazeera journalist – Military Advocate General, Times of Israel, 24 May 2022: After damaging leaks, Netanyahu tells party, ‘hold your tongues, this gets recorded’, Haaretz, 24 May 2022: CNN Report Suggests Al Jazeera Journalist Killed by Deliberate Israeli Gunfire, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2022: ‘Gays, go home!’ – Mitzpe Ramon yeshiva head rails against LGBTQ+ people, Times of Israel, 24 May 2022: Al Jazeera journalist was killed in ‘targeted attack’ by IDF troops, CNN suggests, Haaretz, 24 May 2022: The New Battle in the Israeli Right’s Relentless War on Palestinians, CNN, 24 May 2022: ‘They were shooting directly at the journalists’: New evidence suggests Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in targeted attack by Israeli forces, Times of Israel, 25 May 2022: Lapid and visiting Turkish FM agree on path forward to return ambassadors, DW, 25 May 2022: Turkey, Israel agree to strengthen ties in historic talks, Al Arabiya, 25 May 2022: Israel and Turkey opening new chapter in relations: Israel FM, Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2022: CNN claims Israel killed Abu Akleh in deliberate attack; IDF rejects report (while the IDF already confirmed that the gun that fired the bullet was identitfied – makes much sense .. not. It’s maybe because so many people in Israel are of Soviet origin, so that the government feels that state propaganda make them feel at home in Israel), Arab News, 25 May 2022: New silent intifada threatens Israel’s apartheid, Haaretz, 26 May 2022: Israeli Sovereignty Over Jerusalem Is a Joke (of course it is, especially in the international arena), Times of Israel, 26 May 2022: Israel’s untenable political dysfunctionality exposed in a ridiculous Knesset battle, Haaretz, 26 May 2022: Pew Survey Reveals Huge Gap Between Young, Old Americans’ View on Israel-Palestine Conflict, Al Arabiya, 26 May 2022: Palestinian official: Israel killed reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, Arab News, 26 May 2022: Palestinians: Israel deliberately killed Al Jazeera reporter, The National, 26 May 2022: Palestinian investigation finds Israeli soldier responsible for Shireen Abu Akleh’s death, Arab News, 26 May 2022: Israel has never been held to account for its attack on USS Liberty 55 years ago, US vets say (USS Liberty incident), The Guardian, 26 May 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Israeli forces deliberately shot journalist, Palestinian investigation says, France24, 26 May 2022: Palestinian probe finds Shireen Abu Akleh ‘murdered’ by Israeli soldier, Times of Israel, 27 May 2022: Female IDF officer blocked from leading swearing-in ceremony at Western Wall, Forward, 27 May 2022: The circumstances of Shireen Abu Akleh’s tragic death and funeral prove Israel has not learned from the past, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2022: Female officer barred from hosting IDF ceremony at Western Wall, The Guardian, 27 May 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Killing of reporter referred to International Criminal Court, Times of Israel, 28 May 2022: Police, left-wing activists clash ahead of planned protest at illegal outpost Homesh, Al Arabiya, 28 May 2022: Blinken tells Israeli FM probe into Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing needs to be completed, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Senior rabbi says Lapid and Lieberman ‘are worse than Nazis’, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Top Haredi Rabbi Calls for the Death of ‘Nazi’ Israeli Ministers, Times of Israel, 29 May 2022: Lapid to rabbi who said he’s worse than Nazi: My grandfather was killed in Holocaust, The Guardian, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem: Clashes ahead of rightwing Israeli flag parade, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Police must have zero tolerance for flag march provocateurs – Bennett, BBC, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem Flag March: Israeli nationalists stream through Muslim Quarter, NPR, 29 May 2022: Unrest erupts at Jerusalem site ahead of nationalist march, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Israel has a racism problem – and it comes out on Jerusalem Day, Al Arabiya, 29 May 2022: Clashes at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque before contested Israeli flag march, Arab News, 29 May 2022: Clashes at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque before contested Israeli flag march, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Clashes Erupt in Jerusalem as Tens of Thousands Join Flag March, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem Day: Israelis let their hair down about coexistence, Times of Israel, 29 May 2022: Racist chants and clashes as tens of thousands march in Old City for Jerusalem Day, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Israeli Military, Mossad Chiefs Visited Saudi Arabia in Last Decade, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem Day: Israel violated Temple Mount status quo, Times of Israel, 29 May 2022: After killings attributed to Israel, Bennett vows ‘no immunity’ for Iranian regime (in return, of course, he gave the green light for Iran to kill Israelis as it pleases, just like the Israelis are already doing with Iranians), France24, 29 May 2022: Tension in Jerusalem as thousands participate in Israeli ‘flag march’, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Nationalist Flag March Returns to Jerusalem in All Its Ugliness, DW, 30 May 2022: ‘The coverage continues’: Palestinian journalists vow to carry forward Abu Akleh’s legacy, CNN, 30 May 2022: Israelis lament ‘racism problem’ as Jerusalem march turns ugly, Times of Israel, 30 May 2022: After extremism at march, Gantz weighs terror label for far-right La Familia, Lehava, Jerusalem Post, 30 May 2022: Israel, Saudi Arabia normalization will take time, Yair Lapid says, Times of Israel, 30 May 2022: Liberman: No reason to fund Haredi institutions that teach ‘idleness’, Haaretz, 30 May 2022: Israel’s Flag March Didn’t Bring War, but Could Still Lead to Election, Al Arabiya, 30 May 2022: Israel’s FM says normalization with Saudi Arabia ‘long, cautious process’, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2022: China threatens to downgrade Israel ties over ‘Post’ Taiwan interview, Times of Israel, 31 May 2022: US suspends Abraham Accords assistance to Sudan, urges Israel to call for democracy, DW, 31 May 2022: Israel, UAE sign historic free trade deal, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2022: Business leaders hail ‘unprecedented’ Israel-UAE free trade deal, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2022: New A-G takes ownership of case, backs Netanyahu prosecution on darkest day, Times of Israel, 31 May 2022: State mulls bid to convict Netanyahu on unlisted charge after court setback, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2022: Could court ruling reduce Netanyahu’s bribery charge to breach of trust?, Times of Israel, 31 May 2022: US insists it’s committed to reopening consulate after officials tell ToI otherwise, Haaretz, 31 May 2022: Netanyahu Trial: Israeli Court Denies Request to Amend Indictment, in Blow to Prosecutors, Times of Israel, 31 May 2022: There’s no place like Homesh: The West Bank’s most politically charged hilltop, Haaretz, 31 May 2022: Progressive Democrats Deem Israel’s Planned Evictions of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta a ‘War Crime’, Arab News, 31 May 2022: Palestinians spoil Israel’s flag march by underlining Jerusalem’s Arab identity, Haaretz, 1 June 2022: Israeli Activists Put Up a Billboard With Palestinian Flag. It Didn’t Last a Day, Times of Israel, 1 June 2022: Bill to ban Palestinian flag at state-funded institutions clears initial reading, Haaretz, 1 June 2022: Israel’s Civil War Has Already Begun, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2022: Lapid to ‘Post’: Saudi normalization with Israel will be in ‘baby steps’ if it happens, Haaretz, 1 June 2022: No, It’s Not ‘The Situation.’ It’s Israel’s Soldiers, Times of Israel, 1 June 2022: Palestinian flag comes off Ramat Gan tower after outcry, Arab News, 1 June 2022: Israel’s governing coalition is in a permanent state of crisis, Haaretz, 2 June 2022: Dozens of Flag Marchers Filmed Beating Palestinians, Only Two Arrested, Haaretz, 2 June 2022: The Violation of Civil Rights Is Too Great, Haaretz, 2 June 2022: First, It Was the Palestinians. Now, It’s LGBTQ People, Haaretz, 2 June 2022: Israel’s Gay-baiting Homophobes Are Fighting a Losing Battle, Haaretz, 2 June 2022: Anti-fascist Israelis Have Two Choices: Fight or Flee, Jerusalem Post, 3 June 2022: Israel will declare elections by the end of the year – fmr. minister, Haaretz, 3 June 2022: Israel’s Small-town Racism, Times of Israel, 4 June 2022: Group of bipartisan Congress members urge PA to release bullet that killed Abu Akleh, Haaretz, 4 June 2022: Left-wing Lawmaker Says Party Must Back Divisive West Bank Bill to Save Israel’s Coalition, Times of Israel, 4 June 2022: Ra’am’s Abbas reportedly says MK in his party will oppose crucial settlement bill, Haaretz, 4 June 2022: Israeli Officials Fear Biden Could Cancel Trip Over Coalition Crisis, DW, 5 June 2022: German Economy Minister Robert Habeck seeks new partnerships with Israel and Jordan (it is remarkable that the EastMed pipeline fantasy is still haunting, although it is as clear as day that it would be a purely political project with no economic benefits. Since neither Israel nor Cyprus can afford the adventure, one can count on one finger who would have to pay for the billion dollar grave. So it’s no wonder that Italy and the USA have since dropped out of the project. On the other hand, Israel could ship to Egypt, where there are LNG terminals, so Israeli-Lebanese gas could be liquefied and shipped to Europe. That would even be economically viable. In parts of Israeli politics, people are also trying to get rich in other energy fields by making wild speculations, such as using a pipeline that has been embezzled from Iran to transport oil from the Arab Gulf States to Ashdod and ship it to Europe from there. However, neither the suppliers nor the recipients of the oil are enthusiastic about the idea), Haaretz, 6 June 2022: How a ‘Routine’ Knesset Vote Could Spell Trouble for Israeli Settlers – and the Government, Jerusalem Post, 6 June 2022: Israeli-Russian trade still prospering despite Ukraine War, Haaretz, 6 June 2022: 60 Percent of Israeli Jews Favor Segregation From Arabs, Survey Finds, Haaretz, 7 June 2022: Reality Hit Him in the Face Again, and Mansour Abbas Is at a Crossroads After Failed West Bank Vote, Times of Israel, 7 June 2022: Key losses expose fatal threats facing Bennett’s coalition from every direction, Haaretz, 7 June 2022: For a Beleaguered Bennett, Iran Offers Some Welcome Relief, The Guardian, 7 June 2022: Israel: Coalition government on brink of collapse after losing settler law vote, Haaretz, 7 June 2022: At Least the West Bank’s Secret Is Out, Haaretz, 8 June 2022: Sa’ar Looks for an Arab to Blame, Times of Israel, 8 June 2022: Netanyahu and the right are about to regain power; they’ll hold it for a long time (if that should happen, Netanyahu will cuddle up again with his autocrat colleague Orban from Hungary and the other EU states will keep as far away from him and Israel as possible, with the exception of Germany, of course – at least the country will pretend to be a close ally), Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2022: Israel makes dramatic upgrades to military plans to attack Iran (good luck with this one. Israel was never closer to start a war with Iran than it is today. Netanyahu must be totally enthusiastic as his biggest dream is coming closer and closer. It remains to be seen whether Israel can actually assert itself successfully against the territorial state of Iran and how many self-inflicted deaths there will be as a result of a war in Israel that violates international law right from the start), Haaretz, 8 June 2022: We Are All Herzogs, We Are All Occupiers, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2022: Bennett, Liberman take needless import bureaucracy down a notch, The New York Times, 9 June 2022: Ranan Lurie, Political Cartoonist With a Global Pen, Dies at 90, Haaretz, 10 June 2022: A Jewish-Arab Government Should Be the Israeli Norm, Not an ‘Experiment’, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2022: Israel must update its policy on Hamas, Gaza, Haaretz, 10 June 2022: Not Servants of the People: In Israel’s Dysfunctional Democracy, the Rabbis Reign, CNN, 10 June 2022: How a failed vote on Jewish settlers shows the Israeli government is teetering, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: Netanyahu: ‘I have no psychiatric history’ — Olmert defamation case opens (what remains to be proven. So far, the claims echo those of Donald Trump when he said his doctor thought he was a “stable genius,” when it was apparent that the exact opposite was true), Times of Israel, 12 June 2022: In fiery libel hearing against Olmert, Netanyahu denies having ‘psychiatric history’, Haaretz, 12 June 2022: ‘I Am Not Mentally Ill,’ Sara Netanyahu Says at Libel Trial Against Former PM Olmert, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: Israel enters EU culture program which excludes West Bank settlements (interesting. Whenever Israeli governments can tap European taxpayers’ money, they suddenly remember that the illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank are what they are: illegal Israeli settlements in gross violation of international law), Haaretz, 12 June 2022: Turkey Foiled Iranian Plot Against Israeli Targets (it would at least not be a surprise if there were counter reactions to Israel’s endless assassinations against Iranian targets), Times of Israel, 12 June 2022: The soon-to-end coalition that nurtured two visions of Israel, Haaretz, 12 June 2022: ‘Israel Will Suffer a Catastrophe Like Beirut’: Hidden Danger Facing Unassuming Israelis, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: Israel as divided today as when gov’t was sworn in a year ago, Haaretz, 12 June 2022: Jerusalem’s Museum of Tolerance Has Little to Do With Museums or Tolerance, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: When will be the right time for Israel to define its borders?, Haaretz, 13 June 2022: Most Israelis Don’t Want an Arab Party in Future Government, Election Poll Shows, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2022: Don’t go to Istanbul, Lapid warns as threat level raised, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Bennet says Biden visit will reveal US steps to integrate Israel into Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 14 June 2022: Kahana: ‘If I could ship the Arabs to Switzerland, I would,’ sparks backlash, The National, 14 June 2022: Israeli minister causes uproar by wishing Palestinians would ‘disappear’, Arab News, 14 June 2022: Bennett’s appeal to ‘silent Zionist majority’ smacks of desperation, Jerusalem Post, 14 June 2022: Yamina MK Matan Kahana’s outlandish words in full context, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Israelis in Turkey were saved before ‘Iran’s assassins’ could attack at hotel: Report, Foreign Policy, 15 June 2022: Why Biden Is Trying to Keep Naftali Bennett Afloat, Times of Israel, 15 June 2022: Netanyahu knows next elections are his last chance, isn’t yet ready to go to polls, Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2022: Israel cancels Poland youth trips, Lapid cites manipulations, Haaretz, 15 June 2022: Under the Israeli Commander’s Nose: Nablus Has Become Settlers’ Violent Playground, Times of Israel, 16 June 2022: The imminent bid to quash the independence of Israel’s Supreme Court, Haaretz, 16 June 2022: Bennett’s Government Is Imploding, and He Has Only Himself to Blame, Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2022: Al Jazeera allegedly obtains photo of bullet that killed Abu Akleh, funeral misconduct revealed, Times of Israel, 16 June 2022: Israel nixes youth trips to Poland over Holocaust education spat, Haaretz, 16 June 2022: AIPAC-backed Republicans at Center of New Capitol Riot Revelations, The National, 16 June 2022: Israel police close Shireen Abu Akleh funeral violence probe without releasing findings, Times of Israel, 17 June 2022: IDF expands Abu Akleh probe, issues fresh call for PA to hand over fatal bullet, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: Israel must expel the EU’s antisemitic diplomat (it can also be seen in the example of Turkey where it leads when a country moves politically to the far right. The followers of this policy consider everything that does not fit into their worldview to be “anti-Turkish” or “Islamophobic”. The same with regard to allegations of anti-Zionism/anti-Semitism has been clearly visible in Israel since Netanyahu was in office and seems to have increased during the Bennett government), Times of Israel, 17 June 2022: Bennett reportedly weighs a possible alternative government with Likud, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: Three men shot dead in Kafr Qara, Nahf, Kiryat Ata overnight, Times of Israel, 17 June 2022: Sky-high rental costs prompt a Tel Aviv couple to take to the sea; others may follow, Palestine Chronicle, 17 June 2022: Desperate and Isolated, Bennett is Reportedly Seeking Netanyahu to Form New Government, Haaretz, 17 June 2022: Middle East Minefield Drives Away Dream of Regional Alliance, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2022: Jewish donors: Israel’s education system needs you, Times of Israel, 18 June 2022: Man shot dead in Ramat Gan is 7th murder victim since Thursday, 12th within a week, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2022: Israel accused of apartheid by politicians in Spain’s Catalonia region, Haaretz, 18 June 2022: Catalonia Accuses Israel of Apartheid in Historic Vote, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2022: How Israel is using gas exports to boost its diplomatic standing, The New Yorker, 18 June 2022: After a Year in Office, What Has Israel’s Change Government Changed?, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2022: Lapid to visit Turkey amid cooperation against Iranian terror threat, Times of Israel, 19 June 2022: PA demands Israel hand over rifle that may have killed journalist Abu Akleh, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2022: Bennett government receives lifeline for another week, Haaretz, 19 June 2022: Why Israel’s Haredi Leaders Fear This Far-right Politician, Times of Israel, 19 June 2022: Report: Officials concerned over Israeli travel to UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Al Arabiya, 19 June 2022: Israel’s foreign minister to visit Turkey amid security concerns over Iran, Haaretz, 19 June 2022: Lapid to Visit Turkey Amid Threats of Iranian Attacks on Israelis, Arab News, 19 June 2022: Israeli foreign minister to visit Turkey amid security jitters, The Times, 23 June 2022: ‘Binyamin Netanyahu on steroids’ limbers up for an Israeli elections comeback.

November 2022 Israeli legislative election (Round 5)
November 2022 Israeli legislative election: The Guardian, 20 June 2022: Israel: General election set after PM announces coalition will disband, The New York Times, 20 June 2022: Israel’s Government Collapses, Setting Up 5th Election in 3 Years, DW, 20 June 2022: Israel: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to dissolve parliament and call early elections, The National, 20 June 2022: Israel’s parliament to dissolve, with Foreign Minister Lapid to become prime minister, CNN, 20 June 2022: Bennett and Lapid agree to dissolve Israel’s government, BBC, 20 June 2022: Israel heading to polls as coalition moves to dissolve parliament, Arab News, 20 June 2022: Israel’s parliament to dissolve, Foreign Minister Lapid to become prime minister, France24, 20 June 2022: Israel coalition moves to dissolve parliament, Lapid to become caretaker PM, Times of Israel, 20 June 2022: Bennett announces coalition’s demise, new elections: ‘We did our utmost to continue’, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2022: They failed, but Bennett and Lapid deserve credit for trying, Forward, 20 June 2022: Why the Israeli government failed but isn’t a failure, Times of Israel, 20 June 2022: NYT probe: Abu Akleh ‘most likely’ killed by IDF, but no indication she was targeted, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2022: Netanyahu vows that Likud will lead next government (if that should be the case, then one can be prepared for the fact that relations with the EU and vice versa will cool down significantly again and be driven on a low flame. Understandably, the EU want to have as little to do with someone like him as possible), Haaretz, 20 June 2022: Netanyahu Vows to Form New Gov’t, Pans Bennett Coalition as ‘Biggest Failure in History’, Times of Israel, 20 June 2022: Opposition cheers government’s end; Netanyahu: Likud will lead country again, The Algemeiner, 20 June 2022: Yair Lapid to Become Interim Prime Minister as Israeli Governing Coalition Dissolves, New Elections Loom, Haaretz, 20 June 2022: How the anti-Netanyahu Bloc Should Act to Prevent His Return, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2022: Israel heading to elections, Knesset to disband, Lapid to become prime minister, Al Arabiya, 20 June 2022: Israel building US-led ‘Middle East air defense alliance:’ Defense minister, Times of Israel, 20 June 2022: PM: Biden’s visit ‘vital,’ goal is to finalize joint plan against nuclear Iran, The National, 20 June 2022: Israel’s parliament to dissolve, with Foreign Minister Lapid to become prime minister, The Washington Post, 21 June 2022: Israel to dissolve parliament, call 5th election in 3 years, Haaretz, 21 June 2022: Netanyahu Has Edge in Race, but Lapid Has Proven Bibi’s Not Unbeatable, Foreign Policy, 21 June 2022: Bibi Sees a Path Back to Leadership After Israeli Government Dissolves, NPR, 21 June 2022: Israel’s prime minister announces he’s stepping down, sparking new elections, Times of Israel, 21 June 2022: Polls point to return of dreaded deadlock in next elections, unless alliances shift, Haaretz, 22 June 2022: Israel’s ‘Change Government’ Had One Job, and It Did It – Almost, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: Knesset defeats two bills to apply sovereignty to West Bank settlements, Times of Israel, 22 June 2022: Knesset passes initial vote to disperse, setting Israel on path to elections, France24, 22 June 2022: Israel lawmakers give initial approval for early election, Haaretz, 22 June 2022: The Biggest Loser of Israel’s Upcoming Election, Times of Israel, 22 June 2022: What exactly is a ‘real’ right-wing Israeli government?, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: Elections are bad for business, Israeli economic leaders say, Arab News, 22 June 2022: Biased reporting helps fuel violence in Palestine, Times of Israel, 22 June 2022: Set to become prime minister, Lapid faces critical test against resurgent Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: The coalition has turned the tables, Times of Israel, 22 June 2022: Bennett said mulling timeout from politics, not running in next election, France24, 22 June 2022: US hints at Arab progress with Israel during Biden trip, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2022: 24 Democratic senators urge Biden to involve US in investigation of Palestinian journalist’s death, DW, 23 June 2022: Israel politics: Knesset moves closer to dissolving, setting stage for possible election, Haaretz, 23 June 2022: Nearly Half of Senate Democrats Urge Biden to Investigate Shireen Abu Akleh’s Killing, Israel Hayom, 23 June 2022: Ministers approve increased densification of Israel’s cities, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2022: Over 20 senators tell Biden to get US ‘directly involved’ in Shireen Abu Akleh probe, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2022: Israeli forces likely killed Al Jazeera journalist – UN rights office, NPR, 24 June 2022: Israeli gunfire killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, U.N. says, The National, 24 June 2022: UN says journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli fire, Haaretz, 24 June 2022: UN Rights Office: Al Jazeera Journalist Killed by Israeli Troops, DW, 24 June 2022: UN concludes Israeli forces killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2022: Bennett’s speech vs. Netanyahu’s speech and the Israel that divides them, Times of Israel, 24 June 2022: After seaside digs dumped by Trump, US ambassador roosts at Jerusalem rental instead, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2022: In Israeli elections, incoming Prime Minister Yair Lapid has head start, Haaretz, 24 June 2022: What Jewish Fundamentalists Really Fear, Times of Israel, 24 June 2022: Protests gain steam as Israelis struggle with housing prices. But will they succeed?, Arab News, 24 June 2022: Iran: Israeli accusation of Iranian plot to harm Israelis in Istanbul ‘ridiculous’, Haaretz, 24 June 2022: Lapid Is About to Become Israel’s PM, and the Entire Mideast Is Watching, Jerusalem Post, 25 June 2022: Gantz and Sa’ar in talks for joint run next election, Arab News, 25 June 2022: Israel human rights group targets West Bank settlements expansion, Haaretz, 25 June 2022: Killing of Al Jazeera Journalist: Israeli Army Is Squandering the Little International Trust Left, Times of Israel, 25 June 2022: Bennett says ‘divisive’ Netanyahu unsuitable as PM, but won’t rule out cooperation, Haaretz, 25 June 2022: Arab Man Shot Dead, Five Injured in Violent Incidents Across Israel, Jerusalem Post, 25 June 2022: Bennett: I won’t rule out sitting under Netanyahu in future, Haaretz, 26 June 2022: Israel-Palestine Confederation: A Response to Eric Yoffie, Times of Israel, 26 June 2022: Government advances ‘problematic’ bill that would block defendant Netanyahu’s return, Haaretz, 26 June 2022: In Heated Debate, Ministers Advance Bill Barring Netanyahu From Forming Government, Times of Israel, 26 June 2022: Israeli defense chief said to talk anti-Iran alliance with Saudi counterpart, Haaretz, 26 June 2022: ‘Antisemitic’: Netanyahu Blasts Likud Lawmaker for Suggesting Cooperation With Arab Party, Times of Israel, 27 June 2022: In targeting Amsalem, Netanyahu sends a message to all senior members of Likud, Haaretz, 27 June 2022: IN PHOTOS: Two Decades of Israel’s Separation Barrier, Times of Israel, 28 June 2022: Man shot dead in northern Israeli town, as Arab community crime wave continues, Haaretz, 28 June 2022: No Change for East Jerusalem, Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2022: Chomsky on Israeli Apartheid, Celebrity Activists, BDS and the One-State Solution, Haaretz, 28 June 2022: Bennett, Be Tough on Netanyahu – but Don’t Resign, Jerusalem Post, 29 June 2022: US Presbyterian Church: Israel is apartheid state, creates Nakba Remembrance Day, Arab News, 29 June 2022: With Israel’s Knesset set to dissolve, PM Bennett says he will not seek re-election, Israel Hayom, 29 June 2022: Arab Israelis likely to sit out next election, Haaretz, 29 June 2022: Yair Lapid’s Journey: From Late-night Host to Israel’s Next Prime Minister, Israel Hayom, 29 June 2022: Coming elections will be ugliest in Israel’s history, Times of Israel, 30 June 2022: Knesset disbands, sets elections for November 1; Lapid to become PM at midnight, Al Arabiya, 30 June 2022: Explainer: Can Netanyahu regain Israel’s premiership?, Jerusalem Post, 30 June 2022: Bennett is leaving Israel in a better state than he found it, Haaretz, 30 June 2022: Arab Voters Have Nothing to Look Forward to in Israel’s November Election, Times of Israel, 30 June 2022: Haredim interrupt Americans’ Western Wall bar, bat mitzvahs, tear up prayer books, Arab News, 30 June 2022: Israel parliament dissolves itself, sets Nov. 1 election, Haaretz, 30 June 2022: Israel’s First Religious Prime Minister Wasn’t What You Were Expecting, Times of Israel, 30 June 2022: Is the understated Lapid betting a scathing, divisive Netanyahu will defeat himself?, Israel Hayom, 30 June 2022: Who is incoming PM Yair Lapid?, Jerusalem Post, 30 June 2022: Lapid has a chance to be what Israel needs in his turn as PM, Times of Israel, 30 June 2022: Edelstein, who said Netanyahu can’t win, abandons Likud leadership challenge, Times of Israel, 1 July 2022: Yair Lapid takes over as Israel’s 14th prime minister, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2022: Yair Lapid officially becomes Prime Minister of Israel, Times of Israel, 1 July 2022: Shaked faces struggle to stanch defections, revive Yamina after rocky stint in power, Haaretz, 1 July 2022: It’s a Long, Long Road to Israel’s November Election. And It’s Going to Get Dirty, Times of Israel, 1 July 2022: Lapid and Netanyahu cross swords over security briefings as new PM settles in, Haaretz, 1 July 2022: Israel Election: Netanyahu’s Party Is Counting on Gantz, CNN, 1 July 2022: A leader for all Israelis? Yair Lapid takes over as caretaker prime minister, Haaretz, 1 July 2022: Ukraine’s Berlin Envoy Draws Israeli, Polish Ire With Comments on WWII Leader (Wikipedia Stepan Bandera), Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2022: Lapid brings prime ministerial presence back to Balfour, Times of Israel, 2 July 2022: Without naming him, Lapid seeks to portray Netanyahu as Israel’s national nemesis, Haaretz, 2 July 2022: Yair Lapid Hails Abraham Accords in First Address as PM, Says More Deals Expected, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2022: Lapid: Unite for goal of Jewish, democratic, strong Israel, Times of Israel, 2 July 2022: In first speech as PM, Lapid urges unity in face of ‘violent and vicious’ politics, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2022: Lapid vs. Netanyahu: 2022 election campaigns to begin this week, Times of Israel, 2 July 2022: Palestinian Authority hands US bullet that killed Shireen Abu Akleh for examination, Haaretz, 2 July 2022: Palestinians to Hand Over Bullet That Killed Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to U.S., CNN, 2 July 2022: Palestinians to let US examine bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, NPR, 2 July 2022: The bullet that killed Al Jazeera’s Shireen Abu Akleh has been sent to U.S. officials, Times of Israel, 2 July 2022: Lapid speech, full text: We must stop the flow of extremism from politics to streets, DW, 2 July 2022: Shireen Abu Akleh: Palestinians give bullet that killed journalist to US experts, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2022: Palestine to hand over bullet that killed Shireen Abu Akleh to US authorities, Haaretz, 3 July 2022: Israel Election: What Lapid’s First Days as Prime Minister Reveal About His Campaign Strategy, The Sunday Times, 3 July 2022: Yair Lapid takes power but can the Israeli Boris beat Bibi twice?, Haaretz, 3 July 2022: Likud Lawmaker Threatens Israel’s Attorney General Over Army Chief Appointment, Times of Israel, 3 July 2022: Israel to examine bullet that killed Abu Akleh, with Americans present, says IDF (hand over the incriminating evidence to the alleged perpetrator? What can possibly go wrong?), Haaretz, 3 July 2022: Against Palestinian Demands, Israeli Military Says It’s Examining Bullet That Killed Abu Akleh, Palestine Chronicle, 3 July 2022: PA Hands Bullet that Killed Shireen Abu Akleh to US for Examination, France24, 3 July 2022: Israel to test bullet that killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, army says, The Guardian, 3 July 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Fresh row as Israel to conduct forensic tests on bullet that killed reporter, Arab News, 3 July 2022: Israel says it will test bullet that killed reporter, Palestinians disagree, Al Arabiya, 3 July 2022: Israel’s Lapid condemns Hezbollah in first cabinet meeting as PM, Haaretz, 4 July 2022: If the Iranians Are Cyberterrorists, So Are Israelis, CNN, 4 July 2022: US says Israeli military gunfire ?’likely responsible?’ for Shireen Abu Akleh’s death but examination of bullet inconclusive, France24, 4 July 2022: US says shot that killed Al-Jazeera journalist likely fired by Israel, The Guardian, 4 July 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Israeli gunfire probably killed journalist, say US investigators, Haaretz, 4 July 2022: Israeli Fire ‘Likely’ Responsible for Shireen Abu Akleh’s Death, but No Clear Conclusion, U.S. Says, Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2022: Abu Akleh probe inconclusive, but the damage is still done, Times of Israel, 4 July 2022: US says Abu Akleh bullet test inconclusive, IDF likely shot her by mistake, Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2022: Marshall Plan could solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – WJC president, Arab News, 4 July 2022: Why Israel’s 15-year siege on Gaza has failed, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2022: Revive Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Macron tells Lapid, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: Bibi-ism = Gangsterism, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2022: Russia orders Jewish Agency to stop all operations in country, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: Macron Tells Lapid ‘We’ll Do Everythng to Ensure Israel, Lebanon Reach a Deal’, Times of Israel, 5 July 2022: Moscow makes tough demands of Jewish Agency, complicating its activities in Russia, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: ‘You Can’t Meet With the Netanyahus Empty-handed. There Is No Such Thing’, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2022: How will banning the Jewish Agency affect Russian Jews?, The Algemeiner, 5 July 2022: Russia Orders Jewish Agency to Alter Operations in the Country, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: Russia Threatens to Bar Jewish Agency Operations in the Country, Cites Law Violations, The National, 5 July 2022: Macron welcomes new face of Israel as Lapid visits Paris, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: U.S. Envoy Blasts ultra-Orthodox Extremists: ‘If This Happened in Another Country, Wouldn’t We Call It Antisemitism?’, Times of Israel, 5 July 2022: After bar mitzvah overrun by zealots, parents lament: ‘We saw Israel at its lowest’, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: Israel’s Rift With Poland Remains Hard to Bridge Despite Revival of Ties, The Algemeiner, 5 July 2022: Russia Condemns ‘Irresponsible’ Israeli Airstrikes in Syria, Times of Israel, 6 July 2022: Netanyahu embarks on a campaign that’s shaping up as his last hurrah, Palestine Chronicle, 6 July 2022: 15 Years of Failed Experiments: Myths and Facts about the Israeli Siege on Gaza, Haaretz, 6 July 2022: Netanyahu Trial: Testimony by Billionaire’s Aide Is Unsurprising, but Terribly Shocking, Palestine Chronicle, 6 July 2022: America Whitewashing Israel’s Execution Of Shireen Abu Akleh is A Cruel Hoax, Haaretz, 7 July 2022: Tel Aviv University Is Finally Talking About the Palestinian Village It Was Built On, Times of Israel, 6 July 2022: Heads of major Jewish groups press Lapid after zealots overrun Western Wall prayers, Haaretz, 6 July 2022: Five Key Questions in the Early Weeks of Israel’s New Election, Times of Israel, 7 July 2022: New Jerusalem tunnels, highway system aimed to ease traffic jams by 2024, Haaretz, 7 July 2022: ‘America Will Help End the Occupation’: The Speech Biden Should Give in Israel – but Won’t, Times of Israel, 7 July 2022: Israel’s leaders can make friends abroad; why can’t they make things work at home?, Haaretz, 7 July 2022: Biden Gets His Preferred Partner in Israel – at Least Until Election Day, Times of Israel, 8 July 2022: Abu Akleh’s family rails at US ‘betrayal,’ asks to meet Biden during trip next week, Haaretz, 8 July 2022: Family of Slain Palestinian Journalist Accuses Biden of ‘Betrayal’ After U.S. Probe, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2022: Family of Palestinian-American killed in West Bank lashes out at US President Biden, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2022: Israel elections: Netanyahu bloc secures 61-majority for first time in poll (apparently, a not to small part of Israeli voters would like to be lied at and cheated by the Netanyahu gang. They are of course free to decide that for themselves, but it will cause further significant damage to the country and in particular to the fragile democracy), Arab News, 8 July 2022: A predictable end for Israel’s ‘change’ government, Haaretz, 8 July 2022: ‘Don’t Ask Me to Save You From Bibi. Save Yourselves’, Times of Israel, 8 July 2022: Rare dialogue: Ahead of Biden visit, Lapid, Herzog hold phone calls with PA’s Abbas, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2022: Israeli north hit with 3 suspected murders in less than 24 hours, Haaretz, 8 July 2022: Why Is the Israeli Left Still Turning a Cold Shoulder to Gulf States?, CNN, 8 July 2022: Israeli and Palestinian leaders speak by phone for the first time in years, Times of Israel, 9 July 2022: Problems keep mounting for Yamina as Netanyahu reportedly plans campaign offensive, The Algemeiner, 9 July 2022: Israel Losing Open Land to Development at Alarming Rate, Politico.com, 9 July 2022: Israel is the real winner of Biden’s meeting with the Saudi crown prince, Times of Israel, 9 July 2022: Why Jewish giving to Israel has been on the decline since 2009, Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2022: Gantz and Sa’ar sign political merger in bid to take votes from Lapid, Times of Israel, 10 July 2022: Israel must find new way to deal with Gaza, says PM at ceremony for fallen soldiers, Haaretz, 10 July 2022: Ahead of Biden Visit, Israeli PM Calls for Ties With More Mideast Countries, New Gaza Policy, Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2022: Uber Files: Company wrote its own law, worked closely with Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 10 July 2022: Blue and White, New Hope announce union, will run as joint slate in November vote, The National, 10 July 2022: Biden: goal of Saudi trip is to ‘strengthen’ relations and promote regional integration, Al Arabiya, 10 July 2022: Israeli ministers to run as partners in upcoming elections, The Algemeiner, 10 July 2022: Israel’s New Hope and Blue and White Preparing to Merge: Report, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2022: Israel needs a new political culture, not mergers, Haaretz, 11 July 2022: To Israeli Courts, Jews Can’t Be Terrorists, Times of Israel, 11 July 2022: Witness details Sara Netanyahu suicide threat over pool refit; $46,000 bracelet gift, Haaretz, 11 July 2022: Biden’s 50-year Affair With Israel Explains His Visit This Week, Al Arabiya, 11 July 2022: Israel hopes Biden visit may lead to common Mideast market, with Saudi Arabia, CNN, 11 July 2022: What not to expect from Biden’s Jerusalem trip, Arab News, 11 July 2022: Latest government collapse shows depth of Israel’s political crisis, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2022: Miri Regev: Everything wrong with Israeli politics, Palestine Chronicle, 12 July 2022: Israel Hopes Biden Visit Will Lead to Common Middle East Market with Saudi Arabia, Times of Israel, 12 July 2022: Key witness in trial denies Netanyahus got luxury gifts out of genuine friendship, Forward, 12 July 2022: Welcome to Bethlehem, President Biden. We need your help, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: Netanyahu Loyalist Calls for Bill Prohibiting Indictment of Acting Lawmakers, DW, 12 July 2022: Poland and Israel take steps to normalize relations, Arab News, 12 July 2022: Biden wants to deepen Israel’s integration in the region, says White House, Times of Israel, 12 July 2022: On eve of Biden trip, White House says Israel-Saudi ties will be a ‘long process’, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: In Israel, Biden to Commit ‘Iran Will Never Get Nuclear Weapons’, DW, 12 July 2022: How US-Israel relations have evolved over the decades, France24, 12 July 2022: Killing of Palestinian journalist threatens to overshadow Biden’s Israel trip, Haaretz, 13 July 2022: Biden’s Boring First Day Was Just What Israel Needed, Times of Israel, 13 July 2022: Biden lands in Israel: ‘Connection between Americans and Israelis is bone deep’, France24, 13 July 2022: Biden visits Israel, kicking off delicate first Middle East tour as US president, DW, 13 July 2022: Joe Biden arrives in Israel as first stop on Mideast trip, The Algemeiner, 13 July 2022: Biden Honors Holocaust Victims, Shares Warm Exchange With Survivors in Jerusalem, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: US President Joe Biden lands in Israel on first official trip to the Middle East, Arab News, 13 July 2022: Israel rolls out red carpet for ‘one of our best-ever friends’ as Biden kicks off Middle East tour, Haaretz, 13 July 2022: Nine Words Biden Uttered at Tel Aviv Airport Reveal His Policy on Israel-Palestine, The Algemeiner, 13 July 2022: Israeli High-Tech Funding Slides in First Half Amid Global Recession Fears, NPR, 13 July 2022: Biden tries fist bumps instead of handshakes ahead of Saudi crown prince meeting, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Why the pro-Palestinian Left Doesn’t Want to Be Part of the ‘Circle of Peace’, The National, 14 July 2022: What to expect from second day of Biden’s trip to Israel, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Iran, Mideast Integration, BDS: Here Is What Biden Considers Key to the U.S.-Israel Alliance, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: Report: Saudi Arabia to okay all overflights from Israel, and direct travel for hajj, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Day 2 of Biden’s Mideast Trip: Strategic U.S.-Israel Cooperation, Talks With UAE, Indian Leaders, Palestine Chronicle, 14 July 2022: Biden Defends Tel Aviv against Fellow Democrats: Israel is Not Apartheid State, Israel Hayom, 14 July 2022: Israel: Bread prices expected to rise by 20%, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: ‘They’re Making a Mistake’: Biden Rejects Progressive Democrats’ Criticism of Israel, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: Biden to back renewing US defense package for Israel — top administration official, Palestine Chronicle, 14 July 2022: Worsening Chaos: Israel’s Political Instability is Now the Norm, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: Rising prices, political turmoil send consumer confidence tumbling, Al Arabiya, 14 July 2022: Israel to sell Haifa Port to India’s Adani Ports, Gadot group for $1.2 billion, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2022: Biden visits east Jerusalem without Israeli flag on limousine (from the point of view of the international community East Jerusalem isn’t Israeli. West Jerusalem is only tolerated and not recognized as Israel’s capital. The only internationally recognized capital is Tel Aviv. So there’s no justifiable criticism, or if so, that he didn’t had a Palestinian flag on the limousine), The Algemeiner, 15 July 2022: Israel Rate Hikes to Continue as Inflation Hits 14-Year High of 4.4% in June, The Algemeiner, 15 July 2022: Israeli and Hellenic Air Forces Hold Joint Training Drill, Haaretz, 15 July 2022: With Diplomacy at Standstill, Palestinians Hoped to Sway Biden on Abu Akleh, Haaretz, 15 July 2022: Biden in Israel: An Important Unimportant Visit, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2022: European Parliament planned Israel trip with Nazi sympathizer delegate, Times of Israel, 16 July 2022: Heading home, Biden vows US ‘won’t walk away’ from Mideast, doesn’t mention Israel, Haaretz, 16 July 2022: No Normalization With Israel Until Two-state Solution Reached, Saudi FM Says, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2022: Crime Minister holds protest in TLV for first time in over a year, The Algemeiner, 16 July 2022: Saudi FM: No Normalization with Israel until Palestinian Two-State Solution, Palestine Chronicle, 16 July 2022: How Biden’s ‘Imperial All-Star Tour’ Unwittingly Undermines Zionism’s Lies, Times of Israel, 17 July 2022: ‘False, dangerous’: Outgoing deputy AG slams Netanyahu’s attacks on judicial system, Haaretz, 17 July 2022: Israel Braced for Influx of Ukrainian Immigrants Fleeing War, but More Russians Made Aliyah This Year (if there is one thing Israel isn’t lacking of, it’s Russian or Russian-speaking residents (the country has the second largest percentage of Russian speakers in the world, right after Russia). Already at the beginning of Putin’s war of aggression and annihilation against Ukraine, one could see from the public discussion and reaction what the consequences were: A considerable part of this population group supported Putin and defended his actions. This is of course problematic for the Israeli government, because it is not only under pressure from Moscow because of Syria, but also from its own population. That is why the country has not participated in the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West, even though it considers itself Western. Obviously, the eastern influence is now just as important in the overall picture), Israel Hayom, 17 July 2022: Saudi Arabia throws cold water on hopes of normalization with Israel, Haaretz, 17 July 2022: Israel’s Center-right Merger Worsens the Left’s Dilemma, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: Netanyahu vetoed large donation by Packer to Peres Center, key witness tells court, The Algemeiner, 18 July 2022: European Foreign Ministers to Renew High-Level Council With Israel After 10-Year Pause (wait and see how long it takes this time until things will fall apart again. If Netanyahu is re-elected Prime Minister of Israel on 1 November 2022, then the Association Agreement will be on hold again indefinitely from 2 November 2022. As was learned a few days ago, even the Trump clan now has massive reservations about Netanyahu. So in Europe he only has the cheerleader of all ultra-nationalist right-wingers and/or autocrats, Viktor Orban from Hungary), Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: EU announces resumption of suspended dialogue forum with Israel, Jerusalem Post, 18 July 2022: EU-Israel Association Council to be revived after a decade, Haaretz, 18 July 2022: EU Foreign Ministers Agree to Renew Annual Dialogue With Israel, Frozen Since 2012, The Algemeiner, 18 July 2022: Bank of Israel Unanimously Backed 50 Bps July Hike to Fight Inflation, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: Biden visit proves a far cry from Israel’s fanciful expectations, The Algemeiner, 18 July 2022: Survey: Growing Minority in Gulf Countries Approve of Informal Ties With Israelis, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: Poland demands return of $55,000 grant after Dani Karavan docu-maker won’t censor it, Israel Hayom, 18 July 2022: The disgraceful disruption of the Abraham Accords, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: In apparent first, Israeli journalist visits Muslim holy city of Mecca, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Jerusalem warily eyes Putin’s Tehran visit, Times of Israel, 19 July 2022: Leaked report says rival factions in Corbyn’s Labour wielded antisemitism as weapon, Haaretz, 19 July 2022: ‘When Arnon Milchan Nags About U.S. Visa, Netanyahu Acts,’ Tycoon’s Aide Testifies, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Abraham Accords is how EU-Israel ties will improve (wishful thinking. In real life, it’s about Israel supplying gas to Egypt, where it becomes LNG gas to be shipped to Europe. So Israel will make some money, which will hopefully ultimately lead to the country becoming less dependent on European development aid, so that the funds freed up can be used where they are raised, namely in the EU), Haaretz, 19 July 2022: Netanyahu Set a Trap for Lapid. He’s About to Fall Into It, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Jerusalem warily eyes Putin’s Tehran visit, Haaretz, 19 July 2022: Israeli Arms Exports to Morocco: From Pegasus to Kamikaze Drones, Arab News, 19 July 2022: Putin, Raisi and Erdogan have less in common than it appears, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Jewish Channel 13 reporter sparks outrage after visiting Mecca, Reuters, 20 July 2022: Israeli minister rues ‘stupid’ Israeli TV report in Mecca (“stupid” is by far the friendliest word to describe this complete intellectual failure), The National, 20 July 2022: Israel brands TV reporter’s Makkah video ‘stupid’, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Israeli Reporter Sneaks Into Mecca, Triggering Outcry in Saudi Arabia and Apologies in Israel, Times of Israel, 20 July 2022: Thousands of settler activists create mayhem in West Bank campaign (if they were Palestinians who want to set up illegal Palestinian outposts in Israel, they would be called “right-wing terrorists.” However, since these are Israeli Jews who set up illegal Israeli outposts in Palestine, they are only called “right-wing activists”. Quite remarkable and noticeable and for over a decade the new normal), Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2022: Right-wing activists set up six West Bank protest encampments, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Putin Meets With Raisi and Erdogan: ‘Stability Must Be Achieved in Syria’, Israel Hayom, 20 July 2022: UK launches free trade talks with Israel, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: The Face of an Image Problem: The Meaning of the ‘Netanyahu Loyalty Necklace’, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Don’t Let the Smiles and Fist Bumps Fool You. Bibi and MBS Are Looking Beyond Biden, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: How a Jewish Settler Group Raised Millions to Set Up Illegal Outposts, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Israel Election: Kahanist, Far-right Parties Likely to Join Forces Despite Differences, Times of Israel, 21 July 2022: Lapid: ‘Extremist’ Netanyahu and Ben Gvir ‘dragging us in dangerous directions’ (Lapid is of course right about that. While it is not uncommon in the MENA region for serial criminals of all kinds to run the affairs of state, it would be a dangerous step backwards for Israel. The “only democracy in the Middle East”, even if that only applies to the area within the 1967 borders, excluding the occupied territories and illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, is still not a stable democracy and people like Netanyahu and Gvir endanger the status permanently. We know this behavior from people like Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, Viktor Orban only too well in the West. That doesn’t stop their followers from voting them anyway, or they vote them for exactly that reason), Haaretz, 21 July 2022: What Brought These Young Israelis to Hear Ben Shapiro in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Post, 21 July 2022: Another IRGC official interrogated by Mossad in Iran, Times of Israel, 21 July 2022: What the Saudis think about when they think about peace with Israel (from a strategic point of view, an interesting stalemate has emerged, because it doesn’t really matter how the Americans react from now on: Thanks to Netanyahu and Trump, Iran will develop and expand the ability to build the atomic bomb. The Iranian regime can then decide at any time whether it will actually build the bomb or leave it at acquiring the know-how. Should the US expand its military capabilities for on-the-spot deterrence, it would be a signal to Iran to speed up efforts. If the US doesn’t do it, the Iranians will continue at the current pace. The reactivation of the Iran deal may change that. Of course, the Arab Gulf States, who have stepped up their diplomatic efforts towards Iran, also know this. The Emirates are even reinstating their ambassador in Tehran. Israel is just a small building block. The desired purchase of jets, missiles and air defense by the Gulf States from the Americans is rated as much more important), Haaretz, 21 July 2022: Putin Goes to Tehran and Finds Barely a Consolation Prize, Jerusalem Post, 21 July 2022: US-Israel ties: From the Abraham Accords to the Biden visit, Times of Israel, 21 July 2022: Russia officially calls for Jewish Agency operations to be ‘dissolved’ — state media, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: Electricity, Yes, but Not in My Backyard, The Algemeiner, 22 July 2022: Saudi Arrested After Israeli Journalist’s Mecca Report, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: A Different Netanyahu Was Revealed in This Testimony, Times of Israel, 22 July 2022: How Israel nearly turned Biden’s East Jerusalem visit into a diplomatic incident, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: Tehran’s Unity Summit Won’t Make Biden Sweat, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: Israel Watches Hezbollah’s Calculated Gamble With Wary Eyes, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2022: Mavi Marmara flotilla: Spark of an Israel-Turkey diplomatic fallout, Times of Israel, 23 July 2022: Israel fears major diplomatic crisis with Russia over Jewish Agency, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2022: Jewish Agency in Russia is secretly planning on relocating to Israel, Times of Israel, 23 July 2022: Biden unfazed by Saudi denial of advancement in Israel ties — senior US official, The Algemeiner, 23 July 2022: Israel: One Dead, 15 Wounded in Weekend Violence, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2022: Mossad reveals secret Hezbollah cell executed Argentina’s terrorist attacks in 1990s, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2022: Israel Elections: Yamina to launch official campaign this week, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: World’s largest wellness conference to make Tel Aviv debut this year, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2022: Lapid, Yesh Atid MKs rule out cooperation with Joint List in next government, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: Arrival of French supermarket giant Carrefour will drop living costs, Lapid predicts, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: Thanks, Putin, for Outlawing the Jewish Agency in Russia, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2022: Russia picks on the Jewish Agency because it can, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: Israel Election: Netanyahu Bloc Would Win Half of Knesset’s Seats, Poll Shows, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: 100 days out from election, campaign ads battle for soft-right voters, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: Israel Says Shutting Down Jewish Agency in Russia Would Harm Ties, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2022: Israel elections: Both blocs still fail to form a coalition, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: Hey Israel, Let’s Become a Normal Country, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: Lapid warns Russia: Jewish Agency closure would be ‘grave event’ with impact on ties, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: We Muslims Are Trapped in Victimhood, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: Israel gears up to fight, as Russia puts screws to Jewish Agency for unclear reasons, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2022: Israeli company Candiru allegedly behind cyberattacks against journalists, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: Israeli Delegation’s Departure to Moscow Delayed Amid Jewish Agency Crisis, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2022: Israel advances 700 Jerusalem Jewish housing plans delayed by Biden visit, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: Jewish Agency’s Russia Problem Started Long Before Ukraine War, Times of Israel, 25 July 2022: Gafni said threatening to split ultra-Orthodox UTJ faction in two amid disputes, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: ‘Let’s Be Careful’: What Israel Can Do Against Russia’s Jewish Agency Threat, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2022: Russia’s war causes more aliyah than Jewish Agency -ex-chief Moscow rabbi, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: Don’t Segregate Tel Aviv, Times of Israel, 25 July 2022: Likud activist says state prosecutors should be ‘executed,’ draws Likud condemnation (but only in public and not behind closed doors), Haaretz, 25 July 2022: ‘Tip of the Iceberg’: How Foreign Sex Offenders Find Refuge in Israel (and it is not just them, but also masses of Russian mafiosi and oligarchs who can launder their illegally acquired money in Israel and, on top of that, obtain Israeli citizenship – quite legally. This is how the Russians and the State of Israel benefit from organized crime. In addition, there are Bulgarians, Romanians and Albanians who steal millions with scams), Haaretz, 25 July 2022: In Israeli Politics, It’s Not Right vs. Left but Ashkenazim vs. Mizrahim, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: Partitions aren’t allowed to be brought into the egalitarian Kotel plaza – PMO, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Jewish Agency Crisis Marks the End of Its Golden Age in Russia, Times of Israel, 26 July 2022: Government bans gender-separation barriers at Western Wall egalitarian plaza, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: Israel Elections: Israelis prefer Ben-Gvir to Abbas in next gov’t – poll, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Reason for Russia’s Unnecessary Diplomatic Crisis With Israel May Lie Thousands of Miles Away, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: Lapid on Jewish Agency crackdown: Israel is ready to talk to Russia, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Jewish Agency Crisis Is Israel’s Opportunity to Take a Moral Stance on Russia’s War in Ukraine, The Guardian, 26 July 2022: Russia: Kremlin seeks to play down closure of Israel migration agency, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: European Lawmaker Targeted With Israeli-made Predator Spyware, Jerusalem Post, 27 July 2022: Israel election should be about economy, cost of living, Times of Israel, 27 July 2022: Israeli delegation finally allowed to fly to Russia to discuss Jewish Agency crisis, Haaretz, 27 July 2022: Lapid, Would You Stop Being So Scared of Netanyahu?, Jerusalem Post, 27 July 2022: Israel Elections: Shaked, Hendel announce joint run as ‘Zionist Spirit’, Times of Israel, 27 July 2022: Beleaguered right-wing leaders Shaked and Hendel unite as Zionist Spirit party, CNN, 27 July 2022: Russian threats to close Jewish Agency strike a nerve in Israel, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: Ex-soldier: My commanders ‘handed me over’ to be raped by jailed terror convict, Jerusalem Post, 28 July 2022: Russian court considers Jewish Agency liquidation lawsuit, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: The perils of our increasingly unequal Israel, Jerusalem Post, 28 July 2022: Israel election poll: Zionist Spirit crosses electoral threshold, no change to blocs, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: Can Israel Preach to Russia About Occupation and War Crimes?, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: Poll shows Shaked’s new Zionist Spirit crossing electoral threshold, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: Israel Election: Zionist Spirit Alliance Could Make Netanyahu Prime Minister, Poll Shows, The Algemeiner, 28 July 2022: Integrated Mideast Defense System Still Only an Idea, Says US Official, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: Iran’s Friends Don’t Have to Be Israel’s Enemies, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: With Arab-on-Arab Violence on the Rise, One Director Has Had Enough, Times of Israel, 29 July 2022: Braving protesters, US girl holds bat mitzvah with Women of the Wall activists, Haaretz, 29 July 2022: This Israeli General Has Tough News for Those Who Want to Live Here in Peace, Arab News, 30 July 2022: Far-right religious nationalists are edging closer to power in Israel, Haaretz, 30 July 2022: Shaked Calls for ‘Unity’ Government, Opposes Boycott of Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 30 July 2022: Despite union, Zionist Spirit leaders still split over cooperation with Netanyahu, Haaretz, 30 July 2022: Gantz Is Expecting Lapid to Bow Out Gracefully Once Again, Palestine Chronicle, 30 July 2022: Newly-Released Documents Shed Light on Israeli Massacre of Palestinians in Kafr Qasem, Haaretz, 30 July 2022: Decades From Now, Israel Might Finally Grasp What Netanyahu Has Wrought (maybe or maybe not, but then it’s to late anyway. The idea of establishing a democratic state in the Levant will then only be found in the history books. If you look at how many right-wing and right-wing extremist parties are already sitting in the Knesset, then you can count on two fingers where the journey will go and the tour guide was Benjamin Netanyahu), Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2022: Lapid decries Gilboa Prison pimping affair, violence against women, Haaretz, 31 July 2022: Prison Guards Were ‘Pimped Out’ to Inmates, and Israel Silences the Victims, Haaretz, 31 July 2022: Israel’s Top Court Will Go Down in History as the Enabler of Apartheid, Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: As Moscow moves to shutter Jewish Agency, Israeli ambassador meets Russian deputy FM, Haaretz, 1 August 2022: Kushner: Trump Was Livid With Netanyahu Over Annexation and Considered Supporting Gantz, Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: Probe finds Israel Police did not unlawfully hack phones of politicians, activists, Haaretz, 1 August 2022: Report: Israel’s Civil Administration Eases Permits for Palestinians in Exchange for Intel (understandable from the point of view of both sides. Some urgently need information, others want to escape the economic misery. Then you look for a compromise that both sides can live with), Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit close in on far-right unity deal, Haaretz, 2 August 2022: Israel’s Justices Hired 68 Law Clerks in Three Years. None Were Arab, Haaretz, 2 August 2022: Single Tweet Offers Glimpse Into Israel Election Fakery, Times of Israel, 3 August 2022: ‘Prisoners control the guards’: Knesset panel debates Gilboa jail ‘pimping’ scandal, The Algemeiner, 3 August 2022: Likud Head Netanyahu Launches Economic Plan, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: ‘Systemic Failure’: The Prison Sexual Abuse Scandal Shaking Israel, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2022: Taiwan, US, Russia, Israel – what is Israel’s position?, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: Israel Won’t Be Able to Remain Neutral in the New Cold War Between U.S., Russia and China, Times of Israel, 3 August 2022: After years of blooming trade, some see Israel-China relationship start to sour, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: Israelis Refuse to Be Haunted by the Ghosts of Massacres Past. What Does It Mean for the Future?, Palestine Chronicle, 3 August 2022: Jeremy Corbyn to Al Mayadeen: This is Why I was Accused of ‘Antisemitism’ (VIDEO), Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2022: Jeremy Corbyn: Pro-Palestinian stance, ‘powerful forces’ led to antisemitism claims, Times of Israel, 4 August 2022: Understanding the ominous rise of Israel’s most notorious ultra-nationalist (before the last election, I spoke to amn Israeli who believed that Israel’s political landscape could not drift any further to the right because the majority had already arrived there. Now it turns out that for some it wasn’t far enough to the right so that they are now betting on an extremist. Netanyahu is apparently no longer far-right enough for them. Itamar Ben-Gvir stands for a full blown Jewish theocracy in Israel. The election results have been moving in this direction for several years. If the Israeli voters do not set a different course, but stay on this course, we will be able to see in 10 to 15 years how the Jewish state with democratic approaches will transform into a Jewish theocracy without democratic approaches), Haaretz, 4 August 2022: Israel Police’s Version of Pegasus Spyware Revealed, Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2022: Open investigation into Netanyahu-Channel 14 connections -Zehava Galon, Haaretz, 4 August 2022: Israeli Planning Board Approves Jerusalem Interchange, Clearing Way for Ecologically Disastrous New Neighborhood, Times of Israel, 4 August 2022: Netanyahu hits back at ‘baseless’ claim he shocked Trump with annexation declaration, Haaretz, 4 August 2022: Right-wing TV Channel Offers Netanyahu’s Party Members a Positive-coverage Package – for a Fee (the elephant in the china shop. There he is again. “Positive media coverage in exchange for higher market share” is one of the reasons Netanyahu has been charged with multiple corruption charges), Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2022: Anti-Israel delegitimization effort is a national security issue (by far the greatest danger to Israel comes from within. A growing number of Israeli voters want a “Jews only” state. Should that actually happen, and it is not unlikely, Israel will have abolished itself. The country would still be on the map as a state, but no longer as a serious discussion partner), Times of Israel, 5 August 2022: Tisha B’Av at Western Wall to test how serious Lapid is about religious pluralism, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2022: Israel’s average monthly salary falls sharply, Times of Israel, 5 August 2022: Fiasco in the East Room: The trainwreck unveiling of the Trump peace plan, Forward, 5 Auugust 2022: Ending violence at the Western Wall will take empathy from all of us, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2022: Hate speech against Israeli Russians up nearly 300% since start of Ukraine war- report (the “funny part” is that the founding of Israel began with Baron Rothschild bringing Russian Jews to Palestine to keep them safe from pogroms in Russia), Times of Israel, 6 August 2022: Police deploy in force in Jerusalem for Tisha B’Av events amid Gaza flareup, Times of Israel, 6 August 2022: As Gaza fighting rages, Netanyahu to attend first security briefing with PM Lapid, Haaretz, 7 August 2022: AIPAC vs. American Jews: The Toxic Victories of the ‘pro-Israel’ Lobby, Times of Israel, 7 August 2022: The muses are never heard in Gaza (look, someone actually used his head to think and a good idea actually came out of it), Jerusalem Post, 8 August 2022: Israel Elections: Lapid narrows gap with Netanyahu following Gaza op – poll, Haaretz, 8 August 2022: Top U.S. General Warned Netanyahu: ‘You’re Gonna Have a Fucking War’ With Iran, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2022: Israel decides: No more American and Canadian medical students, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Gaza Op Boosts Lapid, but Greater Test Awaits Him Before Israel’s Election, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Next Time Israel Fights Gaza, It Could Face a Nuclear Iran, Times of Israel, 9 August 2022: Herzog calls Putin in effort to convince him to halt looming Jewish Agency closure, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Senior Jerusalem Police Officer Who Attacked anti-Netanyahu Protester Gets Probation, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Israeli Spyware Maker NSO Has 22 Customers in 12 EU Countries. And It’s Not Alone, Times of Israel, 10 August 2022: Italian far-right leader rejects links to Fascism, touts ‘shared values’ with Likud (the only shared values they have is xenophobia and islamophobia), Haaretz, 10 August 2022: ‘Double Standard’: Russia Blasts Israel’s Lapid Over Gaza Operation, Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2022: Was it legal for Lapid, Gantz to start Gaza op. without convening cabinet?, Haaretz, 10 August 2022: Netanyahu Seeks to Tighten Grip on Likud in Primary, Times of Israel, 10 August 2022: Prosecutors weigh indicting former far-right MK for incitement against Arabs, Haaretz, 10 August 2022: ‘This Is Crazy’: Israeli Embassy Memo Stirs Political Storm in the Balkans (so, it’s obviously not only Netanyahu who is playing his bullsh!t bingo around the world), The Algemeiner, 10 August 2022: ‘Isolated’ Russia Seeks to Pressure Israel Through Squeeze on Jewish Agency, Says Sharansky, Times of Israel, 11 August 2022: Jewish Israeli woman accused of spying for Iran attempts suicide, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: In Its War on Jewish Agency, Russia’s ‘Protection of Privacy’ Is Another Ruse, Experts Say, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: Jewish Agency reviewing options ahead of possible Russia shutdown, Times of Israel, 11 August 2022: Likud voters just handed Netanyahu a mandate to remake the judicial system, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: Israel Election: Netanyahu Loyalists Win Big in Likud Primary, Veteran Lawmakers Pushed Out, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: How significant was Yair Lapid’s nuclear threat to Iran?, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: Israel’s Labor May Be Dying, but Netanyahu’s Party Is Already Dead Inside, Times of Israel, 12 August 2022: Rivals blast Likud as misogynist ‘Bibistan’ after primary rewards male loyalists (‘Bibistan’ – if a non-Jew would have said that, all hell would fall upon him. Endless complaints about insults, antisemitic hostility and so on would come in :-D Anyway, I’ll keep that word in mind because it’s very appropriate in the given context), Haaretz, 12 August 2022: More Than Netanyahu, Fear Yariv Levin, The Algemeiner, 12 August 2022: ‘A Piece of Something Bigger’: Why Has the US-Israel Friendship Survived?, Haaretz, 12 August 2022: No Longer Mr. Security, Netanyahu Reinvents Himself as a Social Populist, Haaretz, 12 August 2022: Israel’s ‘Forgotten’ Political Assassination Attempt Is More Relevant Than Ever, Haaretz, 12 August 2022: Likud’s Extremist Slate Could Be Netanyahu’s Pyrrhic Victory, Haaretz, 12 August 2022: How to Cover Up a Massacre, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2022: Nonprofit sending empty food baskets to politicians to highlight poverty, Times of Israel, 14 August 2022: Israel ranked last among European nations in reducing traffic deaths (since when is Israel a “European nation”? Apparently someone missed some geography lessons at school. Even if EU-Israel talks might go beyond the Association Agreement one day in the distant future, Israel remains to be a country in Western Asia, and not just geographically. Perhaps the comparisons in the article would be more interesting when one would determine how Israel performs in comparison to the other Near Eastern countries), Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: Trump letter authorized Israeli sovereignty in West Bank – exclusive, Times of Israel, 14 August 2022: Paltry bump for Lapid after Gaza op shows Israelis’ ‘electoral identity’ is baked in, Haaretz, 14 August 2022: Holocaust Comparisons, Soros Conspiracies Dominate U.S. Republican Messaging, Times of Israel, 14 August 2022: Report: Kahana asked that Shaked rule out narrow Netanyahu government — she refused, Times of Israel, 14 August 2022: Eisenkot marches into politics with much fanfare, little immediate effect on polls, Haaretz, 15 August 2022: July Sees the Biggest One-month Price Hike in Israel Since 2009, Times of Israel, 15 August 2022: Far-right leader Ben Gvir declares solo run, blames Smotrich for collapse of talks, Haaretz, 15 August 2022: Israel Election: Kahanist Lawmaker Ben-Gvir Threatens Independent Run, Times of Israel, 15 August 2022: Inflation and housing prices continue to spiral up, breaking new records, Haaretz, 15 August 2022: Israeli Soldier Seriously Wounded by Friendly Fire in the West Bank, Times of Israel, 15 August 2022: For Israel’s sake, Arab citizens must vote in droves, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: ‘Europe Needs Working Hands’: Kahanist Leader Calls to Deport ‘Disloyal’ Israelis (Israel has repeatedly called on Germany and the EU to freeze funds for Palestine as long as they don’t stop “supporting terrorists and agitating against Israelis and Jews.” To compensate, Germany and the EU should consider freezing all funds destined for Israel as long as the country supports Israeli terrorists (in this case even a member of the Knesset) and they don’t stop inciting against Germany and the EU), Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2022: If elected, I will deport anyone who acts against the State of Israel – Ben-Gvir, Arab News, 16 August 2022: Israel’s Palestinian citizens can make a difference by voting, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: Israeli Firm Cellebrite Sold Phone-hacking Tools to Uganda’s Brutal Dictatorship, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2022: ‘Rottenyahu’: Terrorist propaganda magazines using ‘humor’ in harmful messaging (‘Rottenyahu’ to describe Netanyahu seems legit, but might be a bit to nice), Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2022: Israel, Turkey return to full normalization, Times of Israel, 17 August 2022: Lapid, Erdogan speak after restoring ties, agree to restart direct flights, The National, 17 August 2022: Israel and Turkey to restore full diplomatic ties and return ambassadors, Haaretz, 17 August 2022: Israel, Turkey Restore Full Diplomatic Ties, The Algemeiner, 17 August 2022: Turkey, Israel to Re-Appoint Ambassadors After Four-Year Chill, France24, 17 August 2022: Turkey, Israel to restore full diplomatic ties, DW, 17 August 2022: Israel and Turkey to restore full diplomatic relations, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2022: 20 million shekels in funding goes toward Arab, hi-tech integration, Times of Israel, 17 August 2022: Gantz defends Abbas meetings amid outcry over PA chief’s ‘holocausts’ comment, Arab News, 17 August 2022: Israel, Turkey to restore full diplomatic ties, Haaretz, 18 August 2022: U.S. Says Israeli Info on Palestinian NGOs Not Enough, ‘Concerned’ Over Raids, Times of Israel, 19 August 2022: Russian court postpones verdict in Jewish Agency case by 30 days, Times of Israel, 19 August 2022: Ben Gvir said considering offering ex-spy Pollard a place on his Knesset slate, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2022: Cyprus decides to buy Israel’s Iron Dome rocket defense system – report, Times of Israel, 21 August 2022: Cyprus set to buy Iron Dome from Israel, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2022: Itamar Ben-Gvir is the antithesis to Israel’s founding fathers, Haaretz, 22 August 2022: Israel’s New Ambassador to Germany Takes Office, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: Gantz: Jerusalem is Israel’s; can’t be the Palestinians’, too (well, the rest of the world has a pretty different opinion about the topic and so does Palestine. After all, the so-called “Jerusalem Law” has already been declared “null and void” several times by the UN. Tel Aviv is still the capital of Israel. The status for West Jerusalem is “tolerated” and nothing more), Haaretz, 22 August 2022: ‘We’ll Cease to Exist’: The Battle to Lead Israel’s Shrinking Left, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: Bank of Israel raises interest rate from 0.75% to 2%, Times of Israel, 22 August 2022: Bank of Israel raises interest rate to 2% as inflation continues to climb, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: Israel elections: This gov’t succeeded in one thing – normalcy – interview with MKs, Times of Israel, 22 August 2022: Seeking to woo TV and filmmakers, Israel offers 30% rebate to sweeten the deal, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: IDF raid on Palestinian NGO offices unacceptable – Borrell, Haaretz, 23 August 2022: Bank of Israel Raises Interest Rate to 2 Percent in Attempt to Curb Inflation, Times of Israel, 22 August 2022: Shin Bet said to warn Palestinian Authority to stay out of Israel’s elections, Arab News, 22 August 2022: Israeli dream of eternal impunity becoming a reality, Times of Israel, 23 August 2022: Galon wins Meretz leadership race, returning to head left-wing party after 3 years, The Algemeiner, 23 August 2022: Ron Prosor Takes Office as Israel’s New Ambassador to Germany, Haaretz, 23 August 2022: A New Nadir for Israeli Diplomacy, Times of Israel, 23 August 2022: Religious Zionism primary keeps sitting MKs at top of Knesset slate.

Right of return
Among the parties particularly controversial is the right of return for the Palestinian refugees, who lost their homes and their property in the wake of the founding of Israel and were not allowed to return. The Palestinians demand the right of return (supported by UN General Assembly resolution 194) for all former refugees (about 800,000) and Palestinians today counted as refugees (about 6 million, Palestinian claims 8.5 million). Israel denies this, referring to the Israeli Law of Return for Jews from all over the world (the Likud coalition has recently passed legal restrictions on this), as well as the Jews expelled from the Arab lands during Israel’s founding: a right of return for both Jews and Palestinians would lead to the dissolution of the state of Israel in its current conception as a Jewish dominated state (which would also apply to the counter-concept of Eretz Israel by Israeli settlers’ and other right-wing extremist, radical and nationalist terrorist organizations), a right of return or compensation for the Arab Jews is unthinkable. The Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, despite their affiliation to the Palestinian Territories, are still mostly counted as refugees by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and are in most cases stateless. The same applies to the Palestinians, who still live in refugee camps in Lebanon and Syria. Despite the difficult living conditions in the refugee camps and the areas occupied by Israel, there is a sustained increase in population, especially in the latter. From 1967 to 2002, the number of Palestinians in the areas increased from 450,000 to 3.3 million. The birth rate in the Gaza Strip has been among the highest in the world for years. About half of all inhabitants of the occupied territories and refugee camps are under 15 years old (Foreign Policy, 25 June 2018: Shadow Government: Kushner’s Peace Plan Is a Disaster Waiting to Happen, Foreign Policy, 3 August 2018: Trump and Israel Seek End to Refugee Status for Millions of Palestinians, Haaretz, 23 October 2018: Israeli Foreign Ministry Official: If Trump Delays Peace Plan, France Will Offer Alternative, The Guardian, 1 January 2019: Why Trump’s Middle East peace plan is just a sideshow and Times of Israel, 7 January 2019: Justice ministry rejects Netanyahu’s criticism of corruption probes, Times of Israel, 7 January 2019: Justice ministry rejects Netanyahu’s criticism of corruption probes, Times of Israel, 28 February 2019: High Court rejects Likud petition to prevent AG announcing Netanyahu indictment, France24, 28 February 2019: Israeli Justice Ministry confirms intention to indict Netanyahu, The New York Times, 28 February 2019: Prosecutor Moves to Indict Netanyahu on Corruption Charges, Times of Israel: Netanyahu criminal investigations – full coverage (which is why he is no longer referred to as “Prime Minister” but as “Crime Minister” in Israel), The New York Times, 28 February 2019: Trump Ordered Officials to Give Jared Kushner a Security Clearance (The Washington Post, 1 April 2019: White House whistleblower says 25 security clearance denials were reversed during Trump administration), The Washington Post, 20 March 2019: Under investigation and up for reelection, Netanyahu’s kinship with Trump has never been clearer, Haaretz, 20 March 2019: Pocket Money, Loans and Millions for Legal Advice: Has Netanyahu’s Wallet Finally Been Found?, Times of Israel vom 20.03.2019: State prosecutors said mulling criminal probe of Netanyahu in submarine case and Jerusalem Post, 22 March 2019: Trumpet recruits Netanyoohoo as 2020 running mate in US elex).

Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories
The third issue is the persistence of Israeli settlements established by Israel since 1967 in the occupied territories, where over 600,000 Israeli Jews live today and have skyrocketed in recent years. These settlements are internationally regarded as contrary to international law, whereby the military occupation as such is legitimate, since there is no peace agreement between the parties to date. The colonization of foreign territory violates international law (Geneva Conventions). The West Bank was divided into three zones (A: 18%, B: 20% and C: 62% of the territory behind the Green Line) as a result of the 1995 Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in which the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli military each have different powers. Jewish settlers established numerous Israeli settlements after the occupation especially in the C area, for which Palestinian land was partially confiscated. Thus, in the C area of today, there were about 1,200 Jewish-Israeli settlers in 1972, 110,000 in 1993 and 310,000 in 2010, which were settled in 124 settlements and about 100 outposts by the Israeli settlement policy. About 150,000 Palestinians live in the C areas. Israel controls the entire infrastructure and suppresses Palestinian development. This settlement policy is vehemently criticized by the Palestinians and the international community. The Israelis’ hope that the dissolution of various settlement areas, such as the complete eviction of Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip in 2005, would decisively advance the peace process (land for peace), was not fulfilled. The Gaza Strip became the center of power for Islamist Hamas, much as the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in the late 1980s did not bring peace, but the strengthening of the radical Islamic Hizbullah, which justified its fight against Israel with an internationally unacknowledged agreement between Syria and Lebanon over unsuccessful land transfer (Shebaa farms). At the end of January 2009, the Israeli daily Haaretz published a secret settlement database, which was held back by Defense Minister Ehud Barak because of its political explosiveness. The database shows that 75% of all settlements in the West Bank have been built to a significant extent without authorization or even against Israeli law. In more than 30 settlements, buildings and infrastructure (roads, schools, synagogues, yeshivas and police stations) were built on private property of Palestinians. Many different sources speak of “occupied Palestinian territories” when they refer to Palestine or parts of it. An interesting, ground-breaking and at the same time surprising turn experienced the problem on 23 December 2016 under the UN Resolution 2334, which declared all Israeli settlements (East Jerusalem, West Bank and Golan Heights – United Nations, 23 December 2016: Israel’s Settlements Have No Legal Validity, Constitute Flagrant Violation of International Law, Security Council Reaffirms, The Guardian, 23 December 2016: US abstention allows UN to demand end to Israeli settlements, The Guardian, 24 December 2016: Israel rejects ‘shameful’ UN resolution amid criticism of Netanyahu, The New York Times, 24 December 2016: Netanyahu Promises Retribution for ‘Biased’ U.N. Resolution, Foreign Policy Journal, 28 December 2016: The Significance of UN Resolution 2334 on Israeli Settlements, Times of Israel: UN Security Council Resolution 2334, Jerusalem Post: UN Security Council Resolution 2334, The Guardian, 16 November 2018: US to oppose UN motion condemning Israeli control of Golan Heights, The Washington Post, 16 November 2018: Syrian and Israeli diplomats clash at U.N. over Golan Heights, Reuters, 16 November 2018: U.S. opposes U.N. Golan resolution, wins Israeli praise and The Guardian, 30 December 2018: ‘It was terror’: Palestinians decry rise in attacks by Israeli settlers) as well as the Gaza Strip “non-Israeli” and thus the Jewish settlers indirectly to Palestinians or Syrians, which means that Palestine is now home to the second largest Jewish community in Western Asia, even in front of Iran. In 2017, the occupation by Israel last for 50 years (Six-Day War). During numerous demonstrations and events, this was addressed internationally and in Israel and Palestine itself and an end was demanded so that two equal, peaceful, free, socially and economically prosperous states can coexist. Meanwhile, however, both societies are deeply affected by the conflict, with all conceivable negative aspects, but also some positive side effects (common peace efforts, cultural, social and sporting projects (grassroots movements) and many more).

Water supply
The Middle East consists of 95% desert areas and has low freshwater resources. Only a few rivers carry water throughout the year, and the number of underground aquifers and aquifers is limited. Overall, only 1% of the world’s freshwater resources are available to the Greater Middle East (around 5% of the world’s population), which corresponds to a per-capita availability of 761 cubic meters / year (by comparison, the average global availability is 6895 cubic meters per capita per year). Based on estimates of the population of Israel and the occupied territories, the amount of fresh water is just over 200 cubic meters per capita per year. The situation in the Gaza Strip is particularly critical due to high population growth. This results in a water supply of only 27-38 cubic meters per capita per year. Across the Middle East, access to freshwater holds potential for conflict. Similarly, possible cooperative solutions are an important basis for the development of the entire region. The fundamental conflict, the Jordan Water Question, was solved as early as 1953 as part of the Johnston Plan, a UN compromise proposal to which the neighboring states abide. The agreement was never officially ratified at the instigation of the Arab League, as any contractual agreement was considered recognition of Israel. The water question started a very early unofficial and intensive bilateral dialogue between Jordan and Israel. In contrast, the Syrian intention to use the waters of the Jordan by diversion of rivers Banyas and Hasbani for itself exclusively, is viewed as a trigger of the Six-Day War.

Jerusalem
Another unsolved problem is the future status of Jerusalem, which both sides claims as the future capital but is actually annexed by the state of Israel. The Middle East conflict has a strong religious component for many people involved on both sides, and certainly for some observers. Jerusalem is a holy city for Christians, Jews and Muslims. The Temple Mount, on which the temple of Jerusalem stood until 70 AD, and the western boundary wall of the plateau on which the temple stood – the so-called Wailing Wall, which is the most important shrine of Judaism today – for religious reasons many Jewish Israelis don’t want give out of hand. With the return to the Holy Land and the conquest of Jerusalem in 1967, they see the fulfilling of the promises of the Torah and are waiting for the return of Messiah (surprisingly, Jerusalem isn’t even mentioned once in the Torah). The settlement of holy places like al-Khalīl/Hebron in the West Bank would not have been possible to that extent without religious motivation. The Dome of the Rock, located in East Jerusalem, is a special sanctuary for Muslims. For radical Muslims, the very existence of Israel is a problem, because an area that once belonged to the sphere of influence of Islam can’t be handed over to “non-believers” (radical Muslims call Jews “non-believers” and Christians “crusaders”. In some cases, Christians and Jews are equally named “people of the book” (the Bible)). The most important concern of the Muslim Palestinians is to make sure that Jerusalem will become the capital of their own state with the Temple Mount as the center. These claims are based on the early Homayadian tradition that, according to Sura 17, verse 1-2 of the Koran, the meeting of Muhammad with Allah in company of the Archangel Gabriel and the Ascension of Muhammad at the site of today’s Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount should have taken place (it should be noted that all religious textsBible, Quran and Torah – have significant biological, geographical and physical weak points). In the conflict area, therefore, the conflict and its possible solutions appear differently depending on the application of the principles of the right of self-determination of the population residing there today, solely on the basis of demographic circumstances or by applying historical or historical-religious considerations. Since there is not even agreement on the applicable criteria on both sides and that each side postulates the principles which serve them most in the argument, the long-lasting and tenacious conflict can be explained. It is even further fueled by constantly creating new facts on the ground. As an example, the construction of new Israeli settlements in the West Bank is often mentioned. On the other hand, fears are voiced by the Israeli side that the overall significantly higher birth rate of the Arabs would change the existing demographic situation in the long run and lead to an Arab overweight. However, this is often counteracted by the equally high birth rate in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank. These and other arguments make it difficult to find a consensus solution to build two equal states side by side (international positions on Jerusalem and United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel).

Interesting about the “capital dispute” is that Jerusalem has been a whole lot in its long history, but hardly ever the capital of anything, but for millennians little more than a collection of huts. It is indisputable that the place has a long history as a religious center of various faiths – long before Christians, Jews and Muslims stayed in the region (the Old City in Palestinian East Jerusalem is the historic Jerusalem). Only during the British Mandate, the British headquarters was relocated to Jerusalem, so that the place became the capital of the mandate area. In this respect, the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians about the “capital” is unnecessary because it belongs equally to both parties or neither party.

For some time now, the Jerusalem suburb Abu Dis in the West Bank has been repeatedly discussed by Israeli and US representatives as an alternative capital of Palestine, instead of East Jerusalem. The offices of the authorities and administrations of the Palestinian National Authority, which are entrusted with Jerusalem-related tasks, are already located there today. Understandably, the Palestinians categorically reject this idea.

Security
There are further concerns on the Israeli side as to whether a future Palestinian government can guarantee the security of Israel and its citizens. In the past, there were repeated attacks from the Gaza Strip, were rockets where shot that hit Israeli territory. In addition, there were Israelis killed during suicide attacks that had been prepared in the Palestinian territories. On the other hand, terrorist attacks in the West Bank by radical Israeli settlers, the so-called Hilltop Youth and other Jewish-Israeli terrorist structures, against the Palestinian population repeatedly happened and still happen. There are also increasing attacks of members of the Israeli military against the Palestinian civilian population.

Cultural identity
According to one theory, there is a threat of an impending loss of identity on both sides, that is standing in the way of a solution in the near future. In addition to the religious and territorial aspects, both population groups need each other’s enemy image for their own identity/nation building process (JAFFA, the orange’s clockwork 2009).

Peace process
The Middle East peace process refers to diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Middle East conflict (Arab–Israeli conflict, Road map for peace, List of Middle East peace proposals, Arab Peace Initiative), in particular the initiatives to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, mediated by the United States and the Middle East Quartet. However, critics often sees the term as a mere political buzzword due to the alleged insolubility of the conflict or a lack of political will to implement a peaceful solution. These people may want to have a look at the living counter-evidence Abie Nathan, whose ideas would have brought peace to the region decades ago – if in particular politicians, activists, but as well the extremists of the various camps would have listened. Ultimately, however, with the sinking of his ship “Peace” off the coast of Ashdod, he charted the path of failed Israeli (not exactly peaceful or rational) efforts to resolve the conflict and further annexations of Palestinian land under Netanyahu. In retrospect, at no time before or after the Oslo peace process (Oslo Accords), which was negotiated between Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat during Bill Clinton‘s term of office, was a peace agreement closer (The Venice Declaration, The Washington Post, 12 September 2018: A Middle East mirage – Twenty-five years ago, Israelis and Palestinians reached out for peace. But it escaped them.). The efforts ended abruptly when Yitzhak Rabin was shot dead after a peace event in th ecountry’s capitol Tel Aviv by an Israeli, who was obviously encouraged by Netanyahu’s massiv hate campaign against Rabin and his peace efforts (Haaretz, 22 October 2018: Analysis: Netanyahu’s Current Politics Reopen 23-year-old Wound of Rabin’s Assassination and Hotel New York). At the time, Netanyahu’s Greater Israel Party (Likud) was rightfully equated with the Palestinian Hamas (Politico Magazine, 9 October 2014: Why the Middle East Still Doesn’t Matter, Haaretz, 17 September 2018: Israel’s Irreconcilable Differences With U.S. Jews and the Democratic Party May Soon Lead to Final Divorce). To date, both parties have further radicalized themselves. Surprisingly, with the help of several 100 million in PR and image campaigns, continuous propaganda and historical revisionism, Netanyahu somehow managed to persuade parts of the international public to consider only Hamas (or at least parts of it) as a terrorist organization, although the Likud has neither changed its staff nor its ideology, and that Netanyahu’s role in the assassination of Rabin is either hushed up to the present day or highly emotionally debated, but hasn’t been legally processed at any time. The Rabin Square in Tel Aviv is a reminder of this. Shortly after, Netanyahu’s first term began, which has since severely and consistently massively worsened the starting point and conditions for peace agreements and the two-state solution. His efforts go hand in hand with the consistent erosion of Israel’s democracy (The New York Times, 19 July 2018: Israel Passes Law Anchoring Itself as Nation-State of the Jewish People (which is more a law for Jewish nationalists than a national law. Those Jews who do not live permanently in Israel and continue to work for a democratic Israel will be arbitrarily prevented from entering the country. The “home of all Jews” was abandoned more than a year ago in favor of unconditional nationalism and a harsher version of the law is already on the way – The New York Times, 22 July 2018: Israel Picks Identity Over Democracy. More Nations May Follow., BBC, 19 July 2018: Jewish nation state: Israel approves controversial bill, The Guardian, 19 July 2018: EU leads criticism after Israel passes Jewish ‘nation state’ law, The Guardian, 26 July 2018: Israeli cartoonist fired over ‘Animal Farm’ Netanyahu caricature, New York Times, 26 July 2018: Did Israel Just Stop Trying to Be a Democracy?, Haaretz, 30 July 2018: The Apartheid Prime Minister, Haaretz, 30 July 2018: Israeli Druze Commander Quits Army Over Nation-state Law in Open Letter to Netanyahu, Haaretz, 5 August 2018: Why It’s Now Every American Jew’s Duty to Oppose Israel’s Government, Haaretz, 7 August 2018: Israel’s War on Democracy Is Here – and the Justice Minister’s Leading the Charge, Jewish News, 7 August 2018: Vivien Duffield: I’ll be more ‘choosy’ in backing Israel after ‘apartheid’ law, The New York Times, 13 August 2018: Israel, This Is Not Who We Are, Haaretz, 14 August 2018: Peter Beinart and the Crisis of Israel’s Illiberal Zionism, Haaretz, 17 August 2018: When Jewish Billionaires Get Buyer’s Remorse Over Israel, Haaretz, 23 August 2018: Israel’s Message to the Liberal Diaspora Jews Who Support It: Shape Up or Stay Out, Haaretz, 30 September 2018: The Right-wing Think Tank That Quietly ‘Runs the Knesset’, Huffington Post, 13 December 2018: Natalie Portman Slams Israel’s Nation-State Law As ‘Racist,’ ‘Wrong’, Wikipedia Nationality Bill, which contradicts the content and spirit of the Balfour Declaration and the Israeli Declaration of Independence – Haaretz, 29 March 2019: Annul the Nation-state Law, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2019: Conversion. Joining a religion or joining a nation?). Astonishingly, in Israel there is talk of an “Orbánization” of the country these days, although Viktor Orbán is successfully destroying Hungary’s democratic pillars only since 2010, while Benjamin Netanyahu has been doing so in Israel since 1996. In that sense, the “Orbánization” of the Visegrád Group and Israel is actually a “Netanyahuization”.

How fragile the whole process is was made clear, after the apparently inconsiderated announcement of the 45th US President in early December 2017, to unilaterally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocate the US Embassy from Tel Aviv, where all international embassies are located at (United Nations Security Council Resolution 478 and Times of Israel, 17 January 2019: Embassy tactic? No more mere ‘honorary consuls’ in Jerusalem, Israel tells world), to West Jerusalem (therefore, the U.S. Consulate General in West Jerusalem will be upgraded in the middle of May 2018 to the Provisional U.S. Embassy until the new building will be completed one day (so far, not even a property corresponding to the requirements has been found. In addition, not thought-through or straight out stupid ideas usually result in high costs: CNN, 18 July 2018: US Embassy in Jerusalem to cost $20 million more than Trump’s estimate, Times of Israel, 4 March 2018: US closes Jerusalem consulate, demoting Palestinian mission, France24, 4 March 2019: US downgrades its Palestinian diplomatic mission, Jerusalem Post, 4 December 2018: Merkel urged EU countries not to move embassies to Jerusalem (a very clever move by the Merkel administration to try to hinder the Netanyahu administration to commit even more crimes under international law against Palestine and the Palestinians), Al Arabiya, 15 December 2019: Brazil opens Jerusalem trade office as step to embassy shift, Israel Hayom, 15 December 2019: ‘Brazil will move its embassy to Jerusalem’). Most of the embassy staff will remain in Tel Aviv until the new building will be opened. Only the ambassador himself and few of his personal staff will work in the provisional embassy. The Consulate General building complex is located in the Arnona neighborhood and bisect by the City Line, which has survived to this day due to the repeatedly annulled Jerusalem Law by the UN, as part of the Green Line and thus partly in what was defined in 1949 as No Man’s LandThe New York Times, 5 December 2017: U.S. to Recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital, Trump Says, Alarming Middle East Leaders, Middle East Monitor, 13 December 2017: Palestine: What’s next after the collapse of the two-state project?). Within hours there were historically significant communications from the other governments of the international community. In rare coincidence, they made clear that they do not support the unilateral partisanship of the US administration, that they will not relocate their embassies, and that the current Israeli and US administrations (and the micro states Guatemala, Honduras, Togo, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Nauru extorted by Trump to join (Reuters, 16 May 2018: Guatemala opens embassy in Jerusalem, two days after U.S. move and Haaretz, 14 May 2019: Evangelicals and Empty Promises: A Year After Trump’s Embassy Move, Only One Country Has Followed U.S. to Jerusalem)) are completely isolated on this issue. Unisono, it was announced that the “status of Jerusalem is a firm and inseparable part of the future peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians (The New York Times, 27 January 2018: It’s Time for Mahmoud Abbas to Go) and must be negotiated between these parties.” Even NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini felt the need to publish statements (Haaretz, 20 March 2019: Hungarian Foreign Minister: Embassy in Israel Will Not Be Moved to Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 20 March 2019: EU reiterates opposition to diplomatic missions in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2019: Romania at AIPAC: We will move our embassy to Jerusalem and Times of Israel, 24 March 2019: Romanian president rebuffs ‘ignorant’ PM over pledge to move embassy, Times of Israel, 30 July 2019: Foreign Ministry’s NIS 50m plan aims to help nations move embassies to Jerusalem). Ultimately, the American announcement addresses the wrong parties (radicals, extremists and terrorists on the Palestinian and the Israeli side and the evangelicals in the US (Christians United for Israel and Times of Israel, 23 July 2018: Netanyahu vows ‘complete solidarity’ with Christians persecuted in Iran)) and at the same time, the current US administration unnecessarily and without necessity disqualified itself as a mediator between the parties. The peace process has thereby suffered considerable damage. At the same time, Iran, China and Russia will be able to achieve further land gains in an attempt to fill the power vacuum left by the US in Western Asia. The Arab and Muslim world is in turmoil, which will probably have a negative impact on future cooperation with the US and Israel. For the first time since 1945, the US administration opened Pandora’s box by creating a dangerous precedent under international law that opens the door to conquest campaigns, which will, e.g., facilitate the repeated violations of international law by Russian President Vladimir Putin while annexing the Ukrainian Crimea and the Georgian country parts Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the annexation of the Northern part of Cyprus by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In response to the unilateral recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, consisting of 57 member stats, unilaterally recognized East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital in mid-December. Further escalation steps are expected (The New York Times, 18 December 2017: U.S. Vetoes U.N. Resolution Condemning Move on Jerusalem, The Guardian 21 December 2017: UN votes resoundingly to reject Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as capital, The Washington Post, 14 January 2018: Palestinian leader attacks Trump, calling his peace deal the ‘slap of the century’, CNN, 16 January 2018: Palestinian leaders advise suspending recognition of Israel, The Guardian, 22 January 2018: US to open Jerusalem embassy sooner than expected, says Pence, Reuters, 22 January 2018 Abbas wins renewed EU backing for Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem, Haaretz, 31.01.2018: ‘Happy to Hear Israel Wants Two States’: German FM Meets Netanyahu 10 Months After Crisis Over Sit-down With Leftist NGOs, Hareetz, 31 January 2018: German FM After Meeting Netanyahu: Is Israel Prepared to Pay the Price of Perpetual Occupation? and The Guardian, 23 February 2018: US brings forward Jerusalem embassy opening to May). Meanwhile, some former and active members of the Israeli security structure (intelligence and military) have expressed their opposition to Trump’s decisions. The basic attitude is: “Only a two-state solution secures peace for Israel and the region, while protecting Israel from itself and continued democratic decline.” If it weren’t that tragic, one would have to laugh loudly about the recent remarks of the 45th US President on aid to the Palestinians because of the unbelievable impudence and distorted realities, after all it was he himself who had massively harmed the peace process: The Guardian, 25 January 2018: Trump threatens to cut aid to Palestinians for ‘disrespecting’ Pence, Politico, 25 January 2018: Trump on Palestinian aid: ‘The money is on the table’, The Guardian, 1 September 2018: Palestinian anger over US decision to end funding for UN agency, The Guardian, 8 September 2018: Trump axes $25m in aid for Palestinians in East Jerusalem hospitals, The Wall Street Journal, 10 September2018: Trump Administration to Close Palestine Liberation Organization Office in Washington – National security adviser John Bolton also plans to threaten sanctions against International Criminal Court, in a Monday speech, The Guardian, 10 September 2018: ICC will continue ‘undeterred’ after US threats, The Guardian, 15 Septmeber 2018: US has no plan for Middle East peace, says senior Palestinian, Times of Israel, 15 November 2020: Is Jordan Really Palestine?. As long as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict isn’t settled and secured by treaties, the international community has no choice but to continue to see Tel Aviv as the capital of Israel de jure, even though the Israeli government see West Jerusalem as Israel’s de facto capital, and this status is at least tolerated by the international community. Only a sustainable, lasting peace solution between and supported by the parties to the dispute, the result can be recognized on an international level, which includes the future status of Jerusalem. International law and international agreements, regulations, resolutions and solutions always top national attempts in the legal hierarchy, whereby the hierarchy in this case (UN partition plan) has contributed to escalating the conflict in the first place. Whatever pranks #45 and Netanyahu are figuring out doesn’t matter on the international level, but has caused considerable turbulences in this case. Since there are negotiators and heads of state on both sides of the parties to the dispute, who are a lot but negotiators or statesmen, the dissolution of the conflict in the next 50 years is becoming increasingly unlikely (Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2019: AIPAC, J Street support restoring Israel-Palestine peace dialogue funding, Times of Israel, 7 June 2019: AIPAC and J Street back restoring funds to Israeli-Palestinian dialogue programs, Times of Israel, 9 July 2019: Get ready for the new wave: Young, passionately Jewish — and anti-Zionist).

The Arab states have stated for some time now, that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a whole is no longer of high priority to them (Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2019: Arab League: Palestinian issue has ‘reduced’ importance). Only the free and unhindered access to the holy places of Muslims isn’t negotiable. The result is a conceivable solution scenario, which would mean the final end of the Palestinian dream of an own state (on the Palestinian part this creates “a state without a land” and on the Israeli part it creates “a state on partly stolen land”). At the same time, Israel would face the final decision of either wanting to become a Jewish or a democratic state (ask your girl friend or wife what she thinks of the concept of a “little bit pregnant” – let me guess: It will become a short and loud discussion, that you will lose (note: “happy wife, happy life!”). However, Netanyahu has already made his choice, denouncing democracy to Israel and instead opting for a Jewish theocracy: France24, 10 March 2019: Netanyahu says Israel ‘not a state of all its citizens’, Haaretz, 10 March 2019: ‘Israel Is the Nation-state of Jews Alone’: Netanyahu Responds to TV Star Who Said Arabs Are Equal Citizens and Times of Israel, 10 March 2019: Amid Likud’s ‘Bibi or Tibi’ campaign, ADL slams ‘demonization’ of Israeli Arabs), especially since both isn’t possible at the same time. The scenario outlined here will not provide peace for another few years or decades, but rather the exact opposite, especially since the Palestinians will certainly not give up their land without fights in various forms. This has already been priced-in by the Netanyahu government, especially since Israel’s prime minister has repeatedly and plainly pledged the population in recent years to “many years of struggle”.

The bottom line is that neither Israelis nor Palestinians are willing or able to make peace. It is up to the respective US presidents to enforce peace between the parties to the dispute, but no US president has dared to take that step yet. This, of course, primarily with regard to the domestic electorate (about 26% of US-Americans are Evangelicals, who are mostly voting in favor of the Republicans. Around 2% – 3% of Americans are Jews, who are mostly voting in favor of the Democrats), which is why, in the first term of office, such a step is out of the question at all and could not be implemented until the end of the second term, because then no more elections need to be won. However, it is questionable whether the successor would or could withstand the political pressure to undo the step, which would undoubtedly be built up by the Israeli side and its lobbyists in the Senate and Congress, in conjunction with the usual unsubstantiated anti-Semitism accusations, threats of all kinds, etc.

At the end of March 2018 and in the course of the so-called “March of Return” demonstrations with 120 dead and more than 2,500 injured, Hamas in the Gaza Strip has adopted a new, technically very simple but very effective tactic to attract attention. During favorable wind directions, incendiary devices are attached to stunt kites and/or balloons, which are driven by the wind towards southern Israel. During the landings, the incendiary devices causes fires in natural parks, forests and on agricultural land. Overall, the economic damage has been limited to a small, single-digit million amount so far. There was no personal injury on the Israeli side. How many Palestinians are killed and injured by Israeli snipers and air force counter attacks isn’t clear yet (i24news.tv, 16 April 2018: Firebombs tied to kites launched from Gaza spark fires in Israel near border, The New York Times, 4 May 2018: Flaming Kites From Gaza Thwarted by Winds, Haaretz, 9 July 2018: Netanyahu: Israel to Close Commercial Gaza Crossing Over Airborne Firebombs, BBC, 20 July 2018: Israel launches Gaza strikes as soldier dies from gunshot, Haaretz, 21 July 2018: Israel, Hamas Make U-turn on the Precipice With Gaza Cease-fire, B’Tselem, 15 October 2018: In 6 months of Gaza protests, Israeli forces fatally shoot 31 Palestinian minors, The Guardian, 22 January 2019: The Guardian view on Israel’s democracy: killing with impunity, lying without consequence?, Times of Israel, 23 January 2019: Israel lambasts The Guardian for accusing it of ‘killing with impunity’, The Guardian, 28 February 2019: UN says Israel’s killings at Gaza protests may amount to war crimes, Times of Israel, 28 February 2019: UN probe accuses Israel of possible crimes against humanity in Gaza border riots, Haaretz, 28 February 2019: UN Council: Israel Intentionally Shot Children and Journalists in Gaza, Times of Israel, 22 March 2019: 23 to 9, UN rights council adopts report accusing Israel of war crimes in Gaza, Times of Israel, 14 June 2019: Gazans launch dozens of fire balloons into Israel as hundreds riot on border, Jerusalem Post, 14 June 2019: Dozens of Palestinians unjured along fence, 10 fires break out along border, Times of Israel, 26 June 2019: Gaza arson balloons spark 19 blazes in south).

After so-called “secret military operations” in the West Bank had already been heavily gone wrong in recent months, the Israelis have tried it now again in the Gaza Strip. As a result, six Palestinians were killed by the attackers and one of the attackers himself. The troop withdrawal was secured by renewed bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli Air Force. It was followed by a classic: The usual whining of the Netanyahu government about that the Palestinians are fighting back, instead of simply standing still so that they can be easily shot dead. The repeatedly and with great fervor expressed irresponsibility and simplicity of the Netanyahu government is quite remarkable. At the same time, the international community was invited to join the fantasy world of the Israelis, who in turn renounced to do so (The Washington Post, 12 November 2018: Botched Israeli army operation in Gaza triggers sharp escalation in violence and The Washington Post, 6 December 2018: Resolution condemning Hamas fails at U.N. in setback for Israel and Trump administration). After all, this has first consequences now: The right-wing extremist on duty, boss of the ultra-nationalistic Yisrael Beiteinu party and Israel’s dubious Secretary of Defense, Avigdor Lieberman (leader of the radical right-wing and national party Israel Our Home (Yisrael Beiteinu) and, at the same time, representative of Russian Israelis), has resigned from his post. As a result, Netanyahu is now Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Health Minister, Minister of Aliyah and Integration and Defense Minister – as it is already known from Erdogan’s Turkish presidential system (Jerusalem Post, 11 December 2018: Netanyahu and his ministries, The Guardian, 14 November 2018: Israeli defence chief Avigdor Lieberman quits over Gaza truce and The Guardian, 18 November 2018: Netanyahu meets with coalition partner to stop government collapse). It was announced that the Minister of Education Naftali Bennett and the Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, both of the right-wing religious settler party The Jewish Home (Times of Israel, 29 December 2018: Bennett, Shaked quit Jewish Home, announce formation of ‘The New Right’), will resign from their posts on Monday, 19. November 2018. These ministries will then be transferred to Netanyahu as well (Times of Israel, 18 November 2018: TV: Jewish Home’s Bennett, Shaked will resign from government on Monday). However, with 27 active ministries and 10 inactive ministries in Israel, there is still room for improvement of his collection. After all, the announced resignations did not materialize, arguing that a successor government would then seriously work on a peace agreement with the Palestinians instead of continuing the flimsy Likud theater, in order to eventually usurp Palestine and attempting to legitimize this through the international community. A second Oslo peace process would be the ultimate nightmare of all right-wing nationalist and right-wing radical Israeli, that is, all parties involved in Netanyahu’s Likud administration. The first peace process ended in fatality for then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, when an Israeli, incited, among others by Netanyahu’s hate campaigns against Rabin and the peace process, killed Rabin after a peace rally in Tel Aviv. Since then, Israel’s right-wingers became neither more peaceful nor intelligent. One can imagine, how their trigger fingers already itch at the thought of a great statesman of the format of a Yitzhak Rabin to replace the rather simple-minded nationalist Netanyahu (The Washington Post, 19 November 2018: Netanyahu keeps coalition intact, but Hamas emerges stronger, Israel Hayom, 28 October 2019: From peace between the brave to peace between equals, Israel Hayom, 7 November 2019: Peace cannot be made with anti-Semites).

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Trump’s “Deal of the Century”
Trump’s peace plan/Deal of the Century (Proposed Israeli annexation of the West Bank): Haaretz, 20 November 2008: Netanyahu: Economics, Not Politics, Is the Key to Peace, Times of Israel: Trump Peace Plan, The New York Times, 14 May 2015: Confederation Is the Key to Mideast Peace, Times of Israel, 15 May 2019: EU to probe Palestinian textbooks for incitement to hatred, violence, The New Yorker, 9 July 2018: The Maps of Israeli Settlements That Shocked Barack Obama, Jerusalem Post, 15 September 2018: Former minister Yossi Beilin: Oslo peace process was not a failure (look, there are still some sober minds in Israel. The idea of a confederation is most likely the best of all ideas. Sure, the extremists and terrorists on both sides will still fight it (what they will do anyways, as long as they don’t get their ways: All of the land is becoming the State of Israel or the State of Palestine, and if so, then there will be terrorism to the end of all times from the respective other side), but that would be an acceptable price to pay), Carnegie Endowment, 11 December 2018: Trump’s Plan for Israel and Palestine: One More Step Away From Peace, Times of Israel, 25 Febuary 2019: Abbas urges Europeans to play greater role in peace process, recognize Palestine, Foreign Policy, 10 April 2019: Trump Must Not Let Jared Kushner’s Peace Plan See the Light of Day, Reuters, 3 May 2019: Kushner hopes Israel will look at peace plan before any West Bank moves, The Washington Institute, 10 May 2019: Jared Kushner’s Peace Plan Would Be a Disaster, BBC, 17 May 2019: US Israel-Palestinian peace plan ‘a surrender act’ – Palestinian FM, Times of Israel, 19 May 2019: US will push economic side of peace plan at late June ‘workshop’ in Bahrain, Haaretz, 19 May 2019: Trump Peace Plan Economic Component to Be Revealed in June in Bahrain, CNN, 19 May 2019: First on CNN: White House to focus on investment in Middle East as part of peace proposal, Haaretz, 19 May 2019: The Deadly Consequences of a Dead-on-arrival Trump Mideast Peace Plan, The New York Times, 19 May 2019: Trump to Open Middle East Peace Drive With Economic Incentives, The Guardian, 19 May 2019: US to hold Bahrain economic conference to launch Middle East peace plan, The Washington Post, 19 May 2019: Trump administration to release part of its Middle East peace plan in June, Times of Israel, 19 May 2019: US will push economic side of peace plan at late June ‘workshop’ in Bahrain, Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2019: Part of’Deal of the Century’ to be released on June 25 in Bahrain, Haaretz, 20 May 2019: Palestinians Say ‘Plan Won’t Lead to Peace’ After U.S. Announces Bahrain Conference, Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2019: Palestinian PM: We weren’t consulted about U.S.-led economic conference, The Guardian, 20 May 2019: Donald Trump’s peace conference will fail, Palestinians say, Times of Israel, 20 May 2019: Bahrain vows support for Palestinians after economic ‘workshop’ announced, Times of Israel, 20 May 2019: Palestinians reject US economic peace summit in Bahrain, say they won’t attend, Times of Israel, 20 May 2019: (Economic) peace is coming! 7 things to know for May 20, Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2019: Bahrain economic parley signals adjustments to US peace plan – analysis, Washington Post, 20 May 2019: Palestinian leaders say U.S. “Peace to Prosperity” summit slights them, Times of Israel, 20 May 2019: US invites Israel to Bahrain confab on Palestinians – report, Times of Israel, 21 May 2019: Failure to launch? Economic workshop signals little appetite for US peace plan, Times of Israel, 21 May 2019: Drop the cynicism. The Bahrain economic confab is a big step forward, Times of Israel, 21 May 2019: Hebron businessman with ties to settlers may be lone Palestinian at Bahrain meet, Times of Israel, 22 May 2019: UAE, Saudi Arabia to attend US economic peace confab in Bahrain, Jerusalem Post, 22 May 2019: Arab states pressuring Palestinians to attend Bahrain workshop, Haaretz, 30 May 2019: Kushner’s Awful Timing: Netanyahu’s Political Crisis Could Kill Trump’s Peace Plan, The Guardian, 30 May 2019: Political chaos in Israel deals blow to Jared Kushner’s peace plan, Haaretz, 30 May 2019: Kushner’s Awful Timing: Netanyahu’s Political Crisis Could Kill Trump’s Peace Plan, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2019: Peace proponent Susie Gelman warns Israel against Trump plan, The Washington Post, 2 June 2019: Exclusive: Pompeo delivers unfiltered view of Trump’s Middle East peace plan in off-the-record meeting, Times of Israel, 2 June 2019: In recording, skeptical Pompeo says Trump peace plan could be ‘unexecutable’, Jerusalem Post, 3 June 2019: Trump lowers expectations on Mideast peace plan, Times of Israel, 4 June 2019: Kushner heads to Brussels to brief EU officials on peace plan, CNN, 4 June 2019: Jared Kushner is profoundly clueless, Times of Israel, 6 June 2019: Israel said trying to block bipartisan Senate two-state resolution, Times of Israel, 9 June 2019: French FM: Trump peace plan ‘cannot grant serenity,’ won’t satisfy both sides, Times of Israel, 9 June 2019: Germany, Jordan say two states ‘only solution’ to Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Times of Israel, 10 June 2019: ‘Jordan, Egypt yet to reply, Israel yet to get invite, for June 25 Bahrain meet’, The Guardian, 10 June 2019: Company part-owned by Jared Kushner got $90m from unknown offshore investors since 2017, Times of Israel, 11 June 2019: US says Jordan, Egypt and Morocco to attend economic workshop in Bahrain, Palestine Cronicle, 13 June 2019: The Race to Fail Palestine: the Two-State Compromise and Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’, Times of Israel, 17 June 2019: White House confirms Israeli officials not invited to Bahrain workshop, Times of Israel, 19 June 2019: EU ‘ready to work’ with US on peace plan, as long as it aims at two states, Times of Israel, 19 June 2019: The path between the Trump peace plan and applying Israeli law to settlements, Times of Israel, 19 June 2019: A who’s who of next week’s peace summit in Bahrain, Politico.com, 20 June 2019: Iran crisis steals attention from Trump’s Israel-Palestinian peace plans, Palestine Cronicle, 21 June 2019: Forget Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’: Israel Was always on Course to Annexation, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2019: Abbas: Trump’s plan won’t pass, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2019: Saudi official says ‘Deal of the Century’ leads to full Palestinian statehood, Politico.com, 22 June 2019: White House unveils ‘economic vision’ for Palestinians in first part of peace plan, Reuters, 22 June 2019: White House’s Kushner unveils economic portion of Middle East peace plan, Times of Israel, 22 June 2019: Kushner reveals peace plan to inject $50 billion into Middle East economies, Arab News, 22 June 2019: White House’s Jared Kushner unveils economic portion of upcoming Middle East peace plan, Times of Israel, 23 June 2019: Thousands in Morocco protest US peace confab, burn Israeli flags, Haaretz, 23 June 2019: Economic Side of ‘Deal of the Century’ Holds Some Surprises, but It’s More Vision Than Blueprint, Times of Israel, 23 June 2019: Netanyahu ally rejects US-proposed West Bank-Gaza travel corridor, Palestine Cronicle, 23 June 2019: Former Mossad Chief: ‘Israel Does Not Want Peace’, Haaretz, 23 June 2019: The Billion-dollar Question in Trump’s Peace Plan, Times of Israel, 23 June 2019: A look at some of the details of the economic aspect of the Trump peace plan, The National, 23 June 2019: As Donald Trump’s peace plan teeters, the Palestinians are set for a rare boost, Times of Israel, 23 June 2019: Lebanon slams US plan, says won’t be ‘tempted’ by cash at Palestinians’ expense, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2019: Palestinian Authority: U.S. economic plan is a new Balfour Declaration, Times of Israel, 23 June 2019: Commentators in Arab world reject US economic plan for Palestinians, France24, 23 June 2019: Jared Kushner’s $50bn economic plan for Middle East criticised as a ‘non-starter’, Times of Israel, 23 June 2019: After aid cuts, US economic plan for Palestinians dismissed as detached, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2019: Saudi minister: Whatever Palestinians accept, everyone else will accept, Politico.com, 23 June 2019: ‘Snow job’: Palestinians reject economic portion of White House peace plan, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2019: Abbas: We are ready to return to the negotiating table, Haaretz, 23 June 2019: Trump’s Peace Plan: As Deep as a Beauty Pageant Speech and Twice as Vain, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2019: Palestinians launch three-day protests against Bahrain workshop, CNN, 24 June 2019: Jared Kushner, US peace team face credibility test in Bahrain, Politico.com, 24 June 2019: Trump’s Peace Plan Is Immoral, Impractical—and Could Blow Up the Middle East, The Guardian, 25 June 2019: Jared Kushner’s economic blueprint for Palestinians faces boycott and derision, Haaretz, 25 June 2019: Bahrain Debacle Marks Crash of Trump Team’s Campaign to Diss Palestinians Into Submission, France24, 25 June 2019: Low expectations as US launches Trump Middle East peace plan, Haaretz, 25 June 2019: It Won’t Bring Peace, but the Bahrain Conference Is Still Important, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: US plan will not follow lines of Arab Peace Initiative, Kushner says, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: Opening Bahrain workshop, Kushner says economic progress a precondition to peace, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: As US holds economic confab, UN chief seeks funds for Palestinian refugees, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: Marking 40 years of peace with Egypt, Rivlin urges pact with Palestinians, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: Bahrain remains committed to Palestinians, rabbi with ties to king says, France24, 25 June 2019: Palestinians ‘not willing to give up their misery’, Israeli historian says, Washington Post, 25 June 2019: Kushner presents vision of a Middle East at peace but no details how to get there, Palestine Chronicle, 25 June 2019: Deal of the Century or Eon of Disasters?, France24, 25 June 2019: Palestinians must sign on to investment programme if they want peace, Kushner says, Arab News, 26 June 2019: Oman to open embassy in Palestinian territories’ West Bank: foreign ministry, France24, 26 June 2019: Donors pledge $110 million for UN Palestinian agency shunned by US, Arab New, 26 June 2019: Why the Palestinian economy urgently needs a stimulus, Times of Israel, 26 June 2019: Investors at Bahrain workshop say peace is the missing piece in US Mideast plan, Haaretz, 26 June 2019: In Bahrain, Air of Israeli-Arab Normalization and a Message to Iran, Arab New, 26 June 2019: Kushner: Trump wants fair deal for Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 26 June 2019: Lebanese Prime Minister: We oppose U.S. plan for Mideast, Times of Israel, 26 June 2019: Bahrain FM to Times of Israel: Israel is here to stay, and we want peace with it, Reuters, 26 June 2019: IMF’s Lagarde says West Bank, Gaza growth must be focused on jobs, Haaretz, 26 June 2019: Bahrain Day 2: Kushner Says Palestinians Have No Reason Not to Trust Trump, Times of Israel, 26 June 2019: Wrapping up Bahrain summit, Kushner says door still open to Palestinians on plan, The Guardian, 26 June 2019: Jared Kushner’s ‘deal of the century’ fails to materialise in Bahrain, CNBC, 25 June 2019: ‘Waste of time’: Jared Kushner’s Bahrain summit met with skepticism, CNN, 26 June 2019: Palestinian snub of Kushner’s conference highlights failure of admin’s outreach effort, The New York Times, 26 June 2019: In Bahrain, Gaza Is Pitched as a ‘Hot I.P.O.’ Many Palestinians Aren’t Buying It., Times of Israel, 27 June 2019: Palestinians remain unsold on US peace ‘bribe’ after Bahrain meeting, Haaretz, 26 June 2019: In Bahrain, Air of Israeli-Arab Normalization and a Message to Iran, Haaretz, 26 June 2019: While U.S. Talks, Europe Pays: EU Following Bahrain Gathering With Dose of Suspicion, Palestine Chronicle, 27 June 2019: Arab-Israeli Normalization: A Desperate Attempt at Isolating Iran, Haaretz, 27 June 2019: While Jews and Arabs Mingled in Bahrain, Israelis and Palestinians Met a Thousand Miles Away, The New York Times, 28 June 2019: Jared Kushner’s Middle East Development Project, Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2019: International Consensus Has Stripped Palestinians of Their Legitimate Rights, Times of Israel, 29 June 2019: Gulf states, Israel are closer after Bahrain meet, but full ties still unlikely, Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2019: Kushner Declines to Support Palestinian Statehood, The New York Times, 29 June 2019: Palestinian Who Attended Trump-Backed Bahrain Conference Is Arrested, Times of Israel: 30 June 2019: Bahrain’s Khalifa says interviews to Israelis ‘nowhere near normalization’, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2019: Ex-Mossad chief: No peace for region on the horizon, Haaretz, 30 June 2019: U.S. Envoys Break Open Tunnel Running Under Palestinian Village in East Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2019: Palestinians on pilgrimage road inauguration: Israel falsifying history, Palestine Chronicle, 2 July 2019: Trump’s Peace Plan Has Been Designed to Fail – Exactly Like Its Predecessors, Haaretz, 3 July 2019: A Saudi’s Advice for Kushner: How Your Peace Plan Can Still Avoid Catastrophic Failure, Times of Israel, 3 July 2019: Kushner hints Palestinian refugees won’t return, says, Haaretz, 4 July 2019: Jared Kushner’s Plan for Palestine Is Even Crazier Than You Thought, Times of Israel, 5 July 2019: As Bahrain showed, even Trump’s Arab allies see two-state solution as essential, The National, 6 July 2019: Even if Benjamin Netanyahu is dethroned, the alternative is just as bleak for Palestinians, Die Zeit, 8 July 2019: Gaza Strip: Dreams Live On Behind the Fence (more than 50% of the inhabitants of Palestine (West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem) depend on the help of UNRWA, although according to international law that would be the task of the occupying power Israel. Not to mention the situation in the Gaza Strip, which is changing from a humanitarian crisis in the foreseeable future to a humanitarian catastrophe. Again, the Netanyahu government has failed completely for decades), The National, 8 July 2019: Charity connects children in blockaded Gaza with outside world, Arab News, 8 July 2019: Palestinians must be the authors of their own liberation, Times of Israel, 11 July 2019: Move over, Bahrain? Iraq signals interest in better ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 15 July 2019: Calling for two-state solution, Biden says ‘the occupation is a real problem’. How far the Trump administration has itself removed from all realities, is shown in an interview with Jason Greenblatt, Trump’s “Special Representative for International Negotiations”: PBS, 17 July 2019: Why Trump thinks this is the moment to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Times of Israel, 18 July 2019: Israel is the victim in conflict with Palestinians, says US peace envoy (it is becoming more clear by the day, that the Trump administration is completely out of touch with reality), Haaretz, 21 July 2019: Kushner, Other Senior U.S. Officials to Visit Mideast Next Week for Talks on Economic Chapter of Peace Plan, Arab News, 21 July 2019: Israeli goodwill crucial if US peace plan is to succeed, Times of Israel, 22 July 2019: Senior US team to visit Middle East for talks on Washington’s peace plan, Palestine Chronicle, 21 July 2019: Hamas: Greenblatt’s Comments Shameful and Hostile, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2019: Palestinians call for ‘blacklisting’ Arab journalists for visiting Israel, Times of Israel, 22 July 2019: Saudi blogger visiting Israel attacked by Palestinians at Temple Mount, Haaretz, 23 July 2019: U.S. Mideast Envoy: Trump Hasn’t Decided When to Release Political Part of Peace Plan, Hope He Decides Soon, Times of Israel, 23 July 2019: US peace plan won’t be based on international consensus, says envoy, Times of Israel, 23 July 2019: Greenblatt: Peace plan won’t be based on ‘fictions of international consensus’ (the international community should continue to be unimpressed by this behaviour and instead let Netanyahu and Trump run against a concrete wall), Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2019: Jared Kushner could be coming for nothing, Times of Israel, 24 July 2019: Bitter arguments in Gulf media over harassment of Saudi blogger in Jerusalem, Arab News, 24 July 2019: Israeli violence against Palestinians largely ignored in US, Palestine Chronicle, 24 July 2019: Greenblatt: Palestinian Capital in Jerusalem Is ‘Aspiration Not a Right’, Palestine News Network, 24 July 2019: Trump’s Mideast envoy under fire at UNSC for attacking intl. law on Palestine issue, Palestine Chronicle, 24 July 2019: Killing Tariq: Why We Must Rethink the Roots of Jewish Settlers Violence, Times of Israel, 25 July 2019: Abbas says Palestinians will stop implementing agreements with Israel, Haaretz, 26 July 2019: Palestinian President Declares End to All Agreements, Security Coordination With Israel, Arab News, 25 July 2019: US blocks UN rebuke of Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes, France24, 26 July 2019: Palestinians will halt all agreements with Israel, says Abbas, BBC, 26 July 2019: Abbas: Palestinians to halt agreements with Israel, The National, 26 July 2019: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to end agreements with Israel, Arab News, 27 July 2019: Palestinians ‘suspend’ agreements in response to Israeli violations, France24, 28 July 2019: US peace plan rings alarm bells in Jordan: analysts, Haaretz, 30 July 2019: Israel Approves Permits for 715 Palestinian Homes in West Bank Towns, Haaretz, 31 July 2019: Kushner to Land in Israel After Meeting Jordan’s King to Discuss Mideast Peace Plan, BBC, 31 July 2019: Israel backs West Bank homes for settlers and Palestinians, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: Meeting Kushner, Jordan king says peace plan must include Palestinian state, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: US ambassador to Israel: Trump peace plan will encourage Palestinian ‘autonomy’, Haaretz, 31 July 2019: Trump Envoy Greenblatt: Israeli-Palestinian Peace ‘Iran’s Worst Nightmare’, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: US peace envoy: Israeli-Palestinian peace is Iran’s worst nightmare (what is not mentioned here is that it would also be a nightmare for the Netanyahu government, especially since Netanyahu himself has already made it clear several times that during his reign he will absolutely not make peace with Palestine), Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: After okaying Palestinian homes, Netanyahu vows Jewish settlements are ‘forever’, Haaretz, 31 July 2019: Palestinians Don’t Need Israeli Approval to Build in West Bank, Says Abbas Spokesman, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2019: Netanyahu pledged to secure U.S. support not to evacuate settlements, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: White House denies plans for summit with Arab leaders to roll out peace plan, Arab News, 31 July 2019: Jared Kushner meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah for talks on Middle East peace plan, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: US planning to roll out peace plan at meeting with Arab leaders – report, Bloomberg, 31 July 2019: Trump to Soon Present Peace Plan to Arab Leaders, Yediot Says, Times of Israel, 1 August 2019: Former Shin Bet head warns of ‘bloodshed’ that West Bank annexation would cause, Arab News, 1 August 2019: Egypt calls for Palestinian state during Kushner visit, Palestine Chronicle, 1 August 2019: Netanyahu: Jewish Settlements to Stay Forever, Times of Israel, 3 August 2019: Palestinians prefer ‘wait-and-see’ approach to Trump peace plan — poll, Haaretz, 4 August 2019: Weapons and Ideology: Files Reveal How China Armed and Trained the Palestinians, Times of Israel, 4 August 2019: Goodbye withdrawal, hello sovereignty: The triumph of the settlers, The National, 4 August 2019: Kushner’s real purpose has little to do with a peace plan and everything to do with US domestic politics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​, Palestine Chronicle, 5 August 2019: New Trend in Israel: Military-Themed Summer Camps for Kids, Jerusalem Post, 6 August 2019: Iran increases Hamas funding in exchange for intel on Israel missiles, The National, 7 August 2019: The new US approach to the Middle East raises more questions than answers, Arab News 7 August 2019: As Palestinians become more desperate, so does their cause, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2019: EU slams West Bank settler buildings, IDF advances plans for 2,304 homes, Times of Israel, 7 August 2019: EU pans new settlement expansion, says move harms chances for peace, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2019: Two-State Index drops as tensions rise over demolitions, Times of Israel, 7 August 2019: Abbas meets with Omani delegation on opening West Bank diplomatic mission, Xinhua, 7 August 2019: Palestinian president reiterates anti-U.S. position during meeting with U.S. delegation, Times of Israel, 7 August 2019: In Ramallah, Abbas tells Congress members he won’t accept US ‘dictates’, Israel Hayom, 7 August 2019: Jews and Arabs together against the Nazis, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2019: U.S. Democrats stand and clap for Netanyahu, The National, 8 August 2019: UN and EU condemn Israel’s ‘effective annexation’ after 2,300 settlements homes approved, Haaretz, 8 August 2019: Stressing They’re Not All in the ‘AOC Camp,’ Democrats Reaffirm Support During Israel Visit, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2019: Greenblatt hits back at Germany: UN resolutions are not way to make peace, Haaretz, 9 August 2019: The Ignorance of Trump Envoy Greenblatt Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg, Israel Hayom, 9 August 2019: Time to negotiate Israel’s eastern border, Times of Israel: 10 August 2019: US peace envoy: There’s ‘no international consensus’ on Mideast conflict, Israel Hayom: 11 August 2019: Iran: ‘Deal of the century’ a crime against humanity (what is still interesting is, that the Iranian leadership is obviously far more antisemitic than the population itself (up to 50% of Iranians hold anti semitic or anti-Israel sentiments), while the Saudi Arabian leadership is less antisemitic, but over 70% of the Saudi population hold anti-semitic or anti-Israel sentiments), Times of Israel, 12 August 2019: Before elections, PM wants Trump to back Israeli sovereignty over settlements, The National, 12 August 2019: Israeli legislators urge US counterparts to oppose two-state solution, Times of Israel, 22 August 2019: As Saudi bloggers reach out to Israel, some see signals of a regional shift, NPR, 25 August 2019: As U.S. Jews Cool To Israel, Evangelicals Flock There As Tourists, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2019: PA slams U.S. for removing Palestinians from list of countries, Xinhua, 25 August 2019: Palestine slams U.S. for deleting its name from list of countries, Times of Israel, 26 August 2019: US State Department drops Palestinian territories listing from website, Times of Israel, 27 August 2019: Trump may reveal peace plan before Israeli elections, thinks deal ‘will happen’, Gallup, 27 August 2019: American Jews, Politics and Israel, The National, 4 September 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu says Trump peace plan will be released after election, Saudi Gazette, 5 September 2019: Trump’s Israeli-Palestinian peace plan architect quits, The National, 5 September 2019: Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt to leave administration, Jerusalem Post, 5 September 2019: Greenblatt’s departure and the fate of the U.S. peace plan – analysis, Times of Israel, 7 September 2019: Who is the longtime Kushner aide set to replace Trump envoy Jason Greeblatt?, Politico.com, 7 September 2019: Can Jared’s millennial ‘mini-me’ bring peace to the Middle East?, Arab News, 7 September 2019: Palestinians rejoice as US envoy quits, Times of Israel, 7 September 2019: No confidence in his own plan? The bizarre timing of Greenblatt’s departure, Palestine Chronicle, 8 September 2019: Pompeo: US Will Present ‘Peace Plan’ in Weeks, The Guardian, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex large parts of occupied West Bank, BBC, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu pledges to annex occupied Jordan Valley, CNN, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu says Israel will annex parts of West Bank, Arab News, 10 September 2019: Israel’s Netanyahu vows to annex West Bank’s Jordan Valley if re-elected, The National, 10 September 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu says he intends to annex Jordan Valley, Haaretz, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu Says Israel Will Annex Jordan Valley if Reelected, Times of Israel, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Jordan Valley vow: Harbinger of US support or indication of failure?, Arab News, 10 September 2019: Middle East peace cannot be imposed by outsiders (if you watch the film “Peace Talks – The Oslo Diaries” by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, it becomes clear how Netanyahu changed Israel during his tenures to the worse), Irish Times, 10 September 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex large parts of occupied West Bank, NPR, 11 September 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu Vows To Annex Part Of West Bank If He Wins Reelection, The Washington Post, 11 September 2019: In the Jordan Valley, Palestinians fear further displacement after Netanyahu’s annexation pledge, CNN, 11 September 2019: Netanyahu says Israel will annex parts of West Bank if he’s re-elected, Arab News, 11 September 2019: Netanyahu’s plan to annex Jordan Valley widely opposed, Amman says peace treaty could be ‘at stake’, Gulf News, 11 September 2019: UAE denounces Netanyahu’s electoral pledge to annex occupied West Bank, The National, 11 September 2019: UAE and Saudi Arabia condemn Netanyahu’s ‘dangerous escalation’ after annexation pledge, Al Arabiya, 11 September 2019: Moscow: Netanyahu’s plans could lead to ‘sharp escalation of tensions’, The Guardian, 11 September 2019: Arab leaders denounce Netanyahu’s plan to annex Palestinian territories, Haaretz, 11 September 2019: U.S. Jewish Groups Slam Netanyahu’s Vow to Annex Jordan Valley: ‘Israelis Won’t Live in Democracy’, Times of Israel, 11 September 2019: Trump said mulling easing Iran sanctions to secure Rouhani meeting, The Guardian, 11 September 2019: US Ambassador Friedman at Evangelical rally: ‘Jerusalem literally keeps us safe’“>The Guardian view on Netanyahu’s land grab: a prison, not a peace, Palestine Chronicle, 11 September 2019: Abbas Threatens to End All Agreements if Israel Annexes Palestinian Land, Haaretz, 12 September 2019: ‘Adelson to Netanyahu: I Keep Writing in Your Favor, I Lose $50m a Year, You Keep Shouting at Me’, Haaretz, 13 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Plan to Escape Trial, in His Own Words: ‘Time for Them to Be Frightened’, Jerusalem Post, 14 September 2019: U.N. agency: PA economy on brink of collapse, Haaretz, 14 September 2019: Netanyahu’s West Bank Annexation Move Illegal, European States Say, The New York Times, 14 September 2019: Netanyahu’s Fate May Depend on Israeli Arab Voters. Will They Turn Out?, Haaretz, 15 September 2019: Two Days to Election, Netanyahu Government Green Lights Legalizing Jordan Valley Outpost, Times of Israel, 16 September 2019: Netanyahu: After Jordan Valley and settlements, I’ll annex other ‘vital areas’, CNN, 15 September 2019: Netanyahu is endangering the future of a two-state solution, Arab News, 16 September 2019: Israeli PM vows to annex ‘all the settlements’ in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 16 September 2019: Netanyahu vows to annex Hebron, Kiryat Arba after election, Arab News, 17 September 2019: Europe lacks the backbone to challenge Israeli annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 17 September 2019: Apartheid Made Official: Deal of the Century is a Ploy and Annexation is the New Reality, Times of Israel, 21 September 2019: In farewell essay, Trump envoy ‘hopeful’ for peace plan, encourages compromise, Jerusalem Post, 19 September 2019: Palestinians in bid to secure renewal of UNRWA mandate, Israel Hayom, 22 September 2019: Trump’s peace deal – anything in it for Jordan?, Jerusalem Post, 23 September 2019: Leah Goldin to UNHRC: waht if this was your son? (interestingly enough, she isn’t asking her own government to give back the thousands of dead Palestinians to their families, so that they can burry their loved ones), France24, 23 September 2019: Israeli soldier’s mother asks world to help repatriate remains from Gaza, Arab News, 23 September 2019: US official meets in Lebanon over anti-Hezbollah sanctions, Haaretz, 23 September 2019: Trump Envoy Greenblatt Meets Gantz as Release of Peace Plan Remains Uncertain, Times of Israel, 24 September 2019: Israelis hold most negative view of UN in new poll of numerous countries (thanks to Netanyahu, the overwhelming majority of UN members doesn’t see Israel favorable), Times of Israel, 25 September 2019: Abbas said set to pledge Palestinian elections at United Nations assembly, Jerusalem Post, 26 September 2019: Abbas again threatens to terminate agreements with Israel, The National, 26 September 2019: With Benjamin Netanyahu cornered, Palestinians sense an opportunity, Haaretz, 26 September 2019: Abbas Says He Will Announce First Palestinian Elections Since 2006, The National, 26 September 2019: Mahmoud Abbas extends hand to Israel: be open to talks, Jerusalem Post, 27 September 2019: Jordan, Palestinians confident UNRWA’s mandate will be renewed, Israel Hayom, 27 September 2019: Should Israel invade Gaza?, Palestine Chronicle, 27 September 2019: While Israel Alters Palestine, the EU Condemns, Observes and Retreats, Arab News, 1 October 2019: Israel quietly lets in Gaza workers in bid to ease tensions, Times of Israel, 1 October 2019: Israel quietly lets in thousands of Gaza workers, in bid to ease tensions, Palestine Chronicle, 1 October 2019: Israel Completes 70% of Underground Barrier around Gaza, Arab News, 1 October 2019: Climate change highlights Israeli-Palestinian inequities, Haaretz, 1 October 2019: Outgoing IDF West Bank Commander Says Security Coordination With PA Working, for Now, DW, 2 September 2019: Palestinian ‘honor killing’ sparks outrage, calls for women’s protection (Haaretz, 23 December 2018: Israeli Government Has Long Ignored Intentional Killing of Women, Femicide Expert Says, Haaretz, 27 September 2019: ‘Free Homeland, Free Women’: Palestinians Take to the Streets to Protest Femicide, Violence against women), Al Jazeera: Palestine Remix, The Guardian, 4 October 2019: Arab wineries in Israel tell of the Palestinian struggle in each glass, Israel Hayom, 6 October 2019: Listen to Brig. Gen. Dror Shalom, Times of Israel, 7 October 2019: US Ambassador Friedman at Evangelical rally: ‘Jerusalem literally keeps us safe’, Jerusalem Post, 9 October 2019: Palestinian-Saudi soccer match “normalization” with israel – activists, Palestine Chronicle, 11 October 2019: Jewish Terrorist Involved in Duma Attack Prepares to Join Israeli Army, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2019: Putin: Russia working on a free trade zone with Israel and Egypt, favors two-state solution, Jerusalem Post, 12 October 2019: The European Union Commission’s war against Israel (very funny headline. There is no “war” of the EU Commission against Israel at all. While the whole article is just another fine example of pure anti-EU hate that is permanently coming from Israel, it is just another fine example for why Israel can’t become a EU member state), Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2019: U.S., German Jews oppose Herzl award to Merkel due to anti-Israel activity (interesting. Because Merkel is supporting Israel but understandably not so much the “Crime Minister” and his right-wing (extremist) Likud, she shall not receive the Herzl award, a prize giving to those, who “act to promote Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl‘s ideas for the creation of a safer and more tolerant world for Jews.” Merkel is doing just that, and in doing so, the exact opposite of what Netanyahu and the Likud are up to – Israel Hayom, 7 October 2019: German Jews blast WJC’s decision to give Merkel the Herzl Award, Jerusalem Post, 2 November 2019: Angela Merkel deserved the WJC award and here’s why), Al Arabiya, 12 October 2019: Palestinians face major obstacles to hold first legislative elections since 2006, Arab News, 17 October 2019: Saudi Arabia and Palestinians agree to establish economic committee, joint business council, Times of Israel, 17 October 2019: Thousands of pro-Israel marchers from dozens of countries gather in Jerusalem (Sukkot), Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2019: US peace team to visit Israel by end of month, Israel Hayom, 16 October 2019: ‘PA elections will result in Hamas taking over the West Bank’, Israel Hayom, 18 October 2019: From Congress to classrooms: Reframing the Israel narrative, Israel Hayom, 18 October 2019: ‘Israel doesn’t need any outsider to tell it what to do’, Times of Israel, 27 October 2019: J Street launches bid to push anti-occupation stance in DNC platform, Times of Israel, 28 October 2019: Biden says Kushner has no ‘credentials’ to be drafting Middle East peace plans, Palestine Chronicle, 28 October 2019: Far from Being ‘Inhumane’, as US Ambassador Claims, Evicting Settlers is One Form of Justice, Times of Israel, 28 October 2019: Democratic hopeful Sanders urges giving chunk of US military aid to Gaza instead, Haaretz, 28 October 2019: International Monetary Fund Report Inadvertently Debunks Myth of Economic Peace in Mideast, Jerusalem Post, 30 October 2019: Arab nations reject any Trump Israeli-Palestinian plan not on ’67 line, Times of Israel, 31 October 2019: To push aliyah, the Absorption Ministry is making up fake immigrants, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2019: Israel approves more than 2,300 settler homes: NGO (even more illegal Israeli settlements. Netanyahu clearly isn’t interested in peace with the Palestine at all), Times of Israel, 1 November 2019: Israel advances 2,342 settler homes, capping off record year under Trump, The Guardian, 2 November 2019: Palestinian killed in Israeli air strikes on ‘wide range’ of Hamas targets, Arab News, 2 November 2019: Israeli retaliatory airstrikes kill Palestinian, wounds 2, Times of Israel, 1 November 2019: Biden: ‘Outrageous’ to leverage aid to Israel against settlement expansion, Haaretz, 3 November 2019: A Proxy Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Is Playing Out Thousands of Miles Away — in Northern Ireland, Arab News, 5 November 2019: EU condemns new burst of Israeli settlement approvals, Haaretz, 6 November 2019: By Expelling Human Rights Watch Director, Israel’s Top Court Legitimizes the Occupation, Haaretz, 9 November 2019: Violent Israeli Soldiers Strike Again. They Are Embraced, Again, Haaretz, 11 November 2019: Israeli Provocations in East Jerusalem’s Isawiyah, Times of Israel, 11 November 2019: Abbas says Palestinians slapped Washington in the face over peace plan, Haaretz, 11 November 2019: Instead of Quelling Violence in East Jerusalem, Israel Police Just Inflamed It, The Guardian, 12 November 2019: Israel strikes at Islamic Jihad commanders, sparking reprisal rockets, France24, 12 November 2019: Israel kills Palestinian militant commander in Gaza strike, Times of Israel, 12 November 2019: EU condemns ‘utterly unacceptable’ Gaza rocket fire on Israeli civilians, Haaretz, 12 November 2019: Sunny With a Chance of Rockets: No Casualties but Plenty of Confused Tourists in Tel Aviv, Times of Israel, 12 November 2019: IDF girds for several days of fighting after 150 rockets fired at Israel, BBC, 12 November 2019: Israel-Gaza violence spirals after killing of top Palestinian militant, CNN, 12 November 2019: Islamic Jihad leader killed in Israeli air strike, France24, 12 November 2019: Scores of rockets rain from Gaza after Israel kills Islamic Jihad chief, Arab News, 12 November 2019: Tension builds in Gaza after Israeli airstrikes kill commander, NPR, 12 November 2019: Rockets Rain On Gaza And Israel After Airstrike Kills Militant Leader, Arab News, 12 November 2019: Israel allowing fanatical settlers to terrorize Palestinians, Saudi Gazette, 12 November 2019: Rocket fire after Israel kills Palestinian militant commander in Gaza strike, Palestine Chronicle, 12 November 2019: New Israeli Aggression on Gaza: Over 20 Palestinians Killed, France24, 13 November 2019: Deadly Israel-Gaza escalation rages for second day, CNN, 13 November 2019: Israel’s military campaign against Islamic Jihad enters second day, UN condemns rocket attacks, The Guardian, 13 November 2019: Gaza death toll rises to 21 as Israel confronts militant rocket fire, Arab News, 13 November 2019: Gaza death toll reaches 23 in second day of escalation, Haaretz, 13 November 2019: Israel Says Killed 20 Gaza Militants; Egyptian Official Confirms Cease-fire Talks, Times of Israel, 13 November 2019: Rocket barrages target Ashdod, Ashkelon amid reports of ceasefire efforts, France24, 14 November 2019: Islamic Jihad offers Egypt-brokered Israel truce as Gaza toll mounts, BBC, 14 November 2019: Israel-Gaza ‘ceasefire begins’ after two days of fighting, The Guardian, 14 November 2019: Gaza attacks: tentative truce after Israel strike kills eight Palestinian family members, CNN, 14 November 2019: Netanyahu could emerge as the real winner in the latest Gaza flare-up, France24, 15 November 2019: Gaza truce shaky as Islamic Jihad and Israel disagree on terms, France24, 16 November 2019: Israel launches fresh strikes against Gaza after rocket fire, The Guardian, 16 November 2019: Israel targets Hamas in fresh strikes on Gaza, Gulf Times, 16 November 2019: Palestinian rockets, Israeli airstrikes jolt tenuous Gaza truce, Haaretz, 16 November 2019: Islamic Jihad Has Long-range Rockets. Hamas Has Long-term Goals, Times of Israel, 16 November 2019: Blamed for Beersheba rocket fire, Hamas says Israel ‘won’t choose timing’ of ops, Gulf Times, 16 November 2019: UN demands swift Israeli probe into deaths of family of eight in Gaza strike, Jerusalem Post, 16 November 2019: UN Fourth Committee votes to extend UNRWA’s mandate, Israel Hayom, 17 November 2019: Why the status quo is the least bad option for Palestinians, The National, 17 November 2019: Air strikes and rockets rattle fragile Gaza ceasefire, Haaretz, 17 November 2019: No One in Israel Knew They Were Committing a Massacre, and They Didn’t Care, Times of Israel, 17 November 2019: Trump said ‘frustrated’ with Netanyahu as deadlock delays peace plan, CNN, 18 November 2019: Pompeo announces reversal of longstanding US policy on Israeli settlements (as if the Trump administration would care about Israel or Palestine! It’s all about Trump’s re-election in 2020 and the dearly needed support by the US Evangelicals, hard core supporters of the illegal Israeli settlements in Syria and Palestine. If Trump isn’t abel to secure their full support, he will be done. Trying to whitewash the illegal settlements is a big step into this direction), The Guardian, 18 November 2019: US says Israeli settlements no longer considered illegal in dramatic shift, BBC, 18 November 2019: US says Israeli settlements are no longer illegal, France24, 18 November 2019: In new pro-Israel shift, US no longer calls settlements illegal (this accelerates the erosion of the Jewish State of Israel to the Jewish Theocracy of Israel again considerably. Another not to be underestimated aspect is the one-sided alignment of Israel by Netanyahu to Trump’s U.S., the Republicans and evangelicals, while at the same time, clearly abandoning the relations the liberal forces in North America and Western Europe. So far, Israel is slowly, yet identifiably, following the same path that other U.S. insular areas have gone before: still kind of nice, but increasingly irrelevant – both, on the political and economic level, as the decisions that are important to Israel appear to be made in and by Washington, D.C. Maybe that’s exactly the intention behind it. Who knows. It is funny, after all, that now proponents of the US approach actually cite the Old Testament as alleged “proof” for the legitimacy of illegal settlements. If this does not work, surely there will be something similar useful from Baron Munchhausen, the Brothers Grimm, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck or the Muppet Show. International law seems to be completely unknown to some people. But at least it makes clearer where this backwoods “eye for an eye” mentality is coming from), The National, 18 November 2019: US declares Israeli settlements in West Bank are ‘legal’, The New York Times, 18 November 2019: Are West Bank Settlements Illegal? Who Decides?, Politico.com, 18 November 2019: Pompeo bends toward Israel with new U.S. stance toward settlements, Arab News, 18 November 2019: US declares Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land ‘consistent’ with international law, Haaretz, 18 November 2019: After Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, the Latest Trump Statement Isn’t Going to Make Settlements Legal, Los Angeles Times, 18 November 2019: Trump stupidly erases 40 years of U.S. opposition to Israeli West Bank settlements, The Guardian, 19 November 2019: ‘An extremely big present’: Israeli settlers welcome US policy shift (Revisionist Zionism, Kahanism), Times of Israel, 19 November 2019: Budapest blocks joint EU statement condemning US shift on settlements (sure does Hungary block it, as Orabn is as Xenophobe and Islamophobe as Netanyahu is: “birds of the same feather flock together!”), France24, 19 November 2019: In Israeli settlement, bottles uncorked to toast Trump decision, Reuters, 19 November 2019: U.S. support for Israeli settlements renews focus on core issue in Mideast conflict, Times of Israel, 19 November 2019: Russia, Turkey reject US reversal of settlements stance, The Guardian, 19 November 2019: Trump is systematically ending the viability of a future Palestinian state, Times of Israel, 19 November 2019: Leading Democratic presidential candidates denounce US settlement decision, Palestine Chronicle, 19 November 2019: Palestine Calls for Arab League Emergency Meeting over US Position on Settlements, Politico.eu, 19 November 2019: EU holds firm on West Bank settlements as US eases stance, Times of Israel, 19 November 2019: UN dismisses US policy change, says Israeli settlements still illegal, The Guardian, 19 November 2019: The Guardian view on Israeli settlements: still illegal, The National, 19 November 2019: US settlement decision a ‘licence to kill’ Palestinian hopes of statehood, The New York Times, 19 November 2019: On West Bank, No One Rests Easy, No Matter What U. S. Says About Settlements, NPR, 19 November 2019: U.S. Policy On Israeli Settlements In The West Bank Is Loosened, The Washington Post, 20 November 2019: America is now implicitly endorsing a one-state solution, Palestine Chronicle, 22 November 2019: Jewish Settlers Torch Palestinian Cars in Occupied West Bank, Times of Israel, 23 November 2019: 100 Democratic House members decry White House’s softened stance on settlements, Arab News, 23 November 2019: Gaza remains the litmus test for Israeli-Palestinians relations, Palestine Chronicle, 23 November 2019: Jewish Settlers Attack, Injure Civilians in Hebron City, Arab News, 25 November 2019: Arab League rejects American decision on Israeli settlements, Arab News, 25 November 2019: Israel expels Human Rights Watch official over boycott accusations, Arab News, 26 November 2019: US a mere rubber stamp for Israel’s policies on Palestine, Times of Israel, 26 November 2019: Palestinians clash with IDF during ‘day of rage’ over US settlement change, Haaretz, 26 November 2019: Palestinians Report Dozens Wounded in ‘Day of Rage’ Over U.S. Recognition of Israeli Settlements, Times of Israel, 26 November 2019: 2 rockets fired at southern Israel from Gaza as Palestinians mark ‘Day of Rage’, Haaretz, 28 November 2019: The Israeli Army’s Excuses Won’t Help. Only War Criminals Kill Nine Innocent Civilians in Their Sleep, Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu to approve NIS 40m. budget for West Bank, Jordan Valley, Times of Israel, 28 November 2019: Likud MK proposes bill to outlaw UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Gulf Times, 29 November 2019: Israeli troops kill Palestinian near Gaza security fence, Haaretz, 29 November 2019: Kushner’s New Priorities: Middle East Peace Out, Border Wall In, The National, 30 November 2019: Airstrikes and rockets after Palestinian teen shot dead at Gaza fence protest, Haaretz, 29 November 2019: New Israeli Bypass Will Bring Settlement Closer to Jerusalem and Hurt Palestinian Farmers, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2019: Naftali Bennett approves new Jewish neighborhood in Hebron (the infinite story of illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine goes on and on and on), Times of Israel, 1 December 2019: Defense minister green-lights new Jewish neighborhood in Hebron, Arab News, 1 December 2019: Israel planning new settlement in heart of Hebron, The National, 1 December 2019: Israel minister’s plans for Hebron settlement ‘result of US policy’ says Palestinian official, The National, 3 December 2019: Palestinian losses from occupation near $50bn, Times of Israel, 3 December 2019: Israel to UN: Jews forced out of Arab, Muslim lands should be seen as refugees (comparing the numbers between Danon’s so-called “Jewish refugees” and the Israeli settlers in the illegal settlements in Palestinian’s West Bank and East Jerusalem and Syrian’s Golan Heights, will soon see Danon’s resolution proposal hit the wall. Jews were expelled from Arab countries, after they started their terror attacks on Palestinians, forcing them to leave the Palestinian homeland, to form the artifical State of Israel in and after 1948), Haaretz, 3 December 2019: For Hebron Settlers, New Neighborhood Announced by Israel Is Only the Beginning, Times of Israel, 3 December 2019: Israeli officials said to warn Jordan Valley annexation would imperil Amman ties, Haaretz, 3 December 2019: These Settlers Got Expropriated Palestinian Plot From the State. Now They Rent It to Jerusalem’s Municipality at a Profit, Haaretz, 5 December 2019: Can Europe Overcome Its Paralysis on Palestine?, Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2019: ICC Prosecutor concerned about possible annexation of Jordan Valley, Haaretz, 5 December 2019: ICC Prosecutor ‘Concerned’ About Israeli Proposals to Annex Jordan Valley, Jerusalem Post, 6 December 2019: 147 nations call to halt ‘aid’ to Israeli settlements, Times of Israel, 6 December 2019: In rebuke to Trump and Netanyahu, US House passes resolution supporting 2 states, CNN, 7 December 2019: Trump delivered a fatal blow to peace in the Holy Land, Arab News, 7 December 2019: Palestinian and Israeli youth see a future without strife, Haaretz, 7 December 2019: U.S. State Department Denies Netanyahu’s Claim He Discussed Jordan Valley Annexation With Pompeo, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2019: Palestinian Authority welcomes House resolution backing two-state solution, Haaretz, 7 December 2019: House Resolution on Annexation Is a Wake-up Call for Israel and Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2019: Palestinian Authority welcomes House resolution backing two-state solution, The Washington Post, 8 December 2019: Trump touts accomplishments in address meant to woo Jewish voters and bolster support in Florida, The National, 8 December 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu reveals annexation plan for West Bank settlements, Haaretz, 8 December 2019: Israel Threatens Hebron Municipality: Consent to New Jewish Neighborhood, or Lose Property Rights, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2019: Luxembourg urges EU to recognize Palestinian state, Times of Israel, 9 December 2019: Luxembourg said pushing for EU states to recognize Palestine, Haaetz, 9 December 2019: West Bank Annexation Indefensible at International Criminal Court, Top Legal Adviser Warns Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 9 December 2019: Hebron Palestinians go on strike, clash with troops to protest settlement plan, Israel Hayom, 11 December 2019: European Union to discuss recognition of Palestinian state, France24, 12 December 2019: UN envoy: ‘We are always no more than two, three days away from war in Gaza’, Arab News, 12 December 2019: Israel bars Gaza’s Christians from visiting Bethlehem and Jerusalem at Christmas, Israel Hayom, 12 December 2019: The new EU push for Palestinian statehood, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2019: UN votes to extend UNRWA’s mandate until 2023, Haaretz, 14 December 2019: Israel Bars Gaza’s Christians From Visiting Bethlehem, Jerusalem for Christmas, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2019: EU and Germany pledge additional funding to UNRWA, The National, 15 December 2019: This Christmas, Santa is barred from the blockaded Gaza Strip, Haaretz, 15 December 2019: Israeli Hate Crimes Against Palestinians Were Fewer, but More Brazen in 2019, Times Of Israel, 15 December 2019: Hate crimes against Palestinians down in 2019, but perpetrators becoming bolder, Arab News, 16 December 2019: The UN resolution that paved the road for West Bank annexation, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2019: Canada stands with Palestinians, refusing to change UNGA vote, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2019: US pushes back at UNSC’s stance on illegality of West Bank settlements, Jerusalem Post, 20 December 2019: Palestinians can claim restitution for ‘occupation,’ 160 UN nations say, Times of Israel, 24 December 2019: Jordan Valley annexation said in ‘deep freeze’ due to international court probe, Al Arabiya, 24 December 2019: Israel announces restoring Gaza maritime fishing zone, Jerusalem Post, 24 December 2019: Settler leader asks Netanyahu to clarify annexation work is not frozen, Times of Israel, 24 December 2019: Report: UN anti-racism panel to probe claims of Israeli apartheid in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2019: Netanyahu announces 3,000 new units to be built in West Bank settlements, France24, 26 December 2019: Gaza protests against Israel suspended for 3 months: organisers, Times of Israel, 26 December 2019: Gaza groups say border protests to stop until March, resume infrequently in 2020, Arab News, 27 December 2019: Hundreds join final Gaza-Israel border protests for three months, Times of Israel, 27 December 2019: EU, including Germany’s Merkel, pressures Palestinians to hold elections (they could handle it like the Israelis: Vote and vote and vote .. while still not having a legitimate government. How about that?), The Guardian, 28 December 2019: By 2020, the UN said Gaza would be unliveable. Did it turn out that way?, The National, 29 December 2019: The US is to blame for its foreign policy paralysis over the past decade, Arab News, 6 January 2020: Palestinians face mounting barriers to peaceful protest, Arab News, 6 January 2020: Israel approves more than 1,900 new settler homes: NGO, Jerusalem Post, 8 January 2020: Bennett: Area C of West Bank belongs to us, we’re waging a battle for it, Reuters, 8 January 2020: Pompeo says U.S. support for Israeli settlements advances peace with Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 8 January 2020: Pompeo ‘disavows’ Carter-era anti-settlement policy, Israel Hayom, 8 January 2020: Pompeo: US support for Israeli settlements advances peace with Palestinians, Palestine Chronicle, 8 January 2020: ‘Balanced and Sober’: Israel’s Policy Forum Celebrates the ‘Pompeo Doctrine’ (VIDEOS), Palestine Chronicle, 11 January 2020: Outrage as US Game Show Jeopardy Decides Bethlehem is an Israeli City (VIDEO), Arab News, 12 January 2020: The Israelization of US foreign policy, Times of Israel, 12 January 2020: Israel is on precipice of losing option of two-state solution, say US advisers, Arab News, 13 January 2020: The misery of Palestinians’ life in Israel’s firing line, Times of Israel, 14 January 2020: Trump’s ex-Mideast envoy isn’t sure Israelis and Palestinians ready for peace, Times of Israel, 14 January 2020: EU expresses concern over violence in East Jerusalem’s Issawiya, Haaretz, 15 January 2016: Israeli Defense Chief Approves Using West Bank Nature Reserves to ‘Develop Jewish Settlement’, Times of Israel, 15 January 2020: Gaza theme park’s new train ride simulates the ‘return’ journey to Jerusalem, Haaretz, 16 January 2020: U.S. Lobbies Foreign Parliaments to Undermine Aid to Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA Chief Charges, The Guardian, 19 January 2020: The EU has a duty to recognise the state of Palestine, Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2020: As world leaders flock to Jerusalem, Palestinians feel let down, Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2020: The team behind the US ‘Deal of the Century’ is heading to Israel, Middle East Eye, 23 January 2020: Trump to announce details of ‘deal of the century’ before Israeli leaders’ visit, Jerusalem Post, 23 January 2020: Palestinian Authority warns Israel, US ‘not to cross the red lines’, Times of Israel, 24 January 2020: Trump says he’ll likely release plan before Tuesday meet with Netanyahu, Gantz, Arab News, 24 January 2020: Trump: Mideast peace plan likely rolled out in days, Haaretz, 24 January 2020: Trump’s Peace Deal Could Be a Green Light for Israel’s Annexation Plan, Times of Israel, 24 January 2020: Poll: Only a third of Israelis support unilateral annexation of Jordan Valley, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2020: Europe thinks Trump’s plan doomed to fail, but will not present alternatives for now, The Guardian, 24 January 2020: Prince Charles wishes Palestinians ‘freedom, justice and equality’, Israel Hayom, 24 January 2020: ‘These are historical days – Israel’s borders may change’, Palestine Chronicle, 24 January 2020: Trump to Unveil Deal of the Century ahead of Israeli Leaders’ Visit, Israel Hayom, 24 January 2020: For Israel, now is the time for strategic initiatives, The National, 24 January 2020: Britain’s Prince Charles hails ‘warmth of Palestinian people’ during West Bank visit, Times of Israel, 26 January 2020: Trump plan would see Palestinian state on up to 70% of West Bank, reports say, Haaretz, 26 January 2020: Annexation for Dummies: Making Sense of Netanyahu and Gantz’s Declarations, Times of Israel, 27 January 2020: Jordanian king expresses reservations over Trump peace plan, Haaretz, 27 January 2020: Abbas Refuses Trump Call as Palestinian Leaders Rage Over Peace Deal, The Guardian, 27 January 2020: Trump to meet Israeli leaders as doubts over ‘peace plan’ grow, The New York Times, 27 January 2020: Mideast Peace Plan to be Released on Tuesday, Trump Says, Haaretz, 27 January 2020: Trump’s Peace Plan: What to Look Out for When the Deal Is Unveiled, Arab News, 27 January 2020: Israel should tread carefully when it comes to annexation, The National, 27 January 2020: Trump to unveil Middle East peace plan despite Palestinian rejection, Al Arabiya, 27 January 2020: Trump says to release Middle East peace plan on Tuesday, Times of Israel, 27 January 2020: Abbas calls emergency meeting as PA urges Arabs to boycott peace plan launch, Palestine Chronicle, 27 January 2020: Palestinian Leaders Call for Unity, Dialogue, in Response to Deal of the Century Announcement, BBC, 27 January 2020: Trump peace plan: High stakes and low chances (Jordan Valley), The New York Times, 28 January 2020: Trump Releases Mideast Peace Plan That Strongly Favors Israel, NPR, 28 January 2020: Trump Says His Mideast Peace Plan Provides A ‘Realistic Two-State Solution’, France24, 28 January 2020: Trump to unveil Middle East peace plan despite accusations of pro-Israel bias, The Washington Post, 28 January 2020: Trump’s Middle East peace plan expected to offer Palestinians conditional statehood, CNN, 28 January 2020: Trump unveils Middle East plan that caters to Israel and was swiftly rejected by Palestinians, The Guardian, 28 January 2020: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan with no Palestinian support, France24, 28 January 2020: Trump’s US Middle East peace plan delights Israelis, enrages Palestinians, Times of Israel, 28 January 2020: Trump plan offers Palestinians only ‘conditional sovereignty’ – report, The National, 28 January 2020: Trump unveils Middle East peace plan that favours Israel, Haaretz, 28 January 2020: Evangelicals, Settlers Anxiously Wait to Show Trump and Netanyahu Who’s Boss, Al Arabiya, 28 January 2020: Palestinians skeptical of Trump’s Middle East peace plan, The New York Times, 28 January 2020: Trump Plan’s First Result: Israel Will Claim Sovereignty Over Part of West Bank (the plan clearly reminds of the so-called Lebensraum principle), Palestine Chronicle, 28 January 2020: ‘There Shall Be No Right of Return’: What You Need to Know about Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’, Haaretz, 28 January 2020: What Israel and Palestine Will Look Like According to Trump’s Plan: Full Text, Palestine Chronicle, 28 January 2020: Israel Seizes Hundreds of Dunams of Palestinian Land in Hebron, Al Arabiya, 28 January 2020: Trump unveils ‘Deal of the Century’ Middle East peace plan, Politico.eu, 28 January 2020: Trump unveils longshot Middle East peace plan with path to Palestinian statehood, The Washington Post, 29 January 2020: Trump announces long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace package amid doubts it will lead to progress, Gulf Times, 29 January 2020: Trump’s Mideast peace plan draws criticism, The National, 29 January 2020: Palestine-Israel peace plan: latest updates and reaction after Donald Trump unveils details, Arab News, 29 January 2020: Trump plan calls for Palestinian state with capital in eastern Jerusalem, The Washington Post, 29 January 2020: Trump’s ‘deal of the century’ is no deal at all, Times of Israel, 29 January 2020: Trump plan won’t bring peace, helps Netanyahu, raises risk of binational state, Gulf Times, 29 January 2020: Arab League to hold urgent meeting on Trump’s Mideast plan, Vanity Fair, 29 January 2020: Jared Kushner: Palestinians have never done anything right in their sad, pathetic lives, Haaretz, 29 January 2020: Annexation Already Happened. What’s New Is the Right’s Readiness to Give Up the Rest of the West Bank, Times of Israel, 29 January 2020: Despite Trump deal’s nod to 2-state solution, there’s no Palestine on horizon, BBC, 29 January 2020: Trump Middle East plan: Palestinians reject ‘conspiracy’, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2020: Ten things about the borders, bridges and tunnels of the Trump peace plan, The Guardian, 29 January 2020: ‘We will never be Jerusalem’: Abu Dis pours scorn on Trump plan, Times of Israel, 29 January 2020: Can an interim cabinet that can’t fund daycare annex the West Bank? Probably not, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2020: Can Israel legally implement the ‘Deal of the Century?’ (first of all, it can be said that the “Deal of the Century” has turned out to be what one can basically expect from almost all of Trump’s announcements: a lot of hot air or in American “dead on arrival”. The effect will be the opposite to what the title promises. The only thing that is clear about the plan so far is that it partially violates international law and, if implemented, would have to trigger international sanctions comparable to those for the annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea by Russia or the annexation of the north of Cyprus by Turkey. These incomprehensibly did not appear when the Syrian Golan Heights were annexed. So what should Israel be afraid of if it annexes East Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley as well?), Palestine Chronicle, 29 January 2020: Kushner: Palestinians Should Accept ‘Full Package’, Give up ‘Fairy Tales’ (VIDEO), Haaretz, 29 January 2020: Trump’s Plan Calls for ‘Sensitivity’ in Jerusalem. Then Takes a Hammer to It, Palestine Chronicle, 29 January 2020: Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’ won’t Bring Peace – That was the Plan, DW, 29 January 2020: Germany, Europe react to Trump’s Middle East peace plan, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2020: Arab Israelis reject Trump’s ‘transfer’ plan, Palestine Chronicle, 29 January 2020: Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’: Another Round of Apartheid Crumbs, The Guardian, 30 January 2020: Trump’s ‘peace’ deal flagrantly tramples on Palestinian rights and freedoms, Haaretz, 30 January 2020: Trump’s ‘al-Aqua Mosque’ Plan Leaves Palestinians With Nothing More to Lose, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2020: Trump’s peace plan has 99 problems, but the tunnel ain’t one of them, Times of Israel, 30 January 2020: US envoy tells Jewish leaders a Palestinian state won’t happen in near future, Haaretz, 30 January 2020: Senior Defense Officials Warn Annexation Would Endanger Israel’s Peace With Jordan, Times of Israel, 30 January 2020: The winners and losers of Trump’s Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, The Guardian, 30 January 2020: No deal: why Trump’s plan for Palestine will only create more conflict, Arab News, 31 January 2020: Palestinians protest Trump plan, Gaza militants fire rockets, The National, 31 January 2020: Britain ‘concerned’ about rumours of Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank, Al Arabiya, 31 January 2020: Experts warn against impending Israeli annexation of West Bank settlements, Haaretz, 31 January 2020: Secret Israeli Document Reveals Plan to Keep Arabs Off Their Lands, Haaretz, 31 January 2020: How Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’ Became the Joke of the Century, Times of Israel, 31 January 2020: Britain cautions Israel against advancing West Bank annexation, Times of Israel, 31 January 2020: UN official: Palestinians in ‘shock’ over peace plan; violence may escalate, Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2020: Abbas: Palestinians will cut all ties with Israel, US, Haaretz, 1 February 2020: Abbas Says Will Cut Security Ties With U.S., Israel, as Arab League Rejects Trump Plan (Trump and Netanyahu again screwed up thoroughly. On the other hand, the far right has never been able to develop constructive or even working plans, why should it be different here?), Palestine Chronicle, 1 February 2020: Abbas Says All Ties with US, Israel Officially Cut, Including ‘Security Coordination’ (VIDEO), Times of Israel, 1 February 2020: Backing Abbas, Arab League unanimously rejects Trump’s Middle East peace plan, Haaretz, 1 February 2020: The Trump Plan’s Vision for the Palestinians: Israel’s Security Slave, The National, 1 February 2020: US-Israel peace plan: Palestinians should abandon posturing and think tactically, Gulf Times, 1 February 2020: Thousands in Jordan protest US peace plan, Al Arabiya, 2 February 2020: Israeli-Palestinian talks have been a triumph of form over content, The National, 2 February 2020: Thousands of Arabs protest in Israel against Trump peace plan, Times of Israel, 2 February 2020: Protesters outside US Embassy in Lebanon decry Trump plan, Times of Israel, 2 February 2020: Abbas believes Trump ‘knows nothing’ about US plan he unveiled to solve conflict, Haaretz, 3 February 2020: How the Arabs Have Betrayed Palestine – Again, Times of Israel, 3 February 2020: EU top diplomat holds talks in Iran ‘to de-escalate tensions’, Times of Israel, 4 February 2020: Trump’s peace plan won’t work. But it could bolster Arab-Israeli ties., DW, 4 February 2020: EU slams Trump’s Middle East peace plan, Politico.eu, 4 February 2020: Borrell backs Iran deal, trashes Trump’s Middle East peace plan, France, 4 February 2020: Guterres: UN safeguards international law in Mideast, Arab News, 4 February 2020: Guterres: UN safeguards international law in Mideast, Haaretz, 4 February 2020: EU: Israeli Steps Toward West Bank Annexation Would ‘Not Pass Unchallenged’, Times of Israel, 4 February 2020: 6 countries block EU resolution that would have condemned Trump plan, annexation, Arab News, 4 February 2020: EU rejects Trump Mideast plan amid annexation concerns, Israel Hayom, 4 February 2020: Israel warns EU its biased rhetoric will ‘minimize’ its role in any peace process (of course Netanyahu is upset about the EU statement, especially since Trump, as one accomplice to the planned breach of international law only, will not be enough to activate international support for Netanyahu’s confused plans, and that’s a good thing for the world, not so much for Netanyahu), Haaretz, 4 February 2020: How Trump’s Mideast Plan Is Angering Both Annexationists and Peaceniks, The National, 5 February 2020: EU condemns Trump Middle East peace plan amid annexation concerns, The Guardian, 5 February 2020: Netanyahu backtracks on Israeli plan for swift Palestinian land grab, Haaretz, 6 February 2020: Trump’s Plan Vows to Shower Mideast With Billions of Dollars. But Where Will They Come From?, CNN, 6 February 2020: Three Palestinians killed, 12 Israeli soldiers hurt in 24 hours of violence, Times of Israel, 6 February 2020: Abbas blames rash of attacks on Trump peace plan; Hamas praises ‘revolution’, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2020: What did Trump expect from the Palestinian street? – analysis, Haaretz, 6 February 2020: Ex-PM Olmert and Abbas to Declare Opposition to Trump’s Mideast Plan, UN Envoy Says, Times of Israel, 6 February 2020: Olmert to join Abbas in US press conference next week, Palestinian envoy says, The National, 7 February 2020: Palestinians hit back at Jared Kushner’s remarks on inciting violence, Arab News, 7 February 2020: Palestinian leaders hit back at Kushner claims Palestine to blame for West Bank violence, Times of Israel, 7 February 2020: Jewish Democrats spearhead letter to Trump blasting peace plan, Gulf Times, 8 February 2020: Qatar stresses Arab stance rejecting US peace plan, Reuters, 8 February 2020: Israel drawing up map for West Bank annexations: Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 8 February 2020: Israel begins mapping out West Bank land for annexation after election, Times of Israel, 8 February 2020: Netanyahu says Israel has started mapping West Bank areas to annex (after the implementation of the annexation plans, 50% of the state of Israel will be located on illegally acquired land (permanent thefts of Palestinian land by Israeli settlers, each subsequently legitimized by the Israeli state within the framework of very questionable legislation; annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights, the Palestinian East Jerusalem and large parts of the Palestinian West Bank). International sanctions to correct these untenable conditions would fail due to opposition from the Trump administration, which is extremely dependent on the votes of the evangelicals. It will have to be seen what viable countermeasures the international community will take instead. In any case, it will have a high price for Israel. Another point here is astonishing to absurd: Israel explicitly refers to a religious “fairy tale book” in the annexation plans (while omitting the fact that the Israelite tribes were non-settled nomads without a settlement area. On the other hand, facts, of course, only interfere in a conflict dripping with ideologies and religious zeal), because the state of course knows that there is absolutely no factual legal basis for the permanent illegal land grabbing, but at the same time accuses neighboring countries of religious zeal. That is probably the real meaning of “double standard”), Arab News, 9 February 2020: Israel blocks Palestinian export in escalating trade crisis, Israel Hayom, 9 February 2020: The sovereignty dilemma, Arab News, 10 February 2020: Palestinians can only negotiate with Israel with Arab support, France24, 11 February 2020: Abbas blasts Trump’s ‘Swiss cheese’ plan for Palestine in UN speech, Arab News, 11 February 2020: Arabs and Muslims must stand up for Palestine, Palestine Chronicle, 11 February 2020: Abbas is a Mouthpiece for International Impositions on Palestine, The National, 11 February 2020: Mahmoud Abbas rejects Trump peace plan and begs UN not to take away ‘hope’ from Palestinians, Arab News, 11 February 2020: Trump deal makes ‘Swiss cheese’ of Palestinian territory, Abbas tells UN Security Council, France24, 11 February 2020: Boxed in by US and Israel, an ailing Abbas takes defiant stance against Trump peace plan, Palestine Chronicle, 12 February 2020: Leftist EU Lawmakers Demand Concrete Action in Palestine, Haaretz, 13 February 2020: Israel Prohibits Palestinians From Working Land, Citing British Mandate Ruling, DW, 14 February 2020: Top EU diplomat wants European strategy for Middle East peace, Haaretz, 15 February 2020: EU Foreign Ministers Weigh Countermeasures to Trump’s Mideast Plan, Times of Israel, 16 February 2020: US-Israeli mapping committee for Trump peace plan said finalized, Arab News, 16 February 2020: Palestinian PM: Trump’s Mideast plan ‘will be buried’ (if there was at least a peace plan, one could talk about it. In fact, it is a pure campaign event with the help of which Trump wants to secure the politically vital voices of the evangelicals for him and Netanyahu wants to calm down his right-wing extremists and right-wing terrorists. All of this has nothing to do with resolving the Middle East conflict. Why should Syrians and Palestinians waive parts of their state territories without adequate compensations? Just because it is the wish of the heads of state of Israel and America, Netanyahu and Trump? Certainly not), Times of Israel, 16 February 2020: Palestinian Authority PM: Trump’s peace plan ‘will be buried very soon’, France24, 16 February 2020: Beyond rockets and air strikes: The Israeli-Palestinian trade war, The Washington Post, 16 February 2020: Israel aims to unite Jerusalem with better city services. Arabs want political change., Al Arabiya, 16 February 2020: Hezbollah’s Nasrallah calls for boycott of US products as ‘part of the battle’, Haaretz, 16 February 2020: In Wake of Trump Peace Plan, EU Countries Pushing for Recognition of State of Palestine, Arab News, 17 February 2020: One step closer toward achieving compliance with international law, Haaretz, 17 February 2020: EU Foreign Ministers Defer Response to Trump Peace Plan Until After Israeli Election, Arab News, 17 February 2020: Abbas’ UN speech and the breakdown of Palestinian politics, Israel Hayom, 17 February 2020: ‘PA committed to peace, but only on our terms’, Palestine Chronicle, 17 February 2020: Merkel’s Defense of Israel’s War Crimes Undermines ICC & Rule of Law, Palestine Chronicle, 18 February 2020: Palestine Urges International Community to Move against US Middle East Plan, Al Arabiya, 18 February 2020: Revisiting Arab Peace Initiative is best hope to solve Israel-Palestine conflict, Irish Times, 19 February 2020: Next stop, Donald Trump. Jerusalem station to be named after US president, Arab News, 19 February 2020: Find alternatives to companies that profit from settlements, Al Arabiya, 19 February 2020: Trump’s peace plan rejected by Lebanese parties, Palestinian groups in Lebanon, Jerusalem Post, 19 February 2020: Iraqi MP: ‘Deal of the Century’ will transfer Palestinians to Iraq, Arab News, 20 February 2020: Netanyahu announces thousands of new east Jerusalem settler homes, Haaretz, 20 February 2020: Palestinians Slam Israel’s West Bank Power Project: ‘Meant to Support Settlements’, Times of Israel, 20 February 2020: PM says he’s lifted freeze to build Givat Hamatos neighborhood in East Jerusalem, Palestine Chronicle, 20 February 2020: Netanyahu Announces Thousands of New Homes for Illegal Settlers in West Bank, East Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 21 February 2020: France, Germany slam plan to build, expand East Jerusalem neighborhoods, Haaretz, 21 February 2020: Trump’s Mideast Plan Represents a Deep Paradigm Shift. What Should Israel Do Next?, Times of Israel, 23 February 2020: EU calls Netanyahu’s plans for East Jerusalem construction ‘deeply detrimental’, Haaretz, 23 February 2020: Video Shows Israeli Army Bulldozer Dragging Gazan’s Body After Border Incident, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2020: MK Suleiman: Israel steals body, abuses it, says IDF world’s most moral, The National, 23 February 2020: Palestinian rockets strike Israel after Gaza border clash, Times of Israel, 23 February 2020: Pope cautions against ‘unfair’ Israeli-Palestinian peace offers, Arab News, 23 February 2020: Rockets fired at Israel from Gaza after border clash: security sources, The National, 23 February 2020: For the Palestinians and Israel, the Trump peace plan is a lose-lose, Al Arabiya, 23 February 2020: Rockets target Israel from Gaza after border clash: Sources, Times of Israel, 23 February 2020: US mapping team for West Bank annexation said en route to Israel, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2020: Netanyahu promises sovereignty over Hebron’s Tomb of the Patriarchs, France24, 24 February 2020: Israel strikes Gaza and Syria after Palestinian rocket attacks, The Guardian, 24 February 2020: Israeli strikes in Syria and Gaza kill two Islamic Jihad fighters, CNN, 24 February 2020: Israel and Palestinian militants exchange fire as graphic video of Israeli bulldozer carrying a body goes viral, Times of Israel, 24 February 2020: Netanyahu, Israeli officials meet with US mapping team for West Bank annexation, Arab News, 25 February 2020: Netanyahu says will press ahead with E-1 settlement project in West Bank, Palestine Chronicle, 25 February 2020: EU Delaying Tactics Bring it Closer to Trump’s Deal, Haaretz, 25 February 2020: Netanyahu Revives Settlement Construction Plan That Critics Say Would Split West Bank, Arab News, 26 February 2020: Why Trump’s two-state solution is no such thing, Palestine Chronicle, 26 February 2020: Jewish Settlers Storm Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, Injure 20 Palestinians, Times of Israel, 26 February 2020: UN slams ‘worrying’ Israeli plans to build in West Bank, East Jerusalem, The Guardian, 27 February 2020: Grave concern about US plan to resolve Israel-Palestine conflict (Apartheid), Times of Israel, 27 February 2020: 50 ex-European leaders and FMs condemn Trump plan, cite apartheid similarities, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2020: Ex-European leaders: Trump’s peace plan envisages apartheid, Israel Hayom, 27 February 2020: In brazen move, European bigwigs call Trump’s peace plan ‘apartheid’, The National, 27 February 2020: Former European foreign ministers and leaders hit out at Trump’s Israel-Palestine plan, Arab News, 27 February 2020: Qatar’s role deepening the Palestinian political crisis, Palestine Chronicle, 28 February 2020: Speaking against Settlement Expansion is just a Chore for the EU, Palestine Chronicle, 29 February 2020: Israeli Forces, Settlers Attack Palestinian Activists Planting Olive Trees, Haaretz, 6 March 2020: ’42 Knees in One Day’: Israeli Snipers Open Up About Shooting Gaza Protesters, Palestine Chronicle, 6 March 2020: ‘Damning Evidence’ of War Crimes in Gaza: Israeli Soldiers Compete to Break Legs of Palestinian Protesters, CNN, 7 March 2020: Ex-Trump envoy: For Palestinians and Israelis, this is the deal that can be done now, Arab News, 9 March 2020: The ‘Chilestinians’ as a model for Palestinian unity, Palestine Chronicle, 11 March 2020: Israel to Build ‘Apartheid Road’ for Palestinians in West Bank, Arab News, 17 March 2020: Israel’s illegal settlements are good for business, not for peace, Arab News, 18 March 2020: Netanyahu’s defeat a mortal blow for the Trump peace plan, Palestine Chronicle, 18 March 2020: Israeli Forces Arrest Two Palestinians, as Jewish Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem Post, 18 March 2020: Israel, Palestinians set up joint operations room to combat coronavirus, Jerusalem Post, 19 March 2020: Palestinian media compares Israel to coronavirus – report, CNN, 26 March 2020: Muslim and Jewish paramedics pause to pray together. One of many inspiring moments in the coronavirus crisis, Jerusalem Post, 30 March 2020: Likud pushing for annexation even in coalition with Blue and White, Labor, Gulf Times, 31 March 2020: Qatar begins disbursing cash aid to needy Gaza families, Haaretz, 2 April 2020: Opinion With the World Pre-occupied With Coronavirus, Israel Pushes a West Bank Land Grab, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2020: UN: Settler violence against Palestinians has increased during COVID-19, BBC, 7 April 2020: A new side to the holy city of Bethlehem, Haaretz, 8 April 2020: Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Israel Tells Palestinians to Download App That Tracks Phones, Arab News, 8 April 2020: Palestinians need Arab world’s support to uphold land rights, Palestine Chronicle, 10 April 2020: Arab League: Israel Uses Coronavirus to Escalate Aggression on Palestinians, The Washington Post, 11 April 2020: Israelis, Arabs accuse each other of exploiting virus for political gain, Palestine Chronicle, 10 April 2020: The Smearing of Ken Loach and Jeremy Corbyn is the Face of Our New Toxic Politics, Palestine Chronicle, 11 April 2020: Report: World Vision Gaza Director Detained in Israel is in Serious Health Condition Due to Torture, Palestine Chronicle, 11 April 2020: A Lethal Virus Called Israeli Occupation: Another Somber Easter in Occupied Palestine, Haaretz, 13 April 2020: Stars Align for an Israel-Hamas Deal. But the Road Is Long, France24, 14 April 2020: Row in Gaza over arrests for Zoom chat with Israelis, Times of Israel, 14 April 2020: Pro-Israel US group warns Israeli leaders annexation would damage alliance, Haaretz, 14 April 2020: After Weeks of Warning, Coronavirus Spreading Among Palestinians in East Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 14 April 2020: PA rebuffs call to stop ‘incitement’ campaign blaming Israel for its virus cases, Jerusalem Post, 14 April 2020: The coronavirus corruption effect: Bibi, Litzman, Deri off the hook?, Al Arabiya, 14 April 2020: Palestinians and Israelis show peace is attainable with coordinated COVID-19 response, Arab News, 15 April 2020: Palestinians and Israelis divided over a common adversary: Coronavirus, Arab News, 18 April 2020: Why Israel and Hamas are suddenly on the same side, Haaretz, 19 April 2020: As Israel and Hezbollah Trade Barbs, Army Sees Opportunity in Coronavirus Crisis, Jerusalem Post, 23 April 2020: EU foreign policy chief: Settlement annexation violates int’l law, Arab News, 23 April 2020: Worst UK slump in ‘centuries’ looms as lockdown slams business, Jerusalem Post, 23 April 2020: Palestinians: Saudi Arabia behind anti-Palestinian smear campaign, Arab News, 26 April 2020: UN chief slams Israel’s ‘unilateral’ actions that harm Palestinians amid COVID-19 outbreak, Haaretz, 26 April 2020: Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony Gets Unprecedented Boost From U.S. Jewish Groups, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2020: Will annexation destroy Israeli-Jordanian peace, set kingdom aflame?, Palestine Chronicle, 28 April 2020: Arab League to Meet Urgently over Israel’s Annexation Plans, Haaretz, 28 April 2020: Yair Netanyahu Calls for Return of a ‘Free, Democratic and Christian’ Europe (the typical white supremacy idiot: lives in the basement of his parents’ house, swears on the Internet and spreads racist nonsense and lies. Incidentally, this is the typical career of a so-called “lone wolf”, who first radicalizes himself and later carries out terrorist attacks (Haaretz, 6 May 2020: Netanyahu’s Son Becomes Star of German Nationalist Party After Calling EU ‘Evil’, Haaretz, 13 May 2020: Why the Netanyahus Are Embracing ‘Christian Europe’ (birds of a feather flock together)), Times of Israel, 26 April 2021: Yair Netanyahu rages at ‘vile’ leftists, ‘pedophile’ Barak, in libel testimony (hasn’t Ehud Olmert just discovered that the Netanyahu family is mentally deranged? Here is another example of why he appears to be right)), Times of Israel, 28 April 2020: Bereaved families plead for reconciliation at joint Israeli-Palestinian memorial, Palestine Chronicle, 28 April 2020: The PA Has No Political Strategy to Counter US-Israeli Annexation Plans, Jerusalem Post, 29 April 2020: Ahead of Arab League session, Russia reiterates opposition to ‘annexation’, Times of Israel, 29 April 2020: Biden opposes West Bank annexation, will keep US embassy in Jerusalem, says aide (since most American Jews vote for the Democrats, he can’t withdrawn from the misguided Trump decision for purely domestic reasons anyway), Haaretz, 30 April 2020: Trump’s OK on Israeli Annexation Is Like His Clorox Prescription: Toxic and Lethal, Al Arabiya, 30 April 2020: Arab League condemns Israel’s plan to extend sovereignty to parts of West Bank, Times of Israel, 30 April 2020: Lots of bark, some actual bite? How the world will react to West Bank annexation, France24, 30 April 2020: Arab League deems Israeli West Bank annexation a ‘new war crime’, Arab News, 30 April 2020: Arab League slams Israel’s West Bank annexation plans ‘a new war crime’, Haaretz, 30 April 2020: Arab League Condemns Israeli Plan to Annex Parts of West Bank, ynet, 30 April 2020: European diplomats warn Israel over annexation, Haaretz, 1 May 2020: What the Coronavirus Can Teach Us About the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Times of Isreal, 1 May 2020: West Bank annexation not contingent on Palestinian state, US officials emphasize, Palestine Chronicle, 1 May 2020: US Won’t Support West Bank Annexation without Negotiations on Palestinian State, Arab News, 1 May 2020: GCC chief condemns Israeli plans to annex parts of West Bank, Palestine Chronicle, 2 May 2020: British Politicians Urge Sanctions on Israel if Annexation Plan Goes Ahead, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2020: Israel seizes Palestinian municipal power for Tomb of Patriarchs elevator, Haaretz, 4 May 2020: Netanyahu Is ‘Confident’ in His Annexation Plan. Experts Outline His Next Steps, Arab News, 4 May 2020: Palestinians’ century of suffering thanks to San Remo Resolution (San Remo conference), Arab News, 4 May 2020: EU’s mood changing as Israel threatens annexation (by joining the group of annexing states, to which i.a. China, Russia, Turkey and Morocco belong, Netanyahu would promote the further isolation of Israel in the international community. He thinks it’s good to have, his voters too, so all that’s left is to wish them “good riddance” and watch Israel sink itself. For its part, the EU has already excluded all funding for measures, projects and companies in the Syrian and Palestinian state territories occupied by Israel. That could be expanded. The customs union with Israel could also be suspended, and end the participation in various EU-funded programs and EU development aid payments (both from the EU and its states). Since the country can only partially finance itself, the consequences would be quickly apparent and thus achieve maximum impact, while the EU could instead redistribute many billions of euros on meaningful projects. Politically, there isn’t much more room for maneuver, especially since Netanyahu’s Eastern European autocrat and islamophobe colleagues would not support it (Israel–European Union relations). At the same time, it is of course clear that nothing that is imported from Israel into the EU could not be easily replaced by products from other countries), Arab News, 5 May 2020: UN Palestinian refugee agency operating on ‘month-to-month’ basis due to US aid cuts, Palestine News Network, 5 May 2020: Palestine Monetary Authority: Starting to Provide Electronic Payment Services in Palestine, Haaretz, 6 May 2020: Call Yourself a Friend? Then Stop Israel’s West Bank Annexation Disaster, Times of Israel, 6 May 2020: US ambassador says Washington ‘ready to recognize annexation’ within weeks, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2020: Israel to expand Efrat settlement by 7,000 homes, squeezing Bethlehem, ynetnews.com, 6 May 2020: Israel approves thousands of housing units in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2020: More Israelis care about peace with Jordan than annexation – CIS poll, Arab News, 6 May 2020: Rule of law fatally undermined in Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 6 May 2020: 100 Years of Shame: Annexation of Palestine Began in San Remo, Times of Israel, 6 May 2020: Israel fumes after EU says Palestinian terror supporters can still get funds (“Israel fumes” too funny! :-D It’s Israels duty as occupying power by law to take care of the Palestinians, but it miserably fails to do so. Instead it sends her homegrown terrorists, or “settlers” as they like to call them, to systematic destroy Palestinian livelihoods, so that the EU stepped in to take care of the Palestinians. So, Israel can fume as much as it wants, can cancel all contracts with the EU, especially stop to take EU or it’s member states development aid, then grant the Palestinians their own state and take care of the Palestinians, so that the EU doesn’t have to. Maybe then someone from the EU might listening), The National, 6 May 2020: Israel plans thousands of new settler homes ahead of Pompeo visit, Al Araby, 6 May 2020: Israel to annex parts of the West Bank ‘within weeks’ and US ‘ready to recognise’, Palestine Chronicle, 6 May 2020: Israeli Artillery Strikes Sites in Besieged Gaza, Arab News, 6 May 2020: Now is the time for true negotiations, not annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 6 May 2020: Palestinians and the ‘Security’ Narrative, Times of Israel, 7 May 2020: Foreign Ministry rebukes EU ambassador over ‘support for terrorism’, Palestine Chronicle, 7 May 2020: Friedman: US Ready to Recognize West Bank Annexation ‘Within Weeks’, The New York Times, 7 May 2020: Annexing the West Bank Would Hurt Israel, Haaretz, 7 May 2020: Why Netanyahu Will Never Annex West Bank Settlements and the Jordan Valley, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2020: Palestinians stiffen battle against annexation at UN Security Council, Palestine Chronicle, 7 May 2020: Rights Groups Call on EU to Impose Sanctions on Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 8 May 2020: ‘Apartheid is a Crime’: Former Swedish Diplomat Speaks about His Experiences in Occupied Palestine, Times of Israel, 8 May 2020: Pompeo to visit Israel next week; talks likely to focus on West Bank annexation, Foreign Policy, 8 May 2020: The United States Doesn’t Get Israel Anymore, Palestine Chronicle, 8 May 2020: UN Security Council to Discuss Israel’s Annexation Plan Later This Month, The National, 8 May 2020: Pompeo to visit Israel for annexation talks, Palestine Chronicle, 9 May 2020: Friedman: US to Recognize Israel’s Annexation of 30% of West Bank, The Guardian, 9 May 2020: Australian government tells ICC it should not investigate alleged war crimes in Palestine, Palestine Chronicle, 9 May 2020: The World Must Halt Israel’s Annexation and Reverse Its Colonization of Palestine, Palestine News Network, 10 May 2020: EU urged to sanction Israel over plan to annex occupied West Bank, Times of Israel, 10 May 2020: Emirati foreign minister condemns Israel’s annexation plans, Israel Hayom, 10 May 2020: Will EU sanction Israel over annexation plan? (of course, there has to be some kind of punishment or sanction. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance says, that it would be antisemitic not to do so “Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.”, e.g. Turkey and the north of Cyprus or Russia and Crimea. Netanyahu’s autocratic counterparts from the EU’s eastward expansion may not support this, but that would only be four out of 27. The United Nations will comply with Netanyahu’s request and remove the “only democracy in the Middle East” status. At the same time, the annexation will of course not be recognized. From illegal settlements to illegal annexation would be even for Netanyahu an new low), Times of Israel, 10 May 2020: Close to half of Israelis back annexation, less than a third think it’ll happen, Times of Israel, 11 May 2020: Under new deal, Israel to loan PA up to NIS 800m to cover virus losses, Haaretz, 11 May 2020: Trump Won’t Just ‘Allow’ Netanyahu’s West Bank Annexation – He’ll Force It, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2020: Bennett’s opening salvo against Palestinian statehood, Trump peace plan, Times of Israel, 11 May 2020: Experimental drilling starts for controversial train route to Jerusalem Old City, Palestine Chronicle, 11 May 2020: ICC Prosecutor: ‘Smear campaigns’ Won’t Stop Investigation into War Crimes in Palestine, Irish Times, 11 May 2020: France leads calls for EU to threaten sanctions if Israel grabs West Bank land, The Hill, 11 May 2020: Court opens door to annexing the West Bank — and the consequences could be disastrous, Palestine Chronicle, 11 May 2020: What You Need to Know about the ICC Investigation of War Crimes in Occupied Palestine, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2020: Israel’s annexation plan, the Gulf and the status quo, Times of Israel, 12 May 2020: EU ministers expected to weigh punitive response to West Bank annexation, Haaretz, 12 May 2020: EU Countries Mull Slapping Sanctions on Israel to Deter West Bank Annexation, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2020: No agreement in EU on condemning settlement annexation, Borrell says, Al Araby, 12 May 2020: EU countries considering sanctions if Israel annexes occupied West Bank, Palestine News Network, 12 May 2020: Palestinian PM urges intl. recognition for Palestine in case of Israel annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 12 May 2020: France Urges EU Response to Israel’s West Bank Annexation, The Washington Post, 13 May 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu, armed with a new mandate, sets his sights on West Bank annexation (because Trump needs every vote to be re-elected, he plunges Israel into an existential crisis that Netanyahu is only too happy to accept in order to avoid imprisonment. He is completely indifferent to the fact that Israel will lose the status of “democracy”. Admission to NATO or the premier class EU membership are therefore also off the table for a long time. That doesn’t matter to Netanyahu either. In the long term, even more fatal for Israel is a development in the populations of Israel and the EU. The voices of those who comment on the development as “pity” are becoming fewer and fewer, while at the same time the number of voices of those who comment on the development as “is better that way” is increasing. Due to Netanyahus actions and talks, relations with the Jewish diaspora in the United States hit the wall years ago. He and Israel are running out of reliable and strong friends), Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2020: British politicians call for economic steps against Israel on annexation, France24, 13 May 2020: Pompeo visits Israel for talks on plans to annex parts of West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2020: Annexation as a gesture to Trump – analysis, Haaretz, 13 May 2020: AIPAC: Annexation Should Not Change U.S.-Israel Relationship, Times of Israel, 13 May 2020: Pompeo: New government has ‘right and obligation’ to decide if and how to annex, Haaretz, 13 May 2020: To Israeli Ears, Threats of Annexation Devastation Are Like the Boy Who Cried Wolf, The National, 14 May 2020: Nakba Day: Israel’s new government is a sign of further disasters to come, Israel Hayom, 14 May 2020: UK Jewish leaders seek to condemn annexation plan, Palestine News Network, 14 May 2020: PM: Annexation ends the two-state solution, Times of Israel, 14 May 2020: Dozens of Israeli leaders call for strengthening Israel’s relationship with US Jewry, Palestine News Network, 14 May 2020: Khaled: US administration a slave duck trying to sell the same rotten goods twice , Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2020: Borrell: EU will work to ‘discourage’ Israeli West Bank annexation steps, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: State Department: Annexation should be part of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, BBC, 15 May 2020: EU ‘to rally against Israel’s West Bank annexation proposal’, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2020: State Dept: Annexation should be part of a process with Palestinians, Haaretz, 15 May 2020: EU Discusses Sanctions Against Israeli Annexation That Will Not Require Consensus (you don’t get guys like Netanyahu, Putin or Erdogan at the negotiating table by offering them a round of name dancing, but by confronting them with clear words that are understandable even for right-wing nationalists – including extensive sanctions. Netanyahu is trying to transform Israel into a failed state and to better fit the country into the neighborhood. The EU should try to prevent this by taking decisive action), Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: Palestinians burn Pompeo effigy to protest visit to Israel, US peace plan, The Washington Post, 15 May 2020: Jordan warns Israel of ‘massive conflict’ over annexation, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: Jordan’s king warns of ‘massive conflict’ if Israel annexes land in West Bank, Haaretz, 15 May 2020: Jordan’s Abdullah Warns of ‘Major Clash’ With Israel if Annexation Goes Ahead, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: Punitive action: EU ministers review responses to Israel annexation in West Bank, Haaretz, 15 May 2020: ‘Annexation Will Be a Death Blow for American-Jewish Support of Israel’, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: EU to launch diplomatic push to get Israel to ditch West Bank annexation plans, Palestine Chronicle, 15 May 2020: How We Became Refugees: The Day My Grandfather Lost His Village in Palestine, The National, 15 May 2020: Palestinians mark the Nakba as US and Israel discuss West Bank annexation, Palestine News Network, 15 May 2020: Israel takes advantage of pandemic to annex parts of West Bank: Palestine UN envoy, Palestine Chronicle, 15 May 2020: Palestinians Take to Social Media, Digital Initiatives to Mark Nakba Day (VIDEO), The National, 15 May 2020: Nakba Day: 11 artworks that reflect on Palestinian identity and occupation, Arab News, 15 May 2020: Palestinian leadership’s call fails to overcome divisions, Haaretz, 16 May 2020: Israel Fears Economic Crisis, Annexation Could Cause Palestinian Street to Explode, Palestine Chronicle, 16 May 2020: Jewish Settlers Destroy Dozens of Olive Trees near Bethlehem, France24, 17 May 2020: Israel’s parliament swears in new unity government with PM Netanyahu at helm, Palestine News Network, 17 May 2020: Settlers cut down 40 olive trees in Nablus, Times of Israel, 17 May 2020: West Bank annexation will threaten Israel’s natural resources, institute warns, Haaretz, 17 May 2020: Annexation Could Kill Jordan Peace Deal, Israeli Defense Officials Believe, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2020: Future US, UN ambassador Erdan is ready to defend annexation to the world (it will become interesting to watch how he will try to defend the illegal land grab planned by Netanyahu), Palestine Chronicle, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu Inaugurates Unity Government with Renewed Pledge to West Bank Annexation, Arab News, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu’s new Israeli government approved, eyes West Bank annexations, Al Arabiya, 17 May 2020: Israel new unity government led by Netanyahu, Gantz eyes West Bank annexations, Israel Hayom, 17 May 2020: Official: EU members may impose bilateral sanctions on Israel, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2020: Sen. Feinstein: Annexation to lead to consequences for Israel’s security, Reuters, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu’s new Israeli government approved, eyes West Bank annexations, The Guardian, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu takes office in deal that could see West Bank annexation, Irish Times, 17 May 2020: Netanyahu takes office in deal that could see West Bank annexation, Times of Israel, 17 May 2020: Democrats’ stand on annexation poses a dilemma for Israel, Haaretz, 18 May 2020: ObamaHate and Love of Trump Reflect Israel’s Deep Moral Malaise, Haaretz, 18 May 2020: An Exceptional Verdict in Palestinian Family’s Murder Proves the Rule Israel Won’t Admit About Its Judiciary, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2020: Mahmoud Abbas: We are no longer abiding by agreements with Israel, US, The Washington Post, 19 May 2020: Israel’s annexation of Palestinian land will be the result of U.S. policy, not a betrayal of it, Times of Israel, 19 May 2020: France warns annexation in West Bank could hurt Israel’s ties with EU (besides the possible economic sanctions (by the EU as a whole or single EU states) and more countries to recognize the state of Palestine in it’s 1967 borders, including Gaza and East Jerusalem, it would take the options of becoming a NATO or EU member country finally off the table, but then: less problems for the EU, less safety and more problems to come for Israel. Could be worse for the EU. On the other hand, the US taxpayers will love it .. oh, wait .. they actually absolutely don’t. This kind of Russian roulette is typical for the hasardeur Netanyahu, but doesn’t serve Israel in any way well), Foreign Policy, 19 May 2020: How Israeli Annexation Talk Is Already Reshaping the Middle East, Times of Israel, 19 May 2020: After EU’s warnings against annexation, Israel slams ‘megaphone diplomacy’ (“Israel and the EU share history, values, interests, opportunities and both face threats.” – after the annexation there will be no shared values left and btw: Israel is creating the threats it thinks it faces itself. The most lethal enemies of the country are livnig within the country, within the 1967 borders and the illegal settlements in Palestine and Syria), Haaretz, 19 May 2020: Germany, Palestinian Authority Release Joint Statement Against Israeli Annexation Plan, The National, 19 May 2020: Hanan Ashrawi: Israeli West Bank annexation threat ‘acid test’ for global rule of law, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2020: Biden: Israeli threats of annexation choke off hope of peace, Times of Israel, 19 May 2020: Biden tells Jewish donors he’ll ‘reverse’ Trump’s policies that hurt peace, Times of Israel, 19 May 2020: EU says it won’t recognize unilateral Israeli annexation in West Bank, The National, 20 May 2020: Mahmoud Abbas says Palestinian Authority cannot stand by security agreements with Israel and US, Haaretz, 20 May 2020: EU Members at UN Security Council: Israeli Annexation Would Violate International Law, France24, 20 May 2020: France, UN envoys warn Israel against partial annexation of West Bank, Gulf Times, 21 May 2020: Abbas warns of total break in co-ordination in case of Israeli move, Arab News, 21 May 2020: Saudi Arabia rejects Israel’s West Bank annexation plans (Abbas is currently unable to build up credible resistance, especially since the Gulf States, in particular, face Iran with very different challenges than Palestine and Israel. On the other hand, Netanyahu was, is and remains the most successful employee BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) will ever have. It is surprising that he has still not been recognized and honored for his tireless efforts. It is already clear that Netanyahu’s Israel will suffer further damage after the announced annexation. To what extent can’t be estimated yet. First investors should wait until the annexation plans became reality in order to better assess the resulting economic risks. Investors who have already invested will probably “be allowed” to once again inject fresh money in order to keep operations running), Al Arabiya, 21 May 2020: Saudi Arabia rejects Israel’s plans to annex parts of occupied West Bank, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli plans for annexation in West Bank, Haaretz, 21 May 2020: Palestinians Notify CIA About Stopping Security Coordination, Senior Official Says, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2020: Hungarian foreign minister: Israel can rely on us in the EU, UN (“birds of a feather flock together”, no matter if Ashkenazi denies it or not), Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Ashkenazi denies agreeing with Hungary on need to fight illegal migration, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2020: Hungary, Austria stand against rest of EU blasting Israel, Israel Hayom, 21 May 2020: ‘It’s still too early to discuss sanctions against Israel’, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Israeli officials confirm Palestinian Authority is ending security coordination, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2020: Senate Democrats: Annexation puts Israel’s security, democracy at risk, Gulf Times, 21 May 2020: Abbas warns of total break in co-ordination in case of Israeli move, Palestine News Network, 22 May 2020: Foreign Minister Maas on the fifth meeting of the German-Palestinian Steering Committee, Palestine Chronicle, 22 May 2020: The Palestine Chronicle Examines Israeli Media Response to Abbas’s Decision to Cancel All Agreements, Palestine News Network, 22 May 2020: Palestinians demand sanctions on Israel to stop illegal annexation, Times of Israel, 22 May 2020: Jordan warns it will review ties with Israel over annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 22 May 2020: How the United States and Israel Have Normalized a Culture of Complicity, France24, 22 May 2020: Iran’s Khamenei: fight to ‘liberate Palestine’ is ‘Islamic duty’, Palestine News Network, 23 May 2020: UN official: Israeli annexation of West Bank ‘serious violation of intl. law’, Palestine Chronicle, 23 May 2020: On Last Friday of Ramadan, Israeli Soldiers Attack Palestinian Worshippers near Al-Aqsa (VIDEO), Palestine News Network, 23 May 2020: Jordan threatens to review relations with Israel over West Bank annexation plans, Arab News, 23 May 2020: Trump’s Israel-Palestine plan doomed: Baker Institute, Haaretz, 24 May 2020: Annexation Is the Israeli Settlers’ Real Estate Dream Come True, Palestine News Network, 24 May 2020: PLO Official welcomes Joe Biden’s stance on Israeli annexation plans, Haaretz, 24 May 2020: This Will Be the Heavy Price of Annexation for the Israelis, Haaretz, 25 May 2020: After Losing Hope for Change, Top Left-wing Activists and Scholars Leave Israel Behind, Haaretz, 25 May 2020: Moscow on the Jordan: Why Russia Is Eyeing the Palestinian Arena, Times of Israel, 25 May 2020: Netanyahu said to tell Likud MKs: West Bank annexation on for July, Palestine Chronicle, 25 May 2020: Western Hypocrisy has Empowered Israeli Annexation, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2020: Netanyahu: We will move forward with annexation in July, Haaretz, 26 May 2020: Czech Leadership Denounces Foreign Minister’s Remarks Against Israel’s Annexation Plans (as the Eastern bloc autocrats are trying to partner with their counterpart from Israel, they, of course, need to suppress other opinions), Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2020: COGAT warns of wave of violence as annexation plans progress, Haaretz, 26 May 2020: Israeli Annexation Explained: What Is Netanyahu Planning for the West Bank and What Does It Mean (as noted several times in the past, Israel’s most dangerous enemy isn’t a foreign party, but sits in the chair of the incumbent Prime Minister of Israel), Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2020: Irish parties consider Occupied Territories Bill in gov’t coalition talks, Times of Israel, 26 May 2020: European leaders said to implore Netanyahu not to advance annexation, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2020: PLO declares agreements with Israel have ended, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2020: Can annexation be undone?, Politico.eu, 27 May 2020: How Israel and the Arab world are making peace without a peace deal (while Netanyahu is trying to better integrate Israel into it’s neighborhood (and he is on a remarkable good way here: kleptocracy and corruption top-down, both private and institutional; theocracy instead of democracy; ongoing stealing and annexation of foreign state territories; ongoing violations of international law and human rights; ongoing violations of UN resolutions; ongoing isolation within the international community due to the aforementioned issues), he will of course need the support of the Gulf States. He has already delivered nearly all the basic requirements for that. Annexing 30% of the Palestinian West Bank would mean a big road block, of course), Haaretz, 28 May 2020: Late to Realize the Cost of Trump’s Plan, Israeli Settlers Aren’t Going to Pay, Palestine Chronicle, 28 May 2020: Annexing the Aquifers: Israel and the Water Crisis in Occupied Palestine, Times of Israel, 28 May 2020: Death of a dogma? After annexation, world likely to abandon two-state paradigm, Jerusalem Post, 28 May 2020: Naftali Bennett: Trump peace plan map needs to change, Haaretz, 28 May 2020: Annexation Echoes Trump and Netanyahu’s Shared Defiance of the Law and Disdain for Others, Times of Israel, 28 May 2020: Netanyahu: Palestinians in Israeli-annexed Jordan Valley won’t get citizenship (The Nation, 22 March 2017: The Inside Story on Our UN Report Calling Israel an Apartheid State – this would spell the end of Israel as a democracy and the transition to an apartheid state, what has been warned about for years. All critics, some of whom have even been even insulted as “anti-Semites”, would be spot on with their statements. All of the created new enclaves of Palestine would be starved because there would be no way to care for them, so a second nakba would be forced upon the Palestinians. The ethnic cleansing, which is already taking place anyway, would reach a new low. That would not be surprising, of course, because Netanyahu has been working towards this goal for 30 years – actually even for the complete annexation of Palestine, but that will probably follow in the next step. The noble goals of Theodor Herzl would be finally thrown overboard and Israel would have the same status as Morocco (Western Sahara), Turkey (the north of Cyprus), Russia (the Ukrainian Crimea, Eastern Ukraine, the Georgian South Ossetia, the Georgian Abkhazia, the Moldovan Transnistria, etc.) or China (Hong Kong, Tibet, Shanghai, Taiwan, South China Sea, etc.)), Palestine Chronicle, 29 May 2020: PCHR Report: Over 100 Israeli Violations in Palestine in One Week, Palestine News Network, 29 May 2020: EU Representative: Israeli demolitions in the West Bank illegal under international law, Palestine Chronicle, 29 May 2020: ‘Annexed’ Palestinians Will Not Be Granted Israeli Citizenship, Netanyahu Announces, Haaretz, 29 May 2020: Despite Support at EU, Austria Clarifies It Opposes Israeli Annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 29 May 2020: Israel Prevents Restoration of Hebron’s Historic Ibrahimi Mosque, France24, 31 May 2020: Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque reopens after more than two months, CNN, 31 May 2020: Unarmed Palestinian man shot dead by police in Jerusalem, The Guardian, 31 May 2020: Israeli minister says sorry for police shooting of unarmed Palestinian, Haaretz, 31 May 2020: Unarmed Palestinian Killed by Police Died of Two Bullet Wounds to His Torso, Autopsy Shows, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2020: UN to warn donor parley of PA economic collapse, annexation violence, Gulf Times, 31 May 2020: Police shoot dead disabled Palestinian, Israel Hayom, 31 May 2020: Is the EU rethinking its hostility towards Israel? (just another wonderful showcase piece by Israel’s Pravda or Russia Today (RT) of pure and plain Hasbara propaganda :-D ), Times of Israel, 1 June 2020: 4-year-old girl from East Jerusalem who was hit by stray bullet dies, Haaretz, 1 June 2020: The Real Reason for ‘Mainstream’ Jewish America’s Appalling Silence on Annexation, Times of Israel, 1 June 2020: Netanyahu talks annexation with Kushner; US said to want to ‘slow the process’, The Guardian, 1 June 2020: ‘Palestinian lives matter’: Israeli police killing of autistic man draws US comparison, Haaretz, 1 June 2020: Autistic Palestinian Shot Dead by Israeli Police Laid to Rest: ‘He Didn’t Even Know What a Soldier Is’, Times of Israel, 1 June 2020: French envoy: We’re not making threats, but annexation will have consequences, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2020: Gantz orders IDF to prepare for annexation at once, The National, 1 June 2020: Israel’s defence chief orders army to prepare to annex West Bank, Al Arabiya, 1 June 2020: Israel’s Gantz urges army to hasten preparations for annexing West Bank, Palestine News Network, 1 June 2020: UN paper calls for action to avert Palestinian economic collapse; Warns against unilateral moves that can trigger conflict and instability, Times of Israel, 1 June 2020: In West Bank, 91% of land evictions issued against Palestinians — rights groups, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2020: Israel’s momentous decision: The settlements or the Saudis?, Palestine News Network, 1 June 2020: National Consensus To Reject Dealing With Israeli Annexation Projects, The New York Times, 1 June 2020: Netanyahu’s Annexation Plans Meet Surprise Opponent: Israeli Settlers, Arab News, 1 June 2020: UAE calls on Israel to halt West Bank annexation plan, The National, 1 June 2020: Anwar Gargash warns Israel against annexation of occupied West Bank, Al Arabiya, 1 June 2020: Coronavirus: Palestinian economy could shrink by 11 pct, warns World Bank, Times of Israel, 2 June 2020: Family of East Jerusalem man killed by cops: We don’t believe he’ll get justice, Haaretz, 2 June 2020: The Palestinian Refusal to Negotiate With Israel and Trump Is a Cowardly, Fateful Mistake, CNN, 2 June 2020: Gantz tells Israeli Army to step up preparations in West Bank ahead of possible annexation (and the world is watching this further large-scale land theft from Palestinian territory by Israel idly – unbelievable), Jerusalem Post, 2 June 2020: Israel won’t annex Palestinian towns, Palestinians won’t get citizenship, Haaretz, 2 June 2020: Jordanian Foreign Minister Says Israeli Annexation Will Lead to ‘Fiercer Conflict’, Times of Israel, 2 June 2020: ‘Palestinian lives matter’: Activists draw parallels between Israel, US killings, Haaretz, 2 June 2020: Netanyahu Assures Settler Leaders West Bank Annexation Won’t Be Tied to Trump Plan, Jerusalem Post, 2 June 2020: Blair: Good Israeli-Gulf relations are the biggest game changer right now, France24, 3 June 2020: Israelis fear West Bank annexation will spark Palestinian uprising (in case of annexation, a Second Intifada would be well deserved and then probably even more violent as the first one. Land grabbing should in no case pay off), The Washington Post, 3 June 2020: As Middle East tensions mount, he may be the last one left with any shot at brokering peace, Haaretz, 3 June 2020: A Top U.S. Donor to Netanyahu Bought West Bank Land — but Palestinians Are Claiming Fraud, Times of Israel, 3 June 2020: US ‘highly unlikely’ to back July 1 annexation, ToI told; mapping far from done, Jerusalem Post, 3 June 2020: Trump administration has not given Israel any annexation guidelines, Palestine Chronicle, 3 June 2020: Tony Blair: Ties between Gulf and Israel are the ‘Biggest Reason for Hope in the Middle East’, Jerusalem Post, 3 June 2020: Could annexing Palestinian towns minus citizenship be apartheid? (of course it can, but this article comes to another conclusion), Palestine News Network, 3 June 2020: Israel to demolish 200 Palestinian buildings in East Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 3 June 2020: Half of Israelis support annexation, 25% even with no US backing – poll, Arab News, 3 June 2020: Palestinians snub tax handover by Israel over annexation plan, The National, 3 June 2020: Israel’s planned annexation of Palestinian land is illegal, says UK PM, Al Arabiya, 4 June 2020: Palestinians reject tax handover by Israel over West Bank annexation plan, Haaretz, 4 June 2020: ‘He’s Disabled,’ the Caregiver Screamed. ‘I’m With Her,’ Eyad Cried. The Cop Opened Fire Anyway, Palestine Chronicle, 4 June 2020: Jewish Settlers Attack McDonald’s for ‘Unofficial Boycott’ (when looking at the picture, the guy might be far better off by putting some pressure on Weight Watchers to open up a branch in the illegal Israeli settlement Ariel in the Palestinian West Bank), DW, 4 June 2020: Israel plans to annex West Bank territories, Haaretz, 4 May 2020: West Bank Annexation Is Doomed to Fail. Just Look What Happened in East Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 4 June 2020: Can Israel’s friends save it from the EU’s wrath? (should the annexation take place, Israel’s EU membership would be off the table for decades. Against this background, it would make no sense at all to further send EU development aid funds and grants from, among others, the Horizont Europe program to Israel), Times of Israel, 5 June 2020: Decrying ‘verbal violence,’ Rivlin urges softer tone in debate over annexation, Haaretz, 5 June 2020: Pelosi Says Unilateral Israeli Annexation ‘Undermines U.S. National Security Interests’, Times of Israel, 5 June 2020: Pelosi says Israeli annexation in West Bank would hurt US interests, Haaretz, 5 June 2020: We Cannot Justify Israel’s West Bank Annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 5 June 2020: Jewish Settlers Destroy Dozens of Olive trees near Nablus, The Guardian, 5 June 2020: Israel’s West Bank plans condemned by leading British Jewish figures, Haaretz, 5 June 2020: We Won’t Accept Parts of Trump’s Plan, Israeli Minister Says, Times of Israel, 5 June 2020: Annexation will mean apartheid, warns Mandela ally who always fought comparison, Haaretz, 5 June 2020: Decades of Occupation Killed Eyad Hallaq, Not Racism, Times of Israel, 5 June 2020: Jerusalem minister: ‘We will not accept’ Palestinian state in Trump peace plan, Times of Israel, 5 June 2020: Excluded from Netanyahu’s annexation plans, military must somehow prepare anyway, Times of Israel, 5 May 2020: TV: German FM to make urgent visit to Israel to warn against annexation, Times of Israel, 5 May 2020: Palestinians in West Bank protest Israel’s annexation plans, Haaretz, 6 May 2020: Germany’s Foreign Minister to Visit Israel, Warn Against West Bank Annexation, Times of Israel, 6 May 2020: Thousands rally in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu’s annexation plans, France24, 6 May 2020: Israelis rally against West Bank annexation plan, Haaretz, 6 June 2020: Netanyahu Vows to Annex on July 1. The White House May Ruin the Party, Palestine Chronicle, 6 June 2020: ‘Palestine is Gone!’: On the Nakba, Naksa, and Black Lives Matter, Jerusalem Post, 6 June 2020: Shtayyeh to EU: Impose sanctions on Israel, recognize Palestinian state, Palestine Chronicle, 6 June 2020: Israel’s One-state Reality is Facilitated by the International Community, Palestine News Network, 6 June 2020: Palestinians come out in force to protest US-backed Israel plan, Times of Israel, 7 June 2020: More Israelis oppose West Bank annexation than support it — survey, Haaretz, 7 June 2020: Protester Assaulted by Police at Tel Aviv Anti-annexation Protest, Times of Israel, 7 June 2020: Palestinians advancing UN resolution against annexation, Israel says, Haaretz, 7 June 2020: Stop the Annexation Fanatics. Impose Sanctions on Israel (United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 – it would be a clear case of double standards if Germany on the one hand sanctioned Russia for the land grab of parts of Ukraine, but at the same time continued to give free rein to Israel over the land grab of Palestinian and Syrian land), Haaretz, 8 June 2020: West Bank Annexation Will Harm Israel’s Relations With Germany but Berlin Will Oppose Sanctions, Officials Believe, Times of Israel, 8 June 2020: Germany won’t sanction Israel over annexation – Jerusalem official, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2020: Germany’s annexation dilemma – and Israel’s non-answer, Haaretz, 8 June 2020: Israel Prevented German Foreign Minister’s West Bank Visit, Citing Coronavirus Regulations, The New York Times, 8 June 2020: The Palestinian Plan to Stop Annexation: Remind Israel What Occupation Means, Politico.eu, 8 June 2020: Israel: The annexation nation, Haaretz, 9 June 2020: Annexation? Most U.S. Evangelicals Have Other Things on Their Mind Right Now, France24, 9 June 2020: German FM to visit Israel as West Bank annexation looms (there is no vital interest in the Jordan Valley for Israel at all, but all the more for Palestine. It’s all about greed, as this part of Palestine is the most productive one and has large groundwater resources), Haaretz, 9 June 2020: Left-wing Lawmaker Calls on Israel to Allow German FM to Visit West Bank Without Quarantine, The Guardian, 9 June 2020: What would Israel annexing the West Bank mean?, Times of Israel, 9 June 2020: Court voids law aimed at legalizing settler homes built on Palestinian land, Palestine Chronicle, 9 June 2020: Gantz to Visit Jordan amid Tensions over West Bank Annexation Plans, Haaretz, 9 June 2020: ‘Invented’ Palestinians, ‘Indigenous’ Jews: The Roots of Israel’s Annexation Plan, and Why the World Must Stop Netanyahu, Before It’s Too Late, Times of Israel, 9 June 2020: Minister: Gantz backs Jordan Valley annexation if supported by US, Arab states, Haaretz, 9 June 2020: Palestinian PM Vows to Declare Independence if Israel Follows Through With Annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 9 June 2020: Palestine Will Be Declared a State Shall Israel Annex West Bank, PA Prime Minister Says, The Guardian, 9 June 2020: Palestine says it will declare statehood if Israel annexes West Bank, Haaretz, 10 June 2020: Annexation Violates Oslo Accords, Says Israel’s Former Negotiator, The Washington Post, 10 June 2020: Netanyahu’s plan for West Bank annexation faces unexpected opposition from settlers, Times of Israel, 10 June 2020: In Israel, German FM calls annexation illegal, but doesn’t threaten sanctions, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2020: Only a third of Israelis support annexing parts of the West Bank in July, Haaretz, 10 June 2020: Germany ‘Concerned’ Over Annexation Plan, FM Tells Israeli Counterpart, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2020: ‘No annexation decision has been made,’ says FM Gabi Ashkenazi, Haaretz, 10 June 2020: German FM Warned Israel: Some Nations May Impose Sanctions Over Annexation, Recognize Palestine, Arab News, 10 June 2020: Saudi foreign minister declares Israel’s plans to annex West Bank a ‘dangerous escalation’, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2020: Netanyahu to German FM: Evacuating settlements is a delusion, The Guardian, 10 June 2020: Stop Israel’s annexation of the West Bank, Al Arabiya, 10 June 2020: Germany voices ‘serious concern’ over Israeli annexation plan, Gulf Times, 10 June 2020: Palestinian PM says Israel must face action over annexation plan, Haaretz, 11 June 2020: The Highest Cost of West Bank Annexation Will Be Economic, The Guardian, 11 June 2020: Israel’s annexation of the West Bank will be yet another tragedy for Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2020: Former US ambassador: Annexation ‘driving Zionist project off a cliff’, Haaretz, 11 June 2020: Palestinian Leadership Struggling to Rally Public Against Israeli Annexation, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2020: IDF prepares for violent worst-case-scenarios after West Bank annexation, Haaretz, 12 June 2020: Netanyahu Won: World Demanded Israel Make Peace, Now It Just Begs It Not to Annex (no, he hasen’t. The world is thinking about how to tell him, that his aspirations to implement his country into “The West” and to paint his country as a democracy will finally fail, if and when the annexation should happen), Der Spiegel, 12 June 2020: Israel’s Plans for the West Bank: “Annexation Is a Gross Violation of International Law”, The National, 12 June 2020: Israel annexation: UAE ambassador warns of setbacks in first direct address, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2020: Stop blaming the Evangelical Christians for annexation, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2020: Netanyahu, Gantz, Friedman to meet over sovereignty plan, Haaretz, 13 June 2020: UAE Ambassador to U.S. Addresses Israeli Public, Warns Annexation Risks Ties With Arab Countries, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2020: Erekat: EU’s double standard on annexation must stop, Haaretz, 14 June 2020: Assassinations, Terror Attacks and Even Castration – the Hidden Actions of Israel’s Pre-state Militia, Times of Israel, 14 June 2020: UAE said to warn Washington annexation will cripple Gulf backing for Trump plan, Haaretz, 14 June 2020: Netanyahu’s Annexation Bet Drifts Farther Away From Jackpot, Times of Israel, 14 June 2020: US Embassy issues security alert for Jaffa after cars torched during unrest, NPR, 14 June 2020: As Israel Vows Annexation, Palestinian Leaders Embark On Risky Form Of Protest (Kela Alon), Haaretz, 14 June 2020: Israel Advances New Golan Heights Settlement Named After Trump, Times of Israel, 14 June 2020: On US president’s birthday, Israel okays building plans for ‘Trump Heights’, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2020: ‘Trump Heights’: Israel approves plan for new Golan settlement, Haaretz, 14 June 2020: Annexation Could Be Netanyahu’s Prelude to Dismantling Israeli Democracy, Times of Israel, 14 June 2020: A plea to Gantz, Ashkenazi: Israel and its friends need you to block annexation, Israel Hayom, 14 June 2020: Let the Palestinians learn from their past mistakes, Haaretz, 14 June 2020: Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran: How Israeli Annexation May Trigger a Multi-front War Within Weeks, Israel Hayom, 14 June 2020: ‘Sovereignty bid will cause another crisis in Israel-Turkey relations,’ expert warns, Times of Israel, 15 June 2020: Jordan king said to snub Netanyahu, refuse his calls over annexation push, France24, 15 June 2020: EU foreign ministers to hold talks with US counterpart Pompeo as rifts fester, Haaretz, 15 June 2020: LISTEN: How Netanyahu Could Fudge Annexation, Hoodwink Gantz and Cling on to Power, Times of Israel, 15 June 2020: UAE diplomat’s historic op-ed shows normalization can thrive in the status quo, Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2020: Phased annexation could provoke multiple waves of international backlash, Haaretz, 15 June 2020: The Fate of Netanyahu’s Annexation Isn’t in His Government’s Hands, Times of Israel, 15 June 2020: PM says US wants Gantz on board for annexation, vows not to back down — report, Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2020: UNHRC members call for annual updates to settlement black list, Times of Israel, 15 June 2020: EU urges US to join new Israeli-Palestinian peace push, rejects Trump plan, Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2020: J Street initiative calls on Democrats to oppose ‘occupation, annexation’, Arab News, 15 June 2020: EU urges US to join new Mideast peace effort, Haaretz, 16 June 2020: Boris Johnson Says U.K. Strongly Opposes Israeli Plan for West Bank Annexation, Times of Israel, 16 June 2020: UN rights experts say West Bank annexation will create ’21st-century apartheid’, Haaretz, 16 June 2020: Chance of West Bank Annexation Is Fading, but Limited Move Still Possible, Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2020: UN experts: Israel must be held accountable for annexation, Haaretz, 16 June 2020: Annexation Hasn’t Even Failed Yet and Netanyahu Is Already Playing the Blame Game, Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2020: Settlement boycott bill left out of new Irish government’s plans, Palestine Chronicle, 16 June 2020: The PA’s ‘Counter-Proposal’ Facilitates Its Colonial Collaboration with Israel, The National, 16 June 2020: Israel’s West Bank annexation plan will create ‘apartheid’, UN experts warn, The National, 17 June 2020: Anwar Gargash: UAE is part and parcel of Arab consensus on Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2020: UAE and Israel can cooperate on some areas, says UAE Minister, Times of Israel, 17 June 2020: Despite annexation plan, top UAE official urges greater cooperation with Israel, Haaretz, 17 June 2020: House Democrats Draft Letter Addressed to Netanyahu Warning Against West Bank Annexation, Times of Israel, 17 June 2020: US Democrats push letter to unify party behind anti-annexation message to Israel, Times of Israel, 17 June 2020: PA security confirms shredding documents, fearing Israeli raids amid volatility, Times of Israel, 17 June 2020: Senior Likud MK says Netanyahu vowed he’ll never recognize a Palestinian state, Times of Israel, 17 June 2020: In first, EU nixes grant to Palestinian NGO refusing to sign anti-terror clause, Haaretz, 17 June 2020: Settler Leader: Trump’s Plan Is a Scam, Netanyahu Will Establish Palestinian State, Times of Israel, 17 June 2020: Palestinians and settlers trade arson accusations in northern West Bank, Palestine Chronicle, 17 June 2020: Netanyahu: West Bank Annexation May Happen in ‘Stages’, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2020: West Bank annexation plan will mean EU sanctions and no Arab friends left for Israel, Times of Israel, 18 June 2020: EU okays landmark Israel ‘Open Skies’ aviation deal, despite annexation tensions, Haaretz, 18 June 2020: Trump Retweets BDS Supporter Who Slammed Bolton Over Book Release, Times of Israel, 18 June 2020: Jordanian FM warns of ‘long and violent’ conflict if Israel pursues annexation, Haaretz, 18 June 2020: Bolton Revelations Cast Unintentional Harsh Light on Trump-Netanyahu Alliance – and Annexation, Haaretz, 18 June 2020: Jordanian Foreign Minister: Israel Will Have to Deal With Consequences of Annexation, Haaretz, 18 June 2020: Biden Adviser Says Israeli Annexation Would Be a ‘Huge Mistake’, Times of Israel, 18 June 2020: Gantz: I won’t back annexing areas with ‘many Palestinian residents’ — report, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2020: Borrell: Annexation to have ‘significant consequences’ for EU-Israel ties, Times of Israel, 19 June 2020: TV: IDF and security services finally to be shown maps of areas Israel may annex, Haaretz, 19 June 2020: Full Annexation or Limited Sovereignty: Netanyahu’s Multiple Scenarios Have One Goal, DW, 19 June 2020: Germany, France urge Israel to reconsider West Bank annexation plans, Times of Israel, 19 June 2020: Chuck Schumer, 2 other key pro-Israel Democrats warn Israel against annexation, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2020: With annexation looming, Canada’s UNSC upset is bad news for Israel, US, Haaretz, 19 June 2020: Senior pro-Israel Democrats Release Statement Opposing West Bank Annexation, Times of Israel, 19 June 2020: EU’s elder statesman: Annexation flouts biblical tenet ‘Thou shalt not steal’ (there are actually some obviously confused backbenchers in the EU Parliament who want to appease Netanyahu by demanding to call for a fresh round of the EU-Israel Association Council talks, which were put on hold in 2012 for very good reasons. None of these reasons are mysteriously gone. Of course, it would be absurd to restart the talks and as if you were helping a burglar to carry home his tools and the undetected loot. There is no single objective reason to restart the EU-Israel Association Council, especially since the initial situation has deteriorated considerably in some cases thanks to Netanyahu’s messed-up policies in Israel and Palestine. Instead, the EU should deal with Israel as well as with Turkish ambitions, namely to put everything on hold that can be put on hold. Before the country can become an EU member state, along with many other measures, the annexation of northern Cyprus must be ended. There is no single rational reason why the EU should lower entry barriers for Israel. Without a negotiated two-state solution, there can be no easier access to the EU. In addition, Israel faces a crucial and unsolvable problem: the country is still fully located in the Levant and not even partially in Europe. It is increasingly adapting to its Arab neighborhood (reducing democracy, institutional corruption, etc. pp.). The developments within the Visegrád group by Netanyahu’s autocratic colleagues and their harmful effects for decision-making at EU level would further worsen by a membership of Israel. Constant public agitation and hate comments from government bodies, ministers, the political landscape and from some people of Israel against the EU, EU commissioners and EU institutions doesn’t allow any other conclusions. Why should the EU voluntarily bring in a non-reformable restructuring case, whose only reasons for wanting to join the EU is to grab money and cause problems for the EU. The EU couldn’t gain anything from an Israeli members, neither politically nor economically. On the contrary, the EU would still have to find solutions to Israel’s self-made problems and would inevitably be pushed into an active role in the Middle East conflict. Nobody in the EU and with a clear mind can seriously want that. What kind of message would that send out? “You only need to constantly steal and ethnically clean Palestinian/Syrian land, develop the state towards apartheid, don’t care about international law or UN resolutions at all and will then be rewarded with an EU membership!” – Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2020: European lawmakers call for more EU dialogue with Israel), Israel Hayom, 19 June 2020: ‘The best time to implement sovereignty initiative is now’, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2020: UNHRC arms embargo call against Israel passes by only slim margin, Times of Israel, 20 June 2020: TV: Trump, top aides to decide this week whether to back Netanyahu’s annexation, Jerusalem Post, 21 June 2020: UN Security Council to hold open-door discussion on annexation, Haaretz, 21 June 2020: Trump Administration and Netanyahu Discussing ‘Gradual’ West Bank Annexation Plan, Times of Israel, 21 June 2020: Netanyahu memo: Evacuating settlements would pose ‘immediate existential threat’ (*hahaha* what a load of bullsh$t. At least, Netanyahu is publishing upfront the fact-free propaganda he wants to spread in the future), Haaretz, 22 June 2020: With Annexation, Netanyahu Displays His Scorn for the World ‘From the Springboard’, Times of Israel, 22 June 2020: Netanyahu’s annexation bid is bad for Israel. Our ally the US should just say no (“The Palestinian Authority rejected the Trump plan before it was even unveiled.” – Of course, the Palestinians rejected the so-called “deal of the century” because they weren’t even consulted and instead Netanyahu was given 100% concessions. BTW, why would the Palestinians want to negotiate with a bunch of crazy land thieves about how much of their state territory they are “allowed” to keep? No one on this planet would do that), Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2020: UNHRC condemns Israeli annexation plans, calls for report on its impact, Haaretz, 22 June 2020: Thousands of Palestinians Protest Israeli Annexation in Jordan Valley, Palestine Chronicle, 22 June 2020: Israeli Forces Order Eviction of Palestinian Family as Israel Gears up for West Bank Annexation, Times of Israel, 22 June 2020: UN envoy at Palestinian rally against annexation: Don’t give up statehood dream, Arab News, 22 June 2020: Political circus leaves Palestinian Authority gasping its last breath, Palestine Chronicle, 22 June 2020: UN Report: 90 Palestinians Homeless as Israeli Forces Demolish 70 Buildings in 2 Weeks, The National, 22 June 2020: GCC and EU could renew push for Palestinian-Israeli peace, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2020: European lawmakers call for more EU dialogue with Israel, Times of Israel, 23 June 2020: Foreign minister working behind scenes to derail annexation — report, Haaretz, 23 June 2020: Gantz on Annexation: Palestinians ‘In Deep Shit,’ Israel ‘Won’t Keep Waiting for Them’, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2020: IDF generals urge Trump to stand behind Netanyahu’s sovereignty plan, Times of Israel, 23 June 2020: Gantz signals support for unilateral annexation if Palestinians ‘say no forever’, Haaretz, 23 June 2020: Majority of House Republicans Sign Letter Endorsing Israeli Annexation, Times of Israel, 23 June 2020: Israel seeks Cypriot help in softening EU opposition to annexation, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2020: IDF generals urge Trump to stand behind Netanyahu’s sovereignty plan, France24, 23 June 2020: Palestinians protest Trump plan that includes Israel’s annexation of parts of West Bank, Arab News, 23 June 2020: UN chief calls on Israel to abandon West Bank annexation plans, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2020: In occupied West Bank, Israeli settler leaders complicate Netanyahu’s annexation plan, The National, 23 June 2020: Jordan and Sweden raise $130m for UN Palestinian refugee agency at donor conference, Haaretz, 23 June 2020: Gantz Is Begging the Palestinians to Pull Him Out of ‘Deep Shit’ of Annexation, Times of Israel, 24 June 2020: FM Ashkenazi says Israel unlikely to annex Jordan Valley — report (Corona actually has positive side effects for the time being), Haaretz, 24 June 2020: UN Chief Warns Israel West Bank Annexation Would Be ‘Most Serious Violation of International Law’, Times of Israel, 24 June 2020: At UN, Arab League head warns of ‘religious war’ if Israel annexes in West Bank, Haaretz, 24 June 2020: Militarizing the Bible: A Warning From Israel-Palestine to Trump’s America, Times of Israel, 24 June 2020: Abbas: If Israel annexes, it will bear responsibility as an occupying power, Haaretz, 24 June 2020: Most Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza Believe Israel Will Go Forward With Annexation, Poll Finds, Times of Israel, 24 June 2020: Jordanian ambassador said to warn he could be recalled if annexation goes ahead, Haaretz, 24 June 2020: Gantz’s Comments on Palestinians Shatter Left-wing Hopes He Will Halt Annexation, Times of Israel, 24 June 2020: Over 1,000 MPs from across Europe call for ‘decisive action’ against annexation, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2020: Seven European nations warn annexation will harm their ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 24 June 2020: 11 months after announcement, Israeli building permits for Palestinians stalled, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2020: Belgium to vote on recognizing Palestinian state, sanctions on Israel, France24, 24 June 2020: UN chief appeals to Israel to abandon West Bank annexation plans, The National, 24 June 2020: More than 1,000 European politicians decry Israel’s annexation plans, Haaretz, 25 June 2020: ‘No Final Decision’ on Israeli Annexation of West Bank, U.S. Official Says, Times of Israel, 25 June 2020: No final decision on Israeli annexation after 3 days of White House talks, Jerusalem Post, 25 June 2020: Joint List MKs to Congress Democrats: Do all you can to stop annexation, Haaretz, 25 June 2020: Hamas Says West Bank Annexation Is ‘A Declaration of War,’ Israel ‘Will Regret It’, Times of Israel, 25 June 2020: Security chiefs said split on whether annexation will cause Palestinian violence, The National, 25 June 2020: Pompeo says annexation up to Israel, despite widespread condemnation, BBC, 25 June 2020: Israel annexation: New border plans leave Palestinians in despair (the problem is not just that Palestine is refusing to negotiate. All in all, this would be annoying only, but without real consequences. The Prime Minister (or Crime Minister as the Israeli opposition call him) of the occupying power Israel, Netanyahu, announced the end of the peace negotiations and the two-state solution years ago. Since then, he has never missed an unsuitable opportunity to repeatedly point out that there will be no peace treaty or two-state solution with him, but that Israel will instead steal and annex the entire Palestinian territory. With that, he has taken every basis for discussion and negotiation off the table at the same time. Netanyahu’s desire for Eretz Israel/Greater Israel is most likely the driving force behind it. On the other hand, history shows that self-proclaimed “great empires” have a clear half-life), The Washington Post, 25 June 2020: Annexation could extinguish Palestinian hope. That’s dangerous., Israel Hayom, 25 June 2020: Over 1,000 EU lawmakers protest Israel sovereignty plans, Times of Israel, 25 June 2020: Netanyahu’s tax break panned as shameless against backdrop of economic meltdown, Jerusalem Post, 25 June 2020: Ehud Olmert to ‘Post’: There is a heavy price for annexation, Haaretz, 26 June 2020: Gantz on Annexation: Wherever We Apply Israeli Law, Palestinians Will Have Full Rights, Times of Israel, 26 June 2020: West Bank Areas A, B and C – How Were They Created?, Jerusalem Post, 26 June 2020: Jordanian MP: If we don’t die for Palestine, what is the point of life?, Haaretz, 26 June 2020: For Netanyahu, Annexation May Spell Little Gain, and Lots of Pain, Times of Israel, 26 June 2020: Report: Israel has told Abbas it will limit annexation to 2-3 settlement blocs, Jerusalem Post, 26 June 2020: Annexation: Asserting the promise of a greater Israel – opinion, New York Times, 26 June 2020: E.U. Plans to Bar Most U.S. Travelers When Bloc Reopens, Haaretz, 26 June 2020: Settlers Assault Palestinians on Their Own Land, as Israeli Soldiers Watch, Times of Israel, 26 June 2020: Gantz: I’ll go to Ramallah tomorrow if Palestinians open to peace talks, New York Times, 26 June 2020: Fauci Urgently Warns of New Outbreaks as Pence Praises Response, Jerusalem Post, 26 June 2020: Gantz: I’ll give equal rights to Palestinians in annexed areas, Israel Hayom, 26 June 2020: ‘Status quo on religious issues is a cornerstone of our ability to live in Israel’, NPR, 26 June 2020: Poll: Trump Disapproval Hits All-Time High And He Trails Biden By 8, Times of Israel, 26 June 2020: Israel’s annexation bid contradicts its past stance, without legal explanation, Palestine Chronicle, 27 June 2020: Belgium Urges Sanctions against Israel if it Annexes West Bank, The Guardian, 28 June 2020: Everyone loses from Netanyahu’s territorial ambitions, Times of Israel, 28 June 2020: Senior UK Labour lawmaker calls for settlement product ban after annexation, Haaretz, 28 June 2020: Gulf States’ Outrage on Israel’s Annexation Is Empty Bluff, Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2020: PA Calls on Gantz to Halt Annexation of West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 28 June 2020: BDS groups plan anti-annexation ‘Day of Rage’ across the US, Times of Israel, 28 June 2020: Annexation’s irony: Bringing Israeli politics closer to Palestinian statehood, Jerusalem Post, 28 June 2020: Palestinian factions call for ‘day of rage’ to foil annexation, France24, 29 June 2020: ‘Annexation is illegal. Period’: UN rights chief warns Israel against West Bank move, The Guardian, 29 June 2020: UK criticised for ‘lacklustre’ response to Israel’s West Bank plans, Haaretz, 29 June 2020: After Gantz Pours Cold Water on Annexation, Netanyahu Says Issue Not Up to Him, Times of Israel, 29 June 2020: UN rights chief says annexation plans ‘illegal,’ consequences will last decades, France24, 29 June 2020: Netanyahu’s annexation plan threatens Palestinian, Israeli economies already struggling after Covid-19, Times of Israel, 29 June 2020: A former top IDF law expert questions the benefits of annexation, Haaretz, 29 June 2020: Despite Talk of Annexation, Fewer Immigrants to Israel Moving to West Bank Settlements, Times of Israel, 29 June 2020: In counter to US peace plan, Palestinians say ready for direct talks with Israel, Jerusalem Post, 29 June 2020: Donald Trump Square fountain turned blood red in protest of annexation, Arab News, 29 June 2020: Israel may soon ensure annexation becomes ‘the new normal’, Arab News, 29 June 2020: Israeli annexation plan an ‘existential threat’ to Palestinian people: PM Shtayyeh, The National, 29 June 2020: Israeli defence chief Gantz says West Bank annexation ‘will wait’, France24, 29 June 2020: Netanyahu’s annexation plan threatens Palestinian, Israeli economies already struggling after Covid-19, Haaretz, 30 June 2020: For Palestinians, From Hebron to Nablus, Annexation Is Already Here. A Journey Through the West Bank, Times of Israel, 30 June 2020: Dutch MPs urge list of possible sanctions in response to Israeli annexation, Der Spiegel, 30 June 2020: Israeli Annexation Plans: The West Bank Faces a New Reckoning, Palestine Chronicle, 30 June 2020: PA Ready to Renew Peace Talks with Israel to Avoid Annexation.

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2020 annexation of further parts of Palestine by Israel
Since the founding of Israel in 1948, Israel’s nationalists and extremists have been inspired to enlarge the land area by continuing to taking over further Palestinian land. Over the years, a lot has come together, but with different legal status. The most visible or prominently represented here are the Syrian Golan Heights, Palestine’s capital, East Jerusalem, and the illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank. According to the current coalition agreement from 2020 between Likud and Blue and White, the settlements with all the surrounding land (over 30% of the Palestinian state territory in the West Bank) are to be annexed on the basis of the “deal of the century”. Within the annexed area there are said to be Palestinian islands that are difficult to supply from the outside, i.e. systematically create dependencies, thus prepare for a second Nakba. The land areas that came together outside the borders of 1967 and the City Line and were declared “Israeli” by Israel are all not recognized by the international community. This has been repeatedly confirmed by various UN resolutions, most recently resolution 2334 from December 2016. Ultimately, the international community will only recognize borders that will result from a peace treaty negotiated between Israel and Palestine. Assuming otherwise is self-deception.

The recent annexation has several consequences. The annexations enforced by Netanyahu are all illegal under international law, regardless of how propagandistic and historical revisionistic the Netanyahu administration (Revisionist Zionism) will try to sell it to the Israeli public and the international community. Of course, Netanyahu’s Likudniks does not contest this. They think it’s super to have a criminal kleptocrat as prime minister. The international community, however, sees this fundamentally differently. It remains to be seen how they will react specifically to the new annexation. These reactions will certainly not be an advantage for Israel, especially since Netanyahu now wants to finally add the country to the group of annexing countries, to which, among others, Morocco, Turkey, Russia and China belongs to. An even more serious aspect for Israel is the transition from a democracy approach, which was already badly damaged by Netanyahu, toward apartheid. In the meantime, even the Israeli security architecture, i.e. those whose main focus is on security for Israel and are therefore most likely to be able to assess the actual risks based on facts, are urgently warning againstz this step. If their assessments are correct, the EU should already start preparing admission quotas for Israelis and Palestinians, because then there will be a lot of noise in Israel and Palestine. As in the West, these critics and whistleblowers are extremely insulted and threatened by the right wing of every kind, shade and degree of radicalization. Before the annexation, Netanyahu declared that the Palestinians would not be granted Israeli citizenship or voting rights in the annexed areas.

Together, this forms the basis for all kinds of sanctions, of which different variants have already been announced in case of annexation. These range from the laughable admonition of the German government that “the annexation is not nice at all. We aren’t angry about it, but very, very disappointed.” (The federal government is in an almost amusing dilemma here. Netanyahu says he will start annexing from July 1st, 2020 on. On the same day, Germany takes over the EU Council Presidency and the presidency of the UN Security Council. In both bodies, the federal government has to take action against Israel on the first day and cannot afford any weaknesses in order to avoid to change its name from “fair and honest broker” to “unfair and dishonest broker” when it takes office because of the double standard. Germany belongs to the driving forces behind sanctions against Russia for annexing Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine. There are actually only two possible solutions: either plenty of vaseline to somehow slip through or all German politicians and diplomats who belong to one of the committees or are intended as replacements, send in notifications of illness because of corona pandemic or gastrointestinal illness for four weeks straight :-D), on economic sanctions (exclusion of Israel from the “Europe Horizon” research and development program, suspension of the customs agreement between the EU and Israel, suspension of the “EU-Israel Association Agreement” etc.), Palestine plans to dissolve the Palestinian National Authority, which would make the next intifada more likely Jordan has already announced that it will terminate the Israel–Jordan peace treaty. Egypt and the rest of the Arab League have announced their own sanctions. Other countries have announced that they will recognize the state of Palestine within the 1967 borders. In addition, the BDS movement is experiencing new legitimacy for the boycott of goods and services from the areas occupied or annexed by Israel, and on top of that there is nothing that is imported from Israel into the EU that couldn’t be imported of the same or better quality from other supplier countries. So something is brewing up here. The only way to prevent this is to put the annexation madness on hold and forget about it at all. If it isn’t handled like that, there is no way to complain later about the to be expected consequences, which Israel would have brought over itself.

When looking at the Levant as a whole, one should also note that the West is increasingly losing patience and interest in the region’s problem countries, which of course include Lebanon, Syria and Jordan in addition to Israel and Palestine. Due to the enormous amount of time and fruitless efforts that went into it, it is no wonder. In addition, there are own old and new challenges, the solutions of which have priority over everything else. If Palestine now disappears from the map bit by bit due to continued Israeli annexations, then not a single problem is solved, but instead raises more. This includes how to deal with the apparently emerging apartheid state of Israel (even in so-called “conservative circles” of Israel, this status is already assumed today, even when they are still looking for another word for it, in order to be able to delay the full international broadside, as it hit South Africa, at least for a while) in the future, except that it will already be inseparable from Netanyahu’s total legacy – however, much more than “racist, corrupt pickpocket with state offices” will not remain of it internationally anyway. Even his father came to the conclusion that his son isn’t fit to become a good leader. The accuracy of his assessment is shown on a daily basis. When looking at how many young, intelligent people from all countries of the Levant are leaving their homelands to find their happiness in other parts of the world, because they obviously do not trust their home countries to find acceptable future developments and solutions, the question arises how outsiders could or should find viable situation changes. To make matters worse, the liberal, open, future-oriented emigrants are replaced by religious immigrants. This is certainly not an improvement, but rather points in the exact opposite direction (Military.com, 7 August 2014: Why the US Military Puts Israel, Gaza in Europe, Irish Times, 30 June 2020: Uncertainty around Israel’s annexation plan as settlers await ‘very exciting day’, France24, 30 June 2020: Special edition: Israel’s contentious annexation plan for the West bank, Haaretz, 1 July 2020: Netanyahu’s Annexation Throws 72 Years of Israeli Diplomacy Down the Drain, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: Annexation is a mistake: These 4 people should prevent it, France24, 1 July 2020: Palestinians rally against Israeli annexation as West Bank goes on Covid-19 lockdown, Haaretz, 1 July 2020: If Annexation Doesn’t Happen in July, It Won’t Happen at All, Israeli Settler Leaders Fear, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: Questions mount as Netanyahu’s self-imposed annexation date arrives, Arab News, 1 July 2020: UK PM Johnson tells Israel: do not annex parts of the occupied West Bank, Haaretz, 1 July 2020: U.K. PM Johnson Tells Israel: Do Not Annex Parts of the West Bank, The Hill, 1 July 2020: Israelis and Palestinians must realize that each needs to give, not just take, The National, 1 July 2020: Johnson tells Israel its West Bank annexation plans break international law, Haaretz, 1 July 2020: Annexation Target Date Is Here, but Israel Made Hardly Any Preparations, Officials Admit, Arab News, 1 July 2020: Israel backs down over land grab, The National, 1 July 2020: Annexation unlikely on Wednesday, says Israeli foreign minister, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: German parliament warns against annexation, but doesn’t threaten sanctions (great, but what follows? Nothing, because the phrases remain hollow and empty, instead of announcing concrete and painful measures and, if necessary, deciding and implementing them. Instead, the German government has already ruled out all conceivable measures and, in the case of actual annexation, is therefore accomplice of another massive breach of international law by the Netanyahu government, by indirectly giving green light. Friendship knows limits. Very weak performance, which also weakens Germanys negotiating positions and arguments against Turkey, Russia, China and other annexing countries), Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2020: Four reasons why Israeli annexation is not happening July 1, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: As annexation start date comes and goes, Netanyahu presses on with US talks, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2020: US official to ‘Post’: July 1 was never an annexation deadline for America, Palestine Chronicle, 1 July 2020: Hamas: All Palestinian Factions United against Israeli Annexation, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: Annexation? Residents of Ariel settlement prefer that old time status quo, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2020: Vatican summons US, Israeli envoys over annexation moves, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2020: European sticks won’t stop annexation, but UAE carrots give pause, DW, 1 July 2020: What will Israel’s West Bank annexation plans mean for the region?, Jerusalem Post, 1 July 2020: Annexation decision likely to be made next week, Irish Times, 1 July 2020: Netanyahu misses target date for annexation of Palestinian territories, Haaretz, 2 July 2020: Many Will Take Credit, but This Is the Real Reason Netanyahu Delayed His Annexation Plan, DW, 2 July 2020: Palestinian rivals Hamas, Fatah threaten Israel’s annexation plans, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2020: 10 things to know about West Bank annexation D-Day, Haaretz, 2 July 2020: Report of Kushner’s Waning Influence Revives Netanyahu’s Annexation Dream, Israel Hayom, 2 July 2020: Anti-Zionist Jews in Brooklyn wave PLO flags in protest of sovereignty plan, Times of Israel, 2 July 2020: Right-wing parties seethe as top Arab MK Odeh attends Fatah-Hamas conference, Haaretz, 2 July 2020: ‘A New Phase’: Palestinian Factions Present United Front Against Israel’s Annexation Plan, Times of Israel, 2 July 2020: Netanyahu’s prescient warning about when a PM shouldn’t make ‘fateful decisions’, Israel Hayom, 2 July 2020: Vatican summons US, Israeli envoys over sovereignty plan, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2020: Berkowitz returns to US to discuss annexation, Israel visit with Kushner, Times of Israel, 2 July 2020: The world has never supported a Jewish State in all of Palestine, Haaretz, 3 July 2020: While Netanyahu Keeps Annexation Alive, Palestinians Close Ranks, Times of Israel, 3 July 2020: Military intel makes West Bank a priority ahead of possible annexation, Haaretz, 3 July 2020: Former World Leaders Urge European Countries to Oppose Israeli Annexation Plan, France24, 4 July 2020: Area C, the chunk of the West Bank the Israeli right has long coveted, Haaretz, 4 July 2020: Annexation Apologists’ Most Misleading Claims – and How to Debunk Them, Haaretz, 5 July 2020: When My Daughter Called Israel an Apartheid State, I Objected. Now, I’m Not So Sure, Times of Israel, 5 July 2020: Annexation not practical at the moment, says outgoing Defense Ministry chief, Haaretz, 6 July 2020: AIPAC Slams Democrats’ Proposal to Ban Israel From Using U.S. Aid Toward Annexation, Times of Israel, 6 July 2020: After exposé on loose cannon lieutenant, IDF blocks his promotion, Jerusalem Post, 6 July 2020: Netanyahu to lose annexation option if new elections held first, Arab News, 6 July 2020: Israel’s ‘legal’ annexation of West Bank already complete , The National, 6 July 2020: Gaza’s young people turn to suicide amid growing desperation, France24, 7 July 2020: US envoy to Israel: a hardliner on West Bank annexation?, Haaretz, 7 July 2020: Jordan, Germany, France, Egypt Say Won’t Recognize Unilateral Changes to 1967 Borders (the reactions from Europe to the annexation plans will influence Netanyahu in the same way as before, namely not at all. Instead, he will continue his “and after me the great flood” policy. Because of its age, the “after me” is in the not too distant future. The approval of Israeli politics tends towards zero in large parts of Europe and the Arab world or, conversely, only a negligible part of Europe and the Arab world agrees with Israeli politics, which is not a new finding, but shows little lasting impact in the Levant. Mainly for (geo) political reasons, the parties are working with the “bully of the levant” anyway. Economic, scientific, cultural or military relations and considerations are of importance for Israel only. For everyone else, they are not significant enough in terms of overall economic and societal considerations, to grapple with the problem cases of the Levant for decades. Developments in the United States are much more important and effective. The approval ratings for Israel and Israeli politics are on a significant descent. This not only in US society as a whole, but especially in the Jewish population in the age group up to 40 years. This development will have a major impact on Israel’s future policy, and that’s great news), Times of Israel, 7 July 2020: Egypt, Jordan, France and Germany warn annexation may hurt ties with Israel, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2020: Jordan, Egypt, Germany and France warn against annexation, Haaretz, 7 July 2020: After Annexation Fiasco, Netanyahu Returns to Deal With Coronavirus. But It’s Too Late, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2020: Why the joint statement matters: Jordan, Egypt close ranks on annexation?, Politico.eu, 7 July 2020: 4 countries warn Israel against annexing Palestinian territories, Israel Hayom, 7 July 2020: Germany’s parliament has a condemnation ready to go (“Germany’s intervention in Israel’s internal affairs has never been more blatant.” – you better clean up your own front yard, before accusing others to do so. For years Israli governments are trying to interfere into German politics – with little success, to be fair. The Bundestag decision isn’t interference in Israeli matters in any way. Netanyahu and his lunatics can decide what ever they want, but have to live with the international consequences afterwards: stealing land will be treated as such, no matter if it is e.g. done by Turkey, Russia, China or Israel), The New York Times, 8 July 2020: I No Longer Believe in a Jewish State, Palestine Chronicle, 8 July 2020: Documentary: ‘Steal of the Century’ (Part 1) (Palestine Chronicle, 4 August 2020: Documentary: ‘Steal of the Century’ (Part 2)), Jerusalem Post, 9 July 2020: With annexation pending, US and Jordan discuss strategic partnership, Haaretz, 9 July 2020: In the West Bank, Coronavirus Is Bad, but the Economy Is Worse, Jerusalem Post, 9 July 2020: Have we all forgotten about annexation? – analysis, Haaretz, 9 July 2020: Annexation Puts EU-Israel Cooperation at Risk, EU Foreign Policy Chief Says, Jerusalem Post, 9 July 2020: With annexation pending, US and Jordan discuss strategic partnership, Palestine Chronicle, 9 July 2020: The PA is a Willing Accomplice in the International Subjugation of Palestine, Jerusalem Post, 9 July 2020: Peter Beinart supported of the two-state solution, but now he doesn’t, Palestine Chronicle, 9 July 2020: Israeli Forces Arrest Palestinian Expert on Settlements in Jerusalem, Israel Hayom, 9 July 2020: Palestinians pressure Biden campaign to reverse Trump’s pro-Israeli moves, Haaretz, 09 July 2020: Peter Beinart’s One State Solution Sounds So Perfect It’s Practically Utopian, Israel Hayom, 10 July 2020: Sovereignty not contrary to international law, jurists say, Times of Israel, 11 July 2020: Think tank simulation of annexation predicts ‘escalating events’ would halt it, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2020: Elan Carr calls J Street annexation tweet antismitic, sparking argument (Carr is arguing like the Chinese on the “security law” for Hong Kong), Haaretz, 11 July 2020: Yes, It’s Israeli Apartheid. Even Without Annexation, Arab News, 11 July 2020: How the land-grab debacle exposed Netanyahu as incompetent, Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2020: Zionism 2020 is Alive and Kicking: A wave of many Jews and Israelis are asking to return home, The Guardian, 12 July 2020: European countries need to recognise the Palestinian state before it’s too late, Haaretz, 13 July 2020: Peter Beinart Doesn’t Go Far Enough, Jerusalem Post, 13 July 2020: Israel will always be a Jewish state, Arab News, 13 July 2020: Progressive Democrats loosen Israel’s grip on Washington, Times of Israel, 14 July 2020: Netanyahu aide said to admit US in no mood for annexation, so PM won’t go ahead, Palestine Chronicle, 14 July 2020: Danon has Exposed the Fact that the UN has Abandoned Palestine and the Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 14 July 2020: EU builds for Palestinians in Area C, FMs speak against annexation, The Guardian, 14 July 2020: Israel European ministers seek options to stop West Bank annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 14 July 2020: King Abdullah of Jordan Warns of Dire Consequences following Israel’s Annexation of more Palestinian Land, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2020: Peace means realizing that Jews and Arabs alike all belong to this land, Times of Israel, 15 July 2020: EU ministers said seeking list of deterrents to warn Israel off annexation, Haaretz, 15 July 2020: Biden’s New Jewish Outreach Director Says Trump Is Dangerous for Israel, Palestine News Network, 15 July 2020: Ministers urge EU to formulate possible responses to Israeli annexation plan, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2020: Why Palestinians can’t sign an end-of-conflict pact, Times of Israel, 16 July 2020: In Washington, a debate over conditioning US aid to Israel heats up, Palestine Chronicle, 16 July 2020: ‘Capturing Occupation’: Palestine Chronicle Talks to Hebron’s ‘Human Rights Defenders’ (WATCH), Haaretz, 17 July 2020: ‘The Fact I Support the Palestinian Cause Means I’m Not the Most Loved Person Among French Jews’, Jerusalem Post, 17 July 2020: Google, Apple ‘erasing Palestine’ from geographic apps – activists, Palestine Chronicle, 17 July 2020: Biden Will Seek to Extend the Narrative that Israel is Being ‘Singled out’, Arab News, 18 July 2020: Attack on Israel’s judges is an attack on its democracy, Haaretz, 19 July 2020: ‘We Said That Ruling Over Another People Will Come at a Price. But There’s No Price’, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2020: China to UNSC: Palestinians can count on us to back their just rights, Times of Israel, 19 July 2020: Hungary FM, one of Israel’s staunchest allies in Europe, due in Jerusalem Monday, The Guardian, 20 July 2020: Whether Israel annexes the West Bank or not, a two-state solution is no longer viable, Jerusalem Post, 21 July 2020: Jordanian prime minister: Let’s work on a one-state solution, Jerusalem Post, 21 July 2020: Former IDF commanders: Annexation must not erode US-Israel security ties, Haaretz, 22 July 2020: With Economic, Political Woes, West Bank’s Second Coronavirus Wave Might Spin Out of Control, Haaretz, 22 July 2020: Peter Beinart Proclaims He’s Still a Zionist, Though He No Longer Believes in a Jewish State, Palestine Chronicle, 22 July 2020: Israel’s Jewish National Fund is Uprooting Palestinians, Not Planting Trees, Times of Israel, 23 July 2020: New DNC platform opposes ‘unilateral actions,’ supports Palestinian rights, Palestine Chronicle, 22 July 2020: China Tells Israel: Do Not Annex Palestinian West Bank, Arab News, 22 July 2020: Israel weakened but Arabs not ready to act, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2020: Gov’t must learn: ‘Shoot, don’t talk’ to accomplish annexation, Palestine Chronicle, 23 July 2020: Rejecting Annexation, Gaza Ready for Massive ‘Unity Rally’ in Coming Days, Palestine Chronicle, 24 July 2020: On the Ongoing Occupation of America and Historic Palestine (The New York Times, 20 July 2020: Trump’s Occupation of American Cities has Begun), Haaretz, 24 July 2020: Peter Beinart Doesn’t Realize That the Israeli-Palestinian Divide Is Too Wide to Bridge, Israel Hayom, 24 July 2020: ‘US wants Israel to earmark land for future Palestinian state’, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2020: Senior Fatah official killed by PA policemen, Palestine Chronicle, 26 July 2020: UAE Presses Allies to Normalize with Israel, Arab News, 29 July 2020: Both US parties fail to embrace Palestinian rights, The National, 29 July 2020: Seth Rogen says he was ‘fed lies’ about Israel: ‘They never tell you there were people there’, Jewish Chronicle, 29 July 2020: Seth Rogen says he was fed ‘a huge amount of lies’ about Israel, Arab News, 30 July 2020: Israeli-Palestine conflict: It’s the occupation, stupid, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2020: ‘Jewish Currents’ editor about Seth Rogen, young Jews and Peter Beinart, Times of Israel, 31 July 2020: European states denounce ‘illegal’ Israeli building plans in Jerusalem area, The New York Times, 31 July 2020: The Less Impossible Israeli-Palestinian Peace, Times of Israel, 31 July 2020: Israel’s non-disengagement, Palestine Chronicle, 1 August 2020: Dozens of Palestinians, Including Children, Suffocate in Israeli Raid near Jenin, Palestine Chronicle, 2 August 2020: PLO Urges EU to Turn Words into Action to Deter Israel, The New York Times, 3 August 2020: The Siren Song of ‘One State’, Haaretz, 3 August 2020: Netanyahu Says Annexation Still on the Table, but White House Needs to Back It, Times of Israel, 3 August 2020: White House still mulling annexation, which could happen this month – source, Foreign Policy, 3 August 2020: Israel Can’t Hide Evidence of Its Occupation Anymore, Palestine Chronicle, 5 August 2020: End the Canada Israel Free Trade Agreement, Times of Israel, 5 August 2020: How Europe can become a player in the Middle East, Haaretz, 6 August 2020: Israel Strikes Hamas Target in Gaza After Explosive-laden Balloons Launch, Army Says, Palestine Chronicle, 6 August 2020: Israeli Terror Cell is Targeting Civilians in Northern West Bank, Times of Israel, 6 August 2020: IDF strikes Hamas site in Gaza after arson balloons spark fires in south, Palestine Chronicle, 6 August 2020: Israeli Forces Destroy Irrigation Ponds in Jordan Valley, Times of Israel, 6 August 2020: Two-state solution: The worst and only way to solve Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Times of Israel, 7 August 2020: 3,000 protest in latest anti-Netanyahu rally outside his home, Palestine Chronicle, 7 August 2020: ‘Jerusalem is Not the Capital of Israel’, Italian Court Tells RAI TV, Haaretz, 7 August 2020: Via Facebook, Israel Is Trying to Change Palestinian Perception of the Occupation, Israel Hayom, 8 August 2020: What disengagement and annexation have in common, Times of Israel, 8 August 2020: Peace activist’s killer calls anti-Netanyahu protesters ‘germs’ to be dealt with (an average Likud voter (in other parts of the world these guys wold be called “home grown, right wing terrorists”)), Haaretz, 8 August 2020: What the Israeli Public Really Thinks About Annexation, From 1967 to Today, Haaretz, 8 August 2020: Hamas Official: Balloon Bombs From Gaza Are Message to Israel Over Stalled Negotiations, Haaretz, 10 August 2020: The Israelis ‘Fighting Till the Last Drop of Blood’ Against Palestinian Documentary (Operation Defensive Shield, Haaretz, 11 August 2020: ‘Jenin, Jenin’ Article Is Propaganda Clothed as Journalism), Haaretz, 12 August 2020: Israel Limits Gaza Fishing Zone as Explosive-laden Balloon Launches Continue, Times of Israel, 12 August 2020: Israel halves Gaza fishing zone after dozens of fires sparked in south, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2020: Egypt demands end to balloon attacks on Israel, BBC, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE strike historic deal to normalise relations, CNN, 13 August 2020: Israel and the UAE establish ‘full normalization of relations,’ Trump says (what does that mean in concrete terms? The United Arab Emirates rate the threat posed by Iran ever higher and are therefore trying to strengthen military alliances and classify Israel as the lesser evil, following the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend!” Of course, understandably, Israel is still not trusted. In return, the UAE accept that the corrupt kleptocrats Netanyahu and Trump can distract for a few hours from the fact that they are the completely wrong people for the tasks assigned to them. The Emiratis can even talk about it nicely by pointing out that Netanyahu’s and Trump’s mentalities and ways of acting ultimately make them ideally suited to the Middle East, because they have never understood the concepts of democracy, law and freedom. For the Palestinians, however, it is more bad news because it means that the Emiratis have made a choice, albeit understandably, for their own security. This inevitably leads to the legitimate interests of the Palestinians being neglected and thus indirectly favoring the further expansion of the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Netanyahu has already announced that the planned illegal annexation of the largest parts of the Palestinian state (East Jerusalem and the West Bank) will only be postponed, but not canceled. The Palestinians are not innocent of this development, because their actions and their omissions have angered the Arab supporters considerably. How long this situation will last from the UAE’s point of view is difficult to assess, especially since China has closed agreements with Iran and Saudi Arabia that have what it takes to turn enemies into friends, so that the tide can turn into the opposite, especially because there is still no agreement between China and the United Arab Emirates. This can be changed quickly. It is of course also obvious that the agreement between two small states will not change the world. Overall it’s just a drop in the ocean, but Netanyahu and Trump currently need every straw that could ensure that they can cling to their chairs, no matter how criminal they are. That being said, the agreement is little more than an Letter of Intent (The National, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement of US, Israel and UAE) that must first be filled with life before it can be called an “agreement”. The mutual opening of embassies that have already been announced will not work because the Emiratis have announced that this will only take place after a peace agreement has been concluded between Israelis and Palestinians. Whether and how the symbolic act will actually affect Iran’s ability to act remains to be seen, because one thing is of course clear: In the Middle East nothing is set in stone and rarely as it seems at first glance. This can be seen, among others, because of the fact that it is Iran of all countries that, through its expeditions in foreign territories, has brought closer ties between the Arab Gulf states and Israel. Netanyahu is now talking about a “turning point”, while he probably only saw a Fata Morgana in the Negev. The small states of Bahrain and Oman may well follow suit, because both states have had good unofficial relations with Israel for a long time. All three countries benefit from this. To hope that normalization with Saudi Arabia will take place just as quickly would be an outright self-deception. You have to look at Saudi Arabia’s political system, which, unlike in the West, is not based on parties, but on a clan/tribal economy. Among them are clans/tribes who would be more willing to plunge the country into civil war than to do business with Israel, which in turn would put the royal family in serious danger. This is understandably not worth it to the House of Saud. It will probably be the case that the Saudis will first look at how things are going with their much smaller neighbors and Israel. If it works there, they will familiarize their own population with the idea of ​​normalization. Added to this is the religious importance of Saudi Arabia in the Muslim world. Everything has to be considered twice and three times in order not to cause a catastrophe. So we don’t talk about a year or two in advance, but about decades. For the Palestinians, it means defeat in any case. As “occupied” they should have resisted AND shown willingness to negotiate. But they only delivered 50%, what in return makes it clear again that Israel can exchange as many letters of intent with the Gulf States as it want to: in the end, there is still no solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If you look at the whole picture, the developments result in very positive approaches. If normalization between the states of North Africa, the Gulf States and Israel were actually managed in the next few decades, the potential threat to Israel would be reduced to Lebanon, Palestine and Iran, and for the Gulf States to Iran. If one continues to assume that economic activities among each other would be considerably strengthened through synergy effects, this would have clearly positive effects for the USA and the EU with regard to the billions in support provided to date to the countries of the Levant and North Africa regions, which could be gradually reduced. For the EU this would mean investing the funds released in the expansion of the functioning “Union for the Mediterranean”, which is currently little more than a paper tiger. The bigger challenges are Turkey and Lebanon. The Erdogan regime is currently well on the way to completely pushing the Turkish economy against the wall, which makes the initial situation rather problematic, especially since the Sultan and his neo-Ottomans can hardly deal with defeats, even those completely self-inflicted. Lebanon is in a far more hopeless position: the country must free itself from its corrupt leadership, develop a new political system, rebuild Beirut, overcome the ongoing economic crisis and significantly curb the influence of Iranian-controlled Hezbollah. The country will not be able to cope with the challenges alone. If the EU were to provide support, help and advice and put pressure on individual parties to the extent necessary, it would certainly have positive effects for the entire country. The impetus for this must come from the population themselves. As it turns out in retrospect, the Emiratis have apparently achieved much more than just stopping annexation. As an additional agreement, a billion-dollar arms deal was concluded between the UAE and the USA, which includes the purchase of of F-35 fighter jets. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have wanted to buy US weapons systems for several years, but have always been put off. Apparently they now have found the right lever. Who knows what other agreements have sweetened the Letter of Intent to Israel), The New York Times, 13 August 2020: Israel and United Arab Emirates Strike Major Diplomatic Agreement, DW, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE to start diplomatic ties after breakthrough deal, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement on ‘normalization of relations’ between Israel, UAE, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: Israel-UAE Deal Clears Annexation Muddle. But Not for Everyone, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Hailing ‘new era with Arab world,’ Netanyahu says others will follow UAE’s lead (Ze’ev Jabotinsky and Revisionist Zionism), Haaretz, 13 August 2020: After Netanyahu Commits to Future Annexation, Trump Says It’s Now ‘Off the Table’, Arab News, 13 August 2020: World reacts to UAE’s opening diplomatic ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: In halting annexation, UAE paints its Israel peace deal as win for Palestinians, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: In UAE Deal, Netanyahu Trades Imaginary Annexation for Real Life Diplomacy Win, Arab News, 13 August 2020: Full text of joint statement on UAE and Israel normalizing ties, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: ‘A despicable betrayal’: PA blasts Emirates, demands retraction of Israel deal, Arab News, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel reach ‘historic deal’ to normalize relations, The National, 13 August 2020: Israel freezes Palestine annexation for UAE ties, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace dealUAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace deal, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2020: UAE deal boosts Gulf clout – analysis, The Washington Post, 13 August 2020: The Israel-UAE agreement is an insult to the peace Palestinians and Arabs want and need, The National, 13 August 2020: Gargash: UAE-Israel deal a ‘death blow’ to annexation of Palestine, NPR, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel Move To Normalize Relations As Israel Halts Planned West Bank Annexations, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE’s Jewish community reacts to country’s historic agreement with Israel, France24, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE normalise relations in historic, Trump-brokered deal, The Guardian, 13 August 2020: ‘Truly historic’ Israel signs deal with UAE that will ‘suspend’ West Bank annexation, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Trump scores diplomatic deal with Middle East allies before election, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE to normalise relations in shift in Mideast politics; West Bank annexations on hold, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: Normalization Deal Between Israel and the UAE Signals a Shift in the Region, The Hill, 13 August 2020: 5 takeaways from Israel and UAE opening diplomatic ties, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: In Historic Deal With the UAE, Israel Is the Biggest Winner, The Atlantic, 13 August 2020: Why the UAE Made Peace With Israel, The New York Times, 13 August 2020: A Geopolitical Earthquake Just Hit the Mideast, The Washington Post, 14 August 2020: Trump is right. The Israel-UAE agreement is a huge achievement., DW, 14 August 2020: Opinion: Israel-UAE deal means goodbye to independent Palestinian state, France24, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE deal a Trump coup, but his sights are set on Iran, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: ‘It’s a game and we lost’: Palestinians decry Gulf moves towards Israel, Politico.eu, 14 August 2020: EU foreign policy chief Borrell welcomes Israel-UAE deal, Haaretz, 14 August 2020: UAE’s Unique Leverage Over Israel Buried Annexation to Enable Normalization, The National, 14 August 2020: United Nations and major states praise UAE-Israel accord, DW, 14 August 2020: Iran, Turkey slam UAE over agreement with Israel, CNN, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE agreement a meek version of the historic Mideast deal Trump pledged, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: While Israel celebrates a new peace accord, Palestinians once again lose (Trump “should be a frontrunner for the Nobel Peace Prize”. :-D .. following this logic, Iran would be the #1 candidate, because without its activities in the region the Arab Gulf states wouldn’t agree to normalize relations with Israel in the coming 200 years), Al Arabiya, 14 August 2020: After UAE-Israel peace deal, a Palestinian state is the next step, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Taking normalization over annexation, Netanyahu poised to enter exalted company, DW, 15 August 2020: Mixed reaction to historic agreement between Israel and UAE, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Morocco said likely to be one of the next states to normalize ties with Israel (unabashed corruption in public: Morocco offers to normalize relations with Israel if the US in return recognizes the illegal annexation of Western Sahara as legal), The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: The historic deal between Israel and the UAE shows Trump’s strategy is paying off, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: Israeli Delegation to Head to UAE to Hammer Out Details of Accords, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: UAE locals hail Israel peace, offer hotel discounts; elsewhere in Gulf, wariness, The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: Israel’s relations in the Middle East, explained, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: King of Bahrain Congratulates the UAE on Deal With Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 15 August 2020: The Emirati-Israel-Trump Treachery, Bloomberg, 15 August 2020: Bahrain Joins Egypt, Oman in Supporting UAE, Israel Deal, Arab News, 15 August 2020: Ankara burns bridges with UAE but maintains ties with Israel: Why?, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2020: UAE says Israel deal not about Iran, rejects criticism from Turkey’s Erdogan, The New York Times, 15 August 2020: Shifting Dynamics of the Mideast Pushed Israel and U.A.E. Together, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: These Settler Farmers Are All About Peace and Love – Just Don’t Mention Land Theft, The Guardian, 15 August 2020: Gaza: Israel continues airstrikes in retaliation for Hamas balloon bombs, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Iran threatens to attack UAE over Israel deal, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Once Again, the U.S. Saves Netanyahu From Himself, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Normalization with other Arab countries is possible, says Avi Berkowitz, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Stopping Annexation Was Our Main Concern: Top UAE Official Hails ‘Historic’ Israel Deal in Haaretz Interview, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Why Lebanon won’t make peace with Israel so long as Hezbollah is around, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: UAE Is Normalizing Relations With Israel. Lebanon Should, Too, France24, 16 August 2020: Telephone service begins between Israel and UAE after historic deal, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Netanyahu: UAE deal based on strength, will yield ‘true peace’ with Palestinians, Arab News, 17 August 2020: Netanyahu says UAE deal signals end to ‘land for peace’, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Five countries that could be next to make peace with Israel, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Thanks for Dubai, Now Bye Bye: An Evening With Israel’s Happiest anti-Netanyahu Protesters, Israel Hayom, 16 August 2020: EU welcomes Israel-UAE deal as good for Mideast stability, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Born of internal Arab despair, UAE deal gives Israel genuine chance of peace, DW, 16 August 2020: UAE, Israel firms sign deal after establishing ties, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Only Trump Could Get Bibi to Pose as Shimon Peres, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: UAE foreign minister calls his Israeli counterpart to launch direct phone lines, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Base set by UAE-Israel deal must be built upon, France24, 16 August 2020: Macron urges new Middle East peace talks after call with Abbas, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Made Peace in Dubai? Now Make Peace With the Palestinians, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Middle East peace talks remain priority, Macron says after call with Abbas, The National, 16 August 2020: EU says UAE-Israel peace accord a ‘fundamental step’ for stability, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2020: Phone calls open between UAE and Israel, websites unblocked after agreement, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Amid ongoing cross-border fire, Gantz pledges no peace in Gaza until south quiet, Al Arabiya, 17 August 2020: Six major events in Oman-Israel relations: Timeline, The Washington Post, 18 August 2020: Netanyahu’s diplomatic sleight of hand can’t hide his failures at home, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: The Palestinians weren’t betrayed by the UAE. They were simply left behind, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: Gaza Tensions: Hamas Doesn’t Seek Escalation, but Won’t Make Do With Restoring Calm, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: Gaza’s only power plant shuts down as fuel runs out amid border tensions, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: A Deal With UAE? If Israeli Settlers Are Mad, It Must Be Good, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: It’s time for the Palestinians to call Israel’s bluff on peace, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: Trump: We moved the capital of Israel to Jerusalem for the Evangelicals, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: UAE official reportedly rebuffs Netanyahu denial he okayed F-35 sale, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: ‘Impossible’ Beirut Port blast was caused by Hezbollah arms – president, NPR, 19 August 2020: Opinion: Israel And UAE’s Accord Is A Big Win, But Don’t Overplay It, The Washington Post, 19 August 2020: Israel issues rare ruling against practice of demolishing homes of Palestinians accused of violence, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: After Israel-UAE Normalization, Saudi FM Says Committed to Arab Peace Initiative, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Saudi FM: No Israel normalization without peace with the Palestinians, Arab News, 19 August 2020: Foreign minister: Saudi Arabia is committed to Arab peace plan, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: Trump and Netanyahu Are Pushing Palestinians Back to Armed Struggle, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Israel said to express concerns to US over Saudi nuclear program, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2020: Friedman to ‘Post’: Israeli security not undermined in UAE deal, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: How Netanyahu’s Huge Diplomatic Achievement Turned Into a Self-made Political Fiasco, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Reported deal to sell UAE F-35 jets edges in on US promise of Israeli dominance, The National, 19 August 2020: Sudan: spokesman fired after remarks on Israel ties, Middle East Monitor, 19 August 2020: Fatah, Hamas hold joint protest against UAE-Israel deal (after all, the rapprochement initially stopped the “great annexation” of the West Bank and East Jerusalem by Israel through the engagement of the UAE. Of course, the many “small annexations” will continue in the future, as they did in the past decades. At the end of the day, however, the Palestinians need also do their part to achieve a sustainable overall solution before Israel has annexed the entire Palestinian state land. Even if the Palestinian view is perfectly understandable, it is neither goal-oriented nor solution-oriented. By the way, insulting the Arab supporters isn’t either), The New York Times, 19 August 2020: Trump Administration Pushes Arms Sale to U.A.E. Despite Israeli Worries, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: To end the occupation, Palestinians need the moral high ground – opinion, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: My Word: The Abraham Accord’s splendid past, Haaretz, 20 August 2020: UAE Deal Is an Economic Opportunity, but Perhaps Not of the Kind Israelis Think, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: Europe’s failed (and forgotten) Gaza monitors – opinion (European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah), Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: Ehud Olmert to ‘Post’: How will the Israel-UAE deal affect all involved?, Palestine Chronicle, 21 August 2020: UAE to Establish Embassy in Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: F-35 Sale to UAE: ‘Netanyahu Knew… It’s an Outrage’, Palestine Chronicle, 21 August 2020: Jewish Settlers Storm Palestinian Village near Bethlehem, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2020: EU spent €5m. promoting east Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital in 2019 (well done, EU. Wisely spent and invested money. Even though Israel, like so many other occupying powers around the world, think that occupation is on its side, while international law and numerous UN resolutions say otherwise), Arab News, 21 August 2020: The UAE has skillfully moved to check Iranian aggression, Al Arabiya, 21 August 2020: Saudi Arabia’s price for ties with Israel is Palestinian state: Prince Turki, Palestine Chronicle, 21 August 2020: How Israel Wages War on Palestinian History, Arab News, 21 August 2020: A new direction for Palestine, Times of Israel, 23 August 2020: Despite pandemic, East Jerusalem on track for record number of home demolitions, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: Iran could bear responsibility for UAE-Israel reconciliation: Veteran US diplomat, Haaretz, 24 August 2020: Palestinian Farmers Lose Hundreds of Olive, Fig Trees to West Bank Vandals, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: Another Israel-Arab deal expected in coming weeks: Israeli ambassador to US, DW, 24 August 2020: Mike Pompeo arrives in Israel on first stop of Middle East tour (a really interesting show. While the UAE has demanded the Israeli annexation freeze and a substantial arms deal with the US as the price for normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia announced at the weekend that its price for normalization is a peace treaty concluded between Israel and Palestine. Whereby the term “normalization” is interpreted differently. While Netanyahu speaks of “complete normalization in all areas”, the UAE only of “economic normalization only”. It remains to be seen what prices the US and Israel will have to pay for the consent of the other Arab and North African states to normalize relations with Israel. Whether the effort is worth it or not remains to be seen on November 3rd, the day of the US presidential election. It is already a great challenge in the remaining time frame to develop a more concrete agreement from the Letter of Intent between the UAE and Israel, to sign it and then to fill it with life later on), Times of Israel, 24 August 2020: UAE-Israel Accord, Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, Haaretz, 24 August 2020: Gazans Await More Qatari Aid Amid Electricity Shortages, Virus Outbreak, Times of Israel, 24 August 2020: UAE said to scrap meet with Israel, US envoys after Netanyahu panned F-35 deal (looks like Netanyahu and Trump messed it up once again. Dumb and dumber), Haaretz, 24 August 2020: UAE’s Betrayal of Palestine Finally Shatters the Myth of the Arab Nation, Arab News, 24 August 2020: Pompeo hopes other Arab states open relations with Israel, France24, 25 August 2020: Sudan not considering normalising ties with Israel before end of interim govt in 2022, Haaretz, 25 August 2020: With Each of Its Arab Neighbors, Israel Has a Different ‘Economic Peace’, Arab News, 25 August 2020: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Pompeo discuss strengthening UAE-Israel deal, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: Abbas slams ‘illusion of peace for peace’ in meeting with UK FM, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2020: Abbas: Normalization between Arabs, Israel won’t achieve peace, Politico.com, 25 August 2020: Pompeo heads to Mideast as part of Trump’s Arab-Israeli push, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: Pompeo arrives in Bahrain for next leg of Middle East charm offensive, Haaretz, 25 August 2020: Netanyahu: Top U.S. Officials to Join Israeli Delegation to UAE to Discuss Cooperation, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: Arson balloons from Gaza spark 29 fires in Israel Tuesday, Palestine Chronicle, 26 August 2020: UAE-Israel Normalization Hits Snag, Trilateral Meeting Canceled, Israel Hayom, 26 August 2020: Europe is clinging to the Palestinians (once again the already well-known and typical Likudnik and anti-EU propaganda. The EU and most member states would be pretty happy, if and when the letter of intent between the UAE and Israel would be filled with life. There are still a myriad of unchallenged issues to overcome, so that it is far to early to celebrate. At the same time the Israel Hayom is Netanyahu’s advertisement agency, so that the Likudniks make clear what kind of supporters they are looking for: racist, far-right-wing and/or autocratic governments. Pretty telling), Haaretz, 27 August 2020: How the UAE and Saudi Arabia Now Hold Israel Hostage, Times of Israel, 27 August 2020: Pompeo heads home after appearing to hit wall in push for Israel ties, France24, 27 August 2020: Jordanian cartoonist arrested over ‘offensive’ UAE drawing, Jerusalem Post, 27 August 2020: Britain wants Israeli hi-tech,’ no longer fears Arab reaction – source, Haaretz, 28 August 2020: With Annexation Suspended, EU States Propose Reinstating Israel Association Council After Eight Years, Der Spiegel, 28 August 2020: Israel’s Ambassador to Germany on UAE Deal: “We Don’t Talk Enough — Israelis, Arabs, Palestinians”, Haaretz, 28 August 2020: Israel-UAE Normalization Is a Test for Egypt and Jordan, Haaretz, 29 August 2020: An Occupation Vacation, Times of Israel, 30 August 2020: On eve of 1st UAE flight, PM claims Palestinians can’t ‘veto’ Israel-Arab peace (Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement – the lie of the alleged “peace treaty” is even spreading on Wikipedia. There has never been a war between the UAE and Israel. The deal is just a trade agreement. Rather, it is about the US election campaign and Trump’s imminent election defeat), Haaretz, 30 August 2020: The Settlers at This Outpost Hoped Israel Would Come Through. Now They Feel Deceived, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2020: Jared Kushner visit shows importance of accord to Trump’s campaign, Times of Israel, 31 August 2020: Palestinian leaders! Wake up and smell the statehood!, Foreign Policy, 4 September 2020: UAE Deal Boosts Israeli Oil Pipeline Secretly Built With Iran, CNBC, 4 September 2020: Serbia, Kosovo to open Israel embassies in Jerusalem (it is remarkable with which “great powers” Trump now has to negotiate with after annoying all relevant interlocutors. On the other hand, the governments of Serbia and Kosovo are after all just as corrupt and criminal as the Trump administration: “birds of a feather flock together” It remains to be seen what he what prize he had to pay to the Serbian government), Haaretz, 5 September 2020: Trump Secures Long Overdue Israeli Recognition of Kosovo. But What’s That Have to Do With ‘Middle East Peace’?, Haaretz, 7 September 2020: Poll: U.S. Evangelicals Back Israel-UAE Deal Despite Nixed Annexation, Times of Israel, 8 September 2020: In tacit threat, IDF makes mass arrests of Hamas members around Hebron, The Washington Post, 8 September 2020: Sold: U.S. ambassador’s luxury residence in Israel, Haaretz, 9 September 2020: Arab League Rejects Palestinian Resolution to Condemn Israel-UAE Deal, Haaretz, 9 September 2020: U.S. Ambassador’s Israeli Home Sold to Adelson. Will the Yard Be Returned to the Public?, Arab News, 10 September 2020: ‘Historic’ Palestinian factions’ reconciliation meeting puts smiles on faces, Arab News, 11 September 2020: Israel razing more Palestinian homes despite virus: UN, The Hill, 11 September 2020: Israel, Bahrain to normalize diplomatic relations, Trump announces (the next lie about a “peace agreement”. Just as the UAE were never at war with Israel, so was Bahrain. But it is better not to share this knowledge with Trump apologists, because they then become abusive and will claim that you are only out to prove with facts why Trump did not deserve a Nobel Peace Prize. In their view this is shameful behaviour :-D ), The Guardian, 11 September 2020: Bahrain to normalise ties with Israel, Donald Trump announces (the “peace agreements” recently announced by Netanyahu and Trump between the UAE, Bahrain and Israel are gross nonsense in several aspects: First, there were never wars between the UAE, Bahrain and Israel, which is why there can’t be peace agreements, and second, the UAE already decided years earlier that Israeli citizens and companies would be granted the same rights as other foreigners and foreign companies from Expo Dubai 2020 on and thirdly, the agreement is a security (some are already talking about the beginning of an “Arab-Israeli NATO”), trade and entry agreement on the terms of the UAE and Bahrain. Netanyahu’s contribution to this can only be determined using measuring methods from microbiology, Trump’s contribution is an arms deal with the UAE. The first agreements between the Arab Gulf states and Israel were necessary in order to partially reverse the unforgivable mistake of Trump’s unilateral termination of the Iran deal under pressure of Netanyahu and the Saudi royal family. Iran, which is now striving towards China as a self-made enemy and thereby becoming even more uncontrollable, is at the same time a self-made common threat to which unusual coalitions are responding. Tactically and strategically it was obviously successful in building up Iran as an “overpowering and common enemy” (although its armed status does not allow it) in order to enable the Arab states to form face-saving alliances with Israel. But of course there is more to this, especially tangible economic interests. Trump’s USA wants to completely withdraw from the Gulf region and the Levant, with the exception of their US Army Camp Israel (where the Army stores ammunition worth billions of US dollars alone). How can this be done? By building up and exaggerating an imaginary enemy, forcing the rest of the neighboring countries to massively upgrade their defense for self-protection, so that finally enough weapons systems (preferably Made in America, of course) will be acquired so that the American presence on site becomes obsolete. However, this poses a threat: Israel already has a number of nuclear weapons at its disposal, in order to be able to react adequately to the threat posed by them, sooner or later Iran will have to develop its own. When that happens, the Arab Gulf states will follow suit, so that one of the most unstable regions in the world will be on the verge of self-destruction. At the same time, of course, there is still the aftertaste of a typical Trump stunt, because it is obviously not about doing the right thing for the region, but about making his evangelical voter base happy), Haaretz, 12 September 2020: Netanyahu Used Doctored Video of Abbas to Influence Trump’s Policy, Woodward Reveals, Israel normalising ties, Haaretz, 12 September 2020: With Bahrain Deal, Israel’s Mantle in the Gulf Expands, Eyeing Big Saudi Prize, Palestine Chronicle, 12 September 2020: Palestinian Resistance Movements Call for PLO to Leave Arab League, Times of Israel, 13 September 2020: US assured UAE it won’t back Israel annexation before 2024 at earliest, ToI told, Haaretz, 13 September 2020: Trump’s White House Peace Pageant Bound to Deny Netanyahu the Glory He Yearns For, Times of Israel, 14 September 2020: Top Emirati diplomat: Peace with Israel will better serve Palestinian cause, France24, 14 September 2020: Netanyahu will not talk to Palestinians: opposition chief, The Guardian, 15 September 2020: ‘Shameless propaganda’: Netanyahu flies to Washington to sign deals as Israeli lockdown looms, Times of Israel, 15 September 2020: ‘Palestinians need to want to help themselves,’ senior UAE diplomat tells ToI, France24, 15 September 2020: UAE, Bahrain to normalise relations with Israel at White House signing ceremony, CNN, 15 September 2020: Two Gulf nations will recognize Israel at the White House. Here’s what’s in it for all sides, Times of Israel, 15 September 2020: Gantz lauds normalization, but says no stability without talking to Palestinians, Haaretz, 15 September 2020: Trump Says ‘No Problem’ Selling F-35 Jets to UAE, Despite Netanyahu’s Denial, Times of Israel, 15 September 2020: Israel inking historic accords with UAE, Bahrain at White House ceremony, Jerusalem Post, 15 September 2020: Gantz: Israel must restart talks with Palestinians, Arab News, 15 September 2020: UAE-Israel accord creates ‘new environment’ for Mideast peace: Official, Palestine Chronicle, 15 September 2020: Hundreds of Palestinians Rally against Arab Normalization Agreements with Israel, Arab News, 15 September 2020: UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham Accord with Israel, The National, 15 September 2020: UAE and Israel sign landmark accord to normalise relations, Politico Magazine, 15 September 2020: How Trump’s Middle East Plan Could Boost the Region, NPR, 15 September 2020: Israel, Bahrain And UAE Sign Deals Formalizing Ties At White House, The New York Times, 15 September 2020: Israel, U.A.E. and Bahrain Sign Accords, With an Eager Trump Playing Host, BBC, 15 September 2020: Five reasons why Israel’s peace deals with the UAE and Bahrain matter, The Atlantic, 16 September 2020: Iran and the Palestinians Lose Out in the Abraham Accords, Jeruasalem Post, 16 September 2020: The Abraham Accord: No details, no devil – analysis (“peace treaties” – hahaha .. by now, they are little more but marketing stunts), Haaretz, 16 September 2020: Trump and Netanyahu’s Big Fat Fake Peace Deal, Arab News, 16 September 2020: Time for the Palestinian people to take the initiative, The Guardian, 17 September 2020: Occupying Palestine is rotting Israel from inside. No Gulf peace deal can hide that, Haaretz, 17 September 2020: White House Peace Deals Are as Vacuous as Miss Universe Statements, and That’s by Design, DW, 18 September 2020: Palestinians seek new friends after Israel normalizes ties with Gulf monarchies, Times of Israel, 18 September 2020: With the Israel-UAE-Bahrain deals, ‘undeniable Palestinan truths’ no longer hold, Arab News, 18 September 2020: Muslims and Jews of the Gulf can set an inspiring example, BBC, 21 September 2020: Israeli settlers’ Chelsea boss backer, Haaretz, 21 September 2020: Companies Linked to Roman Abramovich Donated $100 Million to E. Jerusalem Right-wing Group, Jerusalem Post, 22 September 2020: Angered by Arab-Israel ties, PA quits chairing Arab League sessions, DW, 22 September 2020: Palestinians quit Arab League role over UAE-Bahrain-Israel deal, Al Arabiya, 22 September 2020: Palestine quits chairing Arab League sessions for next 6 months, Arab News, 23 September 2020: Peace will pull the rug from under Israel’s hard-liners, The National, 23 September 2020: UNGA 2020: Former UN chief Ban says Abraham Accord ‘tackles mistrust’, Arab News, 23 September 2020: UN General Assembly: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman calls for Hezbollah to be disarmed, Al Arabiya, 23 September 2020: Saudi Arabia extended hand to Iran in peace ‘but to no avail’: King Salman, France24, 24 September 2020: Fatah, Hamas agree to hold first Palestinian elections since 2006, The National, 24 September 2020: Gargash: UAE-Israel deal will promote peace and two-state solution, Haaretz, 25 September 2020: Palestinian Leader Calls for New Peace Process in UN Speech, Times of Israel, 25 September 2020: At UN, Abbas urges int’l conference for ‘genuine’ peace bid, pledges elections, Arab News, 25 September 2020: Palestine’s Mahmoud Abbas asks UN for international peace conference next year, The National, 25 September 2020: Israel admits ISIS fighter in Iraqi prison is its own and permits his return, Arab News, 26 September 2020: Palestinians must first make peace with themselves, Palestine Chronicle, 1 October 2020: Palestinian Narratives have been Exploited to Validate International Designs on Palestine, Times of Israel, 1 October 2020: ‘Jerusalem is our city,’ Turkey’s Erdogan declares, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2020: Erdogan: ‘Jerusalem is our city, a city from us’, France24, 2 October 2020: Former US diplomat Dennis Ross: Annexation of the West Bank ‘is off the table’, Palestine Chronicle, 7 October 2020: German Hypocrisy: The Left and Israel, Haaretz, 2 October 2020: Jewish Soldiers and Civilians Looted Arab Neighbors’ Property en Masse in ’48. The Authorities Turned a Blind Eye, Palestine Chronicle, 2 October 2020: EU Offers Financial, Logistic Assistance to Help Hold Palestinian Elections, Arab News, 4 October 2020: A brave new dawn in Arab-Israeli relations, Palestine Chronicle, 5 October 2020: To Protect Gas Fields from Hezbollah: German Naval Technology on Its Way to Israel, Al Arabiya, 5 October 2020: Full transcript: Prince Bandar bin Sultan’s interview on Israel-Palestine conflict, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Israel to Approve 2,500 New Settlement Homes, After 8-month Lull in Council’s Meetings, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2020: Ashkenazi tells Emirati FM of family story at Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: To the Palestinians and My Fellow Arabs: Your Hatred for Israel Achieves Nothing, Times of Israel, 6 October 2020: ‘Never again,’ UAE’s top diplomat declares at Holocaust memorial with Ashkenazi, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2020: UAE, Israel foreign ministers meet at Holocaust memorial in Germany, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Meeting UAE Foreign Minister, Israel’s Ashkenazi Urges Talks With Palestinians, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2020: UAE stresses return of hope for Palestinians, Israelis to work on two-state solution, The National, 6 October 2020: ‘A new era towards security and prosperity’: UAE and Israeli foreign ministers meet in historic first, Times of Israel, 6 October 2020: Former Saudi spy chief: Palestinian leaders have been ‘failures’ for 70 years, The New York Times, 6 October 2020: Saudi Prince Accuses Palestinian Leaders of Failing Their People, Arab News, 6 October 2020: Palestinians winning the legitimacy war, Times of Israel, 7 October 2020: EU said to condition expanding aid on PA’s acceptance of tax funds from Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 7 October 2020: German Hypocrisy: The Left and Israel, Times of Israel, 7 October 2020: Despite flurry of fresh promises, Palestinians skeptical elections will happen, Jerusalem Post, 8 October 2020: Saudi Arabia must focus on own interests-Prince Bandar, Jerusalem Post, 9 October 2020: Have the Palestinians fallen from International grace?, Arab News, 10 October 2020: Prince Bandar sets the record straight on Saudi support for Palestinians, Haaretz, 10 October 2020: After Israel-Gulf Deals, Palestinians May Have to Take Different Path, Arab News, 10 October 2020: How Palestinian leaders squandered Saudi support for their cause, Arab News, 10 October 2020: For a fatal blow to Middle East peace, look back 20 years, Palestine Chronicle, 10 October 2020: Jordan Opens Airspace to Israel in Aviation Deal, Haaretz, 11 October 2020: Israeli Soldiers Raid a Palestinian Village at Night, Terrifying Residents – for Training Purposes, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2020: Palestinians facing immense pressure to resume peace talks with Israel, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Arab social media hyper-critical of normalization with Israel, ministry says, Haaretz, 12 October 2020: Forget About Jewish or Democratic. Is Israel Even an Actual Country?, Haaretz, 12 October 2020: Israel’s Cabinet Endorses UAE Deal; Netanyahu, Crown Prince Agree to Meet ‘Soon’, Palestine Chronicle, 12 October 2020: Zionist War on Palestinian Festival in Rome is Ominous Sign of Things to Come, Haaretz, 13 October 2020: Settlers Attack Israeli Journalist Reporting on Clashes With Palestinians, Times of Israel, 13 October 2020: Palestinian Authority PM: God help us if Trump reelected, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2020: Settlers attack N12 team in clashes with Palestinians in West Bank, The National, 14 October 2020: Israel approves thousands of new West Bank settlement homes, Palestine Chronicle, 14 October 2020: Jewish Settlers Use Chainsaw to Cut Electric Poles in West Bank, Haaretz, 15 October 2020: Knesset Endorses UAE Deal by Large Majority; Netanyahu: Palestinians Will ‘Sober Up’, France24, 15 October 2020: Israeli parliament backs UAE, Bahrain normalisation deals, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: Sudan to normalize ties with Israel after US ultimatum – report (well, a costly experiment for US taxpayers to try to buy up “friends” for Israel), Haaretz, 15 October 2020: Israel Approves Thousands More Homes in West Bank Settlement, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: Israel denies visas to UN human rights staff after settlement blacklist (no wonder, because the blacklist is likely to be incomplete, so Israel is making it difficult for UN employees to visit the Palestinian East Jerusalem and West Bank, and the Syrian Golan heights to change this), Times of Israel, 15 October 2020: Plans for over 2,700 more settlement homes advanced — making 5,000 in 2 days, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: Israel advances plans for 3,122 settler homes on day of Israel-UAE vote, Palestine Chronicle, 15 October 2020: Pompeo Encourages Saudis to Normalize with Israel, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2020: Saudi Arabia has always envisioned normalization with Israel would happen: FM, Palestine Chronicle, 15 October 2020: PA Courts to Look at Legal Action against Jewish Settler Violence, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2020: UAE, Israel reach agreement on double taxation avoidance to encourage investment, The National, 16 October 2020: Saudi Foreign Minister: Palestinian-Israeli agreement is only route to lasting peace, Arab News, 15 October 2020: Twitter Poll: Shockingly, most Arab News readers in favor of Israeli actress Gal Gadot as Cleopatra, BBC, 16 October 2020: , Haaretz, 16 October 2020: Five European Countries Condemn Israeli Plans for New Homes in West Bank Settlements, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2020: Five European nations condemn Israeli approval of 5,288 new settler homes, The National, 17 October 2020: Europe ‘deeply concerned’ by Israel settlement expansion plans, France24, 18 October 2020: Israel and Bahrain formalise diplomatic ties following US-brokered deal, Times of Israel, 18 October 2020: ‘From friends to family’: Israel and Bahrain establish diplomatic relations, Palestine Chronicle, 19 October 2020: Israeli Authorities to Demolish 13 Palestinians Houses in East Jerusalem, Haaretz, 20 October 2020: Turkey Seeks to Replace Egypt in Palestinian Arena – and Israel Should Be Worried, France24, 20 October 2020: Israel lauds UAE delegation visit as ‘making history’, Palestinians deem it ‘shameful’, Times of Israel, 20 October 2020: When Biden met Golda: New details emerge of storied encounter on the eve of war (Operation Nickel Grass and Israel–United States military relations), Haaretz, 20 October 2020: Trump Is Bullying Sudan Into Embracing Israel. It Won’t End Well, Times of Israel, 20 October 2020: UAE asks Israel to move quickly on establishing mutual embassies, Arab News, 20 October 2020: EU’s hypocritical approach to Israeli occupation, Palestine Chronicle, 20 October 2020: Jewish Settlers Flood Palestinian Farmland with Sewage, Disrupt Olive Harvest, Arab News, 20 October 2020: First UAE delegation in Israel agrees multibillion-dollar fund, visa-free travel, The National, 20 October 2020: UAE and Israel agree to visa-free travel and $3bn Abraham Fund, Al Arabiya, 20 October 2020: Israel’s EAPC pipeline company says it will bring UAE oil to Europe in new deal (Trans-Israel pipeline), Reuters, 20 October 2020: Israeli pipeline company signs deal to bring UAE oil to Europe, Financial Times, 20 October 2020: Israel and UAE sign visa and pipeline deals to cement alliance, Jerusalem Post, 21 October 2020: Israel had a secret embassy in Bahrain for 11 years – report, Palestine Chronicle, 21 October 2020: European Hypocrisy: Empty Words for Palestine, Deadly Weapons for Israel, The National, 21 October 2020: Coronavirus: Workforce is automating faster than expected, World Economic Forum says, Jerusalem Post, 22 October 2020: Palestinians should not be penalized for Israeli demolitions – opinion, Arab News, 22 October 2020: New Daesh threat puts Saudi fight against extremism in the spotlight, Jerusalem Post, 22 October 2020: Trump’s record on Israel is not as people tend to think – opinion, Haaretz, 22 October 2020: Haim Saban: MBS Said Iran, His People Would Kill Him if Saudi Arabia Normalized Ties With Israel, Times of Israel, 22 October 2020: Israel, Sudan said to reach final agreement to normalize ties, The Times, 22 October 2020: Hamas uses secret cyberwar base in Turkey to target enemies, DW, 23 October 2020: Sudan to normalize ties with Israel, says US. Arab News, 23 October 2020: Israel ‘will not oppose’ advanced US arms sales to UAE, Haaretz, 23 October 2020: Israel, Sudan Agree to Normalize Ties With U.S. Help, Al Araby, 23 October 2020: MbS claimed ‘Saudi people would kill him’ if Riyadh normalised ties with Israel: Israeli media, Haaretz, 23 October 2020: Twenty Years Since the Second Intifada Began, Why Hasn’t There Been a Third?, Times of Israel, 23 October 2020: Trump announces Israel-Sudan peace deal, has call with Netanyahu, Sudan leaders, Palestine Chronicle, 23 October 2020: US President Announces Sudan Normalizing Ties with Israel, Arab News, 23 October 2020: US says Sudan to normalize ties with Israel, in new breakthrough for Trump, Al Arabiya, 23 October 2020: Israel, Sudan announce deal normalizing ties, The Guardian, 23 October 2020: Sudan-Israel: Pair agree US-brokered deal to normalise relations, Arab News, 24 October 2020: Two-decade court battle over West Bank area nears end, The Guardian, 24 October 2020: Sudan-Israel deal depends on legislative approval, minister says, Arab News, 25 October 2020: Palestinians in occupied territories want US to solve conflict with Israel: survey, Arab News, 25 October 2020: Palestinian leaders must listen to their people, who want US help in ending conflict, Al Arabiya, 25 October 2020: Neglected and stateless: How Jerusalem Palestinians may benefit from Gulf-Israel ties, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2020: Greece, Israel promote investment at regional economic conference, Haaretz, 26 October 2020: How Israel’s String of Peace Deals Triggered a Mideast Arms Race, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2020: Saudi politician: Palestinians need to ‘think outside the box’ on peace, Times of Israel, 26 October 2020: Sudan confirms link: It agreed to Israel ties for terror delisting, economic aid, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2020: UN Security Council must enforce settlement blacklist – UNHRC official, Arab News, 27 October 2020: A reinvigorated political left would benefit Israel and Palestinians, Times of Israel, 28 October 2020: Israel and US to extend their scientific cooperation to West Bank and Golan, CNN, 29 October 2020: Trump tried to reinvent Middle East policy, but the region is still a bottomless pit of woes, Times of Israel, 29 October 2020: Trump demolished liberals’ Mideast fallacies – he had help from Iran, Palestine Chronicle, 30 October 2020: Jewish Settlers Cut Electricity Supply to Palestinians, Haaretz, 1 November 2020: Israeli Police More Than Twice as Likely to Solve Murder of Jews Than Arabs, Haaretz, 2 November 2020: What a Biden Win Would Mean for U.S. Ties With Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 2 November 2020: Balfour Declaration Anniversary: Protests in UK, Palestine (PHOTOS), Haaretz, 3 November 2020: Achieving the Impossible, Trump May Leave the Middle East Worse Than He Found It, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2020: Kamala Harris: We will restore aid to Palestinians, renew ties, Arab News, 3 November 2020: Malawi to open Israel embassy in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 3 November 2020: The pro-Trump Jews Who Sold Out the Bible to Buy the President’s Cruel Bigotry, Palestine Chronicle, 4 November 2020: Escalating the Demographic War: The Strategic Goal of Israeli Racism in Palestine, France24, 4 November 2020: Flydubai to launch first commercial service to Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 4 November 2020: Israel Demolishes Tents, Shacks Housing 74 Palestinians in West Bank Firing Zone, NPR, 4 November 2020: Israel Uses Cover Of US Election To Destroy Palestinian Homes, Critics Say, Haaretz, 4 November 2020: Achieving the Impossible, Trump May Leave Mideast Worse Than He Found It, Haaretz, 6 November 2020: A Small Palestinian Business Is Burglarized Over and Over, and Israeli Police Stand By, Palestine Chronicle, 6 November 2020: Israeli Forces Suppress Anti-settlement Rally near Nablus, Jerusalem Post, 6 November 2020: Palestinian Uni. new gate named after planner of Munich Olympics massacre, Haaretz, 7 November 2020: A Biden Revolution in the Middle East Will Have to Wait, Jerusalem Post, 8 November 2020: Arabs doubt Joe Biden will bring Middle East peace, Arab News, 8 November 2020: Palestinians pin peace hopes on Biden, Times of Israel, 8 November 2020: Abbas lauds Biden win, said planning to demand return of US Embassy to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Post, 8 November 2020: Israel to reach out to Biden administration over long-term military aid, Haaretz, 9 November 2020: Biden Conjures Dreams of New Middle East, but Trump’s Damage Will Be Difficult to Repair, Palestine Chronicle, 9 November 2020: Netanyahu Responds to Biden’s Victory by Announcing New Settlement near Gaza, Times of Israel, 10 November 2020: Trump formally notifies US Congress of F-35 sale to United Arab Emirates, Jerusalem Post, 10 November 2020: Can US arms deal for UAE cement Abraham Accords with F-35s?, Haaretz, 10 November 2020: U.S. Approves Sale of F-35 Jets, Advanced Defense Equipment to UAE, Pompeo Says, Jerusalem Post, 10 November 2020: Ilhan Omar: Defund Israel over illegal Bedouin homes that were demolished, Palestine Chronicle, 10 November 2020: Israel Refuses to Pay Belgium Compensation for Demolition of Palestinian Homes, Arab News, 10 November 2020: Experts weigh up Biden’s Middle East policy options at Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, France24, 11 November 2020: Biden’s election stirs apprehension and hope in the Middle East, The National, 11 November 2020: UAE ambassador to US: Abraham Accord ‘broke taboo’ that normalisation with Israel is impossible, Arab News, 11 November 2020: Analysts debate impact of Israel-UAE-Bahrain accords at Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Jerusalem Post, 11 November 2020: MidEast, US, Germany hold mixed views on Israel, Abraham Accords – survey, Al Arabiya, 12 November 2020: US policies in the Middle East: An in-depth analysis of Biden’s plans, Arab News, 13 November 2020: Iran and Turkey ‘losers’ in emerging new Middle East order, say analysts, The National, 13 November 2020: Joe Biden in the Middle East: key issues at stake for the next US president, Jerusalem Post, 14 November 2020: Biden plans to reshape Mideast alliances, Haaretz, 14 November 2020: A Toast to Mike Pompeo for Visiting an Israeli Apartheid Winery, Politico.com, 15 November 2020: Israel advances plans in sensitive East Jerusalem settlement, Times of Israel, 15 November 2020: Israel advances construction in controversial East Jerusalem neighborhood, Jerusalem Post, 15 November 2020: Palestinians: Pompeo visit to West Bank settlement is dangerous precedent, Jerusalem Post, 16 November 2020: Israel, EU discuss possible rail between Mediterranean and Gulf states (so, instead of building a gas pipeline they now want to build a train tunnel underneath the Mediterranean from Haifa to Athens? *hahaha* Or they simply missed out to have a look at the map to find out which countries would have to be involved, countries that won’t be safe for regular transport for the next decades. Once their was the Berlin–Baghdad railway. Their is not much left of it), Times of Israel, 16 November 2020: Top defense official: Israel must replace aging aircraft before it’s too late, Arab News, 16 November 2020: Europeans’ weak approach to Israeli demolitions, The National, 16 November 2020: Israel goes ahead with plans to promote settlements in East Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 17 November 2020: Palestinians announce renewal of ties with Israel as annexation fears fade, Arab News, 17 November 2020: Palestinian Authority to resume coordination with Israel, Haaretz, 18 November 2020: Biden’s First Presidential Miracle: Palestinian Resumption of Coordination With Israel, The National, 18 November 2020: Palestine resumes co-operation with Israel after six-month break, Haaretz, 18 November 2020: Israel Strikes Iran-backed Targets in Syria After Explosives Found on Border, Times of Israel, 18 November 2020: IDF says it bombed barracks of top Iranian officers in Syria to ‘send message’, France24, 19 November 2020: Top US diplomat Pompeo’s planned visit to occupied Golan Heights angers Palestinians (instead they should cheer it up, because it’s the last time that he will show up as an US official), The Guardian, 19 November 2020: Mike Pompeo US secretary of state makes provocative visit to Israeli settlement, DW, 19 November 2020: UN agency for Palestinian refugees on the verge of collapse, France24, 19 November 2020: Pompeo in Israël for 3-day tour, to make unprecedented visit to occupied Golan, DW, 19 November 2020: Mike Pompeo backs West Bank settlements in landmark visit, France24, 19 November 2020: In first, top US diplomat visits occupied West Bank, labelling local goods ‘Made in Israel’, Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: Pompeo makes unprecedented Golan Heights visit: ‘This is Israel’ (no, it clearly isn’t, but as he is from the totally incompetent Trump clan, how should he know better? Thankfully, the American voters kicked them out), BBC, 19 November 2020: Pompeo makes unprecedented visits to Israeli settlement in West Bank and Golan, CNN, 19 November 2020: Pompeo’s West Bank trip would be unthinkable for any other US Secretary of State. But not him, NPR, 19 November 2020: Trump Administration Labels Movement To Boycott Israel ‘Anti-Semitic’, The National, 19 November 2020: Pompeo visits occupied West Bank and Golan Heights, Reuters, 19 November 2020: U.S. senators seek to stop Trump’s $23 billion in arms sales to UAE (and thus the actual “normalization” may be a long way off, because after all, arms purchases for the Emirates are an elementary part of the deal with Israel. Without this component, the agreement would not have come about), Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: Three US senators seek to stop sale of advanced jets to UAE, Haaretz, 20 November 2020: UN Votes Overwhelmingly in Support of Palestinian Self-determination, Times of Israel, 20 November 2020: UN panel votes 163-5 in support of Palestinian statehood, end of occupation, Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2020: Some 49% of Israelis want Biden to relaunch talks with the Palestinians, Haaretz, 23 November 2020: Unlike Stolen Land, the Palestinians’ Stolen Time Cannot Be Returned, Arab News, 24 November 2020: Palestinians slam Pompeo over pro-settlement efforts, Palestine Chronicle, 24 November 2020: Calling on International Civil Society to Join Them: Palestinians, Israelis Call for a Single Democratic State, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2020: Netanyahu, UAE Crown Prince nominated for Nobel Peace Prize (never in history was a Nobel Peace Prize awarded to people who closed a trade deal. This would be a first :-D ), Haaretz, 24 November 2020: Palestinian Authority Reaches Understandings With Biden Staff, Haaretz, 25 November 2020: Israel Eases Path to Citizenship for 20,000 East Jerusalem Palestinians, Times of Israel, 25 November 2020: Government to push legalization of wildcat West Bank outposts, minister says, The Guardian, 26 November 2020: Jordan: Amman scrambles to affirm its custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque, Times of Israel, 26 November 2020: ‘Until King Salman has gone,’ no progress on Israel-Saudi normalization – report, Haaretz, 26 November 2020: On Wikipedia, Israel Is Losing the Battle Against the Word ‘Apartheid’, The Washington Post, 27 November 2020: Iraq fears Trump’s final weeks could see confrontation between U.S. and Iran, The National, 28 November 2020: Abraham Accord recognises a new paradigm. So should the Nobel Prize, The Guardian, 28 November 2020: Was scientist’s killing the opening shot of a Trump-led war on Iran? (exactly what Netanyahu has been pushing for years. And again he came a little closer to his goal), Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2020: PA informs Biden admin, European nations, it’s ready to negotiate with Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 28 November 2020: Moving Past Apartheid: One-State is not Ideal Justice, but It is Just and Possible, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: Since 2016, Israel Amassed 69 Palestinian Bodies as Bargaining Chips, Palestine Chronicle, 29 November 2020: On International Day of Solidarity, UN Secretary-General Urges Commitment to Palestinian People, Jerusalem Post, 29 November 2020: FM Ashkenazi asks Swiss to urge Palestinians to negotiate with Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 29 November 2020: UN Report: Israeli Siege Results in $16.5Bn Loss to Gaza Economy, The National, 29 November 2020: Jordan’s King Abdullah supports Palestinian rights at meeting with Abbas, Al Arabiya, 30 November 2020: Palestinians look ahead to ‘positive’ US role under President-elect Biden, Palestine Chronicle, 30 November 2020: The Assassin’s Creed: Murder as Israeli State Policy, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2020: Sudan puts Israel ties on hold until US grants immunity, Arab News, 1 December 2020: Jordan looks to reset ties with US under Biden, DW, 2 December 2020: Israel transfers $1 billion to cash-strapped Palestinian Authority, Arab News, 2 December 2020: Israel sends Palestinians over $1 billion in withheld funds, Jerusalem Post, 2 December 2020: UN refugee agency for Palestinians pays salaries, but crisis persists, Arab News, 2 December 2020: Israel expects $220 million in non-defense trade with Bahrain in 2021, Palestine Chronicle, 2 December 2020: The King’s Man: Blinken’s Appointment Reassures Israel that Little Will Change under Biden, Times of Israel, 3 December 2020: Americans for Peace Now Refuses to Adopt ‘Weaponized’ Definition of Antisemitism, Jerusalem Post, 3 December 2020: Jordan fears losing control over Muslim sites in Jerusalem, Der Spiegel, 4 December 2020: Germany’s Foreign Minister on the Future of Trans-Atlantic Relations: “We Have Waited a Long Time for This”, Haaretz, 5 December 2020: European Union Calls on Israel to Probe Killing of 13-year-old Palestinian, Times of Israel, 5 December 2020: In backtrack, Bahrain won’t import settlement and Golan goods as made in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2020: Saudi Arabia at Bahrain conference: Normalization with Israel possibility, Al Arabiya, 5 December 2020: Saudi Arabia open to full ties with Israel, on condition of Palestine state: Saudi FM, Palestine Chronicle, 5 December 2020: Report: Saudi Arabia Cancels Mossad Chief’s Visit, Times of Israel, 6 December 2020: FM Ashkenazi: Normalization with UAE, Bahrain an ‘opportunity’ for Palestinians, Haaretz, 6 December 2020: Saudi Prince Blasts Israel at Bahrain Summit, Says Normalization Must Help Palestinians (a very clear and easy to understand message from the Saudis to Netanyahu: “We will not allow you to play games with us and at the expense of the Palestinians. It was clear from the start that your normalization fantasies would only come within reach when there is a negotiated and permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and not one day earlier. Every attempt to suggest something different we will destroy publicly every time with a few crisp, clear words and it is completely indifferent to us that you need your propaganda theater for the upcoming new elections. Your voters are ideologically contaminated anyway. There are sure to find other/better lies that you can sell to them instead. Have a nice day, you MoFu!”), Times of Israel, 6 December 2020: Saudi prince: Bully Israel steals land, puts Palestinians in concentration camps (Jerusalem Post, 6 December 2020: Knesset may require referendum for West Bank settlement withdrawal), Al Arabiya, 6 December 2020: Israel occupies lands, puts Palestinians in ‘concentration camps’: Saudi Prince Turki, Israel Hayom, 6 December 2020: Qatar rules out normalizing ties with Israel ‘for now’, Arab News, 6 December 2020: GCC: Iran nuclear deal must take account of regional countries’ interests, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2020: It’s time to stop the Palestinian sports boycott of Israel – opinion, Arab News, 7 December 2020: Abbas prioritizes American ties over Palestinian unity, DW, 8 December 2020: Negotiators hope to solve Gaza energy crisis by the end of 2022, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: 153 UN states call on Israel to ‘renounce possession of nuclear weapons’, Times of Israel, 8 December 2020: Dubai trade official: We have no problem with Israeli products from West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: Will Austin’s appointment see Israel move from EUCOM to CENTCOM? (United States European Command (EUCOM), United States Central Command (USCENTCOM or CENTCOM)), Times of Israel, 8 December 2020: Israel scouting out sites to set up embassy in Bahrain before year’s end, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: Palestinians vow to continue ‘struggle’ against Israel, Israel Hayom, 8 December 2020: New bill seeks to transform Israel into free trade zone, Palestine Chronicle, 8 December 2020: EU Delegation Visits Gaza to Assess Health Situation amid Coronavirus Outbreak, Palestine Chronicle, 9 December 2020: ‘Long Live the (Dead) Peace Process’: Abbas Prioritizes US Ties over Palestinian National Unity, Jerusalem Post, 9 December 2020: EU promises COVID-19 vaccines, clean water for Gaza (once again the EU is fulfilling the duty of the occupying force Israel, because the country again isn’t even able to get its act together for itself), Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2020: Abdullah: No to undermining Jordan’s control of Jerusalem holy sites, Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2020: Abbas: Palestinians ready to resume peace talks with Israel, DW, 10 December 2020: Israel, Morocco agree to normalize relations ‘with minimal delay’, The Guardian, 10 December 2020: Israel and Morocco agree to ‘full diplomatic relations’, says Trump, Politico.com, 10 December 2020: Inhofe slams Trump administration on Western Sahara policy (the corrupt enemy of democracy #45 is actually trying to sell the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic/Western Sahara to Morocco so that in return the country pretends to recognize Israel as a state. In #45’s and Netanyahu’s opinion bubbles, however, they will try to sell this as a success and will probably even find approval there), Al Arabiya, 10 December 2020: Israel, Morocco agree to normalize relations after US-brokered deal, Haaretz, 11 December 2020: Peace for Peace? Israel-Morocco Deal Is Occupation in Exchange for Occupation, Jerusalem Post, 11 December 2020: Morocco, Israel normalize ties as US recognizes Western Sahara, Times of Israel, 11 December 2020: A look at Israel’s decades-long covert intelligence ties with Morocco, France24, 11 December 2020: Isarel-Morocco relations: fourth Arab-Israel agreement in four months, Times of Israel, 11 December 2020: Biden hopes to deprioritize Israel-Palestinian conflict but might not be able to, CNN, 11 December 2020: Trump announces Israel and Morocco to normalize relations, Haaretz, 11 December 2020: Israel, Morocco agreed to normalize ties, France24, 11 December 2020: W. Sahara ‘does not belong’ to Morocco, says Polisario Front, blasting Trump declaration, Haaretz, 11 December 2020: Israel May Seal the Deal With Morocco, but the U.S. Is Footing the Bill, Politico.eu, 11 December 2020: EU stresses UN peace process after US U-turn on Western Sahara, The Hill, 11 December 2020: Want insight into Biden’s Middle East policy? Read Obama’s memoir, Haaretz, 11 December 2020: Highways to Annexation: Across the West Bank, Israel Is Bulldozing a Bright Future for Jewish Settlers, Times of Israel, 11 December 2020: Rabat’s just reward? US said mulling investing $3 billion after Israel deal, France24, 12 December 2020: Israel establishes diplomatic relations with Bhutan: foreign ministry, Times of Israel, 12 December 2020: Israel inks deal establishing diplomatic relations with Bhutan, Haaretz, 12 December 2020: Trump Moves Ahead With $1 Billion Weapons Sale to Morocco After Israel Normalization, Times of Israel, 12 December 2020: Moroccan PM slams Trump plan, pledges backing for Palestinians after Israel deal, France24, 12 December 2020: Algeria slams ‘foreign manoeuvres’ over US-brokered deal on W.Sahara, Times of Israel, 12 December 2020: Algeria PM on Israel-Morocco deal: ‘Zionist entity’ wants to be near our borders, CNN, 12 December 2020: Trump deal with Morocco is yet another headache for Biden team, Haaretz, 13 December 2020: As Israel Normalizes Ties With Arab Countries, Signs of Renewed Friendship With Turkey, Times of Israel, 13 December 2020: Morocco’s FM on normalization: Relations with Israel were ‘already normal’, Arab News, 13 December 2020: Palestinian businessman allowed to export products to West Bank, Times of Israel, 13 December 2020: In 1st for Arab world, Moroccan schools to teach Jewish history and culture, Haaretz, 14 December 2020: Moroccan Authorities Prevent Protest Against Israel Ties in Rabat, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2020: On 33rd anniversary, Hamas vows to free Palestine ‘from sea to river’, Palestine Chronicle, 13 December 2020: Jewish Settlers Set fire to Olive Trees near Hebron, Haaretz, 14 December 2020: Trump Proved the Experts Wrong on the Middle East, Leaving Biden With a New Reality, Palestine Chronicle, 14 December 2020: Israeli Municipality Damages Centuries-Old Islamic Cemetery in Jerusalem, Politico.eu, 14 December 2020: Opinion: Europe can’t fight anti-Semitism while ignoring threats to Israel, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2020: Abbas seeks Qatar’s support for international peace conference, Palestine Chronicle, 14 December 2020: Jewish Settlers Escalate Attacks against Palestinians in West Bank, Al Arabiya, 15 December 2020: UAE and Israel’s football federations sign MoU, Haaretz, 15 December 2020: Assassination, Bribes and Smuggling Jews: Inside the Israeli Mossad’s Long Secret Alliance With Morocco, Times of Israel, 15 December 2020: In face of fourth Arab-Israeli normalization, Ramallah tries new tactic: Silence, Haaretz, 15 December 2020: Israeli Settler Group Funneled Half a Million Dollars to Illegal Settlements, Haaretz, 17 December 2020: Gantz: Jerusalem Won’t Be Divided, but It Has Room for a Palestinian Capital, Times of Israel, 17 December 2020: Gantz tells Saudi paper: There’s room for a Palestinian capital in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 17 December 2020: Gantz: There is room in Jerusalem for a Palestinian capital, The Washington Post, 18 December 2020: Israel is starting to vaccinate, but Palestinians may have to wait months, Haaretz, 18 December 2020: Israel’s Compensation for the False Arrest of a Palestinian Is a Fraction of What Jews Receive, Palestine Chronicle, 18 December 2020: Jewish Settlers Destroy Water Pipelines, Trees near Nablus, Jerusalem Post, 19 December 2020: Gantz: I hope I can meet with Palestinians in the near future, Haaretz, 19 December 2020: Triple Murder in Northern Israel Makes 2020 Deadliest Year for Arabs in Two Decades, Palestine Chronicle, 19 December 2020: Israeli Army Prevents Palestinian Farmers from Planting Olive Trees, Arab News, 19 December 2020: Palestinian foreign minister urges Israel to return to talks, Palestine Chronicle, 19 December 2020: WATCH: Armed Jewish Settlers Attack Palestinian Homes in Hebron, Haaretz, 22 December 2020: Israeli Army Beefs Up West Bank Forces Amid Growing Tension, Settler Attacks, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2020: Portuguese FM: We’ll move embassy when Jerusalem is capital of two states, Haaretz, 22 December 2020: Israel’s Gulf Coup: How Palestinians Lost Their Arab Allies, Palestine Chronicle, 22 December 2020: EU Parliament Petition Urges Israel to End Gaza Siege, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2020: Mladenov urges two states, not one as he bid farewell to UNSC, Arab News, 23 December 2020: Virus, Israeli occupation shatter Bethlehem’s Christmas festivities, The Algemeiner, 24 December 2020: Obama’s Failure, Biden’s New Team, and the Future of the Israeli-Palestinian Divide, Palestine Chronicle, 26 December 2020: Israeli PM Netanyahu: Normalization Realises Biblical Prophecy, Palestine Chronicle, 27 December 2020: Israeli Forces Raid Palestinian Hospital, Injure Pregnant Woman in Ramallah, The Algemeiner, 27 December 2020: Report: Israel and UAE Working on Plan to Shutter UN Palestinian Refugee Agency, Palestine Chronicle, 27 December 2020: PA Calls on UN Security Council to Stop Jewish Settler Attacks, Times of Israel, 28 December 2020: Hezbollah says its precision missiles doubled in a year, can hit all of Israel, Arab News, 28 December 2020: Hezbollah doubled its precision-guided missiles in a year, says Nasrallah, Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2020: Netanyahu may approve last burst of settler housing plans prior to Biden, Haaretz, 28 December 2020: COVID Has Given Israel an Excuse to Tighten the Blockade of Gaza, Arab News, 31 December 2020: Israeli-Palestinian peace remains dim prospect after turbulent year, NPR, 31 December 2020: As Israel Leads In COVID-19 Vaccines Per Capita, Palestinians Still Await Shots, Al Arabiya, 31 December 2020: Hamas arrests Palestinian for taking down banner of Iran’s Soleimani in Gaza, Arab News, 1 January 2021: Poster of Iran’s Soleimani sparks controversy in Gaza Strip, Haaretz, 1 January 2021: Gantz, Stop the Ethnic Cleansing in the West Bank, Times of Israel, 1 January 2021: Jewish extremists violently attack Arab car amid riots over settler’s death, Saudi Gazette, 1 January 2021: Abbas reaffirms commitment to just and comprehensive peace, Palestine Chronicle, 1 January 2021: Israel Admits its Guilt (and Other Arguments), Israel Hayom, 1 January 2021: With change rippling through Middle East, where do the Palestinians stand?, Palestine Chronicle, 2 January 2021: UNRWA and Palestinian Refugees are the Next Targets of Normalization Deals with Israel, Jerusalem Post, 2 January 2021: Abbas announces agreement with Hamas to hold elections, Arab News, 2 January 2021: Another year, more of the same in the Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 2 January 2021: Will Hezbollah face continued pressure in 2021 in Europe?, Palestine Chronicle, 2 January 2021: Report: Abbas Impatient to Resume Unconditional Talks with Israel, Al Arabiya, 2 January 2021: Israel’s IDF expects ‘major flare-up’ with Hezbollah in northern border: Report, Jerusalem Post, 4 January 2021: Media adopts canard Israel denies vaccine to Palestinians – analysis, Haaretz, 4 January 2021: Guess Who’s in Charge of Whitewashing Israeli Settlements, Arab News, 4 January 2021: 2021 offers Palestine the chance to fight back, Palestine Chronicle, 4 January 2021: Jewish Settlers Damage Palestinian Land, Vandalize Homes in West Bank (VIDEOS), Israel Hayom, 5 January 2021: Can the ‘Abrahamic narrative’ grow beyond the Gulf?, Jerusalem Post, 5 January 2021: 200 rabbis call on Israel to make COVID vaccine available to Palestinians, Arab News, 6 January 2021: Amnesty calls on Israel to give Palestinians virus vaccine, Jerusalem Post, 7 January 2021: How will Gulf ‘sulha’ impact the Palestinians? – analysis, Palestine Chronicle, 7 January 2021: US Congressman Pledges to Resume US Aid to Palestinians, Haaretz, 7 January 2021: Israeli Settlers Beat a 78-year-old Palestinian Farmer With Clubs. Then They Came Back to Attack His Family, Times of Israel, 10 January 2021: Cop involved in settler teen’s death arrested for allegedly obstructing probe, Haaretz, 10 January 2021: Israeli Cop Involved in Fatal Car Chase of Settler Teen Arrested for Obstruction, Jerusalem Post, 10 January 2021: Abbas to set date for new elections by January 20, Jerusalem Post, 11 January 2021: Germany, France call for 2-states at 67-line, prior to Biden presidency, The New Yorker, 12 January 2021: Trump’s Legacy in Israel, The Guardian, 12 January 2021: We are Israel’s largest human rights group – and we are calling this apartheid, Jerusalem Post, 12 January 2021: Israel to advance West Bank building 3-days prior to Biden inauguration (the Crime Minister is at it again), Arab News, 12 January 2021: Saudi Arabia ‘strongly condemns’ Israeli settlement in West Bank, Palestine Chronicle, 12 January 2021: Israel to Approve Construction of 850 New Settlement Units in Occupied West Bank, Arab News, 12 January 2021: Jordan, Egypt could join Quartet’s Mideast peace drive, Jerusalem Post, 12 January 2021: Ashkenazi, Palestinian FM were invited to launch talks in Cairo, Times of Israel, 15 Jauary 2021: A confederation between Israel and Palestine can resolve the conflict, Times of Israel, 15 January 2021: Netanyahu challenger Gideon Sa’ar pledges change to Israeli-US ties with Biden, The Wall Street Journal, 14 January 2021: Trump Orders Military Shift to Spur Israeli-Arab Cooperation Against Iran (United States Central Command (CENTCOM), United States European Command (EUCOM) – at least some good news in these days. A win-win situation for all parties involved), Military Times, 15 January 2021: In waning days, Trump shakes up CENTCOM to increase Arab-Israeli efforts against Iran, Jerusalem Post, 15 January 2021: Regional ramifications as Trump seeks to include Israel in CENTCOM, DW, 15 January 2021: Abbas decrees first Palestinian elections in over 15 years, France24, 15 January 2021: Abbas announces first Palestinian elections in more than 15 years, Haaretz, 17 January 2021: Not ‘Apartheid in the West Bank.’ Apartheid (The London Review of Books, 21 January 2021: The Separate Regimes Delusion: Nathan Thrall on Israel’s apartheid, The Guardian, 18 Jauary 2021: The Guardian view on Israel and apartheid: prophecy or description? (Israel and the apartheid analogy), Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2021: Calling Israel an apartheid state is false and pointless – opinion, Arab News, 26 January 2021: Time for Israelis to confront the inconvenient truth, Palestine Chronicle, 27 January 2021: B’Tselem’s Historic Declaration: Israel’s Open War on Its Own Civil Society, The New Yorker, 27 January 2021: Why an Israeli Human-Rights Organization Calls Israel an Apartheid Regime), Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2021: Erdan asks UN to censure former Egyptian envoy over anti-Israel remarks (Israel’s former Hasbara and propaganda minister accuses others of spewing propaganda and biase/hate. That’s rich), Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2021: Egypt, Jordan intelligence chiefs meet Abbas in Ramallah, The Guardian, 18 Jauary 2021: The Guardian view on Israel and apartheid: prophecy or description? (Israel and the apartheid analogy), Jerusalem Post, 18 Jauary 2021: EU hints Israeli settlement activity harms Abraham Accords, Arab News, 18 January 2021: UK slams ‘illegal’ Israeli settlement plans, Haaretz, 19 January 2021: A Response to Israeli Violence: Dozens of Palestinians Arrested in One Night, Haaretz, 22 January 2021: Settlers Are Taking Their Anger Out on Palestinians – as Israeli Troops Watch, Arab News, 23 January 2021: A new glimmer of hope for Middle East peace, Arab News, 23 January 2021: Why Netanyahu has set Israel’s sights on Africa, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2021: Calling Israel an apartheid state is false and pointless – opinion, Haaretz, 26 January 2021: Israeli Authorities Uproot Thousands of Olive Trees Despite Palestinians’ Appeal, The National, 26 January 2021: Biden admin to ‘renew’ relations with Palestinians, Arab News, 26 January 2021: US assures support for two-state solution in Middle East, Haaretz, 26 January 2021: Biden to Restore Palestinian Aid, Reopen Diplomatic Missions Shut by Trump, UN Envoy Says, Times of Israel, 26 January 2021: Biden to reopen Palestinian diplomatic offices, restore aid, says US envoy to UN, Haaretz, 26 January 2021: Biden Has to Clean Up Trump’s Mess in the Middle East. There’s Plenty of It, Palestine Chronicle, 26 January 2021: The Decree for Palestinian Elections Symbolizes the Democratic Farce in Palestine, The National, 26 January 2021: Israel reopens diplomatic mission in Morocco after 20 years, Haaretz, 26 January 2021: Israel Reopens Morocco Mission After Two Decades; Consul General Arrives in Dubai, The New York Times, 26 January 2021: Biden Will Restore U.S. Relations With Palestinians, Reversing Trump Cutoff, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2021: Palestinians applaud renewal of ties with US, Arab News, 28 January 2021: Palestinians welcome Biden decision to reverse Trump policies, The National, 28 January 2021: Secretary of State Blinken says US committed to Israel’s security, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2021: Biden pledge to reopen PLO mission in Washington faces legal hurdles, Haaretz, 29 January 2021: State-sanctioned Pogroms Ravage Palestinians After Settler Teen’s Death, Times of Israel, 29 January 2021: Kosovo says it will formally establish diplomatic ties with Israel on Feb. 1, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2021: Moroccan delegation to visit Israel, ‘region-changing cooperation’, Palestine Chronicle, 29 January 2021: Israeli Forces Attack Palestinian Protesters in Kafr Qaddum, Injure Dozens, Arab News, 29 January 2021: A restored Palestinian library in Jerusalem preserves heritage, encourages research, Palestine Chronicle, 30 January 2021: King Abdullah: A Just Solution to Palestinian Cause is Key for Peace, Al Arabiya, 30 January 2021: Dubai, Israel trade reaches $272 mln since normalization deal: Statement, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2021: Palestinian Authority praises Munich massacre as a ‘quality operation’, Palestine Chronicle, 30 January 2021: Palestinian FM Calls on UN to Provide Protection to Palestinian Civilians, The Guardian, 31 January 2021: Biden: Presidency ‘may herald new start for Saudi-Iranian relations’, DW, 1 February 2021: Israel and Kosovo establish diplomatic ties, Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2021: Palestinian permits blocked, thousands of Israeli housing units approved, Times of Israel, 1 February 2021: Muslim-majority Kosovo forges ties with Israel; will open embassy in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2021: Israel begins transferring coronavirus vaccines to Palestinian Authority, Arab News, 1 February 2021: Palestinians should not expect dramatic change from Biden’s US, The Algemeiner, 2 February 2021: EU Threatens Kosovo Over Plan to Open Jerusalem Embassy, Haaretz, 2 February 2021: Weapons for Peace? UAE Learns Israel May Not Give It the White House Access It Seeks, France24, 2 February 2021: ‘We’re on the edge of financial collapse,’ says head of UN agency for Palestinian refugees, The Algemeiner, 2 February 2021: EU Threatens Kosovo Over Plan to Open Jerusalem Embassy (United Nations Security Council Resolution 478), Euractiv, 2 February 2021: EU regrets Kosovo’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 2 February 2021: Israel’s Normalization Pacts Not a Substitute for Peace With Palestinians, State Dept. Says, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2021: Coronavirus: Vaccinating Palestinians is in Israel’s interests – Netanyahu (Israel supplies 5,000 of the estimated 10 million required doses and does this mean that it can free itself from the obligations of the Geneva Convention? That’s almost funny. Israel has been the occupier since day 1 of the occupation and can only change this by returning troops and civilians to core Israel and lifting all coercive measures against Palestinians and the State of Palestine. Until then, nothing will change the status quo. Israel remains fully responsible for the care and well-being of the Palestinians), Times of Israel, 3 February 2021: Palestinians start shots for medical staff with first vaccines, sent by Israel, Haaretz, 3 February 2021: Democrat Lawmaker: Antisemitism Can’t Be Beat Unless Palestinian Rights Are Respected, Palestine Chronicle, 3 February 2021: Hamas: PA Must Lift Sanctions on Gaza ahead of Upcoming Elections, Times of Israel, 3 February 2021: In shot at Trump, Biden official says cutting aid to Palestinians ineffective, Palestine Chronicle, 3 February 2021: EU to Pay $12,000 towards Upcoming Elections in Palestine, Arab News, 3 February 2021: Palestinian rights continue to be denied in post-Trump era, Middle East Monitor, 3 February 2021: EU warns Kosovo against opening embassy in Jerusalem, Foreign Policy, 4 February 2021: There’s Hope for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, The New York Times, 4 February 2021: Senate Backs Biden’s Stimulus, But Rejects Quick Minimum Wage Increase, Israel Hayom, 4 February 2021: State Department: Abraham Accords not substitute for Israel-PA peace deal, Times of Israel, 4 February 2021: Palestinian hamlet in Jordan Valley demolished for second time in 3 months, Jerusalem Post, 5 February 2021: UN calls for a stop to IDF demolitions on Bedouin villages in West Bank, Palestine Chronicle, 4 February 2021: US Congressman: Respecting Palestinian Rights is Key to Defeating Antisemitism, Jerusalem Post, 5 February 2021: Guterres calls for UN and Quartet-led Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Newsweek, 5 February 2021: U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem Wins Bipartisan Senate Support in Near-Unanimous Vote (Jerusalem Embassy Act and Embassy of the United States of America in Jerusalem), The Algemeiner, 5 February 2021: US Senate Maintains Embassy in Jerusalem in Near-Unanimous Stimulus Package Amendment, Al Arabiya, 5 February 2021: US Senate votes to keep embassy in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 5 February 2021: US Senate approves amendment to keep embassy in Jerusalem, Israel Hayom, 5 February 2021: UN Secretary-General: Israeli Settlements are ‘Major Obstacles to Peace’, Palestine Chronicle, 6 February 2021: US Senate Overwhelmingly Votes to Keep US Embassy in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 6 February 2021: UAE massively cut aid to Palestinians after normalization with Israel, Haaretz, 6 February 2021: Biden to ‘Radically Reset’ U.S.-Israel Relations Over Palestinian Rights, Democratic Lawmaker Says, Times of Israel, 6 February 2021: Reframing Mideast, Biden seems to signal new distance from allies Israel, Saudis, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2021: Bold steps needed to revitalize Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking – opinion, France24, 7 February 2021: US can’t be ‘sole mediator any more between Israel and Palestine,’ says Palestinian PM, Arab News, 7 February 2021: Palestinians launch postcodes in assertion of sovereignty, Palestine Chronicle, 8 February 2021: Palestinians Praise African Union ‘Historical’ Statement on Palestine, Israeli Occupation, Times of Israel, 9 February 2021: Netanyahu responds to Blinken: Golan will remain part of Israel forever, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2021: EU calls on Israel to halt demolition of Palestinian herding village, Times of Israel, 9 February 2021: Fatah and Hamas agree on terms of 1st Palestinian election in 15 years, Palestine Chronicle, 10 February 2021: The Russian Alternative: How Moscow is Capitalizing on US Retreat in Palestine, Israel, Jerusalem Post, 10 February 2021: The International Criminal Court can save Israel from itself – opinion, Arab News, 10 February 2021: Time for Biden to join the fight for Palestinian rights, Israel Hayom, 10 February 2021: Biden’s Eastern Mediterranean agenda, Haaretz, 10 February 2021: Meet Biden’s Point Person on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, The New Yorker, 10 February 2021: How Biden Can Ease Tensions in the Western Sahara, Arab News, 11 February 2021: UN warned that Daesh terror threat will grow if nations do not act, Jerusalem Post, 12 February 2021: The Middle East: Moving from confrontation to coexistence, Haaretz, 12 February 2021: U.S. Reform Group Condemns Jewish National Fund Plan to Expand Israeli Settlements, Times of Israel, 12 February 2021: US Reform movement condemns KKL-JNF plan to buy West Bank land for settlements, The New York Times, 12 February 2021: Want Israeli-Palestinian Peace? Try Confederation, Haaretz, 14 February 2021: Jewish National Fund Leadership Okays Plan to Expand West Bank Settlements, Times of Israel, 14 February 2021: JNF debates enabling purchase of Palestinian lands in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 14 February 2021: Munich Group persists in push for Ashkenazi-Maliki talks, Haaretz, 14 February 2021: Between the ICC and JCPOA, Israel Doesn’t Need JNF to Stir Up Trouble With Biden, The New York Times, 14 February 2021: Child’s Play Across the Israeli-Palestinian Divide, Arab News, 14 February 2021: Justice for the Palestinians can unlock Middle East peace, Haaretz, 15 February 2021: JNF Plan to Expand Settlements Could ‘Endanger Its Existence,’ Jewish Groups Warn, Arab News, 15 February 2021: Democrats want to ‘leave aside’ international law on Israel-Palestine, Haaretz, 16 February 2021: Palestinian Cars Vandalized After Israel Evacuates Settlement Outpost, Arab News, 16 February 2021: Palestinians accuse Israel of blocking COVID-19 vaccines to Gaza, The Guardian, 16 February 2021: Israel blocked Covid vaccines from entering Gaza, say Palestinians, Arab News, 16 February 2021: Europe must recognize Palestine to revive two-state solution, Haaretz, 17 February 2021: ‘Keren Kayemeth Who?’ How the Jewish National Fund-USA Divorced Its Israeli Counterpart, Haaretz, 17 February 2021: Biden Calls Netanyahu for First Time Since Being Sworn in as U.S. President, Times of Israel, 17 February 2021: After 4 week wait, Biden calls Netanyahu, promises stronger US-Israel alliance, Al Arabiya, 17 February 2021: After long wait, Israel’s Netanyahu has ‘warm’ phone call with US President Biden, The National, 18 February 2021: Biden speaks to Netanyahu in his first call to a Middle East leader, Haaretz, 18 February 2021: Jewish National Fund for Apartheid, Jerusalem Post, 18 February 2021: The nuanced differences in how Biden, Netanyahu see their call – analysis, France24, 18 February 2021: ‘Friendly’ first call breaks ice between Biden and Netanyahu, but Iran still rankles, Haaretz, 18 February 2021: A Dirty but Effective Way to Start Ending the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Politico.com, 22 February 2021: Biden deprioritizes the Middle East, Haaretz, 22 February 2021: Blinken Tells Israeli Foreign Minister the Biden Administration Supports Two-state Solution, Arab News, 22 February 2021: Israel must protect Palestinian economy from the pandemic, The Algemeiner, 22 February 2021: US’s Blinken Stresses Two-State Solution to Palestinian Conflict in Call With Israeli Minister, Times of Israel, 23 February 2021: Blinken speaks to Ashkenazi, touts Biden support for 2-state solution, The Guardian, 23 February 2021: Israel: Checkpoint killing of Palestinian was an execution, report claims, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2021: US pledges support for two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Haaretz, 25 February 2021: JNF’s Israel-based Board Votes to Allocate Funding for West Bank Land Purchases, Times of Israel, 25 February 2021: KKL-JNF board advances controversial $11.5 million purchase of West Bank land, Reuters, 25 February 2021: Qatar says to fund $60 million pipeline from Israel to Gaza, Haaretz, 25 February 2021: Qatar Says It Will Fund $60-million Pipeline From Israel to Gaza, France24, 26 February 2021: In the West Bank hills of Hebron, two worlds live uneasily side by side, Haaretz, 26 February 2021: JNF Directors Ask to Overturn Vote to Allocate Funds for West Bank Land Purchases, Haaretz, 26 February 2021: Israeli Cops Shot a Palestinian Suspect Dead While He Posed No Danger, International NGO Finds, Al Arabiya, 27 February 2021: Palestinians shut West Bank schools to contain coronavirus variants, says PM Shtayyeh, The New York Times, 27 February 2021: Palestinians Go Into New Lockdown While Awaiting Vaccines, Palestine Chronicle, 27 February 2021: UN, European States Call on Israel to Halt Demolition of Palestinian Homes, Jerusalem Post, 28 February 2021: China and India to send vaccines to Palestinians, Haaretz, 28 February 2021: Hundreds of European Parliamentarians Protest Israel’s ‘De Facto Annexation’, Jerusalem Post, 28 February 2021: European UNSC members: IDF must halt razing of Palestinian Humsa tents, Jerusalem Post, 28 February 2021: KKL-JNF board in uproar over ‘undemocratic vote’ to buy Palestinian land, Palestine Chronicle, 28 February 2021: Six Pro-Palestine Activists Arrested in UK over Israeli Arms Factory Protest, Times of Israel, 28 February 2021: Satellite images of oil slicks off coast show recent spill far from a one-off, Haaretz, 28 February 2021: Report on Suspected Execution of Palestinian Should Alarm Every Israeli, Haaretz, 1 March 2021: Hadassah Under Fire for Enabling JNF Decision on Settlement Expansion, Times of Israel, 1 March 2021: Israeli ex-officials round up European lawmakers to pressure Israel on West Bank, Haaretz, 1 March 2021: Israel’s Vaccine Apartheid, Times of Israel, 1 March 2021: ‘A shared mission’: Israel officially receives first-ever UAE ambassador, Haaretz, 1 March 2021: UAE Ambassador to Israel Arrives in Historic First Visit to Tel Aviv, Times of Israel, 1 March 2021: Israeli ex-officials round up European lawmakers to pressure Israel on West Bank, The Algemeiner, 3 March 2021: ‘Why Not China?’ Protests Greet New Zealand Sovereign Wealth Fund’s Decision to Divest From Israeli Banks (“It continued: “It is curious that only Israeli banks listed in the NZSF have been divested from, and not those in China, Turkey, Russia, or Saudi Arabia.” – funny, Israel has tried for years to portray itself as a democracy, but at the same time compares itself to non-democracies on such occasions. Apparently they do not believe that the country is or could become a democracy one day and is therefore immediately looking for countries that are actually similarly oriented. Basically, of course, much higher demands are held against democracies than on non-democracies. It is in the nature of things. At the same time, such attacks on the business decisions of foreign investors are of course the basis for not investing in Israel in the first place, in order not to expose oneself to the attacks in the event of a possible exit), Haaretz, 4 March 2021: For the Sixth Time, Israel Razes a Disabled Palestinian’s Home, Palestine Chronicle, 4 March 2021: Extremist Jewish Settlers Attack Palestinian Homes, Vehicles, Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: IDF completes underground anti-tunnel barrier surrounding Gaza, Palestine Chronicle, 5 March 2021: NZ Super Fund Dumps Israeli Banks for Funding Settlements in Palestine, Israel Hayom, 5 March 2021: Turkey wants maritime border with Israel, Erdogan confidante says, Haaretz, 5 March 2021: Israel’s Apartheid Debate: Smash the Mirror or Fix Reality?, Palestine Chronicle, 5 March 2021: Report: Israel Deported 29 Palestinians from Jerusalem, Demolished 20 Facilities in February, The Guardian, 6 March 2021: Israel’s military courts for Palestinians are a stain on international justice, Haaretz, 6 March 2021: ICC Decision Makes the Israeli-Palestinian 1967 Lines Relevant Once Again, Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2021: PLO slams US for ignoring Palestinian misery and pro-Israel, anti-ICC bias, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2021: Israel, Cyprus and Greece agree to link power grids via subsea cable (European taxpayers therefore not only pay for the electricity that Israel taps, but even for the cable itself with which Israel taps into the European electricity grid), DW, 8 March 2021: Longest and deepest subsea power cable to be connected between Cyprus, Greece, and Israel, Gulf News, 8 March 2021: UAE residents begin Hebrew courses after Abraham Accords, Haaretz, 8 March 2021: Israel Breaks Up East Jerusalem Women’s Day Event, Claiming It’s Affiliated With PA, Times of Israel, 8 March 2021: After walling itself in, Israel learns to hazard the jungle beyond, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2021: Duma terrorist tries to put Shin Bet on trial before Supreme Court, Arab News, 8 March 2021: Palestine’s impossible democracy dilemma, The Algemeiner, 9 March 2021: Lebanese Army Fires at Israeli Drone Flying Over Meiss Ej Jabal Post: Report, Jerusalem Post, 9 March 2021: Israel, Cyprus agree framework for settling offshore gas dispute, Jerusalem Post, 9 March 2021: Int’l Council of Jewish Parliamentarians works to counter antisemitism, Jerusalem Post, 10 March 2021: Israel eyes Palestinian home demolition in Area B, Palestine Chronicle, 10 March 2021: Pro-Israeli Money with Strings Attached: B’nai B’rith’s Unfounded Accusations, The Guardian, 11 March 2021: Palestinian territories: Three fishermen killed ‘when Israeli drone exploded in nets’, Israel Hayom, 11 March 2021: ‘Hungary is leading the change in EU stance on Jerusalem’ (in the real world, the autharian Hungarian regime is leading no one outside its borders anywhere, and especially not when it comes to the EU’s assessment of the Jerusalem question. Within its borders, the regime leads the destruction of democracy and the rule of law, which, after all, is one reason Netanyahu and Orban are such good friends. After all, they have a lot in common here), Palestine Chronicle, 12 March 2021: Palestinian Fishermen Killed in Blast after Netting Israeli Drone, Investigation Reveals, Jewish News Syndicate, 12 March 2021: Kosovo to open embassy in Jerusalem as Czech Republic institutes new office, Palestine Chronicle, 12 March 2021: Jewish Settlers Open Fire at Two Palestinian Children in Masafer Yatta, The Algemeiner, 13 March 2021: Palestinians and Arab League Condemn Opening of Czech Jerusalem Office, France24, 14 March 2021: Covering the Arab Spring: Our reporters’ perspective, The Guardian, 14 March 2021: Kosovo opens embassy in Jerusalem after Israel recognises its independence, Times of Israel, 14 March 2021: With diplomatic ties established, Kosovo opens embassy in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 14 March 2021: Netanyahu pledges to legalize West Bank settler outposts if re-elected, Haaretz, 14 March 2021: Report: Netanyahu Ordered Closing Airspace to Jordan Following Spat Over UAE Flight, Times of Israel, 15 March 2021: With gas alliance moored to Turkey tensions, Israel tacks toward energy security, BBC, 15 March 2021: Palestinians lag behind in vaccine efforts as infections rise, Arab News, 15 March 2021: Arab Parliament, Jordan condemn opening of Czech Jerusalem officeArab Parliament, Jordan condemn opening of Czech Jerusalem office, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: Turkey prepares to clash with Israel, Greece and EU over East Med, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: IDF briefs European ambassadors on Hezbollah, Iran (“.. the importance that the visit held on a diplomatic level, in changing the strategic perception on Iran and Hezbollah to better correspond with Israel’s national security concerns” – this isn’t going to happen sometimes soon, as the strategic and security interests and the ways to reach these goals concerning the Levant, the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf States of Europe and Israel are fundamentally different, even to the point of diametral opposition. While the EU relies on “change through trade” or “change through rapprochement” to stabilize the regions, Israel relies on instability. It is a very long way to go to reconcile the two opposing approaches), Times of Israel, 16 March 2021: Palestinian factions pledge ‘transparent’ election without violent intimidation, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: Netanyahu ups focus on settlements, as housing starts hit 10-year low, Arab News, 17 March 2021: Pro-Palestinian activists target Israeli-owned factory in UK, The Guardian, 17 March 2021: The Israeli and Palestinian elections offend democracy – each in their own way, Haaretz, 17 March 2021: Netanyahu’s Humiliation Campaign Against Arab Allies Takes Off, Times of Israel, 17 March 2021: Internal Biden memo said to back 2-state solution along 1967 lines, The National, 17 March 2021: ‘The National’ obtains US official document for Palestinian ‘reset’, Palestine Chronicle, 18 March 2021: Palestine Solidarity Delivers Blow to JNF Colonialism, Haaretz, 19 March 2021: U.S. Support for Pressuring Israel to Resolve Palestinian Conflict at All-time High, Poll Finds, Arab News, 19 March 2021: Palestine fund aims to have first cement factory by 2022, Gulf Times, 19 March 2021: Qatar condemns Israeli attacks, settlement activity, Süddeutsche Zeitung, 19 March 2021: Israel: Below the Surface (The New York Times, 7 April 2019: Will the Israeli ‘King’ Be Recrowned?), Foundation for Middle East Peace, 19 March 2021: FMEP Legislative Round-Up: March 19, 2021, Gulf Times, 19 March 2021: Palestinian killed by Israel army in West Bank: ministry, Times of Israel, 20 March 2021: Poll: Americans’ support for Israel still high, approval for PA rises, Palestine Chronicle, 20 March 2021: Report: Israel Asked Abbas to Call off Palestine Elections, The Algemeiner, 20 March 2021: Palestinians Take Another Step in Preparations for First Election in 15 Years, Palestine Chronicle, 20 March 2021: Palestinian Health Ministry to Start Mass Vaccination, France24, 21 March 2021: Palestinians expand vaccine campaign after receiving COVAX doses from UN, Times of Israel, 21 March 2021: Rivlin hosts new UN envoy for Middle East peace process, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2021: 17-year-old indicted for participating in attempted lynch mob in J’lem, Palestine Chronicle, 21 March 2021: PCBS: Only 4% of Households in Gaza have Access to Safe Water, Arab News, 22 March 2021: Middle East remains important to US despite new Asia pivot, Times of Israel, 22 March 2021: Former top Saudi adviser: No Israel normalization before Palestinian statehood, Arab News, 22 March 2021: Confrontation looms due to continued Israeli land theft, Arab News, 22 March 2021: How will the Israel election outcome affect its Arab neighbors and Palestinians?, The Algemeiner, 22 March 2021: No Normalization With Israel Before Palestinian Statehood, Senior Former Saudi Official Says, Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2021: UNHRC arms embargo call against Israel passes with EU OK, Bahrain absence, NoArielTies.org, 23 March 2021: Ariel University and Horizon 2020: The EU is legitimizing Israel’s illegal settlements, Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2021: Will Netanyahu’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s MBS happen after elections? (as the Saudis stated over and over again during the past months: “Come to terms with a negotiated two state solution and we can talk about a normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. One step after the other”), Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2021: ‘I will bless those who bless you:’ Christian donors give $6.2m to Israel for Passover, Times of Israel, 24 March 2021: Israel lashes UN Human Rights Council over ‘obsessive and biased’ resolutions, The Algemeiner, 24 March 2021: UN Human Rights Council Passes Four Anti-Israel Resolutions With EU Support, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2021: EU supports Israel on Golan at UNHRC as Agenda Item 7 opposition grows, Haaretz, 24 March 2021: Mideast Quartet Discusses Reviving ‘Meaningful’ Israel, Palestinian Peace Talks, Times of Israel, 24 March 2021: Mideast Quartet urges ‘meaningful’ dialogue to reach two-state solution, Arab News, 24 March 2021: Chinese FM reveals initiative to protect MidEast: Al Arabiya, Arab News, 25 March 2021: Middle Eastern NATO would increase stability and prosperity, The National, 25 March 2021: US signals Palestinian rapprochement with Covid funding, Haaretz, 26 March 2021: As Crisis Deepens, Netanyahu Delays Approving Jordan’s Request for Water Supply (well, Netanyahu is and will remain a kleptocratic and racist weakling, but that’s exactly why his voters are voting for him as “one of us”. At the same time, this is a further reminder and admonition for the international community to support Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan with their drinking water productions (desalination plants, pipelines, etc.) much more than now given), Israel Hayom, 26 March 2021: ‘I don’t regret helping my people and my land’, Haaretz, 26 March 2018: Palestinians Protested the Theft of Their Land. An Israeli Army Officer Shot One of Them in the Head, Jerusalem Post, 26 March 2021: Pollard: Jews ‘will always have dual loyalty’ & should consider spying for Israel, Haaretz, 29 March 2021: Palestinians Get 100,000 Chinese-donated Vaccine Doses, Times of Israel, 29 March 2021: Palestinian Authority receives 100,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine, The National, 29 March 2021: Pro-Israel lobby AIPAC pushes to expand Abraham Accords (or in other words: Billons of US taxpayer’s money won’t be spent on US infrastructure or the well-being of Americans, but instead to buy up more “close friends” for Netanyahu and his right-wing lunatics, while at the same time China is closing large trade agreements with exactely these new “close friends”. As a side effect, American taxpayer’s will at least finance parts of these trade agreements, while not getting anything out of it and losing power and influence in the region to countries like China, Russia and Iran), Arab News, 30 March 2021: Iran’s militias push Middle East toward all-out war, Palestine Chronicle, 30 March 2021: Palestinians Mark Land Day, March of Return (PHOTOS), Times of Israel, 30 March 2021: In return to pre-Trump norm, State Dep’t report refers to ‘occupied’ territories, Haaretz, 30 March 2021: China Is Involved in a Sensitive Israeli Project. Israeli Government Claims It Didn’t Know, Jerusalem Post, 31 March 2021: EU: Israel not granting visas to its delegation on Palestinian elections (what else was to be expected from the not elected Netanyahu regime?), Times of Israel, 31 March 2021: Biden administration is quietly ramping up aid to Palestinians, Arab News, 31 March 2021: Support for Palestinians in US remains frustratingly low, France24, 1 April 2021: Jailed Palestinian leader Barghouti shakes up planned parliamentary elections, Haaretz, 1 April 2021: Can Israel’s Eilat Become an Alternative to Suez Canal? (the “Gulf of Eilat”, mentioned in the article, is of course the Gulf of Aqaba in the real world), Times of Israel, 1 April 2021: Abbas said to tell Shin Bet head he won’t call off elections: ‘You built Hamas’, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2021: US: It’s our longstanding position that the West Bank is occupied, Haaretz, 2 April 2021: Ariel Sharon’s ‘Secret Plan’ for Peace With the Palestinians, Times of Israel, 2 April 2021: Saudi FM says ties with Israel would bring ‘tremendous benefit’ to Middle East, Haaretz, 3 April 2021: Palestinians Should Enjoy ‘Equal Measures,’ Blinken Says to Israeli Counterpart (but then Israel still lack a third capital so that it can catch up with Palestine (East Jerusalem, Gaza City and Ramallah). So far they have “only” Tel Aviv and in some cases internationally recognized West Jerusalem. Perhaps they might chose Beersheba, the capital of the Negev), Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2021: Blinken puts more focus on Palestinians, security in call to Ashkenazi, Times of Israel, 3 April 2021: Blinken tells Israel: Palestinians should enjoy same rights, freedoms as you do, Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2021: Settlers attack Palestinian man with rocks, sticks – human rights org. (Taliban with Kippa), Times of Israel, 3 April 2021: Settlers filmed pelting Palestinian man with stones in West Bank, The Washington Post, 3 April 2021: Nearly 20 arrested in alleged plot against Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Al Arabiya, 4 April 2021: US says King Abdullah of Jordan is a ‘key partner’ and has ‘full support’, France24, 4 April 2021: Jordan says former crown prince liaised with foreign parties in ‘malicious plot’, DW, 4 April 2021: Jordan says Prince Hamzah’s circle aimed to destabilize security, BBC, 4 April 2021: Jordan accuses Prince Hamzah of plot to destabilise kingdom, France24, 4 April 2021: Exclusive: ‘We strongly stand by Jordan’s King Abdullah,’ says Saudi FM, Times of Israel, 4 April 2021: Jordan: King’s half-brother was part of ‘malicious plot’ threatening security, CNN, 4 April 2021: Jordan’s former crown prince says he has been placed in isolation, Al Arabiya, 4 April 2021: Saudi King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Arab News, 4 April 2021: Saudi leadership reiterates support to Jordan King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Hussein, The National, 4 April 2021: Jordan’s Prince Hamzah was destabilising country’s security, says deputy prime minister, The Hill, 4 April 2021: Jordanian foreign minister: ‘Malicious plot’ by prince foiled at ‘zero hour’, Haaretz, 4 April 2021: The Bad Blood That Runs in Jordan’s Royal Family Isn’t What’s Threatening the Kingdom’s Stability, Times of Israel, 4 April 2021: IDF receives new spy plane it says will help gather intel in Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2021: IAF receives the ‘Oron’ advanced intelligence jet – Watch, Israel Hayom, 6 April 2021: Israel will not need to choose between its identities, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Sudanese Cabinet Votes to Repeal Israel Boycott Law After Normalization Deal, Times of Israel, 6 April 2021: Sudanese ministers vote to annul Israel boycott law amid normalization drive, The Algemeiner, 6 April 2021: Report: Sudan Repeals Law Mandating Boycott of Israel, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: In First Since Biden Took Office, Israel Debates Expanding Jerusalem Settlement Project, Politico.com, 6 April 2021: Joe Biden is not planning to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestine Chronicle, 6 April 2021: The US’ Designation is Glossing over Colonialism in Palestine, France24, 7 April 2021: Jordan’s King Abdullah says ‘painful’ palace crisis is over, CNN, 7 April 2021: Jordan’s king breaks silence after royal drama grips the country, Irish Times, 7 April 2021: The Irish Times view on palace intrigue in Jordan: a royal rift ripples, Haaretz, 7 April 2021: JNF to Vote on West Bank Land Purchases – Even at Isolated Settlements, Jerusalem Post, 7 April 2021: Israel slams Biden’s resumption of UNRWA funding for Palestinians (sure, it would be far easier to go on expropriating Palestinian land and expeling Palestinians, if the world would stop watching, but this isn’t going to happen), The Algemeiner, 7 April 2021: Israeli Envoy to UN Slams US Decision to Resume Aid to UNRWA Refugee Agency Dedicated to Palestinians, France24, 7 April 2021: US restores millions in aid to Palestinians halted by Trump administration, The Wall Street Journal, 7 April 2021: Biden Administration Restoring Aid to Palestinians, Haaretz, 7 April 2021: Jerusalem Approves Construction of 540 Housing Units Beyond City’s 1967 Lines, Times of Israel, 7 April 2021: US to send $150 million to UNRWA, formally restoring aid to the Palestinians, Newslines Magazine, 7 April 2021: Assad: The Shebaa Farms Are Syrian, Whatever Hezbollah Claims (that could have become a massive game-changer, but it takes statesmen to set such a plan in action, so that it was unlikely to happen anyway), The Algemeiner, 7 April 2021: Former US Envoy to Syria: Assad Was Willing to Break With Iran and Hezbollah, Broker Israel-Lebanon Peace Treaty in Exchange for Golan Heights, Palestine Chronicle, 7 April 2021: Hamas: ‘No Parliamentary Elections without Jerusalem’, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: Settler Group Takes Over Three East Jerusalem Buildings, Expanding Jewish Enclave, Times of Israel, 8 April 2021: Jordan ‘coup’ no danger to Israel, but simmering discontent with king may be, The Guardian, 9 April 2021: The US media is touting Israel’s Covid recovery. But occupied Palestinians are left out, Palestine Chronicle, 10 April 2021: Mossad Reportedly Interrogates Palestinian Journalist in Spain (when something like that can happen within the EU, organized by an EU-hostile foreign government from the Middle East, the EU has lost the war on terror), Haaretz, 11 April 2021: Intimidation. Extortion. Eviction: This Is the Brutal Reality for Palestinians in Silwan, Jerusalem, Progressive Israel Network, 12 April 2021: Eight Members of the Progressive Israel Network: “JNF-KKL’s Executive Board Wants to Make Palestinian Dispossession its Policy”, Palestine Chronicle, 14 April 2021: Recognition of Palestine is ‘Symbolic’ but also Critical: The Australian Case, Jerusalem Post, 14 April 2021: Richard Gere: Israelis won’t have a home until the Palestinians have one, Times of Israel, 15 April 2021: Foreign ministers of Israel, UAE, Greece, Cyprus to meet Friday, Haaretz, 15 April 2021: Israeli Troops Shot and Killed a Palestinian Father. His Crime? Driving His Wife to a Clinic, Palestine Chronicle, 16 April 2021: The Myth of Peace in the Middle East: Deconstructing the Naturalization Narrative, Arab News, 16 April 2021: Paphos summit: Israel will do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop Iran on nuclear front, Israel Hayom, 16 April 2021: For Biden and the West, it’s ‘take 2’ on Turkey, Times of Israel, 17 April 2021: Why Tucker Carlson, white supremacists have eyes on Israeli immigration policy, Arab News, 19 April 2021: Jerusalem on verge of exploding thanks to Israel’s fires, Times of Israel, 19 April 2021: Sudan officially annuls 63-year Israel boycott law, Palestine Chronicle, 20 April 2021: US Senators Sanders, Warren: Washington Should Consider Regulating Military Aid to Israel, Haaretz, 21 April 2021: ‘Break Their Faces’: As anti-Arab Attacks Spike, Jewish Supremacist Group Plans Jerusalem Show of Force, Arab News, 21 April 2021: Moderate Israelis can help achieve two-state solution, Haaretz, 21 April 2021: Uncertainty About Palestinian Election Adds Fuel to Fire Flaring in Jerusalem, Palestine Chronicle, 22 April 2021: Abbas Statements are Complicit with Israeli Settler-Colonialism, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2021: Can J Street stoop any lower in backing anti-Israel views? – opinion (wow, that’s one big piece of propaganda. J Street isn’t anti-israel but anti-Netanyahu. Some seem to think that’s the same thing. In fact, Netanyahu is only one of 8 million Israelis, with quite a few supporting J Street. They would hardly do that if J Street were anti-Israeli. Ever since Israel’s right-wing extremism has been increasingly chosen, attempts have been made to discredit any perfectly legitimate criticism as anti-Israel or even as anti-Semitic. Sometimes it even works. However, the pro-Netanyahu propaganda that is too obvious in this article does not achieve its goal), Haaretz, 22 April 2021: Dozens Wounded in Far-right, anti-Arab Jerusalem Protest, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2021: EU nations at UNSC: Israel must allow east Jerusalem Palestinians vote, Haaretz, 22 April 2021: Hundreds of Jewish Supremacists March Toward Jerusalem’s Old City Chanting ‘Death to Arabs’ (just think about it the other way around. Netanyahu would fume about “Palestinaian terrorists” etc. pp. Now that his own terrorists are in the forefront, he is applauding them), France24, 23 April 2021: More than 100 Palestinians wounded in overnight clashes in east Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 23 April 2021: Dozens hurt, arrested in Old City clash as extremist Jews chant ‘Death to Arabs’, Haaretz, 24 April 2021: At Least Ten Palestinians Arrested Amid Clashes With Police in Jerusalem’s Old City, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2021: The return of the ‘two-state solution’ – opinion, The Algemeiner, 24 April 2021: Clashes on Gaza Border as Ramadan Violence Flares in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 24 April 2021: Fresh clashes between Israeli forces, Palestinians in Jerusalem and West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2021: Escalation over Jerusalem is how wars start – analysis, Palestine Chronicle, 24 April 2021: Jerusalem Uprising Rages after Israeli Far-Right March (LIVE BLOG), Haaretz, 25 April 2021: Racism and Incitement in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 25 April 2021: Settlers filmed throwing stones at Palestinians, attacking left-wing activists, Arab News, 25 April 2021: Officials from Jordan, Egypt, UN condemn anti-Arab extremist rampage in Jerusalem, DW, 25 April 2021: Demonstrators in Jerusalem protest hatred, violence, Haaretz, 25 April 2021: Jerusalem Is on the Brink of an Explosion – and Israel Has No Leaders to Prevent It, Times of Israel, 25 April 2021: Caving to violent protests, police allow crowds at Old City’s Damascus Gate, Jerusalem Post, 25 April 2021: Jerusalem police remove barricades at Damascus Gate as Arab youth protest, Arab News, 25 April 2021: Jerusalem rage spreads, forcing Israelis to take note, The Algemeiner, 25 April 2021: What Does the Return of the ‘Two-State Solution’ Mean?, Al Arabiya, 26 April 2021: Israeli police remove east Jerusalem barricades after violent protests, Arab News, 26 April 2021: Unreasonable laws blocking path to US-Palestinian rapprochement, Haaretz, 26 April 2021: ‘Death to Arabs’: Palestinians Need International Protection From Israel’s Racist Jewish Thugs, Arab News, 26 April 2021: Biden’s ‘open door’ to the Palestinian Authority, DW, 27 April 2021: Human Rights Watch: Israel committing ‘apartheid’ crimes against Palestinians, CNN, 27 April 2021: Israel accused of apartheid by Human Rights Watch, The New York Times, 27 April 2021: Why Biden Must Watch This Palestinian Movie, Times of Israel, 27 April 2021: Human Rights Watch lodges ‘apartheid’ accusation at Israel, which dismisses it, Haaretz, 27 April 2021: Israeli Policies Constitute Crimes of Apartheid, Persecution, Human Rights Watch Finds, Times of Israel, 27 April 2021: EU to push Israel on Jerusalem voting as Abbas set to delay election – report, Haaretz, 28 April 2021: We Can Keep Lying to Ourselves on ‘Apartheid,’ but Israel Has Crossed the Line, Palestine Chronicle, 29 April 2021: HRW Findings on Israel’s Apartheid Crimes Brings Justice For Palestinians One Step Closer, European Council, 29 April 2021: New EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process appointed, Israel Hayom, 29 April 2021: Faced with delegitimization, Israel is silent (the interesting aspect is that even in some conservative Israeli circles “some kind of apartheid” is being admitted, but they are seeking for another word for it), Jerusalem Post, 30 April 2021: Abbas: Palestinian elections postponed after Israel blocks Jerusalem vote (because the occupying power has banned free elections in Palestinian East Jerusalem, presumably also so that the Palestinians do not succeed in one election what the Israelis did not succeed even after four elections, namely to vote in a new government), France24, 30 April 2021: Palestinian President Abbas postpones first elections since 2006 as Hamas denounces ‘coup’, Haaretz, 1 May 2021: Jewish Israelis Should Stop Being Afraid of the Nakba, Palestine Chronicle, 1 May 2021: The US is Shielding Israel from Apartheid Claims and Itself from Complicity Charges, Haaretz, 2 May 2021: American Jews, Stop Funding Jewish Terrorism, The Atlantic, 2 May 2021: What the Arab World’s Protesters Have Learned, Haaretz, 2 May 2021: Postponing of Palestinian Election Proves Abbas Is Closer to Israel’s Interests Than His Own People, Palestine Chronicle, 2 May 2021: ‘Colonization of the Mind’: Joint Nakba Commemorations and Normalization, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2021: Gunmen attack home of candidate who called on EU to halt funding to PA, Haaretz, 3 May 2021: Palestinians Report Attacks by Israeli Settlers After West Bank Drive-by Shooting, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2021: State Dept: US will not take part in Durban IV conference, Naval News, 4 May 2021: TKMS Hand Over Second SA’AR 6 Corvette to the Israeli Navy (Sa’ar 6-class corvette), Defense Brief, 4 May 2021: Germany’s TKMS hands over second SA’AR 6 corvette INS Oz to Israel, Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2021: Jewish extremists attack 2 Palestinians overnight in West Bank – report, Arab News, 4 May 2021: Palestinian lawyer confident of stopping Jerusalem evictions, Palestine Chronicle, 5 May 2021: Palestine’s Moment of Reckoning: On Abbas’ Dangerous Decision to ‘Postpone’ Elections, Arab News, 5 May 2021: Biden must pressure Israel to end its apartheid, Al Arabiya, 5 May 2021: Clashes in east Jerusalem ahead of court case on Palestinians’ eviction, Times of Israel, 6 May 2021: Shin Bet: Palestinian terror group stole millions from European aid donors (the problem is that you can hardly trust the information from the Netanyahu government anyway, and when it comes to Palestine, Palestinians or Iran, not at all. This makes checking the payee even more difficult), France24, 6 May 2021: European powers urge Israel to halt expansion of settlements in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2021: Seeing the news in Israel from the outside – opinion, Times of Israel, 7 May 2021: Fresh clashes between protesters, cops over evictions as East Jerusalem boils, The Algemeiner, 7 May 2021: Incendiary Balloons Launched From Gaza Set Off 6 Fires in Southern Israel, Times of Israel, 7 May 2021: UN: Pending Israeli evictions in East Jerusalem could be a ‘war crime’, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2021: European powers tell Israel to stop Jewish building in east Jerusalem, Haaretz, 7 May 2021: Turned Off by Biden, These Four Middle East Powers Are Getting Friendly, Times of Israel, 7 May 2021: Seven fires in south sparked by incendiary balloons launched from Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2021: Incendiary balloons cause fires in eight locations in southern Israel, Arab News, 7 May 2021: UN must shoulder responsibility to resolve Israel-Palestine confict, Saudi envoy says, Times of Israel, 7 May 2021: 17 policemen, 200 Palestinians hurt as hundreds riot on Temple Mount, Haaretz, 8 May 2021: Over 200 Palestinians Wounded in Clashes With Jerusalem Police as Tensions Boil Over (no wonder. After all, the occupiers have no business in Palestinian East Jerusalem. The landowners can get in a bad mood because of it. Apparently Israel’s Crime Minister needs diversion from other issues again), DW, 8 May 2021: With Jerusalem on edge, Palestinian families face eviction, The Guardian, 8 May 2021: More than 205 Palestinians wounded in Jerusalem al-Aqsa clashes, France24, 8 May 2021: Hundreds injured as Israeli police, Palestinians clash at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque, BBC, 8 May 2021: Al-Aqsa mosque: Dozens hurt in Jerusalem clashes, Arab News, 8 May 2021: Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman reject Israeli measures to evict Palestinians from homes in Jerusalem, CNN, 8 May 2021: More than 200 hurt as Israeli police clash with Palestinians at Jerusalem mosque, Palestinian Red Crescent says, Haaretz, 8 May 2021: Jordan Calls on International Community to Intervene After Night of Violence in Jerusalem, DW, 8 May 2021: Jerusalem: Violent clashes at Al-Aqsa mosque, Haaretz, 8 May 2021: Warren, Sanders Urge U.S. to Act Against Israel’s ‘Abhorrent’ East Jerusalem Evictions, Times of Israel, 8 May 2021: UAE, Bahrain pan Israel’s ‘storming’ of Al-Aqsa, amid international condemnation, Jerusalem Post, 8 May 2021: Arab world condemns Israel Police for violent Temple Mount clashes, Al Arabiya, 8 May 2021: Saudi Arabia rejects Israel’s plans to annex Palestinian homes in Jerusalem: FM, Gulf Times, 8 May 2021: Dozens of Palestinians injured during clashes in Qalqilya, Arab News, 8 May 2021: Saudi Arabia, UAE reject Israeli measures to evacuate Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, Gulf Times, 8 May 2021: Turkey accuses Israel of ‘terror’ over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa (if anyone can judge, then the Sultan of Turkey), Palestine Chronicle, 8 May 2021: What has the PA Done to Halt Israeli Apartheid?, NPR, 8 May 2021: Israeli-Palestinian Clashes Escalate In Ramadan Night Violence At Al-Aqsa Mosque, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2021: Beefed-up Israeli police clash with Palestinians in Jerusalem, DW, 9 May 2021: Jerusalem: Israel delays Palestinian eviction hearing after clashes, The Guardian, 9 May 2021: Israel: Settlement ruling delayed as Jerusalem tensions run high, Palestine Chronicle, 9 May 2021: Prominent US Lawmakers Condemn Israel over Evictions in Sheikh Jarrah, France24, 9 May 2021: Scores more wounded as Israeli police, Palestinians clash anew in Jerusalem, BBC, 9 May 2021: Jerusalem protests: Netanyahu defends Israeli action after clashes with Palestinians (as if there is anything to justify land theft. Why sanctions have not long since been imposed, as is the case e.g. in the case of Crimea annexation, the war in eastern Ukraine and the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, remains incomprehensible), Times of Israel, 9 May 2021: In swipe at Biden, Netanyahu pledges to ‘build in Jerusalem’ despite ‘pressure’ (East Jerusalem is not Israeli but Palestinian. Just read UN Resolution 2334. On the other hand, Netanyahu lost all moral compass years ago. Other than lies and right-wing propaganda cannot be expected from him. Hopefully he will be in jail soon so that he cannot cause further harm to Israel or destroy the country’s international reputation even further), CNN, 9 May 2021: At least 100 injured in 2nd night of clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians in Jerusalem, Palestinian Red Crescent says, Palestine Chronicle, 9 May 2021: Israel’s Celebration of Destruction, Dispossession and Desecration, Haaretz, 9 May 2021: Jerusalem Has All the Ingredients for a New Intifada – but So Far It Hasn’t Happened, Times of Israel, 9 May 2021: Jerusalem’s on fire, and it’s poised to spread in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, Haaretz, 9 May 2021: Clashes Renew in Jerusalem for Third Day; 15 Arrested in Haifa, Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2021: Canada, Quartet slam Jerusalem violence, int’l pressure grows on Israel, NPR, 9 May 2021: Clashes Between Palestinians, Israeli Police In Jerusalem Leave Many Injured, The National, 9 May 2021: Israeli police injure dozens of Palestinians in Jerusalem, Arab News, 9 May 2021: Palestinian victims of Israeli violence too often ignored, Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2021: Rashida Tlaib: US tax dollars shouldn’t support Israeli apartheid, Times of Israel, 9 May 2021: Supreme Court delays session on Sheikh Jarrah evictions amid Jerusalem violence, Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2021: Marking Jerusalem Day amind Jerusalem tensions – editorial, Times of Israel, 10 May 2021: 25 wounded, 23 arrested as Palestinians, Arab Israelis protest across Israel, France24, 9 May 2021: A tense Ramadan for families in Jerusalem as clashes continue, The Algemeiner, 9 May 2021: Israel’s Critics Are Right: ‘Sheikh Jarrah’ Exemplifies the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and Arab Jew-Hatred, Haaretz, 10 May 2021: Jerusalem Day Reminds Me: Israel’s Extremists and Fanatics Are Not My Jewish People, DW, 10 May 2021: Jerusalem tensions: Hundreds wounded at Al-Aqsa mosque — live updates, France24, 10 May 2021: More than 300 Palestinians hurt in Jerusalem holy site clash, The Algemeiner, 10 May 2021: Over 300 Hurt as Palestinians, Israeli Police Clash at Al-Aqsa Mosque, France24, 10 May 2021: Hundreds hurt in Al-Aqsa clashes amid heightenened tensions on Jerusalem day (Jerusalem Day (since there is the Israeli West and the Palestinian East Jerusalem, but not a united Jerusalem, the day is completely meaningless, except for crazy nationalists and extremists) and Nakba Day are year after year occasions for Jewish and Palestinian extremists and terrorists to fight street battles), CNN, 10 May 2021: Hundreds of Palestinians injured in Israeli police clashes as tensions soar in Jerusalem, The National, 10 May 2021: Israeli police storm Al Aqsa compound and fire on worshippers, The Guardian, 10 May 2021: Police storm al-Aqsa mosque ahead of Jerusalem Day march, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2021: UNSC to meet on Jerusalem violence, Jordan summons Israel’s envoy, Arab News, 10 May 2021: Gaza explosion kills 9 Palestinians as Hamas and Israel exchange fire, The New York Times, 10 May 2021: Gaza Militants Fire Rockets at Jerusalem; Israel Responds With Airstrikes, The National, 10 May 2021: Pro-Palestine protests across the Middle East – in pictures, Gulf Times, 10 May 2021: UN Chief urges Israel to cease demolitions and evictions, NPR, 10 May 2021: 300 More Palestinians Wounded In New Violence; Jerusalem Day March Is Canceled, The Washington Post, 10 May 2021: ‘Jerusalem Day’ violence escalates with rockets from Hamas and airstrikes by Israel, which killed 9 in Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2021: Several Arab families in Sheikh Jarrah in Jerusalem face eviction, Middle East Eye, 6 May 2021: Sheikh Jarrah explained: The past and present of East Jerusalem neighbourhood, J Street, 6 May 2021: J Street Deeply Concerned by Ongoing Evictions of Palestinian Families in Occupied East Jerusalem, The Washington Post, 9 May 2021: How a Jerusalem neighborhood reignited the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, The Algemeiner, 10 May 2021: Turkish President Erdogan Fans Flames of Jerusalem Conflict in Hardline Messages to Hamas, PLO Leaders, France24, 10 May 2021: Dozens killed as Israel strikes Gaza after rockets fired, as violence escalates on Jerusalem day, BBC, 10 May 2021: Jerusalem violence: Deadly air strikes hit Gaza after rocket attacks, CNN, 10 May 2021: Sirens sound in Jerusalem as rockets fired from Gaza in day of escalation, France24, 10 May 2021: Blinken says ‘all sides need to de-escalate’ in Middle East, Palestine Chronicle, 10 May 2021: On Memory, Resistance, and Nakba Day 2021, Haaretz, 10 May 2021: Jerusalem Flare-up Leads to Dozens of Gaza Rockets; 20 Reported Dead in Israeli Strikes (so the seriously disturbed people on both sides (Hamas and Likud – names are given in alphabetical order ) finally found a reason to play war again. The last time was obviously far too long ago and “no”, it’s not the other’s side fault. It always takes two to Tango), Times of Israel, 10 May 2021: Police change route of Flag March through Old City as Jerusalem simmers, J Street, 10 May 2021: J Street Calls for Immediate, Strong American Engagement in Response to Escalation in Jerusalem and Beyond, Haaretz, 10 May 2021: How Israel Invented Its Exclusive Claim Over Jerusalem, CNN, 11 May 2021: Israel launches airstrikes after rockets fired from Gaza in day of escalation, Arab News, 11 May 2021: Saudi foreign minister condemns Israel over Palestinian evictions, Al-Aqsa Mosque violations, The National, 11 May 2021: Biden administration ignored warnings about potential crisis in Jerusalem for weeks, The New York Times, 11 May 2021: Israel Hits Gaza With Airstrikes as Hamas Increases Rocket Fire, France24, 11 May 2021: Israel conducts deadly retaliatory strikes on Gaza as violence escalates, BBC, 11 May 2021: Death toll mounts as Israel-Gaza violence escalates, The New York Times, 11 May 2021: Israelis, Palestinians and Their Neighbors Worry: Is This the Big One?, The Guardian, 11 May 2021: Gaza: Twenty-four Palestinians and two Israelis dead in violence, Arab News, 11 May 2021: The Jerusalem powder keg has exploded, DW, 11 May 2021: Jerusalem tensions: Israel and Hamas trade rocket fire — live updates, France24, 11 May 2021: Israel’s Netanyahu vows to step up attacks on Hamas amid violence escalation, BBC, 11 May 2021: Israel-Palestinians: Old grievances fuel new fighting, The Guardian, 11 May 2021: Defiance in the face of Israeli aggression gives Palestinians everywhere hope (in return, of course, Palestine has every right to defend itself and to protect its people by taking adequate countermeasures against the aggressors. The International Criminal Court (ICC) will certainly again carefully examine whether there are new war crimes by Israel. In addition, it becomes clear again that Israelis will as well not live in peace, like they’ve already forced upon the Palestinians over the past decades, as long as they do not cooperate constructively in a negotiated two-state solution with East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital. Only fair game), The Washington Post, 11 May 2021: After Jerusalem erupts, deadly strikes and clashes spread across Israel and the Palestinian territories, Irish Times, 11 May 2021: Coveney summons Israeli ambassador to discuss violence in Jerusalem, Arab News, 11 May 2021: Gaza block collapses after Israeli strike, rockets hit Tel Aviv, The National, 11 May 2021: Rockets target Tel Aviv after residential tower flattened in Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2021: World leaders urge calm amid growing violence between Israelis, Palestinians (same goes of course for the Palestinians: “While we urge de-escalation on all sides, we also recognize Palestine’s legitimate right to defend itself, its people and its territory.”), Al Arabiya, 11 May 2021: Israel strikes lead to 26 Palestinian deaths, while Hamas rockets kill two Israelis, Haaretz, 11 May 2021: Third Israeli Killed in Rocket Barrage at Tel Aviv Area After Gaza High-rise Collapses, Palestine Chronicle, 11 May 2021: Palestinian Priest Urges Christians to Protect Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, The Hill, 11 May 2021: White House condemns rocket attacks against Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 11 May 2021: Many Palestinian Civilians Killed as Israel Renews Air Raids on Gaza (LIVE BLOG), The New Yorker, 11 May 2021: Sheikh Jarrah and the Renewed Israeli-Palestinian Violence, Palestine Chronicle, 11 May 2021: Netanyahu Defends Police Aggression against Palestinians, Palestine Chronicle, 11 May 2021: Nakba day in Palestine: Hundreds Killed, Wounded in Israeli Attacks (LIVE BLOG), The National, 12 May 2021: Gigi and Bella Hadid, Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon among stars to speak out in solidarity with Palestine: ‘The world is watching’, Arab News, 12 May 2021: Jerusalem the cornerstone of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, DW, 12 May 2021: Rubble in Gaza, Israel as IDF’s battle with Hamas continues, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2021: Pro-Palestinian protest arrives at NY Israeli consulate, sparks clashes, DW, 12 May 2021: Israel’s Iron Dome proves successful against Gaza rockets (despite Iron Dome, Israel lost the international social media, media and propaganda war, like the 2014 Gaza war, by a huge margin before it really got going and that despite the fact that the government invests millions in it every year. The fate of the occupiers. In addition, the Palestinians are facing the world’s best weapons technology from the United States. Therefore, of course, the sympathies are for the underdogs. Since Netanyahu is already back in campaign mode for round 5, he has to try to portray it differently), The Atlantic, 12 May 2021: Photos: Violence Explodes Across Israel and Gaza, The National, 13 May 2021: Who are Hamas, the militant group running Gaza?, The Guardian, 13 May 2021: Tel Aviv: Live TV shows Israeli mob attack motorist they thought Arab, France24, 13 May 2021: Jewish-Arab clashes spread across Israel as decades-old tensions erupt, BBC, 13 May 2021: Gal Gadot: Wonder Woman actress receives backlash over Middle East tweet, DW, 13 May 2021: Israel: Violent street clashes break out between Jews, Arabs, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2021: US withdrawing forces, personnel from Israel as hostilities escalate with Palestine, Arab News, 13 May 2021: OIC to hold emergency meeting to discuss Jerusalem and Gaza, at request of Saudi Arabia, The Guardian, 13 May 2021: Middle East: Mob violence a bigger threat to Israel than Gaza, says Netanyahu, France24, 13 May 2021: Three rockets launched at Israel from Lebanon, no damage, says Israeli military, BBC, 13 May 2021: Israel shores up Gaza border as conflict rages on, The National, 13 May 2021: Gal Gadot’s Israel-Palestine tweet receives online backlash: ‘To the dustbin of history’, Arab News, 13 May 2021: Three rockets fired from Lebanon towards Israel, CNN, 13 May 2021: Israeli-Palestinian tensions are sky-high. What you need to know, DW, 13 May 2021: Israel-Gaza violence: Israel combat troops amass at Gaza border — live updates, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2021: At least three rockets fired at Israel from south Lebanon, The Atlantic, 13 May 2021: Photos: Violence Explodes Across Israel and Gaza, The New Yorker, 13 May 2021: Hamas and Netanyahu’s Dangerous Gamble, Haaretz, 13 May 2021: Scenes From the Chaos and Devestation of the Gaza Flare-up and Jewish-Arab Clashes, DW, 13 May 2021: Israel-Gaza: How do Israelis feel about the escalation of violence?, Palestine Chronicle, 13 May 2021: ‘Operation Guardian of the Walls’ Will Not Fix Israel’s Apartheid Walls, Politico.com, 13 May 2021: Biden’s U.N. honeymoon is over, Arab News, 13 May 2021: Gaza death toll tops 100 as Israeli air strikes, Hamas rocket fire continue, The National, 13 May 2021: Palestinian and Israeli diplomats wage rhetorical war at UN, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2021: ICC prosecutor warns against crimes in Israel-Palestinian violence, France24, 13 May 2021: Israel masses troops along Gaza border amid rocket fire, DW, 13 May 2021: Lynn Hastings: Israeli-Palestinian ‘situation going in wrong direction’, France24, 13 May 2021: The political calculations behind Hamas’s escalating conflict with Israel, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2021: Iran’s hand seen in Hamas drone threat against Israel – analysis, Haaretz, 13 May 2021: Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel as Gaza Flare-up Intensifies, CNN, 13 May 2021: Analysis: Hell has been unleashed in Gaza, The Hill, 13 May 2021: Biden faces pressure from all sides on Israel, Irish Times, 13 May 2021: Israeli ambassador accuses some TDs of spewing ‘hate’ towards Jewish state, Haaretz, 13 May 2021: Israel Says Ground, Air Forces Attacking Gaza; Clashes in Mixed Jewish-Arab Cities, The New York Times, 13 May 2021: Live Updates: Israel Adds Ground Forces to Its Assault on Gaza, The Washington Post, 13 May 2021: Israel says its forces entered Gaza Strip, The Hill, 13 May 2021: Israeli troops attack Gaza Strip, The Algemeiner, 13 May 2021: Failed Hamas Rockets Falling Short in Gaza Killed 17 Civilians in Monday Incidents Before IDF Airstrikes, Says Security Official, The National, 14 May 2021: Israel deploys ground troops after days of fierce fire in Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2021: Three rockets fired from Lebanon towards Israel, no injuries, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: Israeli army launches military operation on Gaza Strip, Arab News, 14 May 2021: The real problem is the absence of hope among Palestinians, Gulf News, 14 May 2021: Israeli troops enter Gaza in new escalation of conflict, BBC, 14 May 2021: Israel Gaza violence: Clashes spread to West Bank, The Guardian, 14 May 2021: Once this violence in Israel and Gaza ends, there can be no return to ‘normal’, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: UAE’s FM expresses ‘grave concern’ over escalation of violence in Israel, Palestine, DW, 14 May 2021: Gaza and Israel residents struggle through a new reality, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2021: Pentagon pulls US military personnel from Israel ‘out of caution’, France24, 14 May 2021: Israel pounds Gaza with air strikes, Hamas returns fire with barrage of rockets, The Guardian, 14 May 2021: ‘It was terrifying’: Gazans describe the Israeli bombardment of their homes, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: Saudi Arabia’s FM condemns Israel’s ‘illegal practices’ in call with Palestinian FM, Haaretz, 14 May 2021: Extensive Israeli Strikes Overnight Targeted Hamas Tunnels in Gaza; Dozens Believed Dead, The Washington Post, 14 May 2021: Israel hits Hamas tunnels in Gaza as all-out war looms, Times of Israel, 14 May 2021: At least nine Palestinians reported killed as violence spreads to West Bank, BBC, 14 May 2021: Israel-Gaza: Strike collapses building during live BBC report, CNN, 14 May 2021: Israel launches more strikes on Gaza as fears of a ground invasion grow, Palestine Chronicle, 14 May 2021: Rashida Tlaib: US Must Condition Aid to Israel as Palestinians ‘Being Killed as World Watches’ (VIDEO), The Washington Post, 14 May 2021: In Gaza, we dread the darkness and wait for the next strike to land, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: Israel fired 450 missiles at Gaza within 40 minutes overnight: Spokesman, Irish Times, 14 May 2021: At least 10 Palestinians killed as Gaza conflict spreads to West Bank, The Washington Post, 14 May 2021: With strikes targeting rockets and tunnels, the Israeli tactic of ‘mowing the grass’ returns to Gaza, The New York Times, 14 May 2021: An already battered Gaza is reeling from electricity and fuel shortages. Here’s the latest on the crisis., Haaretz, 14 May 2021: Gaza Flare-up: U.S. Official Hady Amr Lands in Tel Aviv to Meet With Israeli, Palestinian Leaders, The New York Times, 14 May 2021: Arab World Condemns Israeli Violence but Takes Little Action, Times of Israel, 14 May 2021: ICC may probe current Israel-Gaza round of violence in war crimes investigation, Haaretz, 14 May 2021: ICC Prosecutor Warns Against Crimes in Escalating Israeli-Palestinian Violence, NPR, 14 May 2021: Netanyahu Vows Israel Isn’t Done As Rockets And Clashes Ramp Up, CNN, 14 May 2021: Terrified families huddle together in Gaza as Eid festivities turn into nights of death and destruction, The New York Times, 14 May 2021: Israeli-Palestinian Strife Widens As Frantic Calls for Calm Go Unheeded, Politico.com, 14 May 2021: Still buddies? Mideast violence tests Biden and Netanyahu’s friendship, Times of Israel, 14 May 2021: It is dark in Israel tonight, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: Pentagon may delay moving Israel to US CENTCOM area of responsibility after violence, Palestine Chronicle, 15 May 2021: Main Electricity Lines Disrupted following Israeli Bombardment of Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2021: Narratives pave the way for endless war against Israel – analysis, Arab News, 15 May 2021: 7 dead in West Bank as Israel deals with 3 hot spots, Al Arabiya, 15 May 2021: Israeli airstrikes kill 126 Palestinians in Gaza, 11 killed in West Bank unrest, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2021: Evangelical Christians stand up for Israel, call on Biden to do the same (Evangelicals are overwhelmingly Republican voters. So why should Biden listen to their demands, while betraying his own electorate? Thanks to Netanyahu, Israel is no longer a bipartisan topic in the US. As expected, he and Israel are now paying a price for it), Haaretz, 15 May 2021: Gaza Flare-up: Man Killed in Central Israel Rocket Fire; Reports of Several Direct Hits, Arab News, 15 May 2021: ‘Death and darkness’: Gazans’ night of terror as Israel strikes, Palestine Chronicle, 15 May 2021: #FreePalestine: International Athletes Speak Out for Palestine, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2021: Morocco to send 40 tonnes of aid to Palestinians, DW, 15 May 2021: Pro-Palestinian protesters rally against Israeli strikes on Gaza — live updates, The National, 15 May 2021: Palestine and Israel latest news: 11 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in West Bank, Gulf News, 15 May 2021: UAE alarmed by escalating spiral of violence in Israel and Palestine: Abdullah bin Zayed, DW, 15 May 2021: Who is Hamas? Who supports Hamas? What you need to know, BBC, 15 May 2021: Live: Israel destroys Gaza tower housing foreign media, France24, 15 May 2021: Israeli air strike flattens Gaza building housing AP, Al-Jazeera as violence spirals, The National, 15 May 2021: Israeli military accused of using media to lay trap for Hamas, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2021: With Jordan, Lebanon border violence Israel faces 4-front conflict, Haaretz, 15 May 2021: What Is Nakba Day? A Brief History, Times of Israel, 15 May 2021: Israeli flags ripped, walked on as thousands attend protests in European cities, The Guardian, 15 May 2021: Thousands march in Free Palestine rallies in Sydney and Melbourne, Al Arabiya, 15 May 2021: Palestine march in Paris defies ban, is met by tear gas, DW, 15 May 2021: Palestinians mark Nakba Day as Israel-Hamas conflict grows, France24, 15 May 2021: Paris police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters at banned rally, BBC, 15 May 2021: Israel-Gaza conflict rages as US envoy visits, Al Arabiya, 15 May 2021: Greek police fire water at pro-Palestinian demonstrators in front of Israeli embassy, Arab News, 15 May 2021: Thousands in pro-Palestinian protests in London, Madrid, CNN, 15 May 2021: Israeli strikes hit home in Gaza refugee camp, media offices as conflict intensifies, The Guardian, 15 May 2021: Gaza Israeli strikes destroy tower housing media organisations, Irish Times, 15 May 2021: Thousands attend rallies in Irish cities in solidarity with Palestine, Arab News, 15 May 2021: Thousands march on Israeli Embassy in London, Al Arabiya, 15 May 2021: Arab League condemns Israel aggression, war crimes against Palestinians, The National, 15 May 2021: Israel-Gaza conflict: Pro-Palestine protests rage across Europe, Haaretz, 15 May 2021: Gaza Tower Housing AP, Al Jazeera Collapses After Israeli Missile Strike, Times of Israel, 15 May 2021: While Israel makes tactical gains, Hamas is proving the strategic victor, Al Arabiya, 15 May 2021: Saudi Arabia to host OIC meeting to discuss Israel’s acts of violence, The New York Times, 15 May 2021: U.S. Steps Up Mediation Between Israelis and Palestinians Amid Violence, Gulf News, 15 May 2021: AP ‘shocked and horrified’ after Israel destroys tower housing its offices, Times of Israel, 15 May 2021: ‘We’ll shout against the killing’: Thousands rally for Nakba Day, coexistence, The Washington Post, 15 May 2021: Conflict rages through Israel, Palestinian territories, The New York Times, 15 May 2021: After Years of Quiet, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Exploded. Why Now?, The Atlantic, 15 May 2021: Don’t Take the Narrow View of What’s Happening in Gaza, Al Arabiya, 16 May 2021: Saudi Arabia, Muslim countries condemn Israel’s actions against Palestinians, France24, 16 May 2021: UN Secretary General ‘deeply disturbed’ by Israeli strike on Gaza media building, DW, 16 May 2021: Israeli-Palestinian crisis escalates as diplomacy lags — live updates, Times of Israel, 16 May 2021: ‘Screams under the rubble’: 42 said killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, France24, 16 May 2021: Israel launches deadliest attacks so far in Gaza as UN Security Council meets, Al Arabiya, 16 May 2021: Death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza rises to 181, including 52 children, DW, 16 May 2021: Humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies under Israeli attack, Arab News, 16 May 2021: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister accuses Israel of ‘flagrant violations’ against Palestinians, The National, 16 May 2021: ‘Afraid of the night’: Gaza families tell of constant Israeli air strikes and blackouts, CNN, 16 May 2021: Israel-Palestinian conflict marks its deadliest day as scenes of horror unfold in Gaza, BBC, 16 May 2021: Israel Gaza conflict: Netanyahu says strikes to ‘continue at full force’, The Guardian, 16 May 2021: ‘No safe place’: Associated Press reporter describes Gaza office attack, CNN, 16 May 2021: The latest violence between Israel and Palestinians will end when both sides can declare victory. But it will be no more than a truce, The New York Times, 16 May 2021: For Trump, Hamas and Bibi, It Is Always Jan. 6, The Guardian, 16 May 2021: Gaza: Israel and Palestine heading for ‘uncontainable’ crisis, UN chief warns, Politico.eu, 16 May 2021: EU foreign ministers to discuss Israel-Palestine conflict on Tuesday, Irish Times, 16 May 2021: Netanyahu rules out immediate truce as Gaza death toll nears 200, NPR, 16 May 2021: Israeli Airstrikes On Gaza Continue After Global Pro-Palestinian Protests, Arab News, 16 May 2021: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister discusses Palestine with US Secretary of State Blinken, The New York Times, 16 May 2021: For Trump, Hamas and Bibi, It Is Always Jan. 6 (It was only a matter of time when and which parts of the “Abraham Agreement” would collapse and thereby trigger a chain reaction. The beginning has been made. If the situation were not so serious, one would have to laugh heartily again at the simplicity and incompetence of Netanyahu and Trump), Palestine Chronicle, 16 May 2021: Solidarity with Palestine Sweeps the World as Israel Continues to Kill Palestinians (LIVE BLOG), The Atlantic, 16 May 2021: No One Is Coming to Help the Palestinians, The New York Times, 16 May 2021: When Fighting Erupts Between Israel and Hamas, Charges of War Crimes Follow, The National, 16 May 2021: Pro-Palestinian demonstrations staged across the US on Nakba, DW, 17 May 2021: Israel-Gaza crisis: Fighting enters second week as cease-fire attempts fail, France24, 17 May 2021: Israel-Gaza conflict: protests erupt across the West Bank, DW, 17 May 2021: Hamas ‘needs to cease rocket fire,’ says Israeli ambassador (Bundestag election campaign or not: Supporting the Israeli Crime Minister of all things has a remarkable after taste. It will also be interesting to see whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) will come to the same assessment of the situation), Times of Israel, 14 July 2021: Germany’s Merkel to visit Israel next month — report, Jerusalem Post, 14 July 2021: German Chancellor Merkel to visit Israel next month, Times of Israel, 15 July 2021: Germany’s Merkel said angered by Israeli leak of her planned August visit, BBC, 17 May 2021: Israel launches new strikes on Gaza as calls for ceasefire grow, France24, 17 May 2021: Israel pounds Gaza with fresh round of strikes as diplomatic stalemate goes on, CNN, 17 May 2021: Israeli warplanes pound Hamas tunnels as conflict enters second week, The Guardian, 17 May 2021: Israel-Gaza conflict 200 Palestinians killed in a week, say officials, BBC, 17 May 2021: Live: Calls for ceasefire after Gaza’s deadliest day, DW, 17 May 2021: Amid Israel-Gaza conflict, a two-state solution seems utopian to some, France24, 17 May 2021: US asks Israel to provide ‘justification’ for strike on media building in Gaza, The Guardian, 17 May 2021: Joe Biden’s silence in the face of Israeli violence is a disgrace, The Times, 17 May 2021: US rebukes Netanyahu over bombing of media offices in Gaza, Haaretz, 17 May 2021: Blinken: I Saw No Evidence Hamas Operated in Gaza Media Building Downed by Israel, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2021: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls Israel an apartheid state (Jerusalem isn’t Israel’s capital, at best West Jerusalem and even this status is only “tolerated” and not recognized internationaly. As for the “apartheid” accusation: Even conservative Israeli circles admit this, but are simply looking for another word for it. All in all, there is pretty much agreement from left to center-right), Times of Israel, 17 May 2021: UN General Assembly to meet on Gaza as US blocks 3rd Security Council resolution, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2021: Palestinians disappointed by int’l community’s stance on escalation, The National, 17 May 2021: US senators call for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza as Biden pushes behind the scenes, Al Arabiya, 17 May 2021: Third of airstrike victims in Gaza are children, minister says as Israel renews raids, The National, 17 May 2021: Gaza faces health emergency as sewage water spills into populated areas, Gulf News, 17 May 2021: Gaza days away from blackout amid Israeli attacks, Palestine Chronicle, 17 May 2021: Israel’s Colonial Violence Gives Palestinians the Right to Defend Themselves, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2021: John Oliver condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip: ‘One side is suffering much more’, The Hill, 17 May 2021: Biden approves $735M weapons sale to Israel (the word “sale” is misguiding, as this “sale” in reality is financed by US taxpayers. It’s military aid from the US to Israel), NPR, 17 May 2021: Biden Supports Cease-fire In Call To Netanyahu As Israel-Hamas Violence Escalates, The New York Times, 17 May 2021: Israel’s Real Existential Threat, The Washington Post, 17 May 2021: Aerial assaults, casualties derail any hopes for Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks, Times of Israel, 18 May 2021: Soldier hurt by mortar fire while assisting in transfer of aid at Gaza crossing, The Guardian, 18 May 2021: ‘Every day there is bombing’: Israel airstrikes hitting affluent heart of Gaza, CNN, 18 May 2021: Israeli jets pound Gaza as rocket fire resumes and Palestinians hit streets to protest, DW, 18 May 2021: Middle East seeks a mediator as Israel strikes Gaza, The Guardian, 18 May 2021: Analysis EU sidelined and divided as war rages again in Middle East, Times of Israel, 18 May 2021: ‘In world’s view, Palestinians are the weaker side’: Inside Israel’s PR war, CNN, 18 May 2021: Why Biden is not diving into Middle East peace brokering, France24, 18 May 2021: UN reports more than 52,000 Palestinians displaced amid Israeli air strikes on Gaza, The Guardian, 18 May 2021: Analysis EU sidelined and divided as war rages again in Middle East (the EU states merely pursue different economic interests in the region and understandably have no interest in further involvement. After all, they would have to be powdered with a clasp bag if they were to allow themselves to be militarily drawn into the more than 100-year-old Middle East conflict and thus finally bring the Middle East conflict to Europe, including the influx of even more Muslim and Jewish extremists and terrorists), Politico.eu, 18 May 2021: Borrell calls for Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire, but Hungary blocks joint EU position (not very surprising. Still, it is interesting that the only supporter of Netanyahu is his autocratic colleague from Hungary. In the past few months, backbenchers and Israel lobbyists have called for the country to join the EU. There is at least one clear answer to that: Forget about it!), Irish Times, 18 May 2021: Netanyahu’s master plan for Israel and Palestine has failed, BBC, 18 May 2021: Israel closes Gaza border after mortar attack, CNN, 18 May 2021: Why the United Nations is stuck on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Haaretz, 18 May 2021: Gaza Lives Erased: Israel Is Wiping Out Entire Families on Purpose, Arab News, 18 May 2021: Truce calls mount as Israel-Palestinian conflict rages on, two Thai workers killed, The Guardian, 18 May 2021: Israel-Gaza conflict: Clashes in Jerusalem and West Bank amid protests and strikes, Irish Times, 18 May 2021: Israel says Gaza assault to continue on day of Palestinian protests and strikes, Arab News, 18 May 2021: US reaches out to Arab leaders on Israel, Gaza fighting, Haaretz, 18 May 2021: This Is Israel’s Most Failed and Pointless Gaza Operation Ever. It Must End Now, The New York Times, 18 May 2021: Biden Is Said to Have Taken Firmer Line With Netanyahu on Private Call, New York Magazine, 18 May 2021: U.S. Discourse Is Growing More Pro-Palestinian. U.S. Policy Isn’t. (in Europe and the USA it can be seen that there are more and more echo chambers that have decoupled from each other and no longer listen to each other. In addition, there is generally growing government skepticism. which, on controversial issues, can lead to diametrically opposed opinions among governments and electorates), Arab News, 18 May 2021: Israel cannot contain the trio of crises it has ignited, The New York Times, 18 May 2021: Representative Rashida Tlaib confronted President Biden, telling him that he must do more to protect Palestinian lives., The National, 18 May 2021: Talk of a ‘rules-based international order’ seems to ring hollow, NPR, 18 May 2021: What Will Shape Biden’s View Of Gaza Violence Most? Hamas Attacks, Says Dennis Ross, The New York Times, 18 May 2021: Kushner’s Absurd Peace Plan Has Failed, France24, 19 May 2021: ‘One Palestinian people’: Locals in West Bank show solidarity with Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, DW, 19 May 2021: Israel-Gaza: Biden tells Netanyahu he wants ‘path to ceasefire’, Haaretz, 19 May 2021: Jewish Google Employees Ask Company to End Its Ties With Israeli Military, France24, 19 May 2021: Gaza strike kills disabled Palestinian man, wife and child, CNN, 19 May 2021: Biden dramatically scales up the pressure on Netanyahu as decades-long relationship faces its most consequential moment, France24, 19 May 2021: Tensions emerge between US, France at the United Nations over Gaza conflict, Haaretz, 19 May 2021: Three Congressional Democrats Introduce Resolution Calling for Halt to Arms Sale to Israel, Times of Israel, 19 May 2021: Soccer players battle out Israel-Gaza conflict on the field and online, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2021: Saudi Arabia reaffirms commitment to Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital, The National, 19 May 2021: Palestine and Israel latest news: Biden pushes for immediate end to Gaza conflict as violence persists, NPR, 19 May 2021: Timeline: Israel-Hamas Fighting Takes A Dire Toll With No End In Sight, The New York Times, 19 May 2021: New Political Pressures Push U.S. and Europe to Stop Israel-Gaza Conflict, The Washington Post, 19 May 2021: Biden’s warning to Israel shakes up diplomacy — and politics, Politics Today: Nakba Survivors Speak: “The sky was our blanket and the ground was our mattress”, Palestine Chronicle, 19 May 2021: The Evolution of Apartheid: Why Israel is Becoming a Pariah State, Politico.com, 20 May 2021: Biden commends Netanyahu after Israel-Hamas cease-fire is reached, The National, 20 May 2021: The moral burden of being a Palestinian citizen of Israel, Arab News, 20 May 2021: Israel, Hamas cease fire but Jerusalem clashes break out, The Atlantic, 20 May 2021: Inside a Jewish-Arab City in Israel, Haaretz, 20 May 2021: The Bombs Israel Has Been Dropping on Gaza Will Cost It Dearly, Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2021: Acre: A model of Israeli coexistence struggles after racial riots, DW, 21 May 2021: Israeli police and protesters clash at Al-Aqsa Mosque, France24, 21 May 2021: Israel’s war of attrition with Hamas delivers another bloody stalemate, Der Spiegel, 21 May 2021: Vicious Cycle: Middle East Crisis Ratchets Up Anti-Semitism in Germany, France24, 21 May 2021: Palestinians remain ‘united’ in fighting expulsions from Sheikh Jarrah, DW, 21 May 2021: Israel-Hamas cease-fire: Who are the winners?, CNN, 21 May 2021: Israeli forces in violent confrontations with Palestinians outside Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque after Gaza ceasefire, The Guardian, 21 May 2021: Israel should take note: the weight of opinion is turning against it, Politico.eu, 21 May 2021: EU leaders praise Gaza cease-fire as vital first step, Palestine Chronicle, 21 May 2021: US Secretary of State to Travel to Middle East ‘in the Coming Days’, France24, 21 May 2021: Israel and Hamas both claim victory as fragile ceasefire ends 11 days of fighting, BBC, 21 May 2021: Israel-Gaza: How children on both sides experienced the conflict, The Guardian, 21 May 2021: Israel-Gaza conflict: Palestinians return to devastated homes as UN calls for dialogue, Palestine Chronicle, 21 May 2021: WATCH: Israeli Forces Crack down on Ceasefire Celebrations in Jerusalem, France24, 21 May 2021: World leaders hail Egypt-brokered Gaza ceasefire, Haaretz, 21 May 2021: End U.S. ‘Aid’ to Israel. For the Sake of American Jews, BBC, 21 May 2021: Israel-Gaza ceasefire holds despite Jerusalem clash, Palestine Chronicle, 21 May 2021: WATCH: Palestinians Celebrate as Gaza Ceasefire Goes into Effect, Politico.eu, 21 May 2021: BY THE NUMBERS: Where Europe stands on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Polls, Haaretz, 21 May 2021: Death Toll in Gaza Continues to Rise as Bodies Pulled From Rubble, The Times, 21 May 2021: Palestinians celebrate ceasefire after 11 days of Israeli bombing, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2021: EU criticism of Israel is pandering to Muslim voters, Hungarian PM says (“I think that we gradually have to move towards qualified majority voting in foreign policy,” – this are the good news. After this goal will be achieved, Eastern European autocrats like Orban can tell nonsense as much as they want to. Nobody will listen anymore. The Visegrad Group has worked towards this for years and are now almost there), Al Arabiya, 21 May 2021: Iran hails Palestinian ‘victory,’ warns of ‘deadly blows’ against Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 21 May 2021: Unity at Last: The Palestinian People Have Risen, Haaretz, 21 May 2021: Another Round of Israel-Gaza Fighting Is Over and Nothing Will Change Soon, Al Arabiya, 21 May 2021: Iran displays long-range drone, names it ‘Gaza’ in honor of Palestinians’ struggle, Arab News, 21 May 2021: Key Palestine questions stay unresolved as Israel-Hamas fighting in Gaza ends, Times of Israel, 21 May 2021: Hamas chief says war foils Israel’s attempts at Arab coexistence, normalization, Al Arabiya, 21 May 2021: King Salman assures Palestinian President Abbas Saudi Arabia’s support, Arab News, 21 May 2021: Gaza media building owner complains to ICC: lawyer, Arab News, 21 May 2021: Biden pledges reconstruction, humanitarian aid for war-hit Gaza, NPR, 21 May 2021: The Bombing Has Stopped, But Pain And Destruction Remain In Gaza City, The New York Times, 21 May 2021: Israel’s Military Inflicted a Heavy Toll. But Did It Achieve Its Aim?, The Atlantic, 21 May 2021: A New Word Is Defining the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in Washington, The New York Times, 21 May 2021: Dozens were arrested after pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed in New York City on Thursday., Vulture, 21 May 2021: What I Learned After My Joke About Israel-Palestine Went Viral, The National, 22 May 2021: Palestine and Israel latest news: Tension at Al Aqsa Mosque as Israel and Gaza ceasefire holds, The Washington Post, 21 May 2021: Why both Israel and Hamas are claiming victory, France24, 22 May 2021: A ‘precarious lull’ in Jerusalem as Palestinians and Israelis weigh effects of latest bloodshed, DW, 22 May 2021: Israel-Hamas conflict: Biden vows to rebuild Gaza, France24, 22 May 2021: In wake of fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, eyes turn to reconstruction efforts, BBC, 22 May 2021: Israel-Palestinian conflict: Eyes on peace options as Gaza truce holds, The Guardian, 22 May 2021: Thousands gather in London for Palestine solidarity march, CNN, 22 May 2021: Gaza mourns its dead as the specter of an endless cycle of conflict looms, France24, 22 May 2021: Hamas fighters parade in Gaza as Egyptian mediators try to firm up ceasefire, The Hill, 22 May 2021: Hamas leader makes first public appearance since conflict with Israel, CNN, 22 May 2021: Kidney from Jew killed in mob violence goes to Arab woman, The Guardian, 22 May 2021: Gaza: We don’t recognise our own city: Israeli barrage redraws the map, Times of Israel, 22 May 2021: Clashes between Palestinians, police in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah, The New York Times, 22 May 2021: Life Under Occupation: The Misery at the Heart of the Conflict, Haaretz, 22 May 2021: Thousands Join Tel Aviv Rally for ‘A Joint Future’ After Israel-Gaza Fighting, Jewish-Arab Violence , Times of Israel, 22 May 2021: UN Security Council urges ‘full adherence’ to Gaza ceasefire, Al Arabiya, 22 May 2021: Israeli raids destroyed 50 pct of Gaza’s water network, affecting 800,000 people: UN, The Washington Post, 22 May 2021: Who will rebuild the Gaza Strip? And what obstacles stand in the way?, NPR, 22 May 2021: Opinion: Remembering Lives Lost In The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Arab News, 22 May 2021: Egyptian mediators hold talks to firm up Israel-Hamas truce, The National, 22 May 2021: Palestine and Israel latest news: Gazans struggle to rebuild lives after devastating conflict, The Algemeiner, 22 May 2021: Iran Leader Urges Muslim States to Back Palestinians Militarily, Financially, Palestine Chronicle, 22 May 2021: WATCH: Biden Vows to Help Rebuild Gaza, The Washington Post, 22 May 2021: How Black Lives Matter changed the U.S. debate on the Mideast, DW, 22 May 2021: Opinion: Is this just the calm before a new storm in Israel and Gaza?, NPR, 22 May 2021: Quiet Holds For 2nd Day In Israel And Gaza As Focus Turns To Rebuilding, The New York Times, 22 May 2021: Israel’s military commanded the recent assault on Hamas from an underground bunker made for high-tech air wars., San Francisco Chronicle, 22 May 2021: Hundreds rally in San Francisco for a ‘free Palestine’, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2021: Egyptian mediators hold talks to firm up Israel-Hamas truce, The Washington Post, 22 May 2021: Gaza struggles with twin health crises of war injuries and feared coronavirus surge, The New York Times, 22 May 2021: Life Under Occupation: The Misery at the Heart of the Conflict, France24, 23 May 2021: Hamas marks ‘victory’ with parade, leader makes rare public appearance (Hamas has actually won on one point: it has proven whether and how to crack the Iran Dome. If the Iranian proxies in the region coordinate and attack from three directions simultaneously with large numbers of rockets, then Israel will have a really big problem. Hezbollah’s rocket technology in Lebanon and Syria is much more effective than Hamas’ rockets. In this respect, the damage in Israel would turn out to be much greater than it was in the course of the actual armed conflict), The Guardian, 23 May 2021: Gaza: Blinken pledges US will deal with ‘grave humanitarian situation’, BBC, 23 May 2021: Israel-Gaza: A conflict on pause as both sides claim victory, France24, 23 May 2021: ‘It’s not normal’: Paris protesters decry Gaza conflict’s Palestinian death toll, The Guardian, 23 May 2021: From the river to the sea, Jews and Arabs must forge a shared future, Times of Israel, 23 May 2021: Pro-Palestinian protesters in London burn Israeli flag, liken Israel to Nazis, Haaretz, 23 May 2021: Israel Has Biden’s Support, but It’s Losing Life-long Friends in Congress, CNN, 23 May 2021: A truce halted the bloodshed, but the frustration of young Palestinians is stronger than ever, The Times, 23 May 2021: Placards with anti-Jewish hatred mar protests by tens of thousands, Times of Israel, 23 May 2021: ‘Israel thanks you’: Jewish communities in US, UK hold pro-Israel rallies, Arab News, 23 May 2021: The New York Times slammed for full-page ad condemning pro-Palestinian celebrity models for their views, Jerusalem Post, 23 May 2021: UN gears up for Gaza funding drive as EU chief balks at paying to rebuild, The New Yorker, 23 May 2021: In Gaza, an Impasse Cannot Be Mistaken For Stability, Haaretz, 23 May 2021: 11 Days, 4,340 Rockets and 261 Dead: The Israel-Gaza Fighting in Numbers, Times of Israel, 23 May 2021: ‘Guardian of the Walls’ wasn’t the resounding victory the IDF had hoped for, The New York Times, 23 May 2021: Before Rage Flared, a Push to Make Israel’s Mixed Towns More Jewish, The National, 23 May 2021: Hamas holds victory parade as anti-Netanyahu march decries ‘pointless war’, Arab News, 23 May 2021: Israel’s Gaza campaign energizes global Palestinian diaspora, The New Yorker, 23 May 2021: A Liberal Zionist’s Move to the Left on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Times of Israel, 23 May 2021: Losing the war: The rising cost of Israel’s lapsed support for 2-state solution (“And since we no longer avowedly aspire to be part of the solution, we are increasingly perceived as part of the problem, as rejectionists.” – that’s exactly how the world started to look at Israel for quite some time now (three or four years in the making)), Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2021: French FM warns Israel on its way to apartheid (Le Drian is of course right. Everyone with brains for 10 cents could watch this development coming for years), France24, 24 May 2021: Israelis in Tel Aviv place little hope in diplomacy as tenuous Gaza ceasefire holds, CNN, 24 May 2021: Two stabbed near Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, attacker shot and killed, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2021: Israel rallies, protests against antisemitism staged around the world, Haaretz, 24 May 2021: Three Jewish Suspects Indicted in Attempted Lynching of Arab Driver in Central Israel, The Guardian, 24 May 2021: Abandoned by governments, Palestinians rely on the kindness of strangers, The Sunday Times, 24 May 2021: Fate of families fighting eviction is key to Gaza truce, Times of Israel, 24 May 2021: Moroccan PM congratulates Hamas on ‘victory’ over Israel in recent fighting, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2021: Iran’s Quds Force chief tells Islamic Jihad it defeated ‘Zionist pride’, The National, 24 May 2021: In 45 years, I’ve never seen Americans shift this much on Palestine, Al Arabiya, 24 May 2021: Two-state solution for Palestine, Israel is the only way forward for region: Blinken, Arab News, 24 May 2021: As US scales back in Middle East, China may step in: US general, The National, 24 May 2021: Inside the decades-long struggle for the right to live in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah, The Washington Post, 24 May 2021: Palestinian citizens of Israel like me are facing terrifying new attacks, The Atlantic, 24 May 2021: The Costly Success of Israel’s Iron Dome, The New York Times, 24 May 2021: As Israel’s Dependence on U.S. Shrinks, So Does U.S. Leverage, The Washington Post, 24 May 2021: The truce quieted Israeli-Palestinian hostilities — but not the Jerusalem disputes that triggered them, Israel Hayom, 24 May 2021: Man leaves feces, shouts, ‘Jews should die’ outside Florida synagogue, Israel Hayom, 24 May 2021: Galling global criticism of Israel, Haaretz, 25 May 2021: Israeli Footage of Strikes Was Gray and Sterile. Gazans Experienced Something Else Entirely, Palestine Chronicle, 25 May 2021: Jewish Groups that Aid Israel’s War Crimes Can’t Deny All responsibility for Those Crimes, DW, 25 May 2021: Palestinians seek answers in rubble of IDF strikes on Gaza, France24, 25 May 2021: Blinken says ‘two-state solution’ only way forward for Israel, Palestinians, Haaretz, 25 May 2021: Blinken Meets Netanyahu, Abbas After Gaza Cease-fire, Announces Millions in Aid to Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2021: UK Foreign Secretary Raab in Israel to reinforce ceasefire, Times of Israel, 25 May 2021: Over 500 Biden campaign staffers urge him to ‘hold Israel accountable’, Palestine Chronicle, 25 May 2021: Over 500 Democratic Party Staffers Urge Biden to ‘Hold Israel Accountable’, Times of Israel, 25 May 2021: In Ramallah, Blinken announces plans to reopen US consulate in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2021: Blinken to ask Congress for $75m. in Palestinian aid, Al Arabiya, 25 May 2021: Gaza violence proves there’s no alternate to fair solution for Palestinians: UN envoy, Arab News, 25 May 2021: US to reopen Jerusalem consulate, upgrading Palestinian ties, Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2021: UN calls for full opening of Gaza crossing ahead of $100m. funding drive, The National, 25 May 2021: Humanitarian assistance alone cannot stop the next Gaza war, says UNRWA head, The New York Times, 25 May 2021: The Myth of Coexistence in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2021: Ireland urges Israel to end ‘de facto annexation’ of Palestinian land, The Algemeiner, 26 May 2021: Armin Laschet, Candidate to Lead Germany as Chancellor, Affirms Support for Israel’s Security and the Protection of Jewish Life, Times of Israel, 26 May 2021: Israel insists it’s emerged from Gaza fight with diplomatic ties largely intact, Palestine Chronicle, 26 May 2021: Palestine’s Moment: Despite Massive Losses, Palestinians Have Altered the Course of History, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2021: UN poised to approve war crimes probe into Israel on Gaza, Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 26 May 2021: Biden moves forward with missile deal to Israel despite progressive opposition, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2021: Sheikh Jarrah, the Nakba and beyond according to Ir Amim, Irish Times, 25 May 2021: Drone footage captures level of destruction in Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2021: From air defense to ‘occupation’: The plan for endless war in Gaza, The Guardian, 26 May 2021: Renewed diplomacy is urgently needed to prevent another Gaza war, The Times, 26 May 2021: Muslim nations ask UN to form unprecedented permanent panel to critique Israel, Times of Israel, 26 May 2021: Netanyahu slams France for ‘insolent’ claim Israel at risk of apartheid, Arab News, 26 May 2021: Blinken turns to ‘effective partner’ Egypt to calm Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2021: UNHRC poised to approve war crimes probe into Israel on Gaza, Jerusalem, Arab News, 26 May 2021: Jordan’s King Abdullah welcomes US move to reopen consulate in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 26 May 2021: Gaza Reconstruction? Welcome to La-La Land, The National, 26 May 2021: Antony Blinken praises Egyptian ceasefire mediation on Cairo visit, The New York Times, 26 May 2021: They Were Only Children, Haaretz, 27 May 2021: UN Rights Council Votes for Probe Into ‘Crimes’ Committed in Israel-Gaza Fighting, France24, 27 May 2021: UN human rights body orders probe of ‘systematic’ abuses in Israel, Palestinian territories, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2021: Is now the time to press Hamas to free the captives from Gaza?, Arab News, 27 May 2021: UN rights council orders probe into Gaza conflict, Haaretz, 27 May 2021: Israel’s War on Facts and the Infographic Intifada (“But perhaps the biggest lie of them all is that this current round of fighting is between Israel and Palestine, and not between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas on the one hand, and those living under their reign of lies on the other.”), Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2021: How to defend Israel: Do not claim victimhood or deny power – opinion (it almost sounds as if there are still people who believe in the effects of Hasbara propaganda. But apparently there are fewer and fewer. An opinion piece in the Haaretz has classified the current armed conflict as follows: “It is not a war between Israel and Palestine, but a war between Netanyahu and Hamas, for which both have taken their people hostage.” Sounds legit. Here, too, it becomes clear that the governments and populations of the West live in very different opinion bubbles and echo chambers. Over the years, skepticism about the governments has spread, reinforced by the procedures and undesirable developments during the corona pandemic. Of course, this also has an impact on the reactions to recent developments in the Middle East conflict), Times of Israel, 27 May 2021: At a moment of crisis for Israel in US, ex-ADL head warns: Israel has no vision, The New York Times, 27 May 2021: There Is a Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, The Economist, 27 May 2021: Israel and Palestine: Two states or one?, The Algemeiner, 27 May 2021: British Comedian Russell Brand: I’ve Stayed Quiet About Middle East Conflict Because ‘I Don’t Have Anything Positive to Add’, Israel Hayom, 28 May 2021: West must confront rabid antisemitism through action, not bromides (There are people who seem to think that it is a good idea to have a few glasses of wine before starting to write an article. This example shows that it clearly isn’t the case), Haaretz, 28 May 2021: Protester Shot Dead by Israeli Forces in the West Bank, Palestinian Health Ministry Reports, France24, 28 May 2021: Jerusalem tensions: More Palestinian families face evictions, Times of Israel, 28 May 2021: Rally held in Lod for Arab man shot dead in recent ethnic clashes, Israel Hayom, 28 May 2021: They slander the court, then wait for rescue, Haaretz, 28 May 2021: A Week After Gaza Cease-fire, Israel Faces a Hamas Dilemma, Times of Israel, 28 May 2021: Court pushes off ruling on evictions of Palestinian families in Silwan, Palestine Chronicle, 28 May 2021: Israeli Authorities Approve 560 Settlement Units in Bethlehem, The New York Times, 28 May 2021: Real Peace Depends on Recognizing Israel’s Right to Exist, Jerusalem Post, 28 May 2021: UN opens Israeli war crimes probe following Gaza war, calls for embargo, Al Arabiya, 28 May 2021: Israeli forces kill Palestinian in West Bank clashes, says health ministry, The National, 28 May 2021: Israel and Palestine: What prompted the 11-day violence and what comes next?, Palestine Chronicle, 28 May 2021: Israeli Forces Shoot, Kill Palestinian Youth near Nablus, Haaretz, 28 May 2021: Israeli Instagram Influencers Took on Bella and Gigi Hadid Following Their Gaza Posts. Guess Who Won, Times of Israel, 29 May 2021: Egypt said to convey to Hamas long-term truce with Israel must see prisoner swap, Palestine Chronicle, 29 May 2021: Gaza Must Prepare for Israel’s Next War, Haaretz, 29 May 2021: Deadly Competition: The Iron Dome and the Gazan rocket race, The National, 29 May 2021: World Bank approves $30m grant to support Palestine, Palestine Chronicle, 29 May 2021: WATCH: Israeli Forces Assault Protesters in Sheikh Jarrah Neighborhood, DW, 30 May 2021: Israel, Egypt meet over shaky Gaza truce, Irish Times, 30 May 2021: They were only children: The Gaza conflict’s youngest victims, The Algemeiner, 30 May 2021: The Jewish Tragedy of the Hamas-Israel Conflict: American Jews Question Israel’s Right to Exist (2021 Israel–Palestine crisis), Haaretz, 30 May 2021: Israel Indicts Four Jews in Attempted Murder of Palestinian After Jerusalem March, Times of Israel, 30 May 2021: Four Jews charged with terrorism after allegedly stabbing Arab in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 30 May 2021: Morocco to Israel: Dialogue is a first step to Peace, Al Arabiya, 30 May 2021: Egypt’s FM urges Israel to refrain from actions that lead to escalation, Arab News, 30 May 2021: Egypt hosts Israeli minister in diplomatic drive to secure permanent Gaza peace, The National, 30 May 2021: Israel and Egypt talk Gaza ‘permanent ceasefire’, Haaretz, 31 May 2021: Prominent Israeli Rabbi Tells Emirati Ambassador Temple Mount Is Not for Jews, Arab News, 31 May 2021: Egypt intelligence chief in Gaza for Hamas talks, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2021: Hamas ready for ‘indirect and rapid’ prisoner exchange talks with Israel, Haaretz, 31 May 2021: Israel’s Fatal Weakness Against Iran’s Axis of Resistance, Arab News, 31 May 2021: Palestinians are determined to defeat the Oslo culture, France24, 31 May 2021: Naftali Bennett: An Israeli kingmaker rises again, The Times, 31 May 2021: Why Black Lives Matter is backing the Palestinian cause, DW, 31 May 2021: New Bangladeshi passport fuels speculation over Israel ties, Arab News, 1 June 2021: Israeli official rolls back army chief comments on AP Gaza, Times of Israel, 1 June 2021: Amid shaky Gaza ceasefire, Hamas calls for West Bank ‘Day of Rage’ on Friday, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2021: First incendiary balloon since operation sparks fire in southern Israel, Haaretz, 1 June 2021: Sen. Graham Says Israel Plans to Ask for $1b in U.S. Aid Following Gaza Fighting, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2021: Mia Khalifa calls Israel ‘apartheid’ while drinking Nazi-era champagne, Times of Israel, 1 June 2021: Gantz expected to seek $1 billion Iron Dome restock during snap US visit, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2021: Israel summons Argentina’s ambassador over anti-Israel UNHRC vote (when the serial-criminal Netanyahu and his Likudniks are offended, then Argentina’s government did everything right), Arab News, 1 June 2021: Kuwait’s emir affirms the Palestinian cause is his country’s foremost issue, DW, 1 June 2021: Hamas spokesman: We are working to avoid escalation, Haaretz, 2 June 2021: 145 House Democrats Urge Top Republican: Release Hold on Palestinian Aid Money, The Guardian, 2 June 2021: Iran: Officials investigating why warship caught fire and sank in Gulf of Oman, The New York Times, 2 June 2021: For many Palestinians, Israel’s political drama has prompted little more than a shrug and a resurgence of bitter memories., Haaretz, 3 June 2021: Israel Claimed Its 1967 Land Conquests Weren’t Planned. Declassified Documents Reveal Otherwise, The National, 3 June 2021: US pressures Israel’s Benny Gantz for speedier reconstruction in Gaza, Times of Israel, 4 June 2021: Nationalist groups reschedule controversial Jerusalem march scuttled by rockets, The Jewish Chronicle, 4 June 2021: Stephen Fry praises ‘brilliant’ essay suggesting Israel justifies ‘persecution and hate’, Haaretz, 4 June 2021: Right-wing Groups Plan Israeli Flag March Through Jerusalem’s Old City (Netanyahu’s Likudniks are still at it. If they were Palestinians they would be called terrorists and treated as such), The Algemeiner, 4 June 2021: Leading US Jewish Organization Hails Support From Biden, Congress for ‘Life-Saving’ Israeli Missile Defense, Irish Times, 5 June 2021: Palestinian ambassador criticises ‘non-transparent’ organisation of TCD event, Jerusalem Post, 5 June 2021: PA envoy to Ireland denies meeting Israeli counterpart, Haaretz, 5 June 2021: Israel-Gaza Fighting Reunited Egypt and Qatar, Times of Israel, 5 June 2021: PM’s opponents warn J’lem march a bid to thwart coalition; Hamas issues threat, Arab News, 5 June 2021: US State Department discourages employees from using term ‘Abraham Accords’, Arab News, 5 June 2021: VIDEO: Al Jazeera journalist banned from entering Sheikh Jarrah after being detained by Israeli police, The National, 5 June 2021: Egyptian convoy of 50 vehicles bringing reconstruction materials arrives in Gaza, Palestine Chronicle, 5 June 2021: Palestinians Mark 54th Anniversary of Naksa Day, Haaretz, 6 June 2021: For Arabs and Muslims, Do Only Palestinian Lives Matter?, Al Arabiya, 6 June 2021: Israeli police arrest Palestinian activist twins from East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah, Arab News, 6 June 2021: Why Western Sahara matters to Morocco, The National, 6 June 2021: Israel releases Save Sheikh Jarrah campaigner Muna El Kurd, Arab News, 7 June 2021: Palestinian teen bears scar of eviction battle in East Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 7 June 2021: In blow to Palestinian residents, AG won’t weigh in on Sheikh Jarrah evictions, Haaretz, 7 June 2021: Three More Israelis Indicted in Violent Mob Attack on Arab Man, None Charged With Attempted Murder, Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2021: Iran hopes Russia and China oppose US role in MidEast, Central Asia, The New York Times, 7 June 2021: A Palestinian, a Settler and the Struggle for East Jerusalem, DW, 8 June 2021: Israel claims Hamas was using bombed AP building to jam Iron Dome (when Netanyahu sends in his Hasbara Propaganda Minister Gilad Erdan, then there is much more to the allegations against the Israeli crackdown than will be found in the near future), France24, 8 June 2021: Israel says Hamas used Gaza tower that housed media as electronic warfare site, Haaretz, 8 June 2021: Israeli Ambassador Tells AP: Hamas Used Gaza Office to Develop anti-Iron Dome Tech, The National, 8 June 2021: Associated Press says Israel has provided no evidence of Hamas presence in Gaza office, The New Yorker, 8 June 2021: Netanyahu’s Likely Departure Is Not Easing the Fears of Palestinians, Haaretz, 9 June 2021: Netanyahu to Gantz: Delay Evacuation of Illegal West Bank Outpost, Times of Israel, 9 June 2021: Israeli officials snubbed EU peace envoy during recent visit — report, Arab News, 9 June 2021: US asks Israel, Palestinians to avoid ‘provocations’ after Jerusalem march approved, The Guardian, 10 June 2021: The conflict in the Middle East is sustained by the silencing of Palestinians, Palestine Chronicle, 10 June 2021: Israeli Settler-Colonialism Protects US Interests, Hence the Unconditional Support, Haaretz, 11 June 2021: Israeli Soldiers Photographed Helping Build Illegal West Bank Outpost, Palestine Chronicle, 11 June 2021: Israeli Mayor, Jewish Extremists Storm Arab Primary School in Lod, Arab News, 11 June 2021: Seven-year-old LemonAid Boys in east London have caught the public’s imagination with their fundraising campaigns for Yemen and Palestine, Haaretz, 11 June 2021: Israel’s Policies in East Jerusalem Are Outrageous, Idiotic and Unjust, Palestine Chronicle, 12 June 2021: Two Children Poisoned, 400 Trees Damaged as Settlers Spray Toxic Pesticides, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2021: Israeli victims of Hamas terror file suit against Qatari banks, charities, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: Netanyahu Was Involved in Saudi-U.S. Campaign to Undermine Jordan’s King Abdullah, Report Says, Times of Israel, 12 June 2021: Report: Netanyahu took part in effort with US, Saudi Arabia to pressure Jordan, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: The Israeli Emissary in Morocco Can’t Find Anyone to Rent Him an Office, Times of Israel, 12 June 2021: IDF troops helped build an illegal West Bank outpost now slated for demolition, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: In India, the Latest Israel-Hamas War Became a Battle on Social Media, Times of Israel, 12 June 2021: Go big or go home: A radical new plan for Middle East peace, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2021: War of the words: The social media battleground of Israel-Gaza clashes, Arab News, 12 June 2021: Pro Palestinian rally in London calls on UK government to impose Israel sanction, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: After Calls for Boycott Amid Jewish-Arab Violence, Activists Lead ‘National Palestinian Economy Week’, Palestine Chronicle, 13 June 2021: Israeli Forces Displace Palestinian Families near Ramallah, The Guardian, 14 June 2021: Israel: New government is just as bad as the last, says Palestinian PM, Haaretz, 14 June 2021: Israel Deploys Iron Dome Batteries as Hamas Warns Against Tuesday’s Jerusalem March, Arab News, 14 June 2021: UK MPs debate Palestinian statehood, sanctions against Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 14 June 2021: Say This, Don’t Say That: Time to Confront the Misleading Language on Palestine, Israel, The Guardian, 15 June 2021: Jerusalem: Israeli police fire rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting against march, DW, 15 June 2021: Israel launches airstrikes on targets in Gaza, Haaretz, 15 June 2021: Seventeen Palestinian Protesters Arrested as Thousands Attend Jerusalem Right-wing March (there is no difference between the Jewish Hamas and the Palestinian Hamas, except that the former is supported and protected by the state power), Times of Israel, 15 June 2021: ‘Death to Arabs’: Nationalist Jerusalem flag march held under ramped-up security, Haaretz, 16 June 2021: Israel Strikes Hamas Positions in Gaza in Response to Launching of Incendiary Balloons (the self-proclaimed invincible IDF and “major military power” is completely helpless, defenseless and powerless against a few balloons, therefore has to attack with jets, and that although their snipers shoot Palestinian youths at the fence from up to 1.5 km distance. Kind of amusing), Times of Israel, 16 June 2021: IDF hits Gaza terror targets after arson attacks, in first raids since ceasefire, France24, 16 June 2021: Israel launches air strikes on Gaza after Palestinians send incendiary balloons, BBC, 16 June 2021: Israel strikes in Gaza after fire balloons launched, CNN, 16 June 2021: Why balloons strapped to explosives are the latest flashpoint in Israel-Hamas tensions, The Times, 16 June 2021: Israel bombs Gaza in retaliation for Hamas incendiary balloons, Times of Israel, 16 June 2021: Incendiary balloons from Gaza spark fires in south for second day in a row, NPR, 16 June 2021: Israel Hits Hamas Targets With The 1st Airstrikes Since Cease-Fire Deal, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2021: Jordan pulls plug on Red-Dead water project with Israel – report, France24, 18 June 2021: Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza for second time since ceasefire, Times of Israel, 18 June 2021: Palestinians clash with police on Temple Mount, amid fear of fresh Gaza fighting, France24, 18 June 2021: Palestinians cancel deal for near-expired Covid-19 vaccine doses from Israel, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2021: Palestinians cancel deal for soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccines from Israel, The Wall Street Journal, 18 June 2021: U.S. Military to Withdraw Hundreds of Troops, Aircraft, Antimissile Batteries From Middle East, The Washington Post, 18 June 2021: Israel, Hamas revert to routine of provocation and reprisal, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2021: US removing anti-missile batteries from Middle East due to age, not policy shift, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2021: Most Americans back banning Israel to use US funds to annex land – poll, The National, 19 June 2021: Palestinians cancel swap deal for ‘near-expired’ Covid vaccines from Israel, Times of Israel, 20 June 2021: US said to boost military cooperation with Israel, Mideast allies to hinder Iran, Palestine Chronicle, 20 June 2021: Jewish Settlers Open Fire at Palestinians near Nablus, Haaretz, 20 June 2021: Bennett Warns Hamas: Gaza Will Have to Get Used to a Different Israeli Approach, Times of Israel, 20 June 2021: Bennett warns Hamas: ‘Our patience has run out’, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2021: US Defense Department approves replenishment of Israel’s Iron Dome system, Palestine Chronicle, 20 June 2021: Backed by Israeli Army, Jewish Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, Haaretz, 21 June 2021: Israeli Army Says New West Bank Outpost ‘A Blatant Violation of the Law’, Haaretz, 21 June 2021: Israel’s Demographic Warfare Wages on Both Sides of Green Line. With One Difference, Palestine Chronicle, 22 June 2021: Jewish Settlers Storm Sheikh Jarrah, Threaten Palestinian Families, Times of Israel, 23 June 2021: In 1st for new government, building projects in West Bank settlements approved, Arab News, 24 June 2021: Palestinian mother of 3 to be homeless after Israeli court clears demolition, The New York Times, 24 June 2021: Activist Dies in Palestinian Authority’s Custody, Inciting Widespread Outrage, The Guardian, 24 June 2021: Palestine Amnesty: ‘catalogue of violations’ by Israeli police, BBC, 25 June 2021: Activist critical of Palestinian Authority dies after arrest, Haaretz, 25 June 2021: The Trauma of the Nakba Is Here to Stay, Times of Israel, 26 June 2021: Palestinians clash with PA officers in 3rd day of rallies over activist’s death, France24, 27 June 2021: Protesters in Ramallah call for Palestinian leader Abbas to resign following activist’s death, Haaretz, 27 June 2021: Masked Israelis Filmed Throwing Stones at Palestinians While Soldiers Stood By, Al Arabiya, 27 June 2021: US supports Abraham accords but Israel needs to engage with Palestinians: Blinken, France24, 27 June 2021: Palestinian labour minister resigns following activist’s death in custody, The Algemeiner, 28 June 2021: It’s Not Anti-Israel, It’s Antisemitic, Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2021: ‘Our Vision for Liberation’ with Ilan Pappé & Ramzy Baroud, The Guardian, 28 June 2021: Palestine: Protest continue for fifth day in West Bank after death of activist, Arab News, 28 June 2021: Palestinians proving to Israel they can play politics too, Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2021: Murder of Nizar Banat by PA Security Forces Exposes Mahmoud Abbas as Lackey of Israel, CNN, 29 June 2021: Demolition in East Jerusalem neighborhood heightens tensions in the city, Times of Israel, 29 June 2021: Lapid in UAE: Palestinians must want progress before Arab states can help, The Washington Post, 29 June 2021: Palestinian frustrations with West Bank government boil over with death of activist, Times of Israel, 30 June 2021: ‘Illegal even under Israeli law’: US pans establishment of new Evyatar outpost, Jerusalem Post, 30 June 2021: Jordan’s king meets with Abbas, reiterates support for two-state solution, Times of Israel, 30 June 2021: PA president Abbas meets King Abdullah in Amman as West Bank tensions rise, Arab News, 30 June 2021: Peace is possible in a Palestine-Israel confederation, DW, 2 July 2021: Palestinians’ rage grows — against their own governing authority, Haaretz, 2 July 2021: How a Deeply Religious Jew Became One of Israel’s Leading Anti-occupation Activists, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2021: Israel strikes Gaza in retaliation after incendiary balloon launch, Haaretz, 2 July 2021: Iraq Is Trying to Escape the Iranian Cage, and Tehran Isn’t Happy, Palestine Chronicle, 2 July 2021: WATCH: US Lawmaker Urges Biden to End Israel’s Expulsions of Palestinian Families, Haaretz, 3 July 2021: Palestinians Take to the Streets of Ramallah as anti-Abbas Demonstrations Continue, Times of Israel, 3 July 2021: Israel strikes Hamas sites in Gaza after renewed arson balloon attacks in south, Israel Hayom, 4 July 2021: Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrate against Abbas, Times of Israel, 4 July 2021: Hundreds of protesters call for Abbas to resign over death of PA critic, Israel Hayom, 4 July 2021: Forget summits, EU should promote Abraham Accords (Madrid Conference of 1991, World Conference against Racism 2001), Haaretz, 5 July 2021: Amid Broad Dissatisfaction, Palestinian Authority Begins to Deal With Needed Reforms, The Guardian, 5 July 2021: Reporting on Israel: ‘Thirty years on, we are still covering the same old enmities’, Haaretz, 5 July 2021: Israel Can No Longer Influence Iran Nuke Deal, Top Official Admits, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2021: Not the Palestine we dreamed of, nor were promised – opinion, Al Arabiya, 6 July 2021: US criticizes Israel over annexation, hits out at Hamas for terrorist activities, The National, 7 July 2021: Dozens of children stranded in sweltering heat as Israel demolishes Bedouin villages, Newsweek, 7 July 2021: The Left Only Cares About Palestinians When It Can Blame Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 7 July 2021: The People vs. Mahmoud Abbas: Are the Palestinian Authority’s Days Numbered?, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: U.S. Slams Israel for Razing Home of Palestinian-American Who Murdered an Israeli, France24, 8 July 2021: Israel razes home of Palestinian shooting suspect’s estranged wife, Times of Israel, 8 July 2021: US slams demolition of family home of alleged Palestinian-American terrorist, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: Israel’s Bennett Secretly Met With Jordan’s King Abdullah After Years of Strained Ties, Arab News, 8 July 2021: Jordan, Israel agree to water deal, more West Bank trade, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2021: Biden may succeed in making Israeli-Palestinian peace, Times of Israel, 8 July 2021: Israel agrees to dramatically increase water supply to parched Jordan, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2021: It’s official: Jordan is now allies with Iran, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: Israel and Jordan Sign Water and Trade Deals in Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2021: World Bank estimates cost of rebuilding Gaza at $485 mln after Israeli bombardment,Times of Israel, 9 July 2021: Amid signs of fragility, Biden and Bennett move to shore up Jordan’s Abdullah, Times of Israel, 10 July 2021: Biden’s point man on Israeli-Palestinian conflict said due in Israel, West Bank, The Hill, 10 July 2021: Is Israel preparing for the inevitable civil war in the West Bank?, Times of Israel, 10 July 2021: Ministers to review new plan for allowing Qatari funds into Gaza — report, Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2021: King Abdullah ‘satisfied’ new Israeli gov’t rebuilding ties with Jordan, Times of Israel, 10 July 2021: President Herzog speaks with Jordan’s king as nations work to mend relations, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2021: Rashida Tlaib: Don’t use US taxes for ‘violent oppression’ of Palestinians, Times of Israel, 11 July 2021: Hosting Abbas, Erdogan says he won’t stay silent on ‘Israeli oppression’, Haaretz, 12 July 2021: Once Again, Israel Plans to Build Villas on the Ruins of a Village That Has Become a Symbol of the Nakba, Times of Israel, 12 July 2021: IDF launches first-of-its-kind international drone exercise, Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2021: Bennett: Ties with Jordan essential for Israel’s security, Palestine Chronicle, 12 July 2021: Settlements are War Crimes: Time to Hold South Africa’s World Zionist Organization Accountable, Al Arabiya, 12 July 2021: Turkey, Israel presidents hold rare telephone talks, Times of Israel, 12 July 2021: In possible sign of thaw, Turkey’s Erdogan talks with new Israeli president, Haaretz, 13 July 2021: Israel’s Ties With Jordan Suffered Under Netanyahu. Bennett Has a Chance to Fix Them, Arab News, 13 July 2021: Israel expands Gaza fishing zone, allows more imports, Haaretz, 13 July 2021: One Month In, the World Sees a Difference in Israel’s New Government, Times of Israel, 13 July 2021: Poll finds a quarter of US Jews think Israel is ‘apartheid state’, Jerusalem Post, 13 July 2021: PA PM: We must build confidence before Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Haaretz, 14 July 2021: Israeli Restrictions Are Preventing Gaza’s Water System From Being Repaired, Haaretz, 15 July 2021: Israel Recruited the Jewish National Fund to Secretly Buy Palestinian Land for Settlers, Times of Israel, 16 July 2021: IDF fires flares near Lebanese border after suspicious movements, Haaretz, 16 July 2021: Settler, Masked Person Filmed Shooting at Palestinians as Israeli Soldiers Watch, Jewish Currents, 16 July 2021: It’s Time to Name Anti-Palestinian Bigotry, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2021: Stability in Jordan is key to Israel’s defense – here’s why, Haaretz, 16 July 2021: Israel Considering Financial Relief to the Palestinian Authority Following U.S. Envoy’s Visit, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2021: Israel-Morocco ties strengthen with signing of first cyber-defense deal, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 16 July 2021: Barcelona requests not to play in Jerusalem, and its Israeli opponent cancels their match (this has now been commented on by many, but the most important reaction, that of FC Barcelona, is still pending. If it were to be like that, as widely reported, then it was not a particularly smart move by Barcelona to even consider a friendly match against a club with that reputation at all), Arab News, 17 July 2021: Wealthy nations cancel $14 billion of Sudan debt, Times of Israel, 17 July 2021: Israel quietly letting Jews pray on Temple Mount, in break with status quo — TV, Arab News, 17 July 2021: Human rights offer way forward on Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestine Chronicle, 17 July 2021: US Envoy: PA is in Unprecedented Legitimacy Crisis, Al Arabiya, 18 July 2021: After war with Israel, a grieving Gaza marks Eid Al-Adha holiday, Times of Israel, 18 July 2021: Amid tensions at Temple Mount, some 1,000 Jews visit holy site for Tisha B’Av, Al Arabiya, 18 July 2021: Clashes erupt after around 1,300 Jews visit al-Aqsa mosque, The Guardian, 18 July 2021: From Cuba to Palestine, when revolutionaries end up as dictators, the people pay the price, The National, 19 July 2021: Israel’s defence minister and Palestinian president discuss building trust, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2021: Abdullah seeks to revive two-state solution, bury ‘Jordan is Palestine’, Times of Israel, 20 July 2021: Lapid pressed, Bennett folded: The political drama around Temple Mount worship, Arab News, 20 July 2021: Israeli PM backs down over Muslim holy site in Jerusalem, The Algemeiner, 20 July 2021: Austrian Activists Publish Map of Jewish Vienna Institutions With Stars of David in ‘Pitiful’ Protest Attempt`, Palestine Chronicle, 20 July 2021: Will the US Challenge Israel’s Claims to the ‘Unification’ of Jerusalem?, Times of Israel, 21 July 2021: Iran, terror concerns are changing France’s ties with Israel, say visiting MPs, Politico.eu, 21 May 2021: What Europe could do for Palestinians, Haaretz, 22 July 2021: Peter Beinart Proclaims He’s Still a Zionist, Though He No Longer Believes in a Jewish State, The Algemeiner, 22 July 2021: Israel to Rejoin African Union as Observer, Eyeing More Support in Global Forums, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2021: US tells Israel ‘refrain’ from settler building as de-facto freeze sets in, Haaretz, 22 July 2021: 19 Years After Its Ouster, African Union Reinstates Israel as Observer Country (thanks to Covid-19, the countries have been equally hard hit economically. It is then easier for all sides to jump over their own shadow), Israel Hayom, 22 July 2021: Do they even know what ‘Genocide’ means?, Times of Israel, 23 July 2021: After 49 years, Israeli victims of 1972 Olympic massacre honored at Tokyo opener (Munich massacre), BBC, 23 July 2021: Olympics: Munich victims honoured for first time at opening ceremony, Reuters, 23 July 2021: After 49 years Israelis killed at 1972 Munich Games remembered in opening ceremony, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2021: Palestinian Authority official says PA ready for direct talks with Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 23 July 2021: Right of Conquest: A Racist Doctrine, Haaretz, 23 July 2021: How Bennett Found Himself Trying to Save the Palestinian Economy, The Atlantic, 23 July 2021: What the Ben & Jerry’s Decision Reveals About Israel, The Washington Post, 23 July 2021: Power outages cripple parts of the Middle East amid record heat waves and rising unrest, Palestine Chronicle, 24 July 2021: On Cuba’s Historic Connections to Palestinian Liberation, Arab News, 24 July 2021: A welcome turning point in Israel–Jordan relations, Haaretz, 25 July 2021: King Abdullah: ‘Civil War’ Between Jews and Arabs in Israel Is a Wake-up Call, Gulf News, 25 July 2021: Palestinian shot in clashes with troops dies: ministry, Haaretz, 25 July 2021: Clashes Erupt as Settlers Stay in Abandoned Israeli Army Post in West Bank, Arab News, 25 July 2021: Protests across Tunisia as COVID-19 surges and economy suffers, Al Arabiya, 25 July 2021: Israel reduces by half Gaza fishing zone after incendiary balloon fires (the Palestinians inflict severe humiliations over and over again with the help of a few balloons to the self-proclaimed “high tech army” of the Israelis. The military capability of the IDF seems to be restricted, if the country has to terrorize the Palestinian civilian population with air strikes and the curtailment of the livelihood because it cannot find any effective means against balloons. Pretty poor performance), The National, 25 July 2021: Pro-Hamas activists launch incendiary balloons into Israel, Haaretz, 25 July 2021: Israel Reportedly Strikes Hamas Targets in Gaza After Incendiary Balloons Start Fires in South, France24, 25 July 2021: Israel reduces Gaza fishing zone by half after incendiary balloons cause fires, Times of Israel, 26 July 2021: Message in a balloon: Hamas threatens violence unless Israel allows Qatari aid, Haaretz, 26 July 2021: Was King David a Nomad? New Theory Sparks Storm Among Israeli Archaeologists (it is always an unsolvable problem to try to solve a scientific question with the help of fictions (Bible) instead of facts. The Middle East conflict has been showing what consequences this can have for over 100 years), Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2021: Israel’s African Union status is as important as Ben & Jerry’s – analysis, Haaretz, 26 July 2021: With Israeli-Palestinian Peace Fund, Congress Signals U.S. Hasn’t Given Up Yet, Arab News, 26 July 2021: Free and fair Palestinians elections must include East Jerusalem: UN experts, Jerusalem Post, 27 July 2021: Flurry of Israeli Palestinian phone calls doesn’t spell peace – 8 takes, France24, 28 July 2021: Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in West Bank: Palestinian authorities, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: The Faces of Non-existent People: Palestinians Living Without an Official ID, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: INS Magen: Israel’s newest ship changes how the IDF combats naval threats, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: Palestinian Shot Dead by Israeli Army at 12-year-old’s Funeral, Also Killed by Israeli Forces, Palestine Chronicle, 29 July 2021: The Two-State Compromise Normalizes Israeli Colonialism, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: Modi, Orban, Bolsonaro: Israel Doesn’t Need to Pander to Netanyahu’s Autocratic Pals Any More, Times of Israel, 29 July 2021: Is “Apartheid” the New Normal?, Khaleej Times, 29 July 2021: UAE stresses on importance of two-state solution at UNSC meet on Palestine, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: Israel Secretly Detained Innocent Palestinians in Remote Desert Camps in Sinai, Arab News, 30 July 2021: Jordan tourism expected to boom by 2023, tourism officials say, Arab News, 30 July 2021: Jordan, Greece, and Cyprus send firm message to Ankara over actions in the Med, Palestine Chronicle, 31 July 2021: Legal Complaint Launched against Israeli-Canadian Charity, BBC, 31 July 2021: Afghanistan: Fighting rages as Taliban besiege three key cities, The National, 31 July 2021: Fighting rages for key Afghan cities as Taliban blamed for attack on UN, DW, 1 August 2021: Palestinians in Jerusalem neighborhood fear for their future, Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2021: Terror groups: Ignite fire of resistance at Zionists for Sheikh Jarrah, The Guardian, 1 August 2021: East Jerusalem: Israel supreme court decision expected on Sheikh Jarrah evictions, Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2021: Protestors in New York cry ‘Globalize the intifada’ at demonstration, The National, 1 August 2021: Palestinians face Israeli court in Sheikh Jarrah evictions case, Palestine Chronicle, 1 August 2021: 14 African States Agree to Reject Israel’s Membership in the African Union, The Algemeiner, 1 August 2021: Jewish Group Official Slams New York City Protest Calling to ‘Globalize the Intifada’, The Guardian, 2 August 2021: Palestinians facing eviction from East Jerusalem offered deal, France24, 2 August 2021: Israel’s top court delays decision on evictions of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, Haaretz, 2 August 2021: Israel’s Standing in America Is Now Far Weaker Than It Seems, The National, 2 August 2021: Israeli court’s compromise could avoid Palestinian evictions, NPR, 2 August 2021: Israel’s High Court Floats Proposal To Solve The Flash Point That Sparked War In Gaza, Haaretz, 4 August 2021: One Week, Four Palestinian Deaths, All in Unjustified Circumstances, Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2021: With only 40% support, Israelis still think 2 states best option – poll, Palestine Chronicle, 5 August 2021: European Diplomats Visit Palestinian Village of Beita, Times of Israel, 5 August 2021: Israel in contact with most Arab countries, including Iraq — senior diplomat, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2021: Jordan to become a full democracy within a decade, Times of Israel, 5 August 2021: Why we went to the UN Security Council about East Jerusalem, Arab News, 5 August 2021: Israeli, Palestinian leaderships must heed wake-up calls, Haaretz, 6 August 2021: Palestinian Protester Killed by Israeli Fire Near Illegal West Bank Outpost, Haaretz, 6 August 2021: Incendiary Balloons Launched From Gaza Spark Four Fires in Southern Israel, Haaretz, 6 August 2021: A Palestinian Plumber Was Shot Dead by Israeli Troops While Trying to Fix a Water Outage, France24, 7 August 2021: Hezbollah chief vows ‘proportionate’ response to any Israel air strike, Arab News, 7 August 2021: Common sense in short supply in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 8 August 2021: East Jerusalem’s 9,000 unit Atarot plan to be debated in December, Palestine Chronicle, 8 August 2021: Israeli Special Units Raid Section of Naqab Prison, The National, 8 August 2021: How ‘dark money’ in US politics affects the Palestine-Israel debate, Times of Israel, 9 August 2021: Israel asking US to push Palestinians toward compromise on Sheikh Jarrah, Al Arabiya, 9 August 2021: CIA chief heading to Israel, Palestine as Iran tensions simmer: Reports, Arab News, 9 August 2021: Death and the West Bank’s shadowy ‘water war’, Times of Israel, 9 August 2021: 5 ways Israel’s government ignores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict , The National, 10 August 2021: Israel boosts diplomatic clout in Africa through regional bloc, The Algemeiner, 10 August 2021: The Gaza Bombing You Weren’t Told About Because It Didn’t Fit the Media’s Anti-Israel Narrative, Haaretz, 10 August 2021: To Deter Trigger-happy Soldiers, Israel Must Exact a Price for Unjustified Killings, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Israel investigating May barrage that killed 6 civilians in Gaza, France24, 11 August 2021: Israel sends top official to Morocco for first time since ties were normalised, The Algemeiner, 11 August 2021: Israel Authorizes the Construction of 1,000 Homes for Palestinian Authority in Area C, Haaretz, 11 August 2021: Israel’s Lapid Hails ‘A Better Future’ in First Morocco Visit Since Normalization, Times of Israel, 11 August 2021: In Rabat, Lapid holds lengthy talks with Moroccan FM, who urges 2-state solution, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2021: Israel foreign minister arrives in Morocco on first visit since normalization, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2021: In blow to Area C battle, Israel to authorize 900 Palestinian homes, Haaretz, 11 August 2021: To Stave Off Opposition to Settlement Expansion, Bennett Gives Rare Approval for 800 Palestinian Homes, The National, 11 August 2021: Hamas’ secret foreign investment portfolio reportedly worth $500m (even when the information cannot be verified, it is at least interesting as a hint), Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2021: Abraham Accords, one year later: The inside story (of course, there is also a lot of political theater involved. After all, cooperation between the states also existed before and was just an open secret and much of what is now being celebrated as the “big breakthrough” was a deal that was decided long beforehand), Arab News, 11 August 2021: Jerusalem court freezes razing of some Palestinian homes, Times of Israel, 11 August 2021: Israel set to approve new Palestinian and Jewish building in West Bank, Palestine Chronicle, 11 August 2021: ‘From the River to the Sea’: Really?, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Israeli minister in Morocco signs 3 accords to boost ties, Times of Israel, 11 August 2021: One State or Two States? Trends in Israeli and Palestinian Public Opinion, Al Arabiya, 12 August 2021: Israel will approve new homes for West Bank settlers, Palestinians, The National, 12 August 2021: Jerusalem court freezes demolition of Palestinian homes, The Guardian, 12 August 2021: West Bank: Israel preparing to resume settlement building, Times of Israel, 12 August 2021: HRW: Gaza groups committed war crimes, killed Palestinians with failed launches, France24, 12 August 2021: Israel says to open embassies with Morocco soon, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2021: The strength and resilience of the UAE-Israel relationship one year on, Haaretz, 12 August 2021: Israel, Morocco Agree to Upgrade Diplomatic Ties, Lapid Announces in Rabat Visit, The National, 12 August 2021: Abraham Accords: the region’s game changer one year on, Arab News, 12 August 2021: How the Abraham Accords have influenced Arab-Israeli relations, one year on, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2021: Gaza rockets killed Palestinians, Israelis in ‘flagrant’ war crimes – HRW, Times of Israel, 12 August 2021: Blinken lauds ‘significant’ first post-normalization visit by Lapid in Morocco, Arab News, 12 August 2021: Winners and losers in the ‘resistance game’, Khaleej Times, 12 August 2021: One year of Abraham Accords: Almost quarter million Israelis visit UAE, Palestine Chronicle, 13 August 2021: Fearing US Backlash, Bennett Reduces New Settlement Units, Haaretz, 13 August 2021: Palestinian Groups in Lebanon May Expedite a Clash Between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel Hayom, 13 August 2021: What Hezbollah learned last week (that’s a weird article, but at the same time show cases, that Israel isn’t free of having extremists in its ranks either), The Algmeiner, 13 August 2021: Lebanon and the Geography of Arab Change, Palestine Chronicle, 13 August 2021: Six Palestinians Injured by Israeli Forces near Nablus, Haaretz, 13 August 2021: In Light Criticism, U.S. Official Says It’s Critical for Israel to Refrain From Unilateral Settlement Activity, Arab News, 13 August 2021: Israel to relax Gaza curbs amid security calm, Palestine Chronicle, 13 August 2021: WATCH: Israeli Forces Attack Worshippers in Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque, The Algemeiner, 13 August 2021: Dubai Expo in Focus as UAE Racks up $700 Million of Trade With Israel Since Normalization, Israel Hayom, 13 August 2021: Report: CIA director met with PA’s Abbas to discuss restarting peace process, Times of Israel, 14 August 2021: US State Department pans Israeli plan for new settlement homes, Palestine Chronicle, 14 August 2021: UN Report: Israel Demolished 57 Palestinian-Owned Structures in Two Weeks, Times of Israel, 14 August 2021: Saudi-hosted Islamic forum defangs Iran’s regional influence, Jerusalem Post, 15 August 2021: Polish restitution law same as Israeli absentee law: MKs Cassif, Abou Shehadeh, Haaretz, 15 August 2021: A Year After Their Signing, Here’s How the Abraham Accords Changed the Middle East, Times of Israel, 15 August 2021: High Court rejects petition against compromise deal for illegal outpost, Jerusalem Post, 15 August 2021: Palestinians warn: Israel, Hamas headed toward another war, Arab News, 15 August 2021: Palestinians protest Israeli ‘violation’ of Hebron heritage site, Haaretz, 16 August 2021: Deadly Raid Shows the Palestinian Authority Is Losing Control of the Northern West Bank, Arab News, 16 August 2021: Surging poverty in Gaza Strip as residents decry Israeli siege, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2021: IDF to authorize 800 Palestinian homes on Tuesday amid domestic furor, Haaretz, 16 August 2021: Ahead of First Meeting, Biden and Bennett Try to Dismantle a Jerusalem Landmine, Times of Israel, 17 August 2021: Meeting to approve rare West Bank Palestinian construction delayed, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2021: Jordan’s king meets Palestinian president trying to revive Israel talks, Times of Israel, 17 August 2021: With US credibility gashed by Kabul fiasco, Israel may be bruised by association, Palestine Chroncile, 17 August 2021: Israeli Bulldozers Demolish Kindergarten near Jerusalem, The Algemeiner, 17 August 2021: Palestinian Firefighters Aid Israeli Forces in Taking Control of Massive Jerusalem Hills Wildfire, Arab News, 18 August 2021: Afghan turmoil helps Israel suppress media coverage of its abuses, Palestine Chronicle, 18 August 2021: The Quiet Rebellion: Why US Jews Turning against Israel is Good for Palestinians, Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Qatar, Israel Announce Agreement on Stalled Aid Money for Gaza Families, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: No Palestinian state under Bennett led government, FM says (it wasn’t to be expected otherwise. Bennett is a Mesianic, far-right settler. Anyone who believed that he would suddenly come to his senses during his tenure also believes in the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. On the other hand, the composition of the current government coalition ensures that the extent of the stupid things he can do, unlike Netanyahu who did so on a daily basis, is limited. The parties involved are clearly aware of what is at stake if the government fails and new elections are therefore required), The New Yorker, 19 August 2021: Will the Next American War Be with China? (one have to see things from the opposite direction: Why should the US President orient himself to the requests from the Middle East when they do what they want without taking US interests into account? That was and is of course particularly true of the Israeli governments. It is not a new development that the US Democrats are thoroughly annoyed by being asked to provide unconditional aid and in return they are tricked over and over again. That won’t go well for much longer. By far the most important mission of Biden is to reconcile America with itself. The US withdrawal from the Middle East, as it began under Obama, is part of the mission to enable the US to turn towards China. America wants to remain a world power and therefore cannot get tangled up in the small-small conflicts of the Middle East, while China is making rapid gains. What applies to the Middle East, of course, also applies to the EU. A lot of states now will have to learn to swim quickly on their own if they want to stay in the game. Israel and Netanyahu tried to torpedo the revival of the Iran deal, with the support of the Gulf states. To complain now that the deal isn’t back yet is pretty flimsy and a self-made problem), Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Climate Change Could Teach Middle East Leaders How to Be Friends, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Naftali Bennett should speak with Mahmoud Abbas – editorial, Times of Israel, 20 August 2021: Qatar, UN reach agreement to return some Qatari subsidies to Gaza, The Algemeiner, 20 August 2021: As Media Berate Israel, Hamas Reportedly Hiding Enough Funds to Rebuild Gaza Strip (even while the information and figures provided in the article in “Die Welt” are not verifiable, they are at least interesting as some kind of hints), Palestine Chronicle, 20 August 2021: Israeli Occupation Forces Injure 13 Palestinians in Beita, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2021: Palestinian PM to overhaul cabinet in hopes of fresh start, Times of Israel, 20 August 2021: Moroccan king says he hopes ties with Israel will encourage regional peace, The Algemeiner, 20 August 2021: Taliban Triumph in Afghanistan Has Arab States and Israel Hedging Dependence on US, Palestine Chronicle, 20 August 2021: 53 US Lawmakers Warn of Grim Humanitarian Situation in Gaza, The Algemeiner, 20 August 2021: Approval for Thousands of Housing Units in Judea and Samaria Pushed Off to Unknown Date, The Guardian, 21 August 2021: Gaza: Israeli soldier and two Palestinians seriously injured in cross-border gunfire, Times of Israel, 21 August 2021: Soldier shot, critically hurt in Gaza border clash; 41 Palestinians injured, France24, 21 August 2021: Israel strikes Gaza after border clashes, Haaretz, 21 August 2021: IDF Strikes Hamas Positions in Gaza Following Violent Border Clashes, DW, 21 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, Palestine Chronicle, 22 August 2021: The UN is Only ‘Deeply Concerned’ about Protecting Israel, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2021: IDF carries out airstrikes in Gaza Strip, DW, 22 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, The Guardian, 22 August 2021: Gaza: Israeli aircraft strike Hamas sites as hostilities escalate, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2021: Explosive balloons launched from Gaza – report, The Algemeiner, 22 August 2021: The US Charade of ‘Palestine’ in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 22 August 2021: IDF probe of Gaza shooting finds troops hampered by blind spots, poor planning, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2021: Egypt closes Rafah border crossing to Gaza after Israel-Hamas escalation, CNN, 22 August 2021: Parts of Middle East running out of water and becoming uninhabitable, France24, 22 August 2021: Israel bombs Gaza in response to violent border clashes, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2021: Egypt closes Rafah border with Gaza over Hamas: Reports, The Algemeiner, 22 August 2021: Israeli, Moroccan Universities Sign Collaboration Agreement, Jerusalem Post, 23 August 2021: Russia hosts Jordan’s king, hints at UAE deal, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2021: Israeli raids target Hamas sites west of Khan Yunis in Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 23 August 2021: IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza in response to incendiary balloons, Times of Israel, 23 August 2021: Israeli jets strike Gaza following fires set by arson balloons, Haaretz, 23 August 2021: Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza ‘Apparently’ Broke International Law, Human Rights Watch Says, The Algemeiner, 23 August 2021: IDF Strikes Gazan Targets in Retaliation for Incendiary Balloons, Jerusalem Post, 24 August 2021: Two-states is so dead, it isn’t on the Bennett-Biden agenda, The New York Times, 24 August 2021: New Israeli Leader Backs Hard Line on Iran but Softer Tone With U.S., Times of Israel, 24 August 2021: The return of the international arena, Jerusalem Post, 24 August 2021: EU delays PA funding; salary payment in doubt as crisis deepens, France24, 24 August 2021: Algeria severs diplomatic ties with Morocco, citing ‘hostile actions’, Haaretz, 25 August 2021: 1,000 Palestinians Protest Along Israel Border; Gaza Reports Ten Wounded, Times of Israel, 25 August 2021: 3 months after Gaza conflict, IDF gearing up for another round of fighting, Haaretz, 25 August 2021: Progressive Democrats Slam Palestinian Authority for Human Rights Abuses After Protesters’ Arrests, Al Arabiya, 25 August 2021: Saudi Arabia, Arab League decry Algeria-Morocco diplomatic fallout, Arab News, 25 August 2021: Palestinian wounded in Gaza clash dies ahead of new protest, Haaretz, 25 August 2021: Palestinian Shot by Israeli Troops in Last Week’s Gaza Border Clashes Dies, Arab News, 25 August 2021: Saudi Arabia regrets cutting of ties between Algeria and Morocco, The Times, 25 August 2021: Arab Spring’s sole democracy slips back into tyranny, Jerusalem Post, 26 August 2021: We must not let Biden divide Jerusalem – opinion (Westjerusalem actually is Israel’s “undivided capital”, while Eastjerusalem is Palestine’s capital), Haaretz, 26 August 2021: Shackled, Beaten, Strung Up on a Tree: Palestinian Teen Brutally Attacked by Settlers, The Algemeiner, 27 August 2021: Hamas Escalates Again as It Plays the Long, Radical Game, Palestine Chronicle, 27 August 2021: WATCH: Palestinian Family Forced to Demolish Their Own Home in Silwan, Jerusalem Post, 27 August 2021: ‘Israeli apartheid’ protest tent set up in Tel Aviv, Arab News, 28 August 2021: Why apathy on Palestinian injustice will backfire, Times of Israel, 28 August 2021: Family of Abbas critic, who died in PA custody, seeks international justice, Arab News, 28 August 2021: Rights are rights, in Warsaw or Jerusalem, NPR, 28 August 2021: Gaza Protesters Clash With Israeli Troops Near The Border, Haaretz, 29 August 2021: To Enjoy Peace and Security, Israel Must Consider the Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 29 August 2021: IDF attacks in Gaza following riots, incendiary balloons, Times of Israel, 29 August 2021: IDF strikes Gaza after violent border riots, airborne arson attack, Haaretz, 29 August 2021: Israel Strikes Gaza After Border Protests, Incendiary Balloons, Army Says, The Algemeiner, 29 August 2021: Afghanistan’s Lessons for Israel, France24, 30 August 2021: Rare meeting between Palestinian president and Israeli defence minister, Times of Israel, 30 August 2021: Israel agrees to send NIS 500 million to PA, bypassing terror stipend freeze, Haaretz, 30 August 2021: Why Gantz and Abbas Are the Perfect Pair for Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2021: Gantz offers Abbas series of goodwill gestures in rare Ramallah meeting, Times of Israel, 30 August 2021: Hamas, Islamic Jihad condemn Abbas for ‘reprehensible’ meeting with Gantz, Haaretz, 30 August 2021: Gantz Says Agreed With Abbas on Confidence-building Measures, Including $155m Loan, Arab News, 30 August 2021: Israeli minister travels to Ramallah for rare talks with Palestinian leader, DW, 30 August 2021: Israel’s Gantz meets Palestine’s Abbas for direct talks, Times of Israel, 31 August 2021: Hamas, Islamic Jihad condemn Abbas for ‘reprehensible’ meeting with Gantz, Israel Hayom, 31 August 2021: How Israel is being drawn into the Algerian-Moroccan feud, Haaretz, 31 August 2021: Only 16% of West Bank, Gaza Adults Got Two Shots of COVID Vaccine, Times of Israel, 31 August 2021: Israel extends Gaza fishing zone, lets in more workers despite border riots, Jerusalem Post, 31 August 2021: Fatah-Hamas rift deepens as Abbas moves closer to US, Israel, Haaretz, 31 August 2021: Israel Lifts Further Gaza Restrictions, Expanding Water Supply and Fishing Zone, Arab News, 31 August 2021: Gantz-Abbas meeting changes nothing for Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 31 August 2021: Israel must probe ‘heinous’ settler attack on Palestinian teen – UN Envoy, Los Angeles Times, 31 August 2021: Israel lets building goods into Gaza, easing postwar closure, The Guardian, 1 September 2021: Palestinian territories: Israel says US plan to reopen Jerusalem consulate is ‘bad idea’ (of course they do. After all, the international community has declared the so-called “Jeruslaem Law” null and void several times, so they support any attempt to undo this through the back door (including Trump’s unsuitable attempts). Maybe it will work next time), The Algemeiner, 1 September 2021: UNRWA Head Faces Questions at EU Parliament Over ‘Hate Speech, Violence’ in Palestinian Textbooks, The National, 1 September 2021: Israel calls US plans to reopen Jerusalem consulate a ‘bad idea’, Haaretz, 1 September 2021: Lapid Says Biden Plan to Reopen Jerusalem Consulate for Palestinians a ‘Bad Idea’, Jerusalem Post, 1 September 2021: Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem jeopardizes Israeli gov’t – Lapid, The Guardian, 1 September 2021: The Palestinian Authority’s crackdown on protest shows it will never serve its own, Haaretz, 1 September 2021: Bennett Rejects Peace Process With Abbas, Focuses on Palestinians’ Practical Needs, The National, 1 September 2021: Biden’s pivot from international interventions worries allies, The National, 2 September 2021: Mubadala Petroleum finalises $1bn deal for 22% stake in Israel’s Tamar gas field, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: JNF Approves West Bank, Jerusalem Plan That Could Lead to Palestinian Evictions, Jerusalem Post, 2 September 2021: Palestinians save Jewish woman attacked with stones near Hebron, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: Abbas to Meet Egyptian, Jordanian Counterparts to Form Unified Stance on Israel, The Algemeiner, 2 September 2021: Palestinian President Says He’s Ready for ‘Confidence-Building’, Times of Israel, 2 September 2021: Israel formally moves to US Central Command’s area of responsibility, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: Palestinian Killed by Israeli Gunfire in Border Protest, Gaza Health Ministry Says, Times of Israel, 2 September 2021: No plans to limit settlement construction for now, Israeli official says, Jerusalem Post, 2 September 2021: Cairo Summit calls on Quartet, not US, to lead Israeli-Palestinian talks, The National, 2 September 2021: Red Sea competition growing as Russia enters region, Arab News, 2 September 2021: Egypt summit discusses Palestinian crisis, Haaretz, 3 September 2021: How Did Religious Jews Become the Most Enthusiastic Supporters of the Occupation?, Haaretz, 4 September 2021: Hamas Launches Incendiary Balloons Into Israel, Vows to Step Up Protests Due to Stalled Qatari Aid, Arab News, 4 September 2021: Why the Middle East no longer trusts America, Times of Israel, 4 September 2021: Herzog secretly visited Jordan for meeting with king, Haaretz, 5 September 2021: Israel’s New Government Wants to ‘Shrink’ the Occupation. Meet the Man Behind the Idea, Arab News, 5 September 2021: Daesh attack kills 13 Iraqi police: security, medics, Times of Israel, 6 September 2021: IDF strikes in Gaza in response to arson balloon attacks, Arab News, 6 September 2021: Middle East’s efforts to defuse tensions merit Western attention, Haaretz, 6 September 2021: Israel Maintains Its Edge, but Will Be Challenged by Iran, Hezbollah in Coming Year, Arab News, 6 September 2021: Boosting Muslim-Jewish relations at Rosh Hashana, The Algemeiner, 6 September 2021: Three Fires in Southern Israel After Incendiary Balloons Launched From Gaza, Times of Israel, 7 September 2021: IDF strikes in Gaza in response to arson balloon attacks, The National, 7 September 2021: Jewish community in UAE celebrates Rosh Hashanah, Times of Israel, 8 September 2021: Israeli troops said to arrest family members of fugitives in West Bank raids (Israel was perhaps 20 years ago on the way to a democratic order. Today, the “democratic” views are based on those of the neighboring countries), Arab News, 8 September 2021: Israel arrests relatives of escaped Palestinian prisoners, Haaretz, 9 September 2021: How and Where to Start a Holy War Between Jews and a Billion Muslims, Arab News, 10 September 2021: Israel police kill Palestinian in Jerusalem stabbing attempt, Times of Israel, 10 September 2021: Police: Assailant shot attempting to stab cops in Jerusalem Old City, later dies, Haaretz, 12 September 2021: Nearly 200 Americans Moved to West Bank Settlements Last Year, Gov’t Figures Reveal, Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2021: Bennett weighing ‘alternative’ funding for Gaza instead of Qatari cash, Haaretz, 12 September 2021: Israel’s Lapid Presents Plan for Gaza Reconstruction, Saying Wars and Blockade Are Not Working (ha, someone from the Israeli government has read our block entry. Read: Solution proposal), Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2021: Lapid outlines ‘economy for security’ plan to stop Hamas terror in Gaza, Haaretz, 12 September 2021: Why Bennett Could Usher in a One-state Solution, France24, 13 September 2021: Israeli Foreign Minister Lapid proposes Gaza development plan, Der Spiegel, 13 September 2021: Egypt Picks Europe Over China: High-Speed Rail to Connect Red Sea and Mediterranean, DW, 13 September 2021: Israeli prime minister visits Egypt officially for the first time in 10 years, France24, 13 September 2021: Bennett meets Sisi on first Egypt trip by Israeli PM in decade, Times of Israel, 13 September 2021: Bennett, after meeting Egypt’s Sissi: ‘We laid the foundation for deep ties’, Politico.com, 13 September 2021: Biden to withhold, restrict some military aid to Egypt, Haaretz, 13 September 2021: Mr. Bennett Goes to Egypt, Under Shadow of Biden and Renewed Violence, Times of Israel, 13 September 2021: ‘We’ve only just begun’: Abraham Accords partners mark one year since signing, Arab News, 14 September 2021: Palestinian peace hopes rise after Egypt talks, Haaretz, 14 September 2021: Another escalation on the horizon, Jerusalem Post, 15 September 2021: Bennett: Palestinian statehood would be a terrible mistake, DW, 15 September 2021: An end to neo-Islamism in the Middle East?, CNN, 16 September 2021: Israel’s new plan is to ‘shrink,’ not solve, the Palestinian conflict. Here’s what that looks like, Palestine Chronicle, 18 September 2021: Dutch Court to Hear Appeal over Gantz War Crimes in Gaza, Times of Israel, 18 September 2021: Ocasio-Cortez submits amendment to block arms sale to Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 18 September 2021: West Bank: Israeli Forces Wound Hundreds at Anti-Settlement Protests (VIDEO), Jerusalem Post, 20 September 2021: AOC introduces amendment to halt US arms sale to Israel (there are no “arms sales”. In the real world there are arms hand-outs. Of course, American tax payers are overwhelming fed up seeing tax dollars flooting into the koffers of foreign powers for reasons that aren’t in America’s interests, while the infrastructure at home is crumbling. Sure, Netanyahu’s former propaganda minister, the history revisionist and reactionary professional liar Gilad Erdan, now Israel’s “ambassador” to the US and the UN, doesn’t like the approach, but then, who cares?), The Algemeiner, 20 September 2021: Germany, Palestinian Authority Sign $117 Million Cooperation Agreement, Jerusalem Post, 20 September 2021: Settlement housing starts rise 68% as Bennett pledges W. Bank development, Arab News, 21 September 2021: Egypt and Israel on path toward a warmer peace, Palestine Chronicle, 21 September 2021: On ‘Flag Day’: Palestinian Flag Flies outside Denmark Parliament Building, The Algemeiner, 21 September 2021: Biden Says Two-State Solution Is ‘The Only Way’ to End Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Arab News, 21 September 2021: Jordan, Egypt and Israel offer hope on Palestinian conflict, Haaretz, 21 September 2021: Nearly 80 Percent of Palestinians Want Abbas to Resign, New Poll Finds, Al Arabiya, 22 September 2021: Global partnership is critical to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Jordan’s King, Arab News, 22 September 2021: Reopening US Consulate in East Jerusalem is essential to peace, Al Arabiya, 22 September 2021: Hamas rejects PA’s call for Palestinian local elections set for December, Haaretz, 22 September 2021: Jordan’s Abdullah: Israel, Palestinians Will Achieve ‘Genuine Security’ Only Through Two-state Solution, Times of Israel, 23 September 2021: At UN, Jordan, Saudi kings back Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital, Haaretz, 23 September 2021: The Democrats Trying to Make the Two-state Solution Relevant Again in Congress, Times of Israel, 24 September 2021: At UN General Assembly, Abbas gives Israel one year to withdraw to 1967 lines, Arab News, 24 September 2021: Abbas tells UN Israeli actions could lead to ‘one state’, Haaretz, 24 September 2021: ‘Their Agenda? Expelling Arabs’: The Contentious Movement Taking Root Across Israel, Times of Israel, 25 September 2021: Hundreds of Iraqi notables call to join Abraham Accords, make peace with Israel, Arab News, 25 September 2021: Abbas to Israel: End occupation in 1 year or Palestinians withdraw recognition (Israel isn’t recognizing Palestine, so why should Palestine recognize Isreal? That easy), The Guardian, 25 September 2021: As world leaders gather at the UN, the violation of Palestinian rights must be on the agenda, DW, 26 September 2021: Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians in West Bank raids against Hamas, France24, 26 September 2021: Israeli troops kill five Palestinian gunmen in West Bank clash with Hamas, Times of Israel, 26 September 2021: Peace with the Palestinians? Entirely possible!, Arab News, 26 September 2021: Israeli troops kill 5 Palestinians in West Bank gun battles, NPR, 26 September 2021: Israeli Troops Kill 5 Palestinian Gunmen In A Sweeping Crackdown Against Hamas, Palestine Chronicle, 27 September 2021: Israeli Forces Attack Palestinian Students Rally in El-Bireh, Times of Israel, 27 September 2021: 3 sets of positive steps to reduce the Israeli-Palestinian divide, Haaretz, 27 September 2021: Bennett Ignored the Palestinian Issue at the UN – and It Will Come Back to Bite Him, Times of Israel, 27 September 2021: Neglecting Palestinians at UN, Bennett hopes that those who matter don’t mind, Palestine Chronicle, 27 September 2021: Jewish Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound Waving Israeli Flag, Arab News, 27 September 2021: Palestinian division goes far beyond Fatah-Hamas ‘split’, Khaleej Times, 28 September 2021: Israeli PM denounces Iran, ignores Palestinians in UN speech, Palestine Chronicle, 28 September 2021: US Conservatives Condemn ‘Stop Antisemitism’ for Calling GOP Congressman ‘Jew Hater’, Jerusalem Post, 28 September 2021: On This Day: Oslo II Accord signed by Rabin and Arafat, The National, 29 September 2021: After high-level Palestinian-Israeli meet, UN says it’s time to ‘re-energise’ talks, Arab News, 29 September 2021: UN special envoy slams Israeli destruction, seizures in occupied territories, The National, 29 September 2021: Tunisia’s Saied appoints Najla Bouden Romdhane as Arab world’s first female PM, Al Arabiya, 29 September 2021: Tunisia new PM, first Arab woman tasked with forming government: Who is Najla Bouden?, France24, 29 September 2021: Tunisia’s president names Bouden first woman PM, asks her to form govt, DW, 29 September 2021: Tunisia: Najla Bouden Romdhane named first female PM, Times of Israel, 29 September 2021: Police arrest 3 suspects in attack on Palestinians in South Hebron Hills, Arab News, 29 September 2021: It’s time Israel’s extremists took a look in the mirror, Times of Israel, 29 September 2021: US, Qatar announce joint sanctions against Hezbollah financing, Al Arabiya, 29 September 2021: US, Qatar sanction Gulf-based Hezbollah financial network; Bahrain freezes accounts, Times of Israel, 29 September 2021: In Cairo, top Biden aide discusses Gaza reconstruction with Egypt’s Sissi, Haaretz, 29 September 2021: ‘Netanyahu Got It Badly Wrong’: Senior Democrat Says Party Not Divided Over Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 29 September 2021: The Untold Story of Why Palestinians Are Divided, Haaretz, 30 September 2021: Palestinian Villagers Stunned by ‘Worst Ever’ Settler Attack Fear They’ll Be Back, Haaretz, 30 September 2021: Israel’s Prime Minister Now Pretends the Palestinians Don’t Exist. It’s a Brilliant Move, Al Arabiya, 1 October 2021: Bahrain’s Jewish community welcomes ‘historic’ visit of Israeli FM Lapid, Jerusalem Post, 1 October 2021: Palestinians down Israeli quadcopter in West Bank – report, Haaretz, 1 October 2021: If the Israeli Sniper Could See the Devastation He Caused, He Wouldn’t Shoot Again, Palestine Chronicle, 1 October 2021: ‘Normalization’: Betrayal of Palestine by Arab Regimes No Easy Road, The National, 2 October 2021: UN Palestinian refugee agency faces ‘existential’ budget crisis, Palestine Chronicle, 2 October 2021: US Blinken: ‘Sheikh Jarrah Could Lead to War’, Haaretz, 2 October 2021: Head of UN’s Palestinian Refugee Agency Warns of ‘Existential’ Budget Crisis, Arab News, 2 October 2021: On the same global stage, two leaders a world apart, Times of Israel, 2 October 2021: Report: Benny Gantz told PA chief Abbas he wants to be ‘the new Rabin’, Palestine Chronicle, 2 October 2021: Hundreds Demonstrate against Jewish Settler Violence in South Hebron Hills, Times of Israel, 3 October 2021: Think regionally: A US role for deepening the Abraham Accords, The National, 3 October 2021: First EgyptAir flight to Israel lands at Ben Gurion Airport (since Netanyahu was finally out of the way, there is room for normalization with the neighbors), Haaretz, 3 October 2021: Meretz Ministers Meet Abbas: We Will Block ‘Steps on the Ground’ to Kill Two-state Solution, Times of Israel, 3 October 2021: First EgyptAir flight between Cairo and Tel Aviv lands at Ben Gurion Airport, Haaretz, 3 October 2021: Palestinian Officials Say U.S. Seeks to Reopen East Jerusalem Consulate After Israel Approves Budget, The National, 4 October 2021: UN investigators uncover war crimes evidence in Libya, The Guardian, 4 October 2021: Libya: War crimes and crimes against humanity committed since 2016, says UN, Arab News, 4 October 2021: Pro-Palestine stance will ultimately become the norm in Congress, Jerusalem Post, 5 October 2021: Visa-free travel between Israel and UAE to start next week (due to Covid-19 one year later than expected, especially since the United Arab Emirates had already announced this step for 2020 in 2019), The National, 5 October 2021: Israeli Interior Minister: Israel to ‘manage conflict‘ with Palestinians not resolve it, Jerusalem Post, 5 October 2021: UN prevented Erdan from displaying pro-Hitler posts by UNRWA teacher (what a laughing stock. The guy who in general refer to Palestinians as “terrorists”, wants to talk about hatred at UNGA :-D When will he address the ever growing problem of Jewish terrorism in Israel and Palestine, one of the many reasons why Israel won’t become a democracy sometime soon? Oh, he won’t talk abbout it at all? Quite telling and hypocritical at the same time, isn’t it?), Arab News, 5 October 2021: Arab world right to follow Sadat’s lead on Israel, Haaretz, 5 October 2021: Israel’s Top Court Proposes Compromise to Prevent Sheikh Jarrah Eviction, Palestine Chronicle, 5 October 2021: Ireland Urges Israel to Apply International Laws and Conventions on Palestinian Prisoners, Arab News, 6 October 2021: Prospects for Maghreb mediation appear poor, The National, 7 October 2021: It will take much more than an election to bring real change to Iraq, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2021: Expo 2020: Israeli pavilion opens, ministers say fair can promote Middle East peace, Times of Israel, 8 October 2021: Visiting US envoy raises human rights with Israelis, terror payments with PA, France24, 8 October 2021: Israeli judge upholds ban on Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa compound, Times of Israel, 8 October 2021: Court reinstates police ban on Jewish man who prayed on Temple Mount, Arab News, 9 October 2021: How organized crime bleeds the Middle East dry, Al Arabiya, 9 October 2021: US Secretary of State to meet Israel, UAE counterparts to discuss Abraham Accords, Arab News, 9 October 2021: Silent Jewish prayers at Al-Aqsa rejected by Israeli appeals court following protests, Times of Israel, 9 October 2021: From Western Wall to Old City alleys, curious Israelis embrace Bahraini visitors, Arab News, 9 October 2021: One giant step that could transform the Palestinian cause, Haaretz, 9 October 2021: Blinken to Host Israeli, UAE Foreign Ministers for Three-way Meeting Next Week, The New York Times, 10 October 2021: 10 Years After the Arab Spring: ‘What Have We Done With Democracy?’, Haaretz, 10 October 2021: Don’t Let Fanatic Violent Settlers Take Israel’s Future Hostage, NPR, 11 October 2021: Pro-Iran candidates are the biggest losers in Iraq’s election, The National, 11 October 2021: Israel will keep Golan Heights, says Bennett, Arab News, 11 October 2021: Germany’s Merkel tells Israel not to ‘lose sight’ of deal with Palestinians, Haaretz, 11 October 2021: The Time Has Come to Admit: Israel Is an Apartheid Regime, Al Arabiya, 11 October 2021: First Jewish wedding held in Bahrain in more than half a century, Haaretz, 11 October 2021: For First Time in Over 50 Years, Jewish Couple Gets Married in Bahrain, Arab News, 12 October 2021: Israel signs deal to double water supply to Jordan, The Algemeiner, 12 October 2021: Jordan and Israel Sign Countries’ ‘Largest Water Sale’ Deal, Arab News, 12 October 2021: Abbas’ ultimatum shows Palestinians are at breaking point, Politics Today, 12 October 2021: Israel’s No-State Solution in Palestine: How Should the Palestinians Respond?, Reuters, 12 October 2021: Cleric Sadr wins Iraq vote, former PM Maliki close behind -officials, The National, 12 October 2021: Iraq elections explained: when will a new government be formed?, Times of Israel, 12 October 2021: FIFA chief says Abraham Accords could lead to Israel co-hosting soccer World Cup, CNN, 13 October 2021: FIFA president floats Israel as possible World Cup 2030 co-hosts, France24, 13 October 2021: Pro-Iran parties denounce ‘scam’ after Iraq election setback, Times of Israel, 13 October 2021: While Lapid in Washington, panel advances expropriation of East Jerusalem land (the land theft is going on and on. Why? Because the international community is letting Israel getting away with its illegal actions, while e.g. rightly sanctioning Russia for the very same practices), The National, 13 October 2021: Macron’s Algeria remarks seen as threat to its ruling military class, The Algemeiner, 13 October 2021: US Will Move Forward With Reopening its Palestinian Mission in Jerusalem: Blinken, The Washington Post, 13 October 2021: Israeli minister says ‘no way’ to U.S. reopening of consulate in Jerusalem (some Israelis still seem to believe that East Jerusalem will become Israeli. The international community will prevent it over and over again), Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2021: A message to Israelis, Palestinians, Germans about Palestinian statehood – opinion, The Algemeiner, 13 October 2021: Qatar Rules Out Normalizing Relations With Israel, Khaleej Times, 14 October 2021: UAE, US, Israel announce new working groups on religious coexistence, water, energy issues, Al Arabiya, 14 October 2021: UAE’s Abdullah bin Zayed meets US, Israel FMs, plans to bolster religious coexistence, Haaretz, 14 October 2021: Israeli Far-right Groups on Facebook’s Secret ‘Dangerous’ Blacklist, Report Says, Times of Israel, 14 October 2021: Gantz orders ‘aggressive’ crackdown on settler violence after soldiers attacked, Jerusalem Post, 14 October 2021: A US consulate in Jerusalem extends the Palestinian conflict – opinion (and the fact-free statements and illegal actions against international law and long standing UN resolutions by the Israeli governments are going on and on. No wonder that there is very limited trust from the international community in them), The Algemeiner, 14 October 2021: US Made Clear Its Opposition to Settlements, Israeli Official Says, Saudi Gazette, 14 October 2021: The Greater Middle East and the danger of fundamentalism, Haaretz, 14 October 2021: Israel Advances Thousands of Housing Units in East Jerusalem as Biden Remains Silent, Jerusalem Post, 14 October 2021: Genocide, apartheid: Problems in extreme Left American Jews, Times of Israel, 15 October 2021: Jordanians eye bleak future as economic woes, corruption and repression mount, Haaretz, 15 October 2021: Handcuffed and Blindfolded, Veteran of Israel’s Top Commando Unit Now Fights the Occupation, Times of Israel, 15 October 2021: A US consulate in Jerusalem states that Jerusalem is not in Israel (according to UN resolution 2334 East Jerusalem isn’t Israeli, therefore the US is stating the obvious), Foreign Policy, 15 October 2021: Unite Jordan and Palestine—Again, Haaretz, 15 October 2021: Settlers Attack Palestinian Family Harvesting Olives in West Bank, Times of Israel, 15 October 2021: Wary of Biden, Israel goes quiet while advancing major East Jerusalem projects, Haaretz, 15 October 2021: It’s Official: The Netanyahu Era Is Over, The Algemeiner, 15 October 2021: Is the US Withdrawal From the Middle East a Good Thing?, Jerusalem Post, 16 October 2021: Israeli settlers attack Palestinian harvesters in West Bank, Times of Israel, 16 October 2021: Morocco said set to approve aviation, culture and sport agreements with Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 16 October 2021: Jewish Settlers Attack Palestinian Olive Farmers in West Bank, Khaleej Times, 17 October 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: Stroll along streets of Palestine pavilion, unravel pieces of history, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2021: Swedish foreign minister in Israel marking thaw in relations, Times of Israel, 17 October 2021: Swedish foreign minister en route to Israel in major step in rebuilding ties, Haaretz, 17 October 2021: For 17 Years, Stone-throwing Settlers Have Terrorized Palestinian Children. I Was One of Them, The Sunday Times, 17 October 2021: Sally Rooney’s anti-Israel stance flows from a long Irish tradition, Arab News, 18 October 2021: More Palestinians apply for Israeli work permits, Haaretz, 18 October 2021: ‘Unpleasant’ War Crimes: The Secret Docs Israel Insists on Censoring, Politics Today, 12 October 2021: Water Injustice: A Stumbling Block to Palestine’s Social and Economic Growth, Jerusalem Post, 19 October 2021: The Israel-UAE-India-US partnership is a quiet revolution – analysis, Arab News, 19 October 2021: Political unity is paramount for the Palestinians, Times of Israel, 19 October 2021: UK Virgin Islands controlled contentious East Jerusalem properties, papers show, Haaretz, 19 October 2021: 22 Palestinians Arrested After Hundreds Clash With Israel Police at Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate, The Algemeiner, 19 October 2021: Expanding the Abraham Accords Requires a US-Saudi Reset, Jerusalem Post, 19 October 2021: Hamas is an international crime syndicate, and its official foreign policy is extortion – opinion, DW, 19 October 2021: Israel gives IDs to West Bank Palestinians, Palestine Chronicle, 19 October 2021: Israel to Forcefully Evict Palestinian Citizens from Their Stores, Jerusalem Post, 20 October 2021: Pandora Papers show British Virgin Islands control east Jerusalem land, Haaretz, 20 October 2021: The Harsh Truth Biden Needs to Tell Israelis Now About Their Future (that’s a must-read for anyone who is interested in resolving the given problems and challenges), Times of Israel, 20 October 2021: Amid Israeli opposition, US said to propose joint team on consulate reopening, Jerusalem Post, 20 October 2021: Palestinian financial crisis at ‘breaking point,’ UN envoy warns, Haaretz, 20 October 2021: Israel Increases Entry Permit Quota for Palestinians to 10,000, Palestine Chronicle, 20 October 2021: ‘Nothing Beautiful about Occupation’: Mandela’s Grandson Calls for Boycott of Miss Universe Pageant in Israel, Times of Israel, 21 October 2021: Israel set to okay 3,000 new settlement homes, 1,300 Palestinian homes, Jerusalem Post, 21 October 2021: Construction of contested Hebron compound has begun, Times of Israel, 21 October 2021: Settlers begin work on new neighborhood in Hebron, Jewish Journal, 20 October 2021: The Two-State Solution Act Takes on the Harmful Israeli-Palestinian Status Quo, The Guardian, 22 October 2021: Middle East Israel labels Palestinian human rights groups as terrorist organisations (it has been common practice there for several years to refer to those groups who advocate universal rights and the enforcement of international law as “terrorists”. The Likud itself was regarded as a terrorist organization until the 1990s, which did not prevent a lot of Israelis from eventually making them the ruling party. To this day, incomprehensibly, they are not on any state terrorist list. Unlike the AfD, for example, they are not even under observation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. In this respect, Israeli assessments of who is a “terrorist” and who is not are more likely to depend on the type of day and are strongly ideologically motivated. Another question is, of course, what actually moved Benny Gantz to take this step. According to articles in the English-language Israeli media, Gantz met with Netanyahu. Among other things, it should have been about whether Gantz will leave the current government coalition, break it up and force new elections, as a result of which Blue and White and Likud could form another coalition with Benny Gantz as Prime Minister. The classification of the NGOs as alleged “terrorist organizations” can be one of the first steps to sabotage the current governing coalition), Haaretz, 22 October 2021: Gantz Declares Six Palestinian NGOs Terrorist Organizations, Times of Israel, 22 October 2021: In rebuke, US demands Israel explain terror listing for Palestinian NGOs, The National, 22 October 2021: UN ‘alarmed’ as Israel designates Palestinian civil society groups as terrorists, Haaretz, 22 October 2021: In the War Between Wars, Israel Faces More Than a Military Threat, Arab News, 23 October 2021: Palestinian rights groups see muzzle in Israel’s terror tag, Jerusalem Post, 23 October 2021: US concerned about Israeli plans for 3,000 settler homes, Gulf Times, 23 October 2021: Palestinian ministry criticises global stance on Israeli terror, Times of Israel, 23 October 2021: Settlers reported to assault Palestinian olive harvesters, burn car, Arab News, 24 October 2021: Israel set to OK 3,000 West Bank settler homes this week, Jerusalem Post, 24 October 2021: US slams Israel for declaring Palestinian NGOs arms of terror group, Arab News, 24 October 2021: Reasonable people of all faiths must take a stand against settlers’ hate crimes in the West Bank, Al Arabiya, 24 October 2021: Israel to build 1,300 new settler homes in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 24 October 2021: Jordan blasts Israel after 1,300 apartments approved for sale in West Bank settlements, Times of Israel, 24 October 2021: In 1st in Biden era, Israel advances construction of over 1,300 settlement homes, Haaretz, 24 October 2021: Israel Advances 1,300 Homes in West Bank Settlements in First Since Biden Sworn In , The Hill, 24 October 2021: Israel presses ahead with West Bank settlement expansion despite US concern, France24, 24 October 2021: Gaza fish restaurants thrive far from the foodie trail, Arab News, 25 October 2021: Greece can be European market ‘entry point’ for Middle East solar power: PM Mitsotakis, Times of Israel, 25 October 2021: Israel lifts travel warning to Morocco after more than a decade, Arab News, 25 October 2021: Just how does Biden differ from Trump on Palestine?, Times of Israel, 25 October 2021: Settlers pepper-spray rights activists in West Bank — footage, Al Arabiya, 25 October 2021: Israel’s new family unification approvals bring hope to thousands of Palestinians, Arab News, 25 October 2021: Israel slammed over ‘vicious’ attacks on Palestinian civil society, Haaretz, 25 October 2021: Settler Attacks Activist Helping Palestinians Harvest Olives Near West Bank Outpost, Arab News, 25 October 2021: London exhibition pushes UNESCO to list Palestinian refugee camp as World Heritage Site, Al Arabiya, 25 October 2021: US hits out at Sudan’s military after coup, freezes $700 mln in economic aid, Arab News, 25 October 2021: Sudan general declares state of emergency after military coup, Israel Hayom, 25 October 2021: Israeli official: Sudan military leader’s takeover likely to boost normalization, Jerusalemn Post, 25 October 2021: Will Sudan coup harm Israeli ties? – analysis, Haaretz, 25 October 2021: U.S. Says Israel-Sudan Normalization May Have to Be Re-evaluated Following Coup Attempt, The Guardian, 25 October 2021: Sudan: Army seizes power in coup and detains prime minister, CNN, 25 October 2021: The military has taken over in Sudan. Here’s what happened, BBC, 25 October 2021: Sudan’s military seize power in coup, France24, 25 October 2021: Sudan anti-coup protests: ‘We are headed into the unknown, but we will not surrender’, The New York Times, 25 October 2021: Sudan’s Military Seizes Power, Casting Democratic Transition Into Chaos, DW, 25 October 2021: Sudan’s military seizes control in coup, Times of Israel, 25 October 2021: Looking for terror in all the wrong places, The National, 26 October 2021: Sudan army head says new PM will be appointed but denies coup, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: Top Sudan general: Detained PM is being held at my home for his safety, Arab News, 26 October 2021: World must not be hoodwinked by Israel’s latest lie, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: US diplomat raised objection with Bennett aide over settlement announcement, Al Arabiya, 26 October 2021: US blasts Israel’s plans to expand settlements in Palestine’s West Bank, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: UN rights chief slams ‘arbitrary’ Israel decision to outlaw Palestinian groups, Haaretz, 26 October 2021: UN Rights Chief Slams Israel’s Terror Classification of Palestinian NGOs, Jerusalemn Post, 26 October 2021: US ‘deeply concerned’ by Israeli plans to advance 3,144 settler homes, Haaretz, 26 October 2021: U.S. Gives Harshest Public Rebuke Yet on Israeli Settlement Plans, France24, 26 October 2021: US criticizes Israel on settlements, The Algemeiner, 26 October 2021: US ‘Strongly Opposes’ Israel’s Plans for New West Bank Settlement Homes, DW, 26 October 2021: US denounces new Israeli West Bank settlements, The New York Times, 26 October 2021: Biden and Mother Nature Have Reshaped the Middle East, Haaretz, 27 October 2021: Recognize, Apologize and Educate About the Kafr Qasem Massacre, Khaleej Times, 27 October 2021: Next stop: Making UAE-Israel relations extraordinary, The New York Times, 27 October 2021: Israel Advances Plan for New Settlement Homes, in First for Bennett Era, Times of Israel, 27 October 2021: Coalition discord as some 3,000 settler homes okayed amid left-wing, US ire, Jerusalemn Post, 27 October 2021: Jordan is Falling Apart and Israel Could Have Helped, Times of Israel, 27 October 2021: Israel shuts down culture festival in East Jerusalem, claiming PA funding (Interesting: Israel’s BDS campaign against Palestinians in Palestinian East Jerusalem), Arab News, 27 October 2021: Israeli human rights violations likely to worsen, The Washington Post, 27 October 2021: Iran will return to nuclear talks in Vienna next month, lead negotiator says, The New York Times, 27 October 2021: Israel Advances New Settlements, in First for Bennett Era, Gulf Times, 28 October 2021: Twelve European states call on Israel to halt plan for 3,000 West Bank settler homes, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: Russia, UK, top EU nations issue rebuke on settlement plans, Times of Israel, 28 October 2021: Hamas sentences six Gazans to death for ‘spying for Israel’, Al Arabiya, 28 October 2021: European states urge Israel to stop West Bank settlement expansion, Times of Israel, 28 October 2021: IDF liaison sets up shop in US CENTCOM offices, solidifying move, Haaretz, 28 October 2021: Vote on Kafr Qasem Massacre Proves Israel Isn’t Ready for Brave Decisions (Kafr Qasim massacre), Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: Hamas has secret foreign investments worth hundreds of millions – report, Times of Israel, 28 October 2021: 13 European states call on Israel to halt plans for 3,000 settlement homes, The Algemeiner, 28 October 2021: Swiss President Meets With PA Head Over Peace Process, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: Balfour Declaration, Palestinian weaponization of post-colonial guilt – opinion, Haaretz, 29 October 2021: Neo-Nazis? As Long as They’re Friends of Israel, Times of Israel, 29 October 2021: ‘Playing with fire’: By building deep in the West Bank, Israel risks DC’s wrath, Arab News, 29 October 2021: How Palestinian leaders wasted the opportunities of Madrid, The National, 29 October 2021: Time to ‘turn corner’ on Sahara dispute, US says, Palestine Chronicle, 29 October 2021: EU Will Not Recognize New Jewish Settlements in Jerusalem, Arab News, 30 October 2021: Israel ‘targeting Jerusalem cultural events’ as cemetery destruction goes viral, Jerusalem Post, 30 October 2021: Are the PA and UAE on the path to reconciliation?, Times of Israel, 30 October 2021: ‘Obsessive anti-Israel bias’: Erdan rips up human rights report at UN podium (NuttyYahoo’s propaganda minister Gilad Erdan at “work” once again. A total waste of life time to even listen to this completely freed from the realities and facts guy), Palestine Chronicle, 31 October 2021: Israeli Forces Shut Down Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim Worshippers, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2021: Israel’s army launches week-long simulation of full-scale war with Hezbollah, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2021: Drill for 2,000 rockets a day and internal strife: IDF preps for war, Palestine Chronicle, 31 October 2021: WATCH: Israeli Authorities Demolish Palestinian Home in Lod, Haaretz, 31 October 2021: Gantz Cancels Plan to Allow Jews to Privately Buy Land in West Bank, The Algemeiner, 1 November 2021: Saudi FM Says Palestinian State Before Israel Normalization With Israel, Arab News, 1 November 2021: West failing to back up its condemnations of Israel with action, The Algemeiner, 1 November 2021: Israel and UAE Work Towards Instituting a Free-Trade Agreement, Arab News, 1 November 2021: US views on viability of two-state solution shifting, Jerusalem Post, 1 November 2021: EU refuses to outlaw the entire Hezbollah terrorist entity, Haaretz, 1 November 2021: Under Israel’s Rules, All Palestinians Bear Burden of Proof on ‘Terrorist Activity’, Al Arabiya, 1 November 2021: Israel says its future ties with Sudan are unclear after coup, Jerusalem Post, 1 November 2021: Hebron property dispute between Palestinians, settlers, causing controversy in KKL, Haaretz, 1 November 2021: Why This Powerful Israeli Agency Won’t Disclose the Scale of the Palestinian Properties It Manages, Arab News, 2 November 2021: Palestinian statehood will always be the solution, Haaretz, 2 November 2021: Palestinian residents reject Israeli court’s compromise on Sheikh Jarrah evictions, Irish Times, 2 November 2021: Proof is required to back up Israeli allegations against NGOs, says Coveney, Arab News, 3 November 2021: Israel settlement expansion should be treated as presumptive war crime: UN experts, Times of Israel, 3 November 2021: Israel prepares to launch giant missile-detecting balloon over north, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2021: Israel and Jordan ink deal to increase Jordanian exports to West Bank, Times of Israel, 3 November 2021: Economy ministers of Israel, Jordan meet for first time in decade to boost ties, The Algemeiner, 3 November 2021: The Danger to the International Community of the Two-State Solution (you really have to have some very special and serious issues in order to be able to write such a contribution full of propaganda, half-truths and lies), Palestine Chronicle, 3 November 2021: Words without Action: The West’s Role in Israel’s Illegal Settlement Expansion, The Algemeiner, 3 November 2021: The World Supported the Balfour Declaration — and the Creation of Israel, Jerusalem Post, 4 November 2021: Israel’s secret file on NGO terror labeling lacks proof, new report says, The Algemeiner, 4 November 2021: Jordanian, Israeli Economic Ministers Sign Deal to Boost Exports to Palestinians, Haaretz, 4 November 2021: The Palestinians Face a Possible Lebanon-type Meltdown. Israel Will Pay the Price, Israel Hayom, 5 November 2021: Palestinians gear up to renew international fight against Israel, The Algemeiner, 5 November 2021: At Capitol Hill Grilling, Biden Official Confirms Plans to Reopen Consulate for Palestinians, The New York Times, 5 November 2021: Israel Moves to Silence the Stalwarts of Palestinian Civil Society, The Algemeiner, 5 November 2021: Baghdad Clashes Hurt 30 as Iran-Aligned Parties Dispute Iraq Vote Results, Arab News, 5 November 2021: Baghdad clashes hurt 30 as Iran-aligned parties dispute Iraq vote results, The National, 6 November 2021: Israeli troops kill teen in West Bank protests, Arab News, 6 November 2021: Baghdad deaths, injuries to be investigated amid election dispute, DW, 6 November 2021: Yazidis still displaced in their own country (Genocide of Yazidis by the Islamic State), Haaretz, 6 November 2021: Israel’s Lapid Says ‘No Problem’ With U.S. Consulate in Ramallah, but Not in Jerusalem (the UN should work on a resolution that makes it clear that Tel Aviv is and will remain Israel’s de jure capital, while West Jerusalem is and will only be tolerated as the provisional seat of government. There can only be a conceivable change in status through a negotiated peace treaty with Palestine. It is up to Israel to decide whether this peace treaty will exist or not and thus also to decide whether West Jerusalem will ever be internationally recognized as Israel’s capital or not), Times of Israel, 6 November 2021: Israeli dossier on blacklisted rights groups contains little evidence, AP finds, France24, 6 November 2021: Scores dead, at least 100 injured after fuel tanker explodes in Sierra Leone capital, The Algemeiner, 7 November 2021: Israel Suggests US Open Consulate for Palestinians in West Bank, Not Jerusalem, CNN, 7 November 2021: Israel says no room in Jerusalem for an American Consulate for Palestinians, Gulf Times, 7 November 2021: Iraqi PM chairs security meeting after drone attack on residence, Khaleej Times, 7 November 2021: Biden condemns ‘terrorist attack’ on Iraqi PM, Arab News, 7 November 2021: Attempt to assassinate Iraqi PM draws global condemnation, Al Arabiya, 7 November 2021: US condemns attack on Iraq PM as ‘apparent act of terrorism’, Haaretz, 7 November 2021: How the Occupation Harms Not Only the Palestinians, but the Planet Too, Jerusalem Post, 7 November 2021: KKL stops funding legal costs for seizure of Palestinian building in Hebron, The Guardian, 7 November 2021: Iraq: Drone attack on PM’s home ‘marks escalation’ in power struggle, France24, 7 November 2021: Iraqi PM chairs security meeting after drone assassination attempt, Politico.com, 7 November 2021: Palestinians, Israel spar over U.S. mission in Jerusalem, Los Angeles Times, 7 November 2021: Palestinians, Israel spar over U.S. mission in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 8 November 2021: Moroccan Ambassador: We can help bring peace to entire region, Times of Israel, 8 November 2021: Labor leader warns party will oppose minister’s plan to build in Jordan Valley, Haaretz, 8 November 2021: NSO Spyware Used Against Palestinian Activists From NGOs Israel Outlawed, Report Says, Times of Israel, 8 November 2021: Report: Palestinian activists’ phones hacked with controversial NSO Group tech, Arab News, 8 November 2021: Journalists criticize Israeli army claim that no foreign media was in Gaza building, Haaretz, 9 November 2021: The Strike on Gaza’s Media Tower Was a Mark of Defeat for Israel, Al Arabiya, 9 November 2021: France, EU members slam Israel’s settlement plans, terror listing of Palestinian NGOs, Haaretz, 9 November 2021: World Bank: Palestinian Economy Showing Signs of Recovery, but Gaza Still in Dire Straits, Times of Israel, 9 November 2021: Morocco’s national carrier Royal Air Maroc to launch direct Israel flights, Haaretz, 9 November 2021: Democratic Jews Elected a Military Dictatorship, France24, 10 November 2021: How Israel uses facial recognition to monitor West Bank Palestinians, The Times, 10 November 2021: Israeli envoy mobbed by students after debate, Jerusalem Post, 11 November 2021: Naval war drill: Israel, US, UAE, Bahrain hold first joint sea exercise, France24, 12 November 2021: World powers warn against undermining Libya election plan at Paris summit, Jerusalem Post, 12 November 2021: Will an Israeli-Palestinian industrial zone be built in Gaza?, Haaretz, 12 November 2021: Settlers Attack Israeli Activists Helping Palestinian Farmers in West Bank, Times of Israel, 12 November 2021: Settlers assault Palestinians, Israeli activists in West Bank; several hurt, Gulf Times, 12 November 2021: Israeli occupation forces arrest seven Palestinians, settlers storm Al-Aqsa, Palestine Chronicle, 13 November 2021: World Bank Report: Gaza ‘Undergone Deindustrialization’ as a Result of Israeli Siege, Arab News, 13 November 2021: A new kind of security for the Middle East, Palestine Chronicle, 14 November 2021: WATCH: Jewish Settler Shoots, Injures Palestinian near Jerusalem, Haaretz, 14 November 2021: A Tale of Two Gazas: Power and Luxury for Hamas, Unlivable Slum for the Rest, Jerusalem Post, 14 November 2021: Israel to ask donor countries to restore payments to Palestinians, The Algemeiner, 14 November 2021: The Most Alarming Threat of All to the Jewish People, Haaretz, 15 November 2021: Three Injured as Settlers Attack Palestinian Farmers Near Evacuated Settlement, Jerusalem Post, 15 November 2021: By funding blacklisted NGOs, European governments are financing terror (what is laughable is that a lobbyist from the nut job club “NGO Monitor” is seriously asking to be taken seriously. Not even the Israelis themselves beleave in the crappy “evidences” against die Palestinian NGOs), Haaretz, 15 November 2021: Israel Asked U.S. to Pressure European, Arab Countries to Increase Aid to PA (it’s part of the obligations of the occupying power Israel to fully take care for the Palestinians. The EU and the Arab states should mind their own businesses and leave it to Israel to take care for Palestine and the Palestinians), Times of Israel, 15 November 2021: Arab men attacked by Jewish gang in Bat Yam in apparent nationalist assault, Haaretz, 15 November 2021: Israel Must Deal With Settler Violence Sooner Rather Than Later, Gulf Times, 16 November 2021: Troops kill Palestinian in West Bank clash: groups, The Algemeiner, 17 November 2021: Israel and Jordan to Sign Energy and Water Agreement, Palestine Chronicle, 17 November 2021: Over 100 Hollywood Stars Criticize Israel’s Labeling of Palestinian NGOs in Open Letter, Jerusalem Post, 17 November 2021: Qatar, Egypt agree to supply fuel and basic building materials to Gaza, Gulf Times, 17 November 2021: Qatar, Egypt sign deals to supply fuel, building materials for Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 17 November 2021: Israel, Jordan to sign UAE-mediated energy and water agreement, Haaretz, 17 November 2021: Israel Hasn’t Provided Evidence on Palestinian NGOs It Labeled as Terror Groups, EU Foreign Minister Says, The Algemeiner, 19 November 2021: US Senators Move to Block $650 Million Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia (and with it the possible normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel is further drifting out into the open sea), Palestine Chronicle, 19 November 2021: WATCH: Dozens of Palestinians Injured as Israeli Forces Raid East Jerusalem Neighborhood, The National, 19 November 2021: Biden’s Iran envoy bolstered by ‘clear’ Gulf support for nuclear deal, The Algemeiner, 19 November 2021: UK Move to Fully Ban Hamas Terror Group Hailed as ‘Long Overdue’, Palestine Chronicle, 19 November 2021: UK to Designate Hamas as Terror Organization to ‘Combat Antisemitism’, The National, 19 November 2021: Thousands of Iranians protest in Isfahan over water shortages, Haaretz, 19 November 2021: Settler Attacks on Palestinian Spike, Reflecting Israel’s Systemic Failure, Jerusalem Post, 19 November 2021: 157 nations call on Israel to halt exploitation of Palestinian resources, Al Arabiya, 19 November 2021: UK moves to ban Palestinian militant group Hamas , Haaretz, 19 November 2021: Iran’s Big Power Play: Bolstering Ties With Israel’s Partner, Politico.com, 19 November 2021: Biden’s balancing act in the Middle East has a problem: Israel, Jerusalem Post, 20 November 2021: British move against Hamas threatens unity, Palestinians say, Palestine Chronicle, 20 November 2021: Palestinians Welcome UN Resolution Affirming Its Sovereignety over Natural Resources, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2021: One dead, four injured in terrorist attack in Jerusalem’s Old City (after Jewish Israelis have carried out several terrorist attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank in recent weeks, some of them in the presence of soldiers from the occupying army, IDF, it was only a matter of time before counter-reactions would take place in East Jerusalem. There they are, always following the same pesky script of both sides. Right-wing Israelis will again get upset about this and shout about, although in no point do they speak or act better or different than Hamas. It is therefore no wonder that the intelligent Israelis and Palestinians prefer to leave their home countries in order to seek their fortune in the distance. In addition to the economic disadvantages for the home countries, there is a significant political factor in the fact that the percentage of extremists in the populations is constantly increasing), Haaretz, 21 November 2021: One Dead, Four Injured After Gunman Opens Fire in Jerusalem’s Old City, The Guardian, 21 November 2021: Jerusalem: Hamas gunman kills one and injures four in Old City, BBC, 21 November 2021: Gunman kills one and injures three in Jerusalem, DW, 21 November 2021: Jerusalem: Shooting near holy site leaves 1 dead, Palestine Chronicle, 22 November 2021: The British Empire Strikes against Palestinian Resistance Group Hamas, Arab News, 22 November 2021: Why Palestinian voices should take center stage, Haaretz, 22 November 2021: Democratic Lawmakers Warn Against ‘Doomsday’ Israeli Settlement Plan (the idea of a future democratic state of Israel will finally collapse and die, as it partially already did during the Netanyahu years, when the two-state solution will be buried by Israel), Foreign Policy, 22 November 2021: Israel Is Enlisting King David to Sell the Abraham Accords, Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2021: Israel about to sever West Bank from Jerusalem, an EU envoy warns, France24, 22 November 2021: Israel, Jordan agree US-brokered solar power for water deal, The Algemeiner, 24 November 2021: Israel’s Gantz Signs Historic Defense Agreement With Morocco, Times of Israel, 24 November 2021: Israel-Morocco defense deal opens door to intel sharing, joint drills, Arab News, 24 November 2021: Israel, Morocco sign security deal as defense minister visits Rabat, Times of Israel, 24 November 2021: Palestinian driver seriously wounded in suspected settler attack, The National, 24 November 2021: Where is Hezbollah banned around the world?, Israel Hayom, 24 November 2021: City of eternal conflict, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2021: Israel advances plan for 9,000 east Jerusalem homes in Atarot, Times of Israel, 24 November 2021: Israel advances controversial plan for East Jerusalem neighborhood at old airport, Haaretz, 24 November 2021: Jerusalem OKs New Jewish Neighborhood in Area Earmarked for Palestinians, Al Arabiya, 25 November 2021: Israel plans settlement for East Jerusalem, Palestinians protest, Palestine Chronicle, 25 November 2021: Crimes without Punishment – Ever, Jerusalem Post, 25 November 2021: Anti-Zionism, antisemitism does nothing to help Palestinians – opinion, Haaretz, 26 November 2021: Preoccupied With Iran and Gaza, Israel Shouldn’t Ignore Dramatic Shift in West Bank, Arab News, 26 November 2021: From the Mediterranean to Europe — the complicated path of natural gas, Times of Israel, 26 November 2021: UK officially bans Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist group, Haaretz, 26 November 2021: ‘Normalization Is Treason’: Thousands of Jordanians Protest Against Water-for-energy Deal With Israel, Times of Israel, 26 November 2021: Hamas urges Hebron unrest in reaction to Israeli president’s planned Hanukkah visit (in this case, they have every right to do so. Protesting the occupation is part of their “job description by international law”), Jerusalem Post, 26 November 2021: Jordanians protest against water-for-energy deal with Israel, Haaretz, 27 November 2021: Egypt’s Monopoly on Rebuilding Gaza Serves Both Israel and Hamas, The Algemeiner, 27 November 2021: Jordanians Protest Against Water-for-Energy Deal with Israel, Al Arabiya, 28 November 2021: Saudi Arabia: Australia designating Hezbollah a terror organization enhances security, Haaretz, 28 November 2021: Palestinians Decry Herzog’s ‘Embrace of Settlements’ in Hebron Hanukkah Event, The Guardian, 28 November 2021: West Bank: How settler violence is fuelling tension, Haaretz, 28 November 2021: Israelis Found a Way to Beat the High Cost of Living: The West Bank, Palestine Chronicle, 28 November 2021: WATCH: Israeli President Storms Al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, Israel Hayom, 28 November 2021: Time to face the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab states, Palestine Chronicle, 28 November 2021: EU: ‘Time Running out for Two-State Solution’ (VIDEO), Arab News, 29 November 2021: Why Biden’s frozen conflict policy is doomed to fail, Al Arabiya, 29 November 2021: Erdogan says also plans steps with Egypt, Israel after UAE visit, Arab News, 29 November 2021: Region at risk due to divisive water policies, Jerusalem Post, 29 November 2021: Erdogan planning steps to improve relations with Israel, Times of Israel, 29 November 2021: Erdogan says Turkey seeking to mend troubled ties with Israel, NPR, 29 November 2021: US, Iran return to same negotiating table, Arab News, 30 November 2021: How Europe can be an effective partner to the MENA region, Times of Israel, 30 November 2021: US envoy to Security Council: Settlement building has ‘reached a critical juncture’, Arab News, 30 November 2021: Israel’s attack on anti-occupation dissent is a sign of weakness, not strength, Haaretz, 30 November 2021: Over 100 Palestinian Families in East Jerusalem Face Demolition of Their Homes, Forward, 30 November 2021: Israel uses new surveillance technology to distance itself from the occupation. It’s not working, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2021: PA: Jerusalem airport symbol of Palestinian sovereignty, Palestine Chronicle, 1 December 2021: ‘There Must Be a Cost for the Occupation’: Palestine Chronicle Editor Delivers Lecture at Madrid University (PHOTOS & VIDEOS), Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2021: UNRWA on brink of collapse, can’t pay salaries, Lazzarini says, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2021: Palestinian police rescue Israelis from mob in West Bank, Arab News, 2 December 2021: UN warned its credibility is at stake over the Palestinian question, Jerusalem Post, 3 December 2021: US strongly opposed to settlement advancement, Blinken tells Bennett, Haaretz, 3 December 2021: Settler Violence Is an Integral Part of the Israeli Occupation, Foreign Policy, 3 December 2021: How to End Israel’s Digital Occupation, Haaretz, 4 December 2021: ‘I Showed Palestinians the Footage That Israel Looted. They Started to Cry’, Palestine Chronicle, 4 December 2021: Israeli Forces Open Fire at Palestinian Fishermen, Farmers in Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2021: Kuwait bans entry of ships carrying goods to and from Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 6 December 2021: Hamas and Hezbollah Banned: ‘We Decide Who is the Terrorist’, Arab News, 6 December 2021: Palestinian issue is expanding, not shrinking, The National, 6 December 2021: Palestinian teenage driver shot dead at West Bank checkpoint, Times of Israel, 6 December 2021: Panel delays East Jerusalem Atarot airport housing project that sparked US ire, Haaretz, 6 December 2021: Jerusalem Board Delays Plans for New Jewish Neighborhood in City’s East by at Least a Year, Arab News, 7 December 2021: Israel stops plan for contentious East Jerusalem settlement, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: Israel completes upgraded barrier with the Gaza Strip, Times of Israel, 7 December 2021: ‘A wall of iron, sensors and concrete’: IDF completes tunnel-busting Gaza barrier, Haaretz, 7 December 2021: Freezing Settlement Plan Epitomizes United Jerusalem’s Failures, DW, 7 December 2021: Israel completes ‘iron wall’ along Gaza border, The Times, 8 December 2021: The children who paid in blood when Israel and Hamas went to war, France24, 8 December 2021: French foreign minister makes surprise visit to Algeria, urges eased Paris-Algiers tensions, Arab News, 8 December 2021: Report shows how Israel killed truth of Gaza protests, Times of Israel, 8 December 2021: Israel advances East Jerusalem project 25 years after promising Clinton to trash it, Khaleej Times, 9 December 2021: UAE-Israel ties: Jared Kushner witnesses MoU signing with Sharaka to support Abraham Accords, Haaretz, 9 December 2021: The Official Photo Hides the Full Story: The New Middle East Is Already Taking Shape, The National, 9 December 2021: Israel’s Lapid in Egypt for talks on Gaza and prisoner exchange with Hamas, Arab News, 9 December 2021: Palestinian resistance forces claim Israeli security wall around Gaza will not block them, Haaretz, 9 December 2021: Classified Docs Reveal Massacres of Palestinians in ’48 – and What Israeli Leaders Knew, Arab News, 10 December 2021: Several people dead in explosion at south Lebanon Palestinian camp, Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2021: Trump accuses Netanyahu of deceiving him over peace intentions, Times of Israel, 11 December 2021: Bethlehem hoped to recoup some coronavirus losses this Christmas. Then came Omicron, France24, 11 December 2021: Palestinians in West Bank villages hold municipal polls , Haaretz, 11 December 2021: The 4-year-old Criminal: Jerusalem City Hall Insists on Demolishing the Home of 60 Palestinians, The Algemeiner, 11 December 2021: Palestinians Vote in Local Elections Amid Rising Anger with Abbas, Times of Israel, 11 December 2021: Trump: I thought Israelis would do anything for peace, but found that not to be true, The Guardian, 12 December 2021: Tel Aviv: Poverty and eviction in the world’s most expensive city, Arab News, 12 December 2021: Israel’s massacre guilt goes all the way to the top, Haaretz, 12 December 2021: Pro-Israel Evangelicals Stay Silent on Trump’s ‘Fuck Bibi’ Comment, The National, 12 December 2021: Jerusalem’s abandoned airport may be transformed into an Israeli settlement, France24, 12 December 2021: Israeli PM Bennett makes first UAE visit since formalising ties, The Guardian, 12 December 2021: Naftali Bennett: Israel’s PM to visit UAE to discuss deepening ties (As expected a few months ago in this blog post, the US withdrawal from the region is leading to the expected reactions. According to the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”, Iran, which has been built up as a “rogue nation” over the years, ensures that the Arab Gulf States open up to Israel in order to find a common line towards Iran. As was also to be expected, the Arab Gulf states do not share Israel’s desire for an open war with Iran, especially since this could set the entire Gulf region ablaze. Apart from that, solid economic interests naturally also play a role. The same applies to parts of the North African states. Should this result in the revival of the “Union for the Mediterranean”, it would have been worth all the trouble of recent years), The National, 12 December 2021: Israeli prime minister arrives in UAE for start of official visit, Forward, 12 December 2021: ‘The president doesn’t like you guys now’: The inside story of Trump’s rage against Netanyahu, Khaleej Times, 13 December 2021: Israeli PM arrives in Abu Dhabi on historic visit to UAE, Gulf News, 13 December 2021: UAE: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrives on official visit, France24, 13 December 2021: Israeli forces kill Palestinian man during clash in West Bank, Gulf News, 13 December 2021: UAE, Israel set up joint research and development fund, Arab News, 13 December 2021: How competing interests created Middle East’s vortex of crises, The National, 13 December 2021: UAE and Israel announce joint research fund to fight climate change, Al Arabiya, 13 December 2021: Israel’s PM meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed on historic UAE visit, Palestine Chronicle, 13 December 2021: On Haaretz: Can Settler Colonialism Be Liberal and Apartheid Be Progressive?, Haaretz, 13 December 2021: Israel Must Not Forget the Golan Heights Are Occupied Territory Too, Arab News, 13 December 2021: ‘Forgotten’ Gaza needs more than pious messages, empty promises, Haaretz, 13 December 2021: Despite UAE Visit, Bennett Unlikely to Find Backers for Iran War, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2021: ‘Obsessed’ Biden administration put settlements on par with Iran nukes, Arab News, 14 December 2021: Rift between Palestinian and other Arab activists must be healed, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2021: ‘We must protect settlers,’ Bennett says amid Bar Lev ‘violence’ row, Times of Israel, 14 December 2021: US, Palestinian officials relaunch economic dialogue after 5-year, Trump-era hiatus, Haaretz, 14 December 2021: U.S. and Palestinians Renew Economic Dialogue Paused Under Trump, Israel Hayom, 14 December 2021: ‘Normalization with Israel conditional on Arab Peace Plan,’ Saudi official says, Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2021: There must not be a second Nakba – editorial, Haaretz, 14 December 2021: Bennett Says Settler Violence ‘Insignificant’ Amid Spike in Attacks Against Palestinians, Arab News, 15 December 2021: Jordanian Parliament refers Israeli energy deal to agriculture committee, Haaretz, 15 December 2021: ‘They’re Trying to Drive Us Out’: Rights Groups Report Spike in Settler Violence Last Year, Jerusalem Post, 15 December 2021: Scant data on Israeli settler violence helps fuel right-wing denial, Arab News, 15 December 2021: What the growing US-Israel rift means for the Iran nuclear issue, Haaretz, 15 December 2021: The Executive Arm of the Settler Organizations, Times of Israel, 15 December 2021: US holding off on reopening Jerusalem consulate amid strong pushback from Israel (this will for sure come with a prize tag for Israel – rightly though), Jerusalem Post, 15 December 2021: ‘Entire Muslim world’ will recognize Israel if it withdraws to 67′ line, Times of Israel, 15 December 2021: Settler attacks on Palestinians are on the rise, but justice remains elusive, Jerusalem Post, 16 December 2021: Israel can’t bury its head in the sand and ignore the Palestinians – opinion, Times of Israel, 16 December 2021: Lapid: Extremist violence ‘a stain on Israel,’ there must be zero tolerance (it will become a mammoth task to re-socialize those of them who are still reachable for rational argumentation at all (that are the fewest) and to integrate them as valuable and useful members into the majority society), France24, 17 December 2021: Cyprus, Jordan sign bilateral agreements, Haaretz, 17 December 2021: America’s Marketing of Democracy to the Middle East Has Failed, Times of Israel, 17 December 2021: After deadly shooting, extremist settlers accused of assaulting Palestinians, Arab News, 17 December 2021: Cyprus, Jordan sign bilateral agreements, Palestine Chronicle, 17 December 2021: Naftali Bennet in UAE: Normalizing Genocide?, France24, 17 December 2021: As deadlines are missed, presidential election in Libya mired in uncertainty, Al Arabiya, 17 December 2021: Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in aftermath of West Bank killing, Arab News, 17 December 2021: Hundreds protest in Tunisia on anniversary of revolution, Al Arabiya, 18 December 2021: Palestinian woman stabs Israeli man in attack near Hebron in West Bank, The Economist, 18 December 2021: Railway lines once connected the Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2021: Israeli government encouraging settler violence – Palestinian Authority, The New York Times, 18 December 2021: Hidden Pentagon Records Reveal Patterns of Failure in Deadly Airstrikes, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2021: What Israelis know and Arabs must learn – opinion, Palestine Chronicle, 18 December 2021: PA Calls on UN, US to Stop Jewish Settler Violence, Activate International Protection, Khaleej Times, 19 December 2021: Israel arrests four Palestinians suspected of killing settler, Jerusalem Post, 19 December 2021: Should UAE relations with Iran concern Israel?, Arab News, 19 December 2021: Israeli army arrests 4 suspects in deadly West Bank shooting, Jerusalem Post, 19 December 2021: Hamas, Islamic Jihad announce pact to increase terror attacks against Israel, Times of Israel, 19 December 2021: 3 Israelis arrested on suspicion of torching Palestinian car, The Guardian, 19 December 2021: ‘We are family’: The Israelis sharing life and hope with Palestinians, Palestine Chronicle, 19 December 2021: Two West Bank Schools Evacuated as Israeli Forces Storm the Area, Haaretz, 20 December 2021: Bio-Zionism: Why Claiming Jews Are ‘Indigenous’ to Israel Is So Dangerous, Palestine Chronicle, 20 December 2021: Israeli Forces Assault Palestinian Mayor, Students near Nablus, Times of Israel, 20 December 2021: IDF begins allowing troops to shoot at fleeing rock-throwers, Haaretz, 20 December 2021: This Christmas, Bethlehem Is Preparing for a Very ‘Silent Night’, Arab News, 20 December 2021: EU diplomat visits threatened Sheikh Jarrah home, Times of Israel, 21 December 2021: UAE Targeted Khashoggi’s Wife With NSO Spyware Before His Murder, Analysis Finds, The Algemeiner, 22 December 2021: Israel’s Environmental Ministry Delivers Setback to Israel-UAE Pipeline Deal, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2021: Palestinians slam Mansour Abbas for ‘recognizing’ Israel as a Jewish state, Haaretz, 22 December 2021: Islamist Lawmaker Draws Fire for Acknowledging Israel as ‘Jewish State’, Palestine Chronicle, 22 December 2021: ‘Previously Unknown Massacres’: Why is Israel Allowed to Own Palestinian History?, Haaretz, 23 December 2021: So You Don’t Like the Two-state Solution? Meet the One-state Model, The Algemeiner, 23 December 2021: If Israel Can’t Be Blamed, the Media Doesn’t Report on the Palestinian Authority’s Crackdown on Critics, France24, 23 December 2021: The reasons behind the delays in Libya’s ‘impossible’ presidential vote, Haaretz, 23 December 2021: Return This Israeli Settlement to Its Palestinian Owners, Jerusalem Post, 24 December 2021: 125 countries back opened-ended UNHRC war crimes probe against Israel, Times of Israel, 25 December 2021: Government set to approve NIS 1 billion Golan Heights development plan on Sunday (stealing other people’s land remains to be stealing, no matter if it is Palestinian or Syrian land), Palestine Chronicle, 25 December 2021: Majority of UN Members Back War Crimes Investigation against Israel, DW, 26 December 2021: Israel set to double settlements in Golan Heights, The Algemeiner, 26 December 2021: Israel Set to Approve $317 Million Golan Heights Development Plan, France24, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settler population in Golan Heights, Arab News, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settlers in occupied Golan, The National, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settler population in the Golan Heights, Haaretz, 26 December 2021: Desmond Tutu to Haaretz: This Is My Plea to the People of Israel, Foreign Policy, 26 December 2021: Why Israel Hates Gaza, Times of Israel, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns ‘dangerous’ Israeli plans to double Golan population, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns Israeli plans to double number of Golan settlers, ABC News, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns Israel’s plans to expand Golan settlements, Palestine Chronicle, 27 December 2021: Israel to Double Number of Illegal Jewish Settlers in Golan Heights (VIDEO), Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2021: Palestinian Authority foils attempts to torch Joseph’s Tomb, Arab News, 28 December 2021: Why the Middle East should not give up on Biden, Palestine Chronicle, 28 December 2021: Israeli Occupation Forces Demolish Palestinian Structures in Jordan Valley (VIDEO), DW, 29 December 2021: Palestinian president meets Israeli defense minister in rare trip, Palestine Chronicle, 29 December 2021: PA President Abbas Meets with Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz (VIDEO), France24, 29 December 2021: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas visits Israel’s Benny Gantz in rare trip, Arab News, 29 December 2021: Find political solution or ‘West Bank will explode,’ Abbas warns Israel, Jerusalem Post, 29 December 2021: Gantz-Abbas meeting: DM to approve status of 9,500 Palestinians, Times of Israel, 29 December 2021: Gantz’s right-wing coalition partners assail him for hosting PA chief Abbas, Haaretz, 29 December 2021: And Now for a Bennett-Abbas Meeting, Palestine Chronicle, 29 December 2021: Why is Israel Amending Its Open-Fire Policy: Three Possible Answers, The National, 29 December 2021: Israel bombs Gaza after border shooting, The Guardian, 29 December 2021: ‘She stood in silence, remembering’: Photographing Gaza under airstrikes, Haaretz, 31 December 2021: Israel or Hamas: Who Really Won the 2021 Gaza War, Times of Israel, 29 December 2021: Israeli civilian injured by gunfire from Gaza; IDF shells Hamas posts in response, The Guardian, 29 December 2021: ‘She stood in silence, remembering’: Photographing Gaza under airstrikes, Times of Israel, 29 December 2021: Court orders $13m paid to Jewish National Fund over 21-year-old botched lease deal, The National, 30 December 2022: Will 2022 hold more promise for the Middle East?, Haaretz, 30 December 2021: $250 Million Won’t End the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. But It’s a Start, Jerusalem Post, 31 December 2021: PA President Abbas accuses Israel of ‘organized terrorism, ethnic cleansing’, Arab News, 31 December 2021: New generation of Palestinians made its mark in 2021, Jerusalem Post, 31 December 2021: Abbas doesn’t want violent outbreak, COGAT head says post Gantz-PA parley, Times of Israel, 31 December 2021: Amid Iran nuke talks, Lapid says Israel has capabilities many ‘cannot even imagine’ (wishful thinking, but in times like that may be necessary and helpful to lift the spirit and motivation), Haaretz, 31 December 2021: The Middle East Seeks Alternatives as the U.S. Leaves and Iran Returns, Foreign Policy, 31 December 2021: The Two-State Solution Is Dead—and Liberal Zionists Can’t Save It, The National, 1 January 2022: Israeli military blames Hamas for rocket fire, Times of Israel, 1 January 2022: Israel mulls response to Gaza rockets on Tel Aviv: ‘An unacceptable event’, Arab News, 1 January 2022: Egypt brings temperature down after malfunctioning Hamas rockets fall into Med, Haaretz, 1 January 2022: Israeli ‘Deterrence’ Seems to Evade Hamas, Leaving Gaza Cease-fire in Peril, Jerusalem Post, 1 January 2022: Israeli tourists steal duty-free products in Dubai – report, Times of Israel, 1 January 2022: UK warned it would recognize Palestine if Israel annexed West Bank, book reveals, Palestine Chronicle, 1 January 2022: Israeli Warplanes, Navy Boats Bomb Sites in Gaza (LIVE BLOG), The National, 2 January 2022: Egypt pushes for calm after flare-up in Gaza hostilities, Arab News, 2 January 2022: Palestinian lives are precious and must be protected, Times of Israel, 2 January 2022: IDF issues demolition order for home of Hamas terrorist who killed Eli Kay (interesting, but why is it that Jewish Israeli terrorists who are committing terrorist attacks against Palestinians aren’t punished in the same way, as Israel claims to be a democracy and not just another theocracy in the region?), Al Arabiya, 2 January 2022: Egypt pushes for calm after flare-up in Gaza hostilities, Haaretz, 2 January 2022: Egypt Pushes for Calm After Flare-up in Violence Between Israel, Gaza, The Algemeiner, 2 January 2022: Palestinian Leaders Are Burying Their Own Dream, Palestine Chronicle, 2 January 2022: Dozens of Jewish Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Complex in Jerusalem, Forward, 2 January 2022: Israel carries out airstrike on Gaza after missiles launched from Gaza land off the coast of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: Israel won’t hold peace talks with Palestinians even after PM rotation – Lapid, Arab News, 3 January 2022: A new Levant: What a beautiful dream, Haaretz, 3 January 2022: Lapid Says Israel Still Won’t Negotiate With Palestinians When He’s Prime Minister, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: Warnings of Palestinian intifada as IDF remains on alert in West Bank, Arab News, 3 January 2022: Palestinian parties urged to remove obstacles for local elections in Gaza and West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: US, UK, Israel should help form an Arab NATO, Arab News, 4 January 2022: The future looks grim for beleaguered Syrians, Times of Israel, 4 January 2022: ‘It’s a two-way street’: PA warns of fallout from US holdup of consulate reopening, Arab News, 4 January 2022: Israel prepares to seize its Golan ‘moment’, Arab News, 5 January 2022: Jordan’s king publicly hosts Israeli official for 1st time in 4 years, Times of Israel, 5 January 2022: Netherlands ends funding to one of 6 Palestinian groups blacklisted by Israel, Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2022: Former Dutch prime minister criticized for accusing Israeli settlers of poisoning Palestinians, Arab News, 6 January 2022: Palestinian killed by Israeli army in West Bank, Times of Israel, 6 January 2022: Deputy minister assails settlers at illegal outpost as ‘subhuman,’ sparking furor (sometimes the truth hurts. In this case, especially those who base their revisionist world views on “alternative facts”), Arab News, 6 January 2022: Israeli MP faces heat for remarks on settlers, The Algemeiner, 6 January 2022: Israeli Minister Blasted for Referring to Settlers as ‘Subhuman’, Arab News, 6 January 2022: Dutch stop funding Palestinian NGO, question Israeli charges, CNN, 6 January 2022: Biden nominates a new general to oversee military operations in Middle East, Arab News, 7 January 2022: US turns a blind eye to Israeli violence against Palestinians, Gulf Times, 8 January 2022: Jordan condemns Israel’s approval for settlements, Arab News, 8 January 2022: Biden names Kosovo, Iraq war veteran as Central Command chief, Arab News, 11 January 2022: Time for world to renew its condemnation of Israeli settlement expansion, Jerusalem Post, 12 January 2022: Sisi: Gaza reconstruction needs more than $500 million, The Guardian, 12 January 2022: West Bank Palestinian man, 80, found dead after Israeli raid in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 13 January 2022: Palestinians decry Israeli ‘crimes’ in Negev, urge Bedouins to revolt, Haaretz, 13 January 2022: ‘Peace With the Palestinians Is Possible’: Meet Israel’s Last Optimist, The Algemeiner, 13 January 2022: Emma Watson Is Not Antisemitic, But Questions About Her Palestinian ‘Solidarity’ Remain, The Guardian, 13 January 2022: Hollywood stars back Emma Watson after Palestinian solidarity post, Palestine Chronicle, 13 January 2022: Hollywood Stars Support Emma Watson after her Solidarity Post with Palestine, Times of Israel, 14 January 2022: New US envoy says ‘absolutely won’t’ visit settlements, to avoid inflaming tensions, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2022: Why is Homesh the latest Israeli-Palestinian hotspot? – 8 takes, Arab News, 14 January 2022: Israeli killings of Palestinians are brushed aside unless victim is American, Palestine Chronicle, 15 January 2022: The US Enables Criminal Israeli Behavior, Times of Israel, 15 January 2022: Synagogue in West Bank’s South Hebron Hills torched in apparent arson, Haaretz, 15 January 2022: West Bank Structure Used as Synagogue Torched in Suspected Arson Attack, Arab News, 15 January 2022: Palestinians deserve more than this pointless ‘summit’, Times of Israel, 17 January 2022: In first since 2017, police try to evict family in flashpoint Jerusalem neighborhood, France24, 17 January 2022: Israel police in standoff with Palestinians over Jerusalem eviction, Palestine Chronicle, 18 January 2022: In South Africa as in Palestine: Why We Must Protect the Legacy of Desmond Tutu, Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2022: EU funding PA de-facto seizure of Area C, Intelligence Ministry warns, Times of Israel, 19 January 2022: Jerusalem police evict Palestinian family overnight, ending standoff; 18 arrested, Forward, 19 January 2022: Israeli police evict Palestinian family from Sheikh Jarrah, neighborhood that sparked May 2021 conflict with Hamas, The Guardian, 19 January 2022: East Jerusalem: Israeli police demolish Palestinian family’s Sheikh Jarrah home, CNN, 19 January 2022: Palestinian family home demolished in sensitive East Jerusalem neighborhood, Arab News, 19 January 2022: Israel expanding its Palestinian occupation into digital realm, Forward, 20 January 2022: Jewish groups slam top Presbyterian official for equating Israeli occupation with ‘slavery’ days after Texas attack, Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2022: EU slams new east Jerusalem Jewish neighborhood,, Khaleej Times, 21 January 2022: Israel is waiting to welcome Emirati tourists, says country’s first ambassador to the UAE, Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2022: Presbyterian Church senior official: Israel commits ‘slavery’ against Palestinians, Arab News, 21 January 2022: Daesh attacks Syria jail, military base in Iraq in deadly escalation, Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2022: Dozens of masked settlers violently attack Israelis, Palestinians in West Bank (that’s what you get when extremists and terrorists are not stopped in time and given clear limits to action, but are sometimes even supported by the IDF, while the terrorist settlers are whining about allegedly anti-Semitic acts by Palestinians that actually represent retaliatory measures), Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Dozens of settlers assault Palestinians and left-wing activists in West Bank, Haaretz, 21 January 2022: Settlers Attack Left-wing Activists in West Bank, Set Their Car Ablaze, Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2022: Be prepared to bury the two-state solution, Palestinian FM warns, DW, 22 January 2022: Israel, Jordan make climate a common cause, Palestine Chronicle, 22 January 2022: Hundreds Protest outside Israeli Embassy in London against Ethnic Cleansing in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 23 January 2022: Settler attack against Burin was ‘organized terror’ incident – Bar Lev, Palestine Chronicle, 23 January 2022: Israeli Occupation Forces Bulldoze 50 Dunums of Land in Dura, DW, 24 January 2022: Gaza doctors brace for omicron wave, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2022: Israeli settlers attack Palestinians, stores in West Bank’s Huwara, Arab News, 25 January 2022: Settler terror against Palestinians a ticking bomb, Al Arabiya, 26 January 2022: Pentagon: US State Department approves sale of aircraft, air defense radars to Egypt, CNN, 26 January 2022: Israeli settlers rage through Palestinian town, Haaretz, 27 January 2022: The Great Exploitation: Palestinians Forced to Pay Huge Sums to Work in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2022: Israel pressing to stop UNHRC from labeling it an apartheid state, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2022: PA slams Bennett for opposing Palestinian state, Palestine Chronicle, 30 January 2022: WATCH: Dozens of Jewish Settlers Break into Al-Aqsa, Times of Israel, 30 January 2022: Despite EU vow to end incitement, Palestinian textbooks remain unaltered — report (one step after the other), Times of Israel, 31 January 2022: Israel blasts Amnesty UK for ‘antisemitic’ report accusing it of apartheid

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The Guardian, 1 February 2022: The Pegasus project: NSO offered US mobile security firm ‘bags of cash’, whistleblower claims, Amnesty International, 1 February 2022: Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: a cruel system of domination and a crime against humanity (Q&A: Israel’s Apartheid against Palestinians: Cruel System of Domination and Crime against Humanity), Haaretz, 1 February 2022: Israel’s Hysterical Response to Amnesty’s ‘Apartheid’ Report Is a Typical Hasbara Fail, NPR, 1 February 2022: Israel is an apartheid state, Amnesty International says (the Israeli government’s reaction is neither original nor unexpected, especially since at the turn of the year 2021/2022 it swore in lobby organisations, speakers and propagandists that 2022 shall become the “year of the fight against accusations of apartheid”. She has now demonstrated how she imagines this by bringing forward accusations of antisemitism and thus further and further devaluing the term as a pure combat term and eroding its effectiveness, instead of dealing with the report itself. Amnesty International in particular will certainly not publish 280 pages of nonsense. In addition to expected inaccuracies and controversial representations, you will certainly find a lot of truth there. The Israeli government is trying to cover this up with accusations of antisemitism. However, it is at least questionable whether this will succeed. Genuine anti-Semitism is, alarmingly, once again a growing problem around the world. No matter where you look, anti-Semitic (criminal) acts are taking place. Jews are attacked on the street and in daylight, as are synagogues. Attempts are being made to deny the Holocaust in whole or in part, also by deriding its victims, wearing yellow Jewish stars with the inscription “unvaccinated” at Covidiot meetings, in order to then claim with abysmal maliciousness that one now knows how Jews are must have felt in Nazi Germany. That’s all bad and against this background the (over)reactions and (over)sensitivities to the Amnesty International report are easier to understand (although the accusations of apartheid are anything but new). Nevertheless, neither a free pass nor a fig leaf for a cover-up is derived from this. While in some niches in Germany people still want to get incredibly upset about the report (probably just about the headline), in Israel people have now started to read the report at all and realize that there is more to it than they thought. Surprisingly, not only in the left camp, but also some conservative commentators are speaking out in this direction. The right-wing camp does not deny the allegations made in the report (or does not address the issues at all), but rather think about the possible consequences for international reputation and possible international consequences, which is why the report is rejected without being read. We know the resistance to facts from our own right-wing extremists, so that’s no surprise. When the smoke clears, everyone wipes the foam from their mouths and independent experts have thoroughly analyzed the 280 pages, it will become clear where Amnesty’s report is correct and where it is not. Until then, the report will be used by lobbyists and activists of all tendencies as they see fit on their own behalf – Times of Israel, 3 February 2022: Amnesty’s ‘apartheid Israel’ calumny, Haaretz, 3 February 2022: Tell Me What’s Untrue in Amnesty’s Report on Israel), The Guardian, 1 February 2022: Israel: Amnesty International calls actions against Palestinians apartheid, BBC, 1 February 2022: Israeli policies against Palestinians amount to apartheid – Amnesty, Times of Israel, 1 February 2022: Amnesty to release ‘apartheid’ report despite Israeli call to withdraw it, Arab News, 1 February 2022: Amnesty International report brands Israel an apartheid state, CNN, 1 February 2022: Amnesty accuses Israel of apartheid over treatment of Palestinians, prompting angry response, Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2022: Stop Israeli apartheid, halt arms sales to Jewish state, Amnesty says, Palestine Chronicle, 1 February 2022: Palestinians Welcome Amnesty Report on Apartheid Israel, CNN, 1 February 2022: Amnesty accuses Israel of apartheid, is labeled anti-Semitic in return (it is noteworthy that the report is about how Israelis would supposedly treat Palestinians and not the other way around. How they turn it so that it becomes anti-Semitism is impressive), Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2022: Amnesty: We reject Israel’s bare faced lie that we are antisemitic, Irish Times, 1 February 2022: Israel is an apartheid state, Amnesty report says, Times of Israel, 1 February 2022: ‘Absurd’: US rejects Amnesty accusation of Israeli apartheid against Palestinians, Arab News, 1 February 2022: Will Biden be able to pursue his Middle East policies?, DW, 1 February 2022: Amnesty accuses Israel of ‘apartheid’ state, Forward, 1 February 2022: Sweeping Amnesty ‘apartheid’ report solidifies human rights consensus on Israel, Arab News, 1 February 2022: Israel demolishes east Jerusalem home of Palestinian gunman, Palestine Chronicle, 1 February 2022: Israel Planned Forceful Removal of Palestinian Bedouins in Naqab, Documents Reveal, Al Arabiya, 2 February 2022: Israel participates in huge US Gulf naval exercise alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, Arab News, 2 February 2022: Israeli treatment of Palestinians termed study in the mechanics of apartheid, DW, 2 February 2022: Germany rejects Amnesty’s ‘apartheid’ label for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2022: Israeli apartheid and the one-state solution – eight takes, Times of Israel, 2 February 2022: Amnesty to ToI: No double standard in accusing Israel, but not China, of apartheid, Arab News, 2 February 2022: Israel upholds use of surveillance technology on protesters, Times of Israel, 2 February 2022: Putting Mideast on backburner, Biden makes keeping lid on conflict his main goal, Haaretz, 2 February 2022: Bullets, Brutality and Bulldozers: What Israeli Apartheid Is Really Like, Times of Israel, 3 February 2022: Amnesty’s ‘apartheid Israel’ calumny, Haaretz, 3 February 2022: Tell Me What’s Untrue in Amnesty’s Report on Israel, Jerusalem Post, 3 February 2022: How Netanyahu, Friedman convinced Trump that Abbas doesn’t want peace (it was perfectly obvious that Netanyahu never wanted to make peace with the Palestinians (additionally supported by his own statements) and this policy is adamantly continued under Bennett, Of course, this does not mean how Abbas assesses the situation, whether he wants peace with Israel on the terms mentioned and whether Ron Lauder’s assumptions on the subject are correct), Times of Israel, 4 February 2022: 400 Israeli activists plant olive trees near Palestinian West Bank village, Haaretz, 4 February 2022: Hateful Graffiti Spray-painted, Tires Slashed in West Bank Village, Irish Times, 5 February 2022: Amnesty report alleging Israeli apartheid deserves a hearing, France24, 5 February 2022: Israel wants to maintain an ‘unsustainable’ status quo, Palestinian PM Shtayyeh says, Times of Israel, 5 February 2022: Lured by cheap prices and luxury digs, Arab Israelis are snapping up West Bank homes, France24, 5 February 2022: Palestinian PM calls for African Union to withdraw Israel’s observer status, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2022: US State Dept. closely monitoring World Vision case verdict, Forward, 7 February 2022: Kuwait bans ‘Death on the Nile’ after Gal Gadot backlash, Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: From sewage dump to nature reserve, UN hopes to save Gaza Valley, Arab News, 7 February 2022: Decades of Israeli lies are finally being exposed, Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: IDF must stop Jewish extremist violence, but arrests are a police affair, Haaretz, 7 February 2022: Israeli Army and Police Blame Each Other as Settler Violence Rages On, Times of Israel, 7 February 2022: PLO promotes Abbas loyalists to key posts at rare conference, Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: Israeli-Palestinian confederation plan to be presented to UN, US by Beilin, The Algemeiner, 8 February 2022: Israel’s Future Submarines Seen as Key Development Towards Regional Naval Ascendency, Arab News, 8 February 2022: UN’s rights chief: Scrapping of Tunisia’s Judicial Council ‘a big step in the wrong direction’, Forward, 8 February 2022: Amnesty’s Israel report has dangerous implications — for Jews and Palestinians alike, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: Amnesty International report doesn’t bring Israel closer to peace (interesting read. I myself am not familiar enough with the individual topics to be able to formulate an expert opinion on the Amnesty report. But even with my level of knowledge, it is clear that a division into “bright Israel” (Israel within the borders of 1967) and “dark Israel” (annexation, occupation and settlements), which is also common in Israel, is absolutely necessary. Not all that glitters is gold in “bright Israel” and non-Jews are (sometimes heavily) discriminated against, but none of this has anything to do with apartheid. “Dark Israel”, on the other hand, is more like this and Amnesty should have concentrated on that instead of formulating a rather dubious all-round blow or at least making clear distinctions between “bright and dark Israel”. Unfortunately, this hasn’t happened so far, but in view of the numerous reactions to the report, it may be a good reason to make corrections accordingly. Reasons why Israel exists at all today or what role the Palestinians themselves have played and are playing were not considered at all. Voices and initiatives that really have great potential were not even considered. There are quite a few of them: Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2022: Israeli-Palestinian confederation plan to be presented to UN, US by Beilin. It will be interesting to hear what independent experts say about the report after each topic has been cross-checked), Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: Right-wing activists set up new settlement in the Negev, Arab News, 9 February 2022: US lawsuit threatens lie that criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: CENTCOM nominee promotes Middle East integrated air and missile defense, Haaretz, 9 February 2022: ‘Holy Land Confederation’: Oslo Accords Architect Presents New Peace Plan, Al Arabiya, 9 February 2022: Unsafe houses: Burn injuries now chronic health problem among Gaza’s youth, Haaretz, 11 February 2022: Germany, Israel to Explore Funding Options for Projects by Outlawed Palestinian NGOs, Times of Israel, 11 February 2022: Ra’am head Abbas rejects Amnesty’s apartheid label for Israel, DW, 11 February 2022: Germany’s Annalena Baerbock urges more refugee aid for Jordan, Arab News, 12 February 2022: Israel would be better off working with the UN than attacking it, Jerusalem Post, 12 February 2022: Guterres lauds efforts of Israeli-Palestinian confederation plan authors, DW, 14 February 2022: Far-right lawmaker visit sparks uproar in east Jerusalem. Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Palestinians start aid campaign for Syrian refugees, Times of Israel, 14 February 2022: Clashes resume in Sheikh Jarrah, as firebrand MK vows to stay in eye of storm (Jewish and Palestinian terrorists turn up the violence again to invite to another hot party), Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Israeli forces kill Palestinian in West Bank clash: Palestinian health ministry, Forward, 14 February 2022: The East Jerusalem flashpoint that could ignite the entire Middle East, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Egypt steps up Gaza role after brokering last year’s truce, Haaretz, 14 February 2022: The East Jerusalem Flashpoint That Could Ignite the Entire Middle East, Times of Israel, 14 February 2022: US fears repeat of violence in Israel as religious holy days converge in April, Arab News, 15 February 2022: Israel must rein in the far right to avoid repeat of violent clashes, Gulf Times, 15 February 2022: Palestinian shot dead in West Bank, Arab News, 15 February 2022: Eastern Mediterranean’s climate fight can decrease tensions, Haaretz, 15 February 2022: Israel Must Do ‘Everything Possible’ to De-escalate Jerusalem Tensions, Senior Official Says, Times of Israel, 15 February 2022: The Hilltop Youth and Jewish Terrorism, CNN, 16 February 2022: Why US may be forced back into Middle East, Haaretz, 17 February 2022: This Is One of Israel’s Most Miserable, Self-defeating and Cruel Failures, Jerusalem Post, 17 February 2022: Israeli apartheid charge: A matter of law, antisemitism or occupation?, Arab News, 18 February 2022: No end in sight to the skewed portrayal of Israeli-Palestinian violence, Haaretz, 18 February 2022: Thanks to Netanyahu’s Party, Meir Kahane Has Been Resurrected in Sheikh Jarrah, Gulf Times, 19 February 2022: Police scatter Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem, Arab News, 20 February 2022: Rising Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians spawn fears of escalation, Jerusalem Post, 20 February 2022: Settler violence is a strategic threat to Israel, Horowitz warns, The National, 20 February 2022: Jordanian official says Royal Court among cyber attack targets this year, Jerusalem Post, 20 February 2022: Palestinians will have ‘an entity,’ not a state, says Gantz (well, this says loud and clear “the Israeli government has given in to Israeli right-wing terrorists, so that the Palestinian can’t have their own state” (besides the fact that the State of Palestine ist alrady accepted as such by a majority of the international community, just like the State of Israel)), Arab News, 20 February 2022: Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan renew support for 2-state solution, Jerusalem Post, 20 February 2022: Clans filled vacuum created by PA in Hebron, Fatah official tells ‘Post’, France24, 21 February 2022: Morocco and Israel sign trade and investment cooperation deal, The National, 22 February 2022: Israeli court halts Sheikh Jarrah family eviction, Al Arabiya, 22 February 2022: Israel court freezes eviction order of Palestinian family in Sheikh Jarrah, Times of Israel, 22 February 2022: Court freezes eviction of Palestinian family from Sheikh Jarrah home, Arab News, 22 February 2022: Legalization of West Bank outposts makes a mockery of peace and law, Palestine Chronicle, 23 February 2022: The Next Step in Palestine’s Anti-Apartheid Struggle is the Most Difficult, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2022: Calling out Israeli apartheid isn’t antisemitism, it’s reality – PA envoy, Arab News, 23 February 2022: Jerusalem should be a beacon of peace, not the heart of conflict, The Algemeiner, 25 February 2022: At UN, Russia Denounces Israel’s Sovereignty in Golan Heights After Jerusalem Backs Ukraine, Arab News, 26 February 2022: Israel completes ‘digital occupation’ of Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2022: Israel’s actions in West Bank equivalent to Russian invasion – British MP, The Times, 26 February 2022: China buys power in the Middle East with new Iraq pact, Jerusalem Post, 1 March 2022: Israel will increase work visas for Palestinians from Gaza Strip – Gantz, Times of Israel, 1 March 2022: Palestinian shot dead by Israeli soldiers in West Bank under unclear circumstances, Jerusalem Post, 1 March 2022: 4 Palestinians killed in armed clashes with Israeli forces in Jenin, Bethlehem, Haaretz, 1 March 2022: Jerusalem Board Approves Old City Promenade on Remains of Muslim Cemetery, France24, 1 March 2022: Israeli forces kill 3 Palestinians in West Bank: ministry, Palestine Chronicle, 2 March 2022: On Palestine’s Everyday Victories: Why Israel is No Longer the Exception, Gulf Times, 2 March 2022: Troops kill three Palestinians in occupied West Bank clashes, Palestine Chronicle, 2 March 2022: On Palestine’s Everyday Victories: Why Israel is No Longer the Exception, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2022: Israel, Saudi Arabia can be allies if Palestinian conflict solved – MBS, Palestine Chronicle, 3 March 2022: Israeli Government Authorizes Right-Wing Israelis to Hold Provocative Rally in Sheikh Jarrah (VIDEOS), Haaretz, 4 March 2022: Sanctions on Russia: What About Sanctions Helping Palestinians?, Palestine Chronicle, 4 March 2022: Navigating our Humanity: Ilan Pappé on the Four Lessons from Ukraine, Jerusalem Post, 4 March 2022: Australia officially lists all of Hamas as a terrorist group, Palestine Chronicle, 4 March 2022: Palestinian Activist from Occupied Jerusalem Threatened with Expulsion from Israeli Authorities, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2022: EU holds PA funds after reform of antisemitic textbooks fails, Gulf Times, 5 March 2022: Qatar Red Crescent provides Gaza Hospitals with cancer medicines, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2022: UN may update blacklist of companies operating in Israeli settlements, Palestine Chronicle, 5 March 2022: WATCH: Irish PM Richard Barret Calls out International Double Standards on Crimes against Humanity, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2022: Palestinians decry world’s ‘double standards’ on Russia-Ukraine war, Arab News, 5 March 2022: The shifting perceptions of the ‘new’ Middle East, Times of Israel, 6 March 2022: Palestinian stabs and wounds two police officers in Jerusalem, is shot dead, Haaretz, 6 March 2022: Kahanist Lawmaker Pulls Gun on Palestinians in the West Bank, Times of Israel, 6 March 2022: Far-right MK pulls gun on alleged Palestinian rock-throwers in West Bank, Haaretz, 7 March 2022: Jewish Settlers in La La Land, Arab News, 7 March 2022: As Kyiv burns, a new world order emerges (The calculation has a crucial error: Iran would like to be, but is not nearly as dangerous as Russia. For the West, Iran is a manageable threat and is treated as such. For the West, energy security is of paramount importance. It is therefore irrelevant who is helping to solve this problem, although positive effects are even attributed to Iran here, because if the country floods the oil market, this means rapidly falling world market prices, pressure on the Gulf States to reduce prices so that they are competitive and the export stop for Russia to Europe and America. Another miscalculation would be to assume that the West would go to war for the Gulf States and Israel against Iran), Haaretz, 7 March 2022: Palestinian Shot Dead After Stabbing Two Israeli Officers in Jerusalem, Palestine Chronicle, 7 March 2022: Sanctioning Israel: Canada Must Demonstrate Equal Regard for Ukraine and Palestine, The Washington Post, 7 March 2022: The world of inconsistencies between Ukraine, the Middle East, and beyond, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2022: Iran regime poses threat to Middle East beyond nuclear one – CIA chief, Haaretz, 8 March 2022: Israel Braces for New Wave of Russian Aliyah Amidst Ukraine Crisis (for Israel, of course, the whole issue is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there is the situation in Syria, which allows Israel to carry out thousands of airstrikes against Syrian targets from Lebanese airspace without Russia having intervened so far. On the other hand, Israel is itself an occupier in Syria and Palestine and has come under harsh international criticism, not just since the Russian invasion of Ukraine expanded. The Israeli government can only hope that international public opinion is sufficiently distracted by Putin’s war against Ukraine to not find itself in crosshairs once again), Times of Israel, 8 March 2022: IDF razes homes of suspects in West Bank attack, clashes with Palestinians, Israel Hayom, 9 March 2022: ‘Economic warfare is the ultimate weapon’, Arab News, 9 March 2022: Palestinians offered a new opportunity to confront Israel, Haaretz, 10 March 2022: Why Iran and Hezbollah Are Quietly Applauding Putin’s War on Ukraine, Palestine Chronicle, 10 March 2022: Israel to Approve New Housing Units in Naqab, Israel Hayom, 10 March 2022: The PLO has renounced all agreements with Israel, and why it doesn’t matter, Los Angeles Times, 11 March 2022: Israel renews law keeping out some Palestinian spouses of Israeli citizens, Arab News, 11 March 2022: Iran nuclear talks paused after Russian demands, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2022: Russia to allow thousands of Middle East volunteers to fight Ukraine, Haaretz, 11 March 2022: U.S. Synagogues, Stop Canceling Jews Whose Values Compel Them to Criticize Israel, Forward, 11 March 2022: How is the Russia-Ukraine war different from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Let me count the ways, Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2022: Supermodel Gigi Hadid pledges aid to ‘Ukrainians and Palestinians’ (Gigi Hadid: quite astonishing that the daughter of a Palestinian is committed to the Palestinian cause. Oh, wait. No, it’s not), Arab News, 14 March 2022: Palestinians caught between Russian friendship and American funding, Times of Israel, 15 March 2022: Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian teen. The army hasn’t said what he did wrong, Haaretz, 15 March 2022: Departing CENTCOM Commander Urges Israel to Integrate Missile Defense With Arab Allies to Counter Iran, Al Arabiya, 15 March 2022: Washington to provide Egypt with F-15 jets, US general says, Haaretz, 18 March 2022: How Israel Legalized Theft, Jerusalem Post, 19 March 2022: US CENTCOM head concerned over Iran-Israel tensions, praises Abraham Accords, Arab News, 19 March 2022: Sudan group says 187 wounded in latest anti-coup protests, Arab News, 20 March 2022: Food price shocks necessitate Moroccan welfare state, Haaretz, 21 March 2022: Israel’s Bennett, UAE Crown Prince in Egypt for Three-way Summit With President Sissi, Times of Israel, 21 March 2022: Bennett in Egypt for first-ever trilateral summit with Sissi and UAE crown prince, The National, 22 March 2022: UAE calls for ‘calm’ in Israel and Palestine as Ramadan tension flares, DW, 22 March 2022: Egypt hosts UAE, Israeli leaders for landmark 3-way talks, Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2022: US offering $1 million to report on Israeli human rights violations, Palestine Chronicle, 23 March 2022: Supermodel Bella Hadid Calls for Home for Palestinians in Vogue Feature, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2022: Israel discourse in the West, Arab world couldn’t be more different – opinion (accusing others of being biased and one-sided, while being biased and one-sided yourself, always worked out pretty well – not), The National, 25 March 2022: Israel and Morocco sign military co-operation agreement, Al Arabiya, 25 March 2022: Israel to host ‘historic’ regional summit next week, foreign minister says, France24, 25 March 2022: Why the Sahel region is witnessing a new spike in jihadist attacks, Times of Israel, 26 March 2022: Egyptian FM to join upcoming ‘historic’ Abraham Accords summit in Israel, Arab News, 26 March 2022: Israelis and Palestinians agree on one thing: There is no sign of peace, The New York Times, 26 March 2022: Israel Summit Shows Ties With Arabs Moving From Ceremony to Substance, Palestine Chronicle, 26 March 2022: Ukraine is not Palestine, Russia is not Israel, Times of Israel, 26 March 2022: Negev Summit shows Israel’s new legitimacy, and the common imperative to tackle Iran, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Negev Summit reflects vastly changing Middle East landscape – analysis, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: Israel Summit Updates: Blinken Calls to Prevent Settlement Expansion, Settler Violence Ahead of Passover, Ramadan, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Negev Summit: Israel, Arab states discuss regional defense alliance, Times of Israel, 27 March 2022: Lapid’s flagship Negev Summit sets sail on a sea of regional fears, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Negev Summit reflects vastly changing Middle East landscape, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: This Is What’s Behind Blinken’s Middle East Visit, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Palestinian factions decry ‘summit of shame’ in Negev, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: Jewish Settlers Move Into Historic Building in Jerusalem’s Old City Christian Quarter, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah to meet PA President in Ramallah, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: Israel Summit Updates: Foreign Ministers Discuss Iran Threat; Blinken Warns Against Settlement Expansion, Palestine Chronicle, 27 March 2022: Israeli Minister Proposes Citizenship-Revoking Bill for Palestinian Arabs in Israel, The New York Times, 27 March 2022: Blinken to Press Mideast Allies for Stronger Support for Ukraine, The Washington Post, 27 March 2022: Ahead of summit, U.S. Middle East allies show Ukraine limited support, France24, 27 March 2022: Israeli-Arab summit convenes as Blinken seeks to reassure allies on Iran, DW, 27 March 2022: US and Arab diplomats meet in Israel amid Iran tensions, France24, 28 March 2022: Israeli-Arab summit displays unity against Iran, calls for Israeli-Palestinian talks, The New York Times, 28 March 2022: Israel, U.S. and 4 Arab Nations Focus on Security at Summit, The National, 28 March 2022: Israel, US and Arab foreign ministers hold ‘historic’ meeting in Negev, Times of Israel, 28 March 2022: Announcing permanent regional forum, Israel, Arab states laud alliance, decry terror, Al Arabiya, 28 March 2022: US, Middle East allies show unity during meet in Israel amid Iran worries, Arab News, 28 March 2022: Palestinians fight for survival amid Israel’s war on Gaza’s water, Times of Israel, 28 March 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah II meets with Abbas in rare West Bank visit, Jerusalem Post, 28 March 2022: A ‘mini-NATO’ for the Middle East won’t be stopped by terror, Haaretz, 29 March 2022: No to Israel’s Cruel Home Demolitions, Forward, 28 March 2022: For Israel, an extraordinary summit reveals a path to coexistence, Arab News, 29 March 2022: Environmental degradation exacerbated by Israel-Palestine politics, Times of Israel, 29 March 2022: Despite Palestinian hopes, Russia-style Western sanctions won’t be applied to Israel, Haaretz, 29 March 2022: Israel’s Negev Summit Was a Good Thing, but Don’t Call It ‘Historic’, Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2022: Christians call on Israeli authorities for protection amid ISIS threat (doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Asking the Israeli police for protection against radical Jews and Muslims over and over again fits that very definition. It will not happen even if the victims can identify the perpetrators by name. Apparently it is finally time for Christians to return to civilization and forget the Holy Land), Times of Israel, 29 March 2022: Herzog to meet Jordan’s king in Amman amid Ramadan flare-up jitters, France24, 29 March 2022: Separate shooting attacks leave several dead near Tel Aviv (like every year around Ramadan/Easter, i.e. business as usual. Continuity of the superfluous kind), Arab News, 29 March 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah reiterates two-state Palestinian solution in talks with Israel’s Gantz, Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2022: Israel turns to Jordan to prevent violence with Herzog, Gantz visits, Times of Israel, 29 March 2022: Israel reportedly working on air defense pact with regional allies, Palestine Chronicle, 30 March 2022: Gaza’s Forthcoming Crisis Might Be Worse than Anything We Have Ever Seen, Jerusalem Post, 30 March 2022: Terror attack puts Abbas between a rock and a hard place, Palestine Chronicle, 30 March 2022: ‘We Will Not Forget’: Palestinians Commemorate Land Day in Gaza (PHOTOS), CNN, 30 March 2022: What one meeting in Israel says about a changing world order, Times of Israel, 30 March 2022: Hosting Herzog, Jordan’s king condemns ‘tragic attacks that target civilians’, Jerusalem Post, 30 March 2022: Israel Police shoot two east Jerusalem residents after suspicious behavior, chase, Palestine Chronicle, 31 March 2022: Palestine is a Loud Echo of Britain’s Colonial Past – and a Warning of the Future, Jerusalem Post, 31 March 2022: Palestinian Authority elections dashes hope for the future, Arab News, 31 March 2022: The West must get used to a more assertive Middle East (or to make a long story shourt: The MENA region governments aren’t reliable partners, but still demand that the West should solve their problems wherever they occur. That’s a whole new finding .. not), Jerusalem Post, 31 March 2022: ‘Pay-for-slay’ Abbas takes his cue from ‘Iran-Deal’ Blinken, Gulf News, 1 April 2022: UAE and Israel move closer to a free trade deal, CNN, 1 April 2022: Israel and the West Bank are on edge again. Here are five things you need to know, Palestine Chronicle, 1 April 2022: Ian Williams: Deterioration of Intl. Human Rights Mechanisms Blamed on “US Defense of Israel” (VIDEO), The National, 1 April 2022: Aid convoy arrives in Ethiopia’s Tigray after three-month pause, Times of Israel, 1 April 2022: ‘A historic milestone’: Israel and UAE sign free trade agreement, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2022: Hamas’ terrorism threats could backfire, experts say, Arab News, 1 April 2022: Israel and UAE agree ‘milestone’ free trade deal, Haaretz, 1 April 2022: Israelis Cry With Ukraine but Ignore Their West Bank Apartheid, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2022: Palestinian killed in clashes with Israeli forces in Hebron, Times of Israel, 1 April 2022: Supreme Court freezes demolition orders for 38 homes in East Jerusalem village, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2022: Israel, UAE finalize historic free-trade agreement, France24, 1 April 2022: Israeli forces kill Palestinian in West Bank as violence spikes, Arab News, 1 April 2022: Israel can’t complain about violence when it provokes it, Al Arabiya, 1 April 2022: Israel says UAE free trade deal reached, Arab News, 2 April 2022: Calls for revenge after Israeli forces kill three-man ‘terror cell’, Jerusalem Post, 2 April 2022: Blinken, Jordanian FM, discuss ‘need for calm’ in Jerusalem over religious holidays, Haaretz, 2 April 2022: Three Palestinians Killed, Israeli Officer Severely Wounded in West Bank Clash, France24, 2 April 2022: Israeli security forces kill three militants in West Bank amid surge of violence, DW, 2 April 2022: Israel: West Bank raid kills members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, Jerusalem Post, 2 April 2022: PA slammed by EU Committee for producing new antisemitic textbooks, Haaretz, 3 April 2022: A Message to the Arab States Who Ally With Israel to Erase the Palestinians, Arab News, 3 April 2022: Palestinians reminisce about Ramadan before the Nakba, Palestine Chronicle, 3 April 2022: Thousands March in Jordan in Support of Palestine, Arab News, 3 April 2022: Ukraine crisis contributes to strategic shift in Middle East, Haaretz, 3 April 2022: Israel Says Arrested Palestinian Suspected of Planning Terror Attack, Arab News, 3 April 2022: How Ukraine war is making the Arab region’s food security crisis worse, Palestine Chronicle, 3 April 2022: Jewish Settlers Attack Palestinian Houses in Hebron, Arab News, 4 April 2022: Israel’s ‘clean break’ from US gathering momentum, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2022: Settlers accuse Gantz of freezing plans for 4,000 West Bank homes, Haaretz, 5 April 2022: There Is No Such Thing as a Free Occupation, nor Even a Cheap One, The National, 5 April 2022: Palestinians overcome obstacles to unearth ancient treasures in Gaza, Times of Israel, 5 April 2022: Despite high alert, Israel eases some West Bank restrictions for Ramadan holiday, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2022: In the Middle East, the silent majority want normalization with Israel, Arab News, 6 April 2022: Without hope, Palestinian radicalism will only grow, Arab News, 6 April 2022: Israel’s failure to pursue peace may provoke more violence, Arab News, 6 April 2022: Gaza, Ukraine, Germany: From one home to another, Haaretz, 7 April 2022: The Ukraine War Is Leaving a New Middle East in Its Wake, Palestine Chronicle, 7 April 2022: Peace and Humanity: Israel is Responsible for Palestinian Violence, The Guardian, 7 April 2022: Judge in New York urged to hold Trump in contempt and fine him $10,000 a day, Haaretz, 7 April 2022: Israel Rejects U.S. Proposal for Meeting of Israeli and Palestinian National Security Advisers, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2022: Palestinian support for a one-state solution at highest since last year, Haaretz, 8 April 2022: ‘In Berlin, I Have the Privilege of Playing With Iranians, and Have Friends From Ramallah’, Times of Israel, 8 April 2022: IDF to ramp up northern West Bank activity as PA said to be losing control of Jenin, Haaretz, 8 April 2022: While Putin Commits War Crimes, Israel Is Still Walking on Eggshells, Arab News, 8 April 2022: Hard-hit Gaza eateries pray for ‘holy month of mercy’, Jerusalem Post, 9 April 2022: Gantz to propose 360 mil. NIS budget for security fence work, Times of Israel, 9 April 2022: Israel tightens restrictions on West Bank’s Jenin, source of terrorism and clashes, Palestine Chronicle, 9 April 2022: GEICO and Linda Sarsour: How the West Has Normalized Anti-Palestinianism, Jerusalem Post, 9 April 2022: City of Jenin to be closed following TLV terrorist attack, Haaretz, 9 April 2022: Palestinian Killed in Israeli Military Raid on Tel Aviv Attacker’s Jenin Home, Palestine Chronicle, 9 April 2022: Bennett Gives Israeli Forces ‘Full Freedom’ to Act after Attack, Arab News, 9 April 2022: There is more than one way to reach a two-state solution, Al Arabiya, 9 April 2022: Israeli forces kill Palestinian militant in West Bank raid, The Guardian, 9 April 2022: Israel: Troops raid town of Palestinian gunman who killed three in Tel Aviv, France24, 9 April 2022: Israel PM gives security forces free rein after surge in violence, Times of Israel, 10 April 2022: Tel Aviv terrorist’s family members escape after IDF fires at their car near Jenin, Haaretz, 10 April 2022: The Palestinian Perspective on the Terror Attack, Times of Israel, 10 April 2022: Palestinian woman stabs Israeli officer in Hebron, is shot dead, Arab News, 10 April 2022: Arab outrage as two Palestinian women shot dead in occupied West Bank, Al Arabiya, 10 April 2022: Israel, West Bank on edge after more bloodshed, France24, 10 April 2022: Two Palestinian women killed as tensions mount in West Bank, The National, 11 April 2022: Israel army launches new raids around flashpoint West Bank city, Arab News, 11 April 2022: No amount of Israeli violence will change reality of Palestine conflict, Forward, 11 April 2022: 2 Jews shot and wounded while trying to visit Joseph’s Tomb in the West Bank city of Nablus, Times of Israel, 12 April 2022: Justice Ministry greenlights connecting illegal West Bank outposts to power (somehow funny, as each and every unit in each and every Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem and the west Bank is illegal. Israeli law will never be above international law,, no matter how hard they try), Haaretz, 12 April 2022: If the PA Is Responsible for Palestinian Violence, Who ‘Ratifies’ Jewish Terrorism?, Jerusalem Post, 12 April 2022: PA under growing pressure to end security coordination with Israel, Arab News, 12 April 2022: Palestinians wary of regional food and grain stockpile plan, Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2022: US rights report speaks of Palestinian antisemitism, settler violence, Times of Israel, 13 April 2022: US aims to fold Palestinians into expanded cooperation between Israel, Arab states, Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2022: Israeli forces arrest Palestinian cell planning ‘imminent’ terrorist attack, Haaretz, 13 April 2022: I’ll Keep Doing All I Can for the Fight to End the Occupation, Times of Israel, 13 April 2022: Israeli forces near Ramallah nab terror cell suspected of planning imminent attack, Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2022: Palestinians threaten violence over Jewish ‘provocations’ on Temple Mount, Arab News, 13 April 2022: World needs to hear more about Israel’s serial murders, Haaretz, 13 April 2022: Palestinian Killed as Ramadan, Passover Tensions Threaten to Boil Over, Arab News, 13 April 2022: Palestinian father of 3 gunned down by Israeli forces in West Bank, Haaretz, 14 April 2022: Israel’s Lapid Accuses Far-right and Arab Leaders of ‘Unholy, Dangerous Alliance’, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: IDF to shutter West Bank, Gaza crossings for Palestinians on first day of Passover, Al Arabiya, 14 April 2022: Israeli army kills Palestinian teen in West Bank: Palestinian ministry, Haaretz, 14 April 2022: ‘Why Did He Shoot Her?’: Family of Palestinian Woman Accuses Israeli Troops of ‘Cold-blooded’ Killing, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: Six extremist Jews arrested for planning animal sacrifice atop Temple Mount, Jerusalem Post, 14 April 2022: Can Israel and the UAE create a hybrid business culture?, Haaretz, 14 April 2022: Six Palestinians Killed by Israeli Army in 24 Hours, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: UAE insists it welcomes regional initiatives that include Palestinians, Haaretz, 14 April 2022: Why Israel Wanted America to Start a War With Saudi Arabia, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: Senior US diplomat calls family of Palestinian woman shot dead by IDF, Arab News, 15 April 2022: Clashes at Al-Aqsa draw regional, international condemnation (the annual tradition customs), The Times, 15 April 2022: Clashes at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem leave more than 150 injured, Arab News, 15 April 2022: A new book delves into the multi-layered identity of Jerusalem’s historic Old City, Haaretz, 15 April 2022: Israel Police’s Gamble Paid Off, but the Pictures From Temple Mount May Have a Price, Arab News, 15 April 2022: Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli raid over Al-Aqsa Mosque and attacking Palestinian worshippers, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2022: Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli attacks on Palestinians, al-Aqsa Mosque, Arab News, 15 April 2022: 158 worshippers injured as Israeli forces raid Al-Aqsa, CNN, 15 April 2022: Video shows tense scene in Jerusalem, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2022: Clashes erupt at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque, at least 152 injured, The Guardian, 15 April 2022: Jerusalem: More than 150 Palestinians injured in clash at al-Aqsa mosque, say medics, Palestine Chronicle, 15 April 2022: WATCH: Dozens Injured as Israeli Forces Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, DW, 15 April 2022: Jerusalem on edge as Jews, Christians and Muslims mark religious festivities, Times of Israel, 15 April 2022: To combat climate threats, Israel to top off Sea of Galilee with desalinated water, CNN, 15 April 2022: Jerusalem on edge as violence flares at key holy site, Haaretz, 15 April 2022: How Erdogan Became the Middle East’s Favorite Human Rights Abuser, Palestine Chronicle, 15 April 2022: Israeli Forces Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, over 150 Palestinians Injured (LIVE BLOG), DW, 15 April 2022: Scores injured in Israeli-Palestinian clash in Jerusalem, Arab News, 16 April 2022: Palestinians fear more incursions after Friday’s Israeli Al-Aqsa aggression, The Times, 16 April 2022: Israel lifts West Bank, Gaza closure after calm first day of Passover, Arab News, 16 April 2022: Turkish envoy attracts attention with veiled criticism of Iran in article for Israeli think tank, Al Arabiya, 16 April 2022: Morocco condemns Israeli raid on Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque, DW, 17 April 2022: Ukraine war: Will the wheat crisis bring more food independence?, Arab News, 17 April 2022: Clashes continue in Jerusalem as Jordanian king urges Israeli restraint, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2022: Israel is walking a fine line between war and peace, Arab News, 17 April 2022: Want quiet in Jerusalem? Respect the status quo, Times of Israel, 17 April 2022: Palestinians hurl rocks at Old City buses; cops enter Temple Mount to prevent riots, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2022: Erdogan ‘strongly condemns’ Israel over Al-Aqsa policing, Haaretz, 17 April 2022: Jordan’s King Accuses Israel of ‘Illegal Provocative Measures’ on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, Al Arabiya, 17 April 2022: Israel police enter flashpoint al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, arrest two, The National, 17 April 2022: Palestinian presidency calls for people to gather at Al Aqsa Mosque, Al Arabiya, 17 April 2022: Jerusalem violence puts strain on Israel’s coalition government, Politico.com, 17 April 2022: Clashes erupt again near flashpoint Jerusalem holy site, DW, 17 April 2022: Jerusalem: Several Palestinians arrested over fresh Al-Aqsa violence, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: Rejecting Jordan’s praise for rioters, Bennett decries ‘incitement to violence’, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2022: Jordan summons Israeli envoy over Temple Mount, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: In call with PA’s Abbas, Putin said to criticize Israeli policies at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: Israel Intercepts Gaza Rocket After Sirens Sound on Border, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2022: PA’s Abbas ‘outraged’ as Hamas takes center stage in mediation efforts, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: Thousands plan march to dismantled West Bank settlement over IDF’s initial objection, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: Putin Backs Palestinians Over Al-Aqsa Escalation in Phone Call With President Abbas, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2022: Iron Dome intercepts rocket from Gaza to Israel, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: Israel Slams ‘Agitation, False News’ After Jordan Summons Envoy Over Al-Aqsa Violence, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: Rocket fired from Gaza, intercepted over southern border communities – IDF, Palestine Chronicle, 18 April 2022: 17 Palestinians Killed in Two Weeks: Their Names, Photos and Birthplaces, The National, 18 April 2022: Jordan summons Israeli diplomat to protest against Jerusalem violence, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: When a Military Commander Takes Orders From Settlers, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: Islamic State supporter indicted for murder of three Jerusalem residents, Palestine Chronicle, 18 April 2022: Abbas, Putin Discuss Latest Developments in Palestine and Internationally, Al Arabiya, 18 April 2022: Jordan warns of ‘provocation’ in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa, Israel decries ‘incitement’, Arab News, 18 April 2022: Jordan launches diplomatic drive to end Al-Aqsa Ramadan tensions, The National, 18 April 2022: Rocket fired from Gaza into Israel, Al Arabiya, 18 April 2022: First time in 7 months: Israel’s military says Iron Dome shoots down rocket from Gaza, The Algemeiner, 18 April 2022: PA President Abbas Expresses Support for Putin Over Ukraine Invasion as Russia Slams Israeli ‘Illegal Occupation’, Arab News, 18 April 2022: Defending Al-Aqsa against injustice, France24, 18 April 2022: Israel intercepts rocket fired from Gaza as tensions soar, The Algemeiner, 18 April 2022: Israel Security Forces Arrest 11 Terror Suspects Amid Clashes With Palestinian Rioters, Jerusalem Unrest, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: Israeli Army Won’t Provide Security to 10,000-strong March to West Bank Outpost, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: UN Security Council to hold emergency consultation on Jerusalem unrest, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2022: Left-wing Jewish American orgs. blast Biden admin. for serving wine from Israeli settlement, The National, 19 April 2022: Israel bombs Gaza Strip as violence in Jerusalem draws global condemnation, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: Israel Recognizes Settler Shooting of Palestinian Photographer as Nationalistic Crime, Al Arabiya, 19 April 2022: Israel strikes Gaza Strip after rocket fired: Witnesses, Hamas, Arab News, 19 April 2022: Israel-Hamas tensions increase with new attack, Palestine Chronicle, 19 April 2022: UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Meeting to Discuss Israeli Violence in Occupied Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 19 April 2022: UN envoy avoids casting blame for Jerusalem violence during Security Council huddle, Jerusalem Post, 19 April 2022: Turkey’s Erdogan ramps up Jerusalem defender role, to speak with Herzog, Arab News, 19 April 2022: For Palestinians, food insecurity is now an existential threat, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: A War Over the Temple Mount Is Just a Matter of Time, Palestine Chronicle, 19 April 2022: Israeli Authorities Close Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinian Worshippers, Times of Israel, 19 April 2022: UAE pulls out of Independence Day flyby amid tensions over Temple Mount clashes, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: UN Security Council Debates Jerusalem Violence, UAE Summons Israeli Envoy, Jerusalem Post, 19 April 2022: UAE summons Israeli ambassador over Jerusalem riots, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: Keep Violent Israeli Police Officers Far From Temple Mount, Times of Israel, 19 April 2022: Palestinians clash with troops in West Bank as settlers march to former settlement, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: Right-wing Groups Announce March at Jerusalem Flash Points, Defying Police, The Guardian, 19 April 2022: Israel strikes Gaza after rocket attack as Jerusalem tensions soar, DW, 19 April 2022: Israel strikes Gaza Strip after violence at holy site, Times of Israel, 20 April 2022: Non-Muslims to be barred from visiting the Temple Mount during the end of Ramadan, Haaretz, 20 April 2022: For Israeli and Palestinian Extremists, Jerusalem’s Holiest Site Is Just an Excuse, Al Arabiya, 20 April 2022: European countries call for end to Jerusalem unrest at UN Security Council, Haaretz, 20 April 2022: Yiddish in Cairo: Egyptians Rescue Centuries of Jewish Life From Garbage Dumps, Arab News, 20 April 2022: Israel bars Jewish groups from Al-Aqsa until Ramadan end in bid to halt violence, Jerusalem Post, 20 April 2022: Israel will not change status quo in Jerusalem – Lapid says, Haaretz, 20 April 2022: Gaza Rocket Shrapnel Hits House in Southern Israel as Temple Mount Tensions Simmer, Arab News, 20 April 2022: Finally, a glimmer of hope in the Middle East, Times of Israel, 21 April 2022: Arab FMs: End Jewish prayer on Temple Mount; Lapid: Israel committed to status quo, The National, 21 April 2022: U.S. Officials Meet Lapid in Snap Mideast Visit Aimed at Calming Jerusalem Tensions, Times of Israel, 21 April 2022: IDF hits Hamas sites during pair of overnight raids in response to Gaza rocket fire, Times of Israel, 21 April 2022: Hamas calls for Palestinian ‘mobilization’ ahead of Friday’s Al-Aqsa prayers, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2022: In meeting with US diplomats, Abbas threatens to cut ties with Israel, NPR, 22 April 2022: Israeli police storm Jerusalem holy site after rock-throwing, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2022: Pro-Palestinian protesters call to ‘globalize the intifada’ in NY march, Times of Israel, 22 April 2022: Police said preparing to call up reserves in case of mass unrest in Arab towns, Haaretz, 22 April 2022: Two Gaza Rockets Launched at Israel Explode Within the Strip, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2022: Renewed violence on Temple Mount following afternoon prayers, Times of Israel, 22 April 2022: 3 rockets fired from Gaza at Israel; one falls short, others cause no damage, Al Arabiya, 22 April 2022: Israeli forces use drone to drop tear gas on Palestinian worshipers in al-Aqsa, Arab News, 22 April 2022: Dozens wounded in clashes at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound, Al Arabiya, 22 April 2022: Two rockets fired from Gaza at Israel: Army, Palestine Chronicle, 22 April 2022: Canada is a Sick Society for as Long as it Supports Israeli Terror, The Guardian, 22 April 2022: Jerusalem: Dozens wounded in Israeli-Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa mosque, Times of Israel, 23 April 2022: Israel said readying for possible flare-up with Gaza following repeated rocket fire, Haaretz, 23 April 2022: Palestinian Wounded in Temple Mount Clashes With Israel Police Falls Into Coma, The National, 23 April 2022: Israel closes Gaza border crossing after rocket attacks, The Algemeiner, 23 April 2022: Israel Closes Gaza Crossing After Rocket Attacks, Haaretz, 23 April 2022: With Jerusalem Ablaze, Hamas’ Double-dealings Are in Plain Sight, Times of Israel, 23 April 2022: IDF probing soldiers’ suspected assault of Arab Israeli truck driver in West Bank, The Algemeiner, 23 April 2022: Israeli Police on High Alert Over Possible Unrest in Arab Towns, DW, 23 April 2022: ‘Not our fight’: Why the Middle East doesn’t fully support Ukraine (Europeans support Europeans against the war criminal Putin. There is something the Middle East can learn for itself, namely to live together in (relative) peace instead of killing each other in the various crises and wars in the region for decades, sometimes for centuries), Arab News, 23 April 2022: Israel closes Erez Crossing to Gazans after rocket attacks, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2022: Temple Mount closed to Jews ‘until further notice,’ says site administrator, Haaretz, 24 April 2022: Settler Shoots at Palestinians in West Bank, Wounding Three, Arab News, 24 April 2022: Boat carrying 60 migrants capsizes off north Lebanon, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2022: Palestinians fear UNRWA may take first steps to end refugee services, Times of Israel, 24 April 2022: At Cairo summit, leaders of Jordan, Egypt, UAE discuss Jerusalem tensions, Haaretz, 24 April 2022: Israel to Keep Gaza Crossing Shut for Second Straight Day, Al Arabiya, 25 April 2022: UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed, Egypt’s Sisi, Jordan’s King discuss Jerusalem developments, Haaretz, 25 April 2022: Israel to Open Gaza Crossing for Workers, Traders on Tuesday, Times of Israel, 25 April 2022: Gaza workers allowed into Israel from Tuesday, ending 2-day closure after rockets, Jerusalem Post, 25 April 2022: Toronto BDS activists cheer Lebanon rockets, praise ‘deadliest’ terror attacks in Israel, Al Arabiya, 25 April 2022: Biden, King Abdullah discuss violence in Jerusalem, Haaretz, 25 April 2022: Israel’s Middle East Allies Have Changed the Equation With Hamas, Times of Israel, 25 April 2022: Status woe: Temple Mount is an enduring thorn in Israel’s ties with Jordan, Palestine Chronicle, 25 April 2022: ‘From the Poor to the Poor,’ Gaza Fights Food Insecurity through Communal Cooking (Photos), Jerusalem Post, 25 April 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah agrees with Biden on need to defuse Jerusalem tension – state media, Arab News, 25 April 2022: Trade picks up in Hebron during Ramadan until tensions resume, Haaretz, 25 April 2022: Fire on Temple Mount: What’s Behind Recent Jerusalem Clashes? LISTEN, Times of Israel, 25 April 2022: UN envoy cites Israeli account of how Temple Mount clashes began, Palestine Chronicle, 25 April 2022: Israeli Supreme Court Rejects New Probe into Killing of Boys on Gaza Beach, Arab News, 25 April 2022: Arab nations slam Israel at UN Security Council after weekend of violence, CNN, 25 April 2022: As US retreats, Saudi Arabia and Iran are trying to mend fences, France24, 25 April 2022: ‘Fear and terror’: Inside Gaza militants’ tunnel network, Jerusalem Post, 26 April 2022: Why Christians care about the Temple Mount, Times of Israel, 26 April 2022: Palestinian reported killed in clash with Israeli troops near Jericho, The Algemeiner, 26 April 2022: Senior Israeli Commander Says Palestinians Behind Lebanon Rocket, Jerusalem Post, 26 April 2022: Ukrainian war may cause Palestinian food shortages – US warns UNSC, BBC, 26 April 2022: Gaza farmer finds 4,500-year-old statue of Canaanite goddess, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2022: ‘Peace to you’: Palestinians, Israeli settlers share kosher Iftar meal in Hebron, Arab News, 27 April 2022: Saudi Arabia renews call for independent Palestinian state, CNN, 27 April 2022: Trump unleashes his temper on GOP allies over Ohio Senate primary split, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2022: Saudi-Iran talks could endanger future Abraham accords, experts say (as long as there aren’t real incentives for Saudi Arabia (the country want to buy US weaponary for years, but this is denied again and again) in joining the normalization treaty it doesn’t make sense for Riyadh to even think about), Foreign Policy, 28 April 2022: Palestinians Feel Economic Pain From the War in Ukraine, Arab News, 28 April 2022: UN requests international support for Palestinian rights groups falsely labeled ‘terrorists’ by Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 28 April 2022: The Zionist North: Trapped in an Anti-Palestinian Riding in Toronto, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2022: High Court approves a 31-unit settler apartment complex in Hebron, Times of Israel, 29 April 2022: Temple Mount prayers for last Friday of Ramadan end peacefully after morning clashes, Arab News, 29 April 2022: Several injured in Al-Aqsa clashes on last Friday of Ramadan, Haaretz, 29 April 2022: If Israel Wants Quiet at Al-Aqsa, It Must Renew Talks With the Palestinians, The National, 29 April 2022: Al Aqsa Mosque: Dozens of Palestinians injured as Israeli forces enter compound, Arab News, 29 April 2022: How the African Union has failed the continent, Al Arabiya, 29 April 2022: At least 42 hurt in clashes at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque compound: Report, DW, 29 April 2022: Erdogan’s Saudi Arabia trip could be a game changer for Middle East, Al Arabiya, 30 April 2022: Hamas warns of synagogue attacks in case of new al-Aqsa raid, DW, 30 April 2022: West Bank: Arrests made after killing of Israeli guard, Palestine Chronicle, 30 April 2022: Two Palestinian Brothers Injured in Attack by Jewish Settlers near Hebron, Arab News, 30 April 2022: Arrests made after Palestinian group claims killing of Israeli guard, Palestine Chronicle, 30 April 2022: WATCH: Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Young Man near Qalqilya, Arab News, 1 May 2022: Palestinian Al-Musaharati keeps age-old tradition alive in Gaza, Times of Israel, 1 May 2022: Herzog speaks to PA’s Abbas for the 1st time since outbreak of Temple Mount clashes, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2022: Right slams gov’t for IDF removal of three West Bank settler caravans, Arab News, 2 May 2022: Palestinians warn against plans to weaken their UN agency, Times of Israel, 2 May 2022: Poll: In Israel, right-wing Jews now less likely to see shared future with Arabs, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2022: First-ever direct flight between Israel, Egypt takes off, The National, 2 May 2022: Israel holding most Palestinians without charge or trial since 2016, Arab News, 2 May 2022: Palestinian refugees’ rights under attack in US-Israeli ploy, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2022: Europe should establish coordinated body on Abraham Accords – MK (when a picture perfectly sums up why it isn’t going to happen, then the picture on top of this article: as long as there is a possibility that one or both self-declared enemies of the EU, Netanyahu and/or Trump, could return to office, the EU would be right out stupid to commit itself to a course that could benefit one or both of them, while the EU itself will gain very little from it, as supporting the accords is of symbolic nature only without practical use), Arab News, 4 May 2022: Israel must prove its commitment to status quo agreement, The Guardian, 5 May 2022: Israel: Court paves way for eviction of 1,000 Palestinians from West Bank area, Jerusalem Post, 5 May 2022: Clashes break out as nearly 1,000 Jews visit Temple Mount on Independence Day, Palestine Chronicle, 5 May 2022: ‘Our Nakba and Their Independence’: On the Problem with the Zionists’ Version of Two Narratives, Times of Israel, 5 May 2022: High Court greenlights expulsion of 1,300 Palestinians from army firing zone, Haaretz, 5 May 2022: Israeli Top Court Approves Eviction of Eight Palestinian Villages After Decades-long Battle, Jerusalem Post, 5 May 2022: Temple Mount: How do we make holy places holy again?, Arab News, 5 May 2022: Arrests, injuries as baton-wielding police target Palestinian Al-Aqsa protest, Al Arabiya, 5 May 2022: Israeli police enter al-Aqsa compound as Jewish visits resume, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2022: Israel to advance plans for 3,988 settler homes despite US objections (sooner or later half of the State of Israel will be in illegal settlements, leaving the country increasingly delegitimized. In that sense it is its own worst enemy. It doesn’t matter how many loud hasbara trolls you send out into the world or whether you want to use the time when Russia is committing even greater war crimes in Ukraine. War crimes are war crimes, regardless of who commits them and where), Times of Israel, 6 May 2022: Israel set to advance 4,000 settlement homes, testing US opposition, Haaretz, 6 May 2022: Israel to Advance Some 4,000 West Bank Housing Units for Jews Next Week, The National, 6 May 2022: Israel says 4,000 settler homes could be approved in occupied West Bank, Forward, 6 May 2022: US ‘strongly opposes’ Israel’s plan to expand settlements, but Biden’s visit still scheduled, Haaretz, 6 May 2022: A Palestinian Family Is Brutally Attacked by Settlers, Then Interrogated by Police, CNN, 6 May 2022: Palestinians vow to stay on West Bank land despite defeat in decades-old legal battle, Arab News, 6 May 2022: Morocco arrests Daesh suspect in joint probe with US, Haaretz, 6 May 2022: High Court Justices Know Israel Won’t Face Sanctions Over Masafer Yatta Evictions, The National, 6 May 2022: Palestinian villagers scarred by year of protests against Israeli settlers in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2022: Swarovski’s Israel branch condemns Bella Hadid as new face of the company, Arab News, 6 May 2022: Palestinians blame Israeli policies for Elad killings, Haaretz, 6 May 2022: Israelis Don’t Understand Their Palestinian Neighbors, Palestine Chronicle, 7 May 2022: Israel to Build 4,000 New Settlement Units in West Bank, Arab News, 7 May 2022: Palestinians facing eviction by Israel vow to stay on land, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2022: Israel needs to stop differentiating between Gaza and the West Bank, Times of Israel, 7 May 2022: Israel extends closure on West Bank, Gaza as hunt for Elad terrorists continues, Palestine Chronicle, 7 May 2022: US State Department: Israeli Settlement Plans Exacerbate Tensions, Times of Israel, 7 May 2022: Hamas vows suicide bombings, ‘unprecedented response’ if Israel targets its leaders, Arab News, 7 May 2022: US ‘strongly oppose’ expansion of Israeli settlements in West Bank, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2022: Extremist attack kills 11 Egyptian troops: Army, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2022: Approval of new settler homes sabotages two-state solution – PA, DW, 7 May 2022: Egypt: Militant attack kills 11 troops in Sinai, army says, Times of Israel, 7 May 2022: IDF demolishes home of Homesh terror suspect; troops clash with Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2022: US denounces Israel’s push to advance 3,988 West Bank settler homes, Times of Israel, 7 May 2022: Coalition would fall if settlement homes plan not okayed, officials said to tell US, Haaretz, 7 May 2022: From the Settlers to Biden, Israel’s West Bank Plans Try to Appease Almost All, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2022: US condemns Israel’s plans to expand settlements in occupied Palestinian lands, The National, 7 May 2022: Egypt’s military says officer and 10 soldiers killed in militant attack in Sinai, France24, 7 May 2022: Egypt says several troops killed defending water pumping station east of Suez Canal, Jerusalem Post, 8 May 2022: Bennett cut down on settler housing plans to appease US, coalition members, Times of Israel, 8 May 2022: Bennett: There won’t be any foreign interference in decisions regarding Temple Mount, The National, 8 May 2022: Palestinian man shot dead by Israeli troops in West Bank, Haaretz, 8 May 2022: Israel’s High Court of Justice, the Occupation’s Rubber Stamp, Arab News, 8 May 2022: Israeli forces kill Palestinian at West Bank barrier, officials say, Arab News, 8 May 2022: The West’s double standard is not an accusation; it is a reality, The National, 8 May 2022: Israeli army arrests Palestinian attack suspects after manhunt and house demolition, France24, 8 May 2022: Hundreds rally in support of Tunisian President Saied, Arab News, 9 May 2022: Palestine and Israel on the verge of a new escalation, Al Arabiya, 9 May 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah to meet Biden, other top US officials this week: Sources, Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2022: Lapid: Israel doesn’t need permission from the US to build in settlements, Arab News, 9 May 2022: Outrage over Israeli PM’s remarks on sovereignty over Al-Aqsa compound, Haaretz, 9 May 2022: Biden to Meet Jordan’s King Abdullah This Week Amid Jerusalem Tensions, Palestine Chronicle, 9 May 2022: Germany’s Position on Palestine: Twice on the Wrong Side of History? (on the one hand, an interesting contribution because it tries to clearly exaggerate Germany’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On the other hand, some intellectual errors have crept in here, which contributes to wrong basic assumptions are made. The Bundestag resolution on the BDS movement is not binding. No obligations for municipalities can be derived from this to prohibit BDS events in public buildings. Several German courts have already confirmed this. However, it is also true that there is a big difference between “justified objections” and “antisemitic nonsense”. The latter is a punishable offense in Germany. As a result of the Holocaust, the industrialized murder of 6 million Jews and thus the almost complete annihilation of European Jews, Germany is committed to support Israel with significant economic and military aid. In the meantime, “the security of Israel has become Germany’s reason of state.” This means that Germany helps to secure the continued existence of the State of Israel as such. However, this does not include influencing the policies pursued by Israel. It is of course understandable that many other countries in the world would like to have a similar arrangement so that Germany would sort out their often self-inflicted problems, but that will not happen. Not even for Palestine. The Israeli occupation of Palestine (East Jerusalem, West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights) and the blockade of Gaza are made up of two parts: The military occupation, which is perfectly legal under martial law and still exists today because the warring parties cannot or do not want to agree on any peace agreements. This contrasts with the very illegal settlements in Palestinian East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights. This is a war crime under international law. The West, including Germany, always condemns these actions and therefore Israel faces ever greater challenges in international bodies. But that is only one part of the truth. As the occupied party, the Palestinians have two duties: to negotiate and to resist, but there hasn’t been any negotiations for years. At the end of the day, it should be said that both sides have played their part in leading to the current situation. Therefore, only the two parties to the dispute can resolve the conflict. Attempts to involve other parties, while understandable, will fail), Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2022: Palestinians need stronger ties to Area C, World Bank said, Haaretz, 9 May 2022: Israeli Soldiers Beat Palestinian Journalist Documenting West Bank Demolition, Times of Israel, 9 May 2022: IDF believes Hamas not driving terror spate, but ‘riding the wave’, Haaretz, 10 May 2022: Israel Resumes Demolitions of Palestinian Homes in East Jerusalem as Ramadan Ends, Arab News, 10 May 2022: The hefty price of the Jordan-Israel peace treaty, Times of Israel, 10 May 2022: Jordan’s FM says Jerusalem holy sites are ‘occupied Palestinian land’, Haaretz, 10 May 2022: If Israel’s High Court Approves the Nakaba, Why Should the Hilltop Hooligans Even Bother?, Arab News, 10 May 2022: Israeli security crackdown will not end violence, political solution is needed, experts say, France24, 11 May 2022: Al Jazeera journalist killed while covering Israeli raid in West Bank (watching and listening to the Israeli government’s helpless attempts makes one wonder at the striking resemblance to Russian propaganda. The mere attempt to blame Palestinians for the reporter’s death should actually be very embarrassing and uncomfortable for those responsible, because it’s just too obviously untrue – but that’s not the case. Instead, the incident is being played down and denied until there is nothing more left to be denied, and then it most likely will be argued with fabricated “antisemitic allegations”, which will also eventually collapse. Intelligent crisis management would look very different), Times of Israel, 11 May 2022: Expert says journalist’s death will fuel revenge attacks, no matter the explanation, Haaretz, 11 May 2022: U.S. Condemns Killing of Palestinian Journalist, Calls for ‘Immediate’ Investigation, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2022: US: Killing of Al Jazeera journalist is affront to media freedom, The Guardian, 11 May 2022: Israel: Al Jazeera accuses Israeli forces of killing journalist in West Bank, Haaretz, 11 May 2022: Hundreds Protest Al Jazeera Journalist’s Killing in Israel’s North, The National, 11 May 2022: Shireen Abu Akleh: US-Palestinian journalist shot dead in Israeli army West Bank raid, Times of Israel, 11 May 2022: UN, EU, US mourn Palestinian journalist killed in Jenin, call for investigation, Haaretz, 11 May 2022: Palestinian Shot After Charging at Israeli Cops in Jerusalem’s Old City, Times of Israel, 11 May 2022: Palestinian shot after lunging at police officers in Jerusalem’s Old City, CNN, 11 May 2022: Disturbing video shows moment after shooting of Al Jazeera journalist, Haaretz, 11 May 2022: Israel Begins Demolition in Contentious West Bank Village Following Court Ruling, The Algemeiner, 11 May 2022: Palestinian Shot After Charging Israeli Officers While Yelling ‘Allahu Akbar’ in Jerusalem, Arab News, 11 May 2022: Biden offers Palestinians hope of new peace process, CNN, 11 May 2022: Shireen Abu Akleh, journalist killed in the West Bank, was ‘the voice of Palestinian suffering’, Arab News, 11 May 2022: Shooting of 2 Palestinian journalists by Israeli forces condemned, independent probe sought, NPR, 11 May 2022: Al Jazeera’s Shireen Abu Akleh is killed while reporting on an Israeli raid, DW, 11 May 2022: Precarious calm prevails one year after Gaza war, The Times, 11 May 2022: Shireen Abu Akleh: reporter shot dead by sniper as Israel raids refugee camp, CNN, 11 May 2022: Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh shot dead while covering Israeli military operation in West Bank, France24, 12 May 2022: Palestinians honour slain journalist, reject joint investigation with Israel, BBC, 12 May 2022: Shireen Abu Aqla: Palestinians to refer journalist’s killing to ICC, Haaretz, 12 May 2022: Israel Needs to Open an International Investigation and Issue a Statement of Regret, Arab News, 12 May 2022: Israel advances plans for nearly 4,500 West Bank settler homes, Times of Israel, 12 May 2022: Frustrated by his cautious approach, Palestinians lose faith in Biden, Haaretz, 12 May 2022: When Foreign Media Outlets Become Israel’s Enemy, Times of Israel, 12 May 2022: Israel authorizes plans for 4,427 West Bank settlement homes, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2022: Israel advances plans for over 4,000 new West Bank homes, The National, 13 May 2022: Biden and Jordan’s King Abdullah II meet at White House, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2022: Israeli settlers move into new apartment building in Hebron (even more illegal settlers in Palestinian Hebron), Arab News, 13 May 2022: President Biden, King Abdullah II discuss West Bank violence during meeting, Haaretz, 13 May 2022: Israeli Officer Killed, Palestinian Militants Wounded in Jenin Standoff, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2022: Israel, Hamas: A powder keg waiting for a spark to set it off, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2022: When will Israel recognize Palestinian nationalism?, Arab News, 13 May 2022: Israel resumes raids in West Bank area where journalist was killed, Haaretz, 13 May 2022: As Nakba Day and Jerusalem Day Approach, Israel Struggles to Address Its Main Vulnerability, Times of Israel, 14 May 2022: Palestinian dies of wounds sustained in recent Temple Mount clashes, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2022: Biden assures Abdullah US recognizes Jordan as custodian of holy places, Haaretz, 14 May 2022: Palestinian Wounded on Temple Mount by Israeli Police Succumbs to Wounds, Times of Israel, 14 May 2022: European nations urge Israel to scrap plans for new settlement homes, Arab News, 14 May 2022: Irresponsible Israeli, Palestinian politicians fanning the flames, The National, 14 May 2022: ISIS claims attack that killed five soldiers in Egypt, Arab News, 14 May 2022: Uproar over Israeli plan to build 4,000 settlement units in occupied West Bank, Times of Israel, 15 May 2022: Nakba Day commemorations pass largely peacefully; 3 arrested at Tel Aviv rally, Haaretz, 15 May 2022: Three Detained at Nakba Day Event at Tel Aviv University; Police Bolster Jerusalem Forces, Palestine Chronicle, 15 May 2022: Thousands of Palestinians Mark 74th Anniversary of the Nakba, Haaretz, 15 May 2022: U.S. to Remove Kahanist Org, Other Groups From Foreign Terror Blacklist, Times of Israel, 15 May 2022: US set to remove Kahane’s ‘Kach’ group from foreign terrorism blacklist, The National, 15 May 2022: Palestinians mark Nakba amid rising anger over death of Shireen Abu Akleh, Arab News, 15 May 2022: Palestinians commemorate 74th anniversary of Nakba amid outcry over funeral attack, Haaretz, 16 May 2022: Educating Israel About the Nakba, Arab News, 16 May 2022: Palestinian Authority appeals to EU for resumption of financial support, Haaretz, 16 May 2022: Jerusalem Funeral of Palestinian Killed in Al-Aqsa Clashes Spills Into Violence, The Guardian, 16 May 2022: Israel knows it will get away with the attack on Shireen Abu Aqleh’s funeral (ever since the Nation State Law, fewer and fewer people in the West believe that Israel is a democracy based on Western values. That is why the state is increasingly perceived as “just another country in the region” with all the usual negative side effects, including the respective regimes fighting political opponents with all means possible. Just as other governments in the region are not being punished for atrocities by the international community, so is Israel, increasingly, because it is being judged more and more as “normal” or “that’s how they are in the region”), Arab News, 16 May 2022: Shireen Abu Akleh: A martyr to the truth of Israeli inhumanity, Haaretz, 17 May 2022: Israeli Intelligence: Gaza Target Bank ‘Very Problematic’, Haaretz, 17 May 2022: In Call With Bennett, Macron Expresses Concern Over West Bank Settlement Expansion, Haaretz, 18 May 2022: Israel to Allow Right-wing Flag March to Pass Through Muslim Quarter on Jerusalem Day (just another needless and useless provocation by the occupation power against Palestine), Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2022: US ambassador moving into new Jerusalem residence, Haaretz, 19 May 2022: Year After Gaza War, Right-wing March Endangers Not Only Jerusalemites, Arab News, 19 May 2022: Russia’s emerging policies in the Middle East, Palestine Chronicle, 19 May 2022: From Nakba 74 and Beyond: Solidarity is Ongoing, The National, 20 May 2022: Stealing from history, Palestine Chronicle, 20 May 2022: The Nakba Doesn’t Disappear Down Under, Haaretz, 21 May 2022: Palestinian Teen Killed in Israeli Army Raid in Jenin, Health Ministry Says, Times of Israel, 21 May 2022: Palestinian teen shot dead in clash with IDF during operation in Jenin, The National, 21 May 2022: Palestinian teenager killed during Israeli military raid in Jenin, The Hill, 21 May 2022: Palestinian teen shot and killed in exchange of fire with Israeli military in Jenin, Arab News, 21 May 2022: Israeli forces gun down 17-year-old social media activist, Irish Times, 22 May 2022: Irish MEPs on delegation blocked by Israel from entering Gaza, Times of Israel, 23 May 2022: Jordan: Court support for Jewish prayer at Temple Mount breaches international law, Jerusalem Post, 23 May 2022: Israel and Morocco are tightening their business relationship, Times of Israel, 23 May 2022: Authorities seek to tamp down tensions amid backlash over Temple Mount prayer ruling, Haaretz, 24 May 2022: The New Battle in the Israeli Right’s Relentless War on Palestinians, Times of Israel, 24 May 2022: US slaps sanctions on Hamas moneymen funding $500 million terror finance network, Arab News, 24 May 2022: Saudi foreign minister reiterates Kingdom’s position on Israel, Times of Israel, 24 May 2022: Europe will always back Israel’s right to exist, The National, 24 May 2022: Optimism for the future of the Middle East tempered by realities on the ground, Arab News, 24 May 2022: Palestinians denied justice in Israeli courts, Times of Israel, 25 May 2022: US pushing Israel to reroute controversial Jerusalem march away from Muslim Quarter, Arab News, 25 May 2022: New silent intifada threatens Israel’s apartheid, Times of Israel, 25 May 2022: Gazans said to ready rockets, Israelis prepare shelters ahead of Jerusalem Day march, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2022: UAE-Israel trade exceeded $2.5 billion since Accords were signed, Haaretz, 26 May 2022: Israel Bolsters Police Ahead of Right-wing March Through Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2022: American views on both Israelis, Palestinians have improved – Pew, Times of Israel, 26 May 2022: Judge rules against Jews who prayed at Temple Mount, accepting state’s appeal, Haaretz, 26 May 2022: Democrats Urge U.S. Action Against Israel’s Eviction of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta (that’s another lost case. Israelis obviously love their illegal settlements, the occupation and land theft and therefore will do everything to expand it. That all of this actually has negative consequences for the country doesn’t matter to them), Reuters, 26 May 2022: Iraq makes it illegal to attempt normalising ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 26 May 2022: Iraq passes law making contact with Israel punishable by death, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2022: Israel condemns new Iraqi law criminalizing normalization with Jewish state, Times of Israel, 27 May 2022: Pew survey finds younger Americans now favor Palestinians as much as Israelis, Haaretz, 27 May 2022: This Jerusalem Day, Israel Could Be Headed Into a Perfect Storm, Times of Israel, 27 May 2022: We march where we want: Jerusalem Day parade to go ahead through Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem Post, 28 May 2022: 81 members of Congress say US must stop Israeli eviction of Hebron Hills’ Palestinians, Arab News, 28 May 2022: Facing the Nakba could be a first step toward reconciliation, CNN, 28 May 2022: 14-year-old Palestinian shot and killed by Israeli forces, says Palestinian health ministry, The Guardian, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem: Clashes ahead of rightwing Israeli flag parade, Arab News, 29 May 2022: UAE, Egypt and Jordan draft agreements for renewable energy projects, Times of Israel, 29 May 2022: Dozens of Israeli business and tech figures visit Saudi Arabia — report, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: UAE $10 billion investment in Jordan and Egypt is a game-changer, The Guardian, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem: Clashes ahead of rightwing Israeli flag parade, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Police must have zero tolerance for flag march provocateurs – Bennett, BBC, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem Flag March: Israeli nationalists stream through Muslim Quarter, NPR, 29 May 2022: Unrest erupts at Jerusalem site ahead of nationalist march, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Israel has a racism problem – and it comes out on Jerusalem Day, Al Arabiya, 29 May 2022: Clashes at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque before contested Israeli flag march, Arab News, 29 May 2022: Clashes at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque before contested Israeli flag march, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Clashes Erupt in Jerusalem as Tens of Thousands Join Flag March, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem Day: Israelis let their hair down about coexistence, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Nationalist Flag March Returns to Jerusalem in All Its Ugliness, Times of Israel, 29 May 2022: Racist chants and clashes as tens of thousands march in Old City for Jerusalem Day, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: Jerusalem Day: Israel violated Temple Mount status quo, France24, 29 May 2022: Tension in Jerusalem as thousands participate in Israeli ‘flag march’, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Biden Is Walking Into a Changing Middle East That May Not Want Him, CNN, 30 May 2022: Israelis lament ‘racism problem’ as Jerusalem march turns ugly, The Guardian, 30 May 2022: Israel: Impact of strike in Gaza akin to chemical weapons, NGO report finds, Arab News, 30 May 2022: Daesh plotter of 2021 Baghdad market bombing sentenced to death, Times of Israel, 30 May 2022: After extremism at march, Gantz weighs terror label for far-right La Familia, Lehava, Arab News, 30 May 2022: Our YouGov Ukraine poll exposes deep Arab mistrust of the West, Jerusalem Post, 30 May 2022: Israel, Saudi Arabia normalization will take time, Yair Lapid says, Arab News, 30 May 2022: Despite direct economic consequences, study finds majority of Arabs do not care about Ukraine-Russia war, DW, 31 May 2022: Israel, UAE sign historic free trade deal, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2022: Business leaders hail ‘unprecedented’ Israel-UAE free trade deal, Times of Israel, 31 May 2022: US suspends Abraham Accords assistance to Sudan, urges Israel to call for democracy, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2022: Some wounds never heal: Gaza victims of 11-day war recall trauma one year on, Haaretz, 31 May 2022: Progressive Democrats Deem Israel’s Planned Evictions of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta a ‘War Crime’, Times of Israel, 31 May 2022: US insists it’s committed to reopening consulate after officials tell ToI otherwise, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2022: US plays down Israeli report, commits to reopening consulate in Jerusalem, Arab News, 31 May 2022: US says it remains committed to reopening Jerusalem consulate, Palestine Chronicle, 1 June 2022: The Ethnic Cleansing of Masafer Yatta: Israel’s New Annexation Strategy in Palestine, Haaretz, 1 June 2022: No, It’s Not ‘The Situation.’ It’s Israel’s Soldiers, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2022: What stopped Hamas from attacking Israel on Jerusalem Day?, Haaretz, 1 June 2022: Israeli Activists Put Up a Billboard With Palestinian Flag. It Didn’t Last a Day, Times of Israel, 1 June 2022: In call, Abbas tells Blinken US must ‘turn talk into actions,’ end ‘silence’, The National, 1 June 2022: US calls for calm between Israelis and Palestinians as Abbas and Blinken speak, Haaretz, 1 June 2022: Man Killed by Israeli Fire During Jenin Home Demolition, Palestinian Health Ministry Says, The Algemeiner, 1 June 2022: Jordan and Israel Must Work Together on the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2022: Terrorist attacks unsurprising given Palestinian suffering, Times of Israel, 2 June 2022: In Cyprus, IDF runs drills for potential war with Hezbollah, Lebanon ground assault, Haaretz, 2 June 2022: Senior Palestinian Officials: Biden Abandoned Us to Avoid Turmoil in Bennett’s Government, Arab News, 2 June 2022: Congressman says US foreign policy has ‘blind spot’ on Israel-Palestine conflict, Times of Israel, 2 June 2022: Fighting rabbinic ban, Jewish activists push Temple Mt. prayer closer to mainstream, Haaretz, 2 June 2022: First, It Was the Palestinians. Now, It’s LGBTQ People, Arab News, 3 June 2022: Israel prefers diplomacy on Iran but could act alone, Bennett tells IAEA chief(they will have to anyway. Hard to assume that someone else will be found to run the Iran war adventure. This is far too dangerous for the Gulf States, because it can quickly become a wildfire for the whole region – a long lasting one), Al Arabiya, 3 June 2022: US says Tunisia undermining democratic institutions after purge of judges, Times of Israel, 4 June 2022: Group of bipartisan Congress members urge PA to release bullet that killed Abu Akleh, Arab News, 4 June 2022: US Congress members denounce Israeli restrictions on academic freedom in Palestine, Times of Israel, 5 June 2022: Macron speaks with Abbas over rising violence in West Bank, Arab News, 5 June 2022: Lebanon warns against any Israeli ‘aggression’ in disputed waters, Times of Israel, 5 June 2022: Beirut warns Jerusalem against ‘provocation’ as new Israeli gas rig arrives in place, Al Arabiya, 5 June 2022: Lebanon warns Israel against any ‘aggression’ in disputed waters, Haaretz, 5 June 2022: Lebanon Slams Israeli ‘Aggression’ After Rig Enters Disputed Natural Gas-rich Maritime Zone, Times of Israel, 5 June 2022: Police clash with Palestinians on Temple Mount as Jews visit during Shavuot holiday, DW, 6 June 2022: Germany hopes to find alternatives to Russian gas in Middle East, Times of Israel, 7 June 2022: PA’s Abbas dismisses US bid to boost ties unless consulate reopened, Palestine Chronicle, 7 June 2022: Israeli Jewish Extremists Violate Sanctity of Christian Site, Threaten Church Keepers (VIDEO)

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Times of Israel, 7 June 2022: UN probe blames Israel for perpetuating conflict with Palestinians, Arab News, 7 June 2022: Occupation by Israel ‘is root cause of violence,’ says new UN report, Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2022: Mark Ruffalo calls for Paypal to offer service in Palestinian territories, Haaretz, 8 June 2022: Under Settler Pressure, Israel Extends Antiquities Authority’s Powers Into West Bank, Times of Israel, 8 June 2022: Israel reportedly brushes off US proposal for summit with Palestinian Authority, Haaretz, 8 June 2022: We Are All Herzogs, We Are All Occupiers, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2022: Israeli occupation is ‘biggest terror’ in Middle East – Joint List MK, Haaretz, 9 June 2022: The Latest Buzz in East Jerusalem Is Sticky and Sweet, The New York Times, 9 June 2022: Ranan Lurie, Political Cartoonist With a Global Pen, Dies at 90, Haaretz, 9 June 2022: U.S. Lawmakers Aim to Help Integrate Israel, Arab States’ Air Defenses Against Iran, Jerusalem Post, 9 June 2022: EU proposes natural gas import deal with Egypt and Israel, Haaretz, 9 June 2022: What It Really Means to Be Queer and Palestinian in Israel and the West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2022: Israel must update its policy on Hamas, Gaza, Haaretz, 10 June 2022: An Israel-Gulf Defense Pact Won’t Solve Israel’s Greatest Challenge, DW, 10 June 2022: Germany seeks energy partnership in the Middle East, Arab News, 11 June 2022: Palestinians flock to the beach in Gaza for first time in two years, France24, 11 June 2022: Palestinian president hosts US delegation in Ramallah, Haaretz, 11 June 2022: He Tried to Outrun the Clashes, but an Israeli Bullet Found Him, Arab News, 11 June 2022: Egypt’s El-Sisi, Yemeni president discuss maritime security in Red Sea, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: European Commission president heads to Israel with gas deal in the works, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: Irish charity gets ‘reminder’ from charities regulator over its anti-Israel activity, Arab News, 12 June 2022: China Renaissance eyes investments in the Middle East to fund startups: CEO, Haaretz, 12 June 2022: The Settlers’ Brigade Commander, Arab News, 12 June 2022: UN-brokered talks on Libya elections resume in Cairo, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: When will be the right time for Israel to define its borders?, Arab News, 12 June 2022: Largest Palestinian displacement in decades looms after Israeli court ruling, Times of Israel, 13 June 2022: EU releases aid to Palestinians held up over textbook reform, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2022: US must reopen Jerusalem consulate ahead of Biden’s visit – PA, Arab News, 13 June 2022: An Israel-Palestine prediction that is worth striving for, Politico.eu, 14 June 2022: Von der Leyen: EU funds for Palestine will be disbursed rapidly, Haaretz, 14 June 2022: For Israelis and Palestinians, Confederation Is a Disastrous Fantasy, Arab News, 14 June 2022: Blocked European funds to Palestinian Territories to be released, Times of Israel, 14 June 2022: Amid EU energy talks, Israeli minister heads to Cairo for regional gas forum, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Bennet says Biden visit will reveal US steps to integrate Israel into Middle East, Arab News, 14 June 2022: Arab countries hosting Palestinian refugees reject any amendment to UNRWA mandate, Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2022: Von der Leyen: Israel will help free EU from depending on Russian energy (that’s not what von der Leyen said, but probably what some Israeli right-wingers wanted to make of it), Times of Israel, 15 June 2022: In landmark deal signed in Cairo, Israel to export natural gas, via Egypt, to Europe (unlike the political project and running gag “EastMed pipeline”, this deal might become a success), DW, 15 June 2022: EU signs gas deal with Egypt and Israel to curb dependence on Russia, The National, 15 June 2022: Egypt, Israel and EU sign deal to increase LNG exports to Europe, Al Arabiya, 15 June 2022: EU, Israel, and Egypt sign deal to boost East Mediterranean gas exports to Europe, DW, 15 June 2022: Why the US can’t get the Middle East to support it on Ukraine, Arab News, 15 June 2022: Unintended regional consequences of the Ukraine war, Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2022: UN COI will probe question of Israeli apartheid – Pillay tells ‘Post’, Arab News, 15 June 2022: Why bread, jobs and dignity remain a distant dream for Tunisians, The National, 16 June 2022: Israel police close Shireen Abu Akleh funeral violence probe without releasing findings, Arab News, 16 June 2022: Egyptian leader affirms depth of country’s strategic ties with EU, France24, 16 June 2022: EU signs gas agreement with Egypt and Israel to reduce ‘dependency’ on Russian fuel, Palestine Chronicle, 16 June 2022: Palestinians ‘Are Bound to Win’: Why Israelis Are Prophesying the End of Their State, Arab News, 16 June 2022: Region’s countries need to work together to ensure food security, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: Israel must expel the EU’s antisemitic diplomat (it can also be seen in the example of Turkey where it leads when a country moves politically to the far right. The followers of this policy consider everything that does not fit into their worldview to be “anti-Turkish” or “Islamophobic”. The same with regard to allegations of anti-Zionism/anti-Semitism has been clearly visible in Israel since Netanyahu was in office and seems to have increased during the Bennett government), Times of Israel, 17 June 2022: IDF observation balloon crashes in Gaza under disputed circumstances, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: US General who wrote Israel-Palestine security plan investigated for ties to Qatar, Palestine Chronicle, 17 June 2022: No Peace without Justice: On Determining the Future of Palestine, Times of Israel, 17 June 2022: IDF expands Abu Akleh probe, issues fresh call for PA to hand over fatal bullet, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: Three Palestinians killed in armed clashes with IDF soldiers in Jenin, Haaretz, 17 June 2022: U.S. Senators Urge Pentagon Not to Downgrade U.S. Palestinian Security Post, Arab News, 17 June 2022: Turnaround in oil markets boosting Iraq economic recovery: Report, Haaretz, 17 June 2022: Middle East Minefield Drives Away Dream of Regional Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2022: There’s no hope for Israeli-Palestinian peace, Haaretz, 17 June 2022: Israeli Defense Officials Worry the Global Economic Crisis Could Stir Instability in Gaza, Palestine Chronicle, 18 June 2022: Israeli Warplanes Attack Several Locations in Besieged Gaza Strip (VIDEO), Arab News, 18 June 2022: America and the Middle East, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2022: Egypt’s Sisi, Bahrain’s King Khalifa discuss bilateral ties in Sharm El-Sheikh, Palestine Chronicle, 18 June 2022: WATCH: Jewish Settlers Attack, Injure Elderly Palestinian Man in West Bank, Arab News, 18 June 2022: Israel warplanes hit Hamas sites in Gaza after rocket fire, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2022: Israel strikes hit Hamas sites after rocket fire: Army, Times of Israel, 19 June 2022: PA demands Israel hand over rifle that may have killed journalist Abu Akleh, Al Arabiya, 19 June 2022: Palestinian shot dead by Israeli forces: Palestinian ministry, Times of Israel, 20 June 2022: NYT probe: Abu Akleh ‘most likely’ killed by IDF, but no indication she was targeted, Haaretz, 20 June 2022: ‘I Got a Rock in the Face’: No Arrests After Series of Attacks on Palestinians in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: Construction begins on new West Bank security barrier, Haaretz, 22 June 2022: Jewish Israeli Arrested After Fatal Stabbing of Palestinian Near Settlement, Al Arabiya, 22 June 2022: Iran tensions, record gas prices push Biden to recalibrate US policy in Middle East, Arab News, 22 June 2022: Biased reporting helps fuel violence in Palestine, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: Knesset defeats two bills to apply sovereignty to West Bank settlements, France24, 22 June 2022: US hints at Arab progress with Israel during Biden trip, Arab News, 22 June 2022: Saudi-Jordanian cooperation ‘a role model’ for the entire Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2022: 24 Democratic senators urge Biden to involve US in investigation of Palestinian journalist’s death, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2022: US envoy to combat antisemitism to make first trip to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Haaretz, 23 June 2022: Nearly Half of Senate Democrats Urge Biden to Investigate Shireen Abu Akleh’s Killing, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2022: Over 20 senators tell Biden to get US ‘directly involved’ in Shireen Abu Akleh probe, NPR, 24 June 2022: Israeli gunfire killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, U.N. says, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2022: Israeli forces likely killed Al Jazeera journalist – UN rights office, Al Arabiya, 24 June 2022: Qatar’s Emir arrives in Egypt in first official visit since boycott, Arab News, 24 June 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah II backs idea of ‘Middle East NATO’, Haaretz, 24 June 2022: UN Rights Office: Al Jazeera Journalist Killed by Israeli Troops, The Guardian, 24 June 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Journalist killed by ‘seemingly well-aimed’ Israeli bullet, UN says, DW, 24 June 2022: UN concludes Israeli forces killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, The National, 24 June 2022: UN says journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli fire, Arab News, 24 June 2022: Qatar’s Emir arrives in Cairo to meet Egypt’s President, Times of Israel, 24 June 2022: After seaside digs dumped by Trump, US ambassador roosts at Jerusalem rental instead, CNN, 24 June 2022: A woman’s brutal killing shocks the Arab world, Al Arabiya, 24 June 2022: Jordan’s king says he supports Middle East military alliance similar to NATO, Haaretz, 25 June 2022: Killing of Al Jazeera Journalist: Israeli Army Is Squandering the Little International Trust Left, Times of Israel, 25 June 2022: Palestinians reportedly assaulted by settlers near illegal West Bank outpost, Al Arabiya, 25 June 2022: Egypt’s president holds talks with visiting Qatari emir, Arab News, 25 June 2022: Israel human rights group targets West Bank settlements expansion, DW, 26 June 2022: Iraqi prime minister visits Tehran to push for Iran-Saudi talks, Haaretz, 26 June 2022: Israel-Palestine Confederation: A Response to Eric Yoffie, France24, 26 June 2022: Nuclear talks between US and Iran to resume ‘in coming days’, Tehran and EU say, Times of Israel, 26 June 2022: Gantz: Israel is building a Middle East air defense alliance against Iran, Haaretz, 26 June 2022: How the Bennett-Lapid Government Ruled Over the West Bank, Arab News, 26 June 2022: Israel forms special military brigade to protect West Bank wall, Times of Israel, 27 June 2022: Jordan gas leak kills at least 13, injures some 250, authorities say, Haaretz, 27 June 2022: Gas Leak in Jordanian Port City Kills 13, Injures Some 250, BBC, 27 June 2022: Toxic gas leak at Jordan’s Aqaba port kills 11, injures hundreds, Haaretz, 27 June 2022: IN PHOTOS: Two Decades of Israel’s Separation Barrier, The National, 27 June 2022: Negev Summit partners upbeat as Israel, US and Arab officials meet in Bahrain, Haaretz, 27 June 2022: Family of Murdered Palestinian Says They Were Arrested for Claiming IDF, Police Were Present During Attack, Jerusalem Post, 28 June 2022: US deplores settler violence, slams Israel at UNSC ahead of Biden’s visit, Haaretz, 28 June 2022: No Change for East Jerusalem, Palestine Chronicle, 28 June 2022: Chomsky on Israeli Apartheid, Celebrity Activists, BDS and the One-State Solution, Haaretz, 28 June 2022: The Gaza Strip: An Israeli Crisis, Not a Climate Crisis, Jerusalem Post, 29 June 2022: US Presbyterian Church: Israel is apartheid state, creates Nakba Remembrance Day, DW, 30 June 2022: A ‘NATO’ for the Middle East?, Arab News, 1 July 2022: Israel’s natural gas windfall is bad news for Palestinians, Al Arabiya, 1 July 2022: Protesters break into Libya’s parliament building in Tobruk: Witnesses, Arab News, 1 July 2022: European Commission restores funding to Palestinan NGO, Palestine Chronicle, 1 July 2022: Jewish Settlers Set Lands on Fire near Bethlehem, Haaretz, 1 July 2022: Rights Group Says Palestinians Torture Detainees, Urges ICC Probe (not sure if this is such a great idea, as it is reported that Israel is torturing detainees in their military prisons they run across the West Bank, too. So, if a ICC probe against Palestine might be started, the ICC might decide to have a closer look at Israel’s prisons in Palestine), Arab News, 1 July 2022: Obstacles to an ‘Arab NATO’, Times of Israel, 2 July 2022: Palestinian Authority hands US bullet that killed Shireen Abu Akleh for examination, Haaretz, 2 July 2022: Palestinians to Hand Over Bullet That Killed Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to U.S., CNN, 2 July 2022: Palestinians to let US examine bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2022: Israel sends observers to military drill in Morocco, NPR, 2 July 2022: The bullet that killed Al Jazeera’s Shireen Abu Akleh has been sent to U.S. officials, DW, 2 July 2022: Shireen Abu Akleh: Palestinians give bullet that killed journalist to US experts, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2022: Palestine to hand over bullet that killed Shireen Abu Akleh to US authorities, Arab News, 2 July 2022: Marshall Plan for the Middle East, Times of Israel, 3 July 2022: Israel to examine bullet that killed Abu Akleh, with Americans present, says IDF (hand over the incriminating evidence to the alleged perpetrator? What can possibly go wrong?), Palestine Chronicle, 3 July 2022: PA Hands Bullet that Killed Shireen Abu Akleh to US for Examination, Haaretz, 3 July 2022: Against Palestinian Demands, Israeli Military Says It’s Examining Bullet That Killed Abu Akleh, Palestine Chronicle, 3 July 2022: Jewish Settlers Brutally Assault Palestinian Elderly near Tulkarm, France24, 3 July 2022: Israel to test bullet that killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, army says, Arab News, 3 July 2022: Israel says it will test bullet that killed reporter, Palestinians disagree, The Guardian, 3 July 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Fresh row as Israel to conduct forensic tests on bullet that killed reporter, Arab News, 3 July 2022: Jordan government blames lack of safety measures for deadly gas leak in Aqaba port, Times of Israel, 3 July 2022: Palestinian teen dies of wounds day after clashing with army — PA, Al Arabiya, 3 July 2022: Palestinian teenager shot by Israeli forces in West Bank dies, Palestine Chronicle, 3 July 2022: Hypocrisy and Double Standards: The FIFA Message to Palestine, the World, CNN, 4 July 2022: US says Israeli military gunfire ?’likely responsible?’ for Shireen Abu Akleh’s death but examination of bullet inconclusive, France24, 4 July 2022: US says shot that killed Al-Jazeera journalist likely fired by Israel, The Guardian, 4 July 2022: Shireen Abu Aqleh: Israeli gunfire probably killed journalist, say US investigators, Haaretz, 4 July 2022: Israeli Fire ‘Likely’ Responsible for Shireen Abu Akleh’s Death, but No Clear Conclusion, U.S. Says, Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2022: Abu Akleh probe inconclusive, but the damage is still done, Arab News, 4 July 2022: Why Israel’s 15-year siege on Gaza has failed, Times of Israel, 4 July 2022: After year-long spat over Holocaust law, Poland says it’s returning envoy to Israel, Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2022: Marshall Plan could solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – WJC president, Times of Israel, 4 July 2022: Israel pushes off contentious E1 settlement project amid US pressure, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2022: Revive Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Macron tells Lapid, Al Arabiya, 5 July 2022: France’s Macron urges new Israel PM to make historical peace with Palestinians, Palestine Chronicle, 6 July 2022: 15 Years of Failed Experiments: Myths and Facts about the Israeli Siege on Gaza, Arab News, 6 July 2022: Jordanian teen receives ‘spine made of rope’, the first-of-its kind in MENA region, Palestine Chronicle, 6 July 2022: America Whitewashing Israel’s Execution Of Shireen Abu Akleh is A Cruel Hoax, Arab News, 6 July 2022: Israeli forces kill Palestinian in West Bank arrest raid, Haaretz, 7 July 2022: Tel Aviv University Is Finally Talking About the Palestinian Village It Was Built On, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2022: EU envoy warns against largest IDF eviction of Palestinians in decades, Times of Israel, 7 July 2022: Planning committee approves two new Jewish villages on Golan Heights, Palestine Chronicle, 7 July 2022: Gaza Beach Comes to Life as Palestine Launches First Surfing Competition (PHOTOS), Haaretz, 7 July 2022: ‘America Will Help End the Occupation’: The Speech Biden Should Give in Israel – but Won’t, The Algemeiner, 7 July 2022: US, Israel Push Arab Allies for Joint Defence Pact Amid Iran Tensions, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2022: Benny Gantz meets with PA President Abbas ahead of Biden visit, Times of Israel, 8 July 2022: Abu Akleh’s family rails at US ‘betrayal,’ asks to meet Biden during trip next week, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2022: Family of Palestinian-American killed in West Bank lashes out at US President Biden, Haaretz, 8 July 2022: Family of Slain Palestinian Journalist Accuses Biden of ‘Betrayal’ After U.S. Probe, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2022: Lapid talks to Abbas ahead of Biden visit – first call by Israeli PM in years, Times of Israel, 8 July 2022: Rare dialogue: Ahead of Biden visit, Lapid, Herzog hold phone calls with PA’s Abbas, Haaretz, 8 July 2022: Gantz Meets Palestinian President Abbas in Ramallah Ahead of Biden Visit, Palestine Chronicle, 9 July 2022: Brazilian Congress Holds Special Session to Express Solidarity with Palestinian People, Politico.com, 9 July 2022: Israel is the real winner of Biden’s meeting with the Saudi crown prince, Palestine Chronicle, 9 July 2022: Blaming Palestinians: Italian Politician Attacks UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine in Parliament (VIDEO), Haaretz, 10 July 2022: The One Thing Biden Needs to Know About the Palestinians, Times of Israel, 10 July 2022: Israel must find new way to deal with Gaza, says PM at ceremony for fallen soldiers, Haaretz, 10 July 2022: Ahead of Biden Visit, Israeli PM Calls for Ties With More Mideast Countries, New Gaza Policy, The National, 10 July 2022: Israel agrees to investigate reports of mass grave for Egyptian soldiers, Haaretz, 10 July 2022: Land for New U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem Was Owned by Palestinians Before 1948, Files Show, The National, 10 July 2022: Biden: goal of Saudi trip is to ‘strengthen’ relations and promote regional integration, Arab News, 10 July 2022: Gaza coastline becomes foremost recreational outlet this summer after sewage cleanup, France24, 10 July 2022: Iraq: Mosul’s long road to recovery, five years after IS group’s defeat, Haaretz, 11 July 2022: Why the Palestinians Should Join the Abraham Accords, The National, 11 July 2022: New Israeli settlement controversy looms ahead of Biden visit to Israel and West Bank, Haaretz, 11 July 2022: Palestinians Reject U.S. Demand for Normalization Between Israel, Arab World, Al Arabiya, 11 July 2022: Growing Israeli West Bank settlements test US position ahead of Biden visit, Al Arabiya, 11 July 2022: Israel hopes Biden visit may lead to common Mideast market, with Saudi Arabia, CNN, 11 July 2022: What not to expect from Biden’s Jerusalem trip, Arab News, 11 July 2022: Status of Jerusalem to feature prominently in Palestinian Authority talks with Biden: PLO secretary-general, The Guardian, 11 July 2022: Palestinian territories: Jenin violence rages two months after death of Al Jazeera journalist, Palestine Chronicle, 12 July 2022: Israel Hopes Biden Visit Will Lead to Common Middle East Market with Saudi Arabia, Times of Israel, 12 July 2022: On eve of Biden trip, White House says Israel-Saudi ties will be a ‘long process’, Palestine Chronicle, 12 July 2022: Rights Group: US Plans to Build Diplomatic Compound on Palestinian Land in East Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2022: Israel halts plans for 2,000 Jewish homes in Jerusalem on Biden visit eve, Forward, 12 July 2022: Welcome to Bethlehem, President Biden. We need your help, NPR, 12 July 2022: Biden’s Middle East trip aims to shore up a relatively calm moment in the region, Palestine Chronicle, 12 July 2022: UN Secretary-General: Israel Killed 78 Palestinian Children in 2021, Arab News, 12 July 2022: How Biden’s visit could affect Israel-Palestine ties, Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2022: Israel advances Palestinian development in Area C on eve of Biden visit, Times of Israel, 12 July 2022: Israel announces series of gestures to Palestinians, a day before Biden’s arrival, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: Israel Okays West Bank Construction for Palestinians Ahead of Biden’s Visit, France24, 12 July 2022: Killing of Palestinian journalist threatens to overshadow Biden’s Israel trip, Arab News, 12 July 2022: Biden wants to deepen Israel’s integration in the region, says White House, Haaretz, 13 July 2022: The New Mideast Strategic Alliance Worries Iran and Russia, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: Russia’s deepening ties with Iran represents a ‘profound threat’: NSA Sullivan, Haaretz, 13 July 2022: 60 Palestinians Killed by Israeli Forces in First Half of 2022, Nearly as Many as All of 2021, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: White House would like East Jerusalem consulate, but talks ongoing: Official, The National, 14 July 2022: What to expect from second day of Biden’s trip to Israel, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: Biden to announce 4G access for Palestinians, but PA not convinced it’ll happen, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Day 2 of Biden’s Mideast Trip: Strategic U.S.-Israel Cooperation, Talks With UAE, Indian Leaders, Palestine Chronicle, 14 July 2022: ‘We Regret We Failed to Protect You’: UN Experts Urge Israel to Free Ahmad Manasra, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: Visiting Biden’s dismissal of two states’ likelihood ‘in near term’ angers PA, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Why the pro-Palestinian Left Doesn’t Want to Be Part of the ‘Circle of Peace’, Arab News, 14 July 2022: Solving Palestinian issue a prerequisite for progress, says Jordan’s former PM Hani Fawzi Mulki as Biden begins Middle East trip, Palestine Chronicle, 14 July 2022: Biden’s Middle East Visit, and Israel’s New Shopping List, Arab News, 14 July 2022: Biden to see ‘a new Iraq’ at the table, PM Al-Kadhimi says, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Live Updates: Biden Backs Two-state Solution Where ‘Both Peoples Enjoy Equal Measures of Freedom’, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: Settler group openly planning establishment of 3 illegal outposts next week, Arab News, 14 July 2022: US, UAE, India and Israel hold first I2U2 summit, Al Arabiya, 14 July 2022: I2U2: Israel, UAE, US, and India launch joint food security, clean energy initiatives, Haaretz, 15 July 2022: Palestinians at End of the Line, Again, Jewish Chronicle, 15 July 2022: President Biden slammed for comparing Israel-Palestine conflict to Britain and NI, Times of Israel, 15 July 2022: In West Bank alongside Abbas, Biden endorses two states but says ‘ground isn’t ripe’, The New York Times, 15 July 2022: Biden’s Mideast Message: Good News for Israel, Small Steps for Palestinians, France24, 15 July 2022: Biden states support for two-state solution, but ‘ground not ripe’ to restart Israel-Palestine talks, Times of Israel, 15 July 2022: At East Jerusalem hospital, Biden pledges $100 million for Palestinian health care, CNN, 15 July 2022: A ‘Middle East NATO’? Why Iran is closely watching Biden’s regional trip, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2022: Abbas called for end to Israeli apartheid in press remarks with Biden, Irish Times, 15 July 2022: Joe Biden compares plight of Palestinians under Israel to that of Irish Catholics under Britain, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2022: Biden: I support two states based on pre-1967 lines, Arab News, 15 July 2022: Biden restates backing for two-state solution but offers no way forward, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2022: Biden visits east Jerusalem without Israeli flag on limousine (from the point of view of the international community East Jerusalem isn’t Israeli. West Jerusalem is only tolerated and not recognized as Israel’s capital. The only internationally recognized capital is Tel Aviv. So there’s no justifiable criticism, or if so, that he didn’t had a Palestinian flag on the limousine), DW, 15 July 2022: Joe Biden: ‘Ground not ripe’ to restart Israeli-Palestinian talks, Palestine Chronicle, 15 July 2022: Biden Brings Palestinians Aid, No New ‘Peace Plan’, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2022: IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza following rocket fire on Israel, Haaretz, 16 July 2022: In Jerusalem, Biden Signs the Palestinians’ Death Certificate, Times of Israel, 16 July 2022: After Gaza rockets, Israel freezes move to allow in 1,500 more workers, Haaretz, 16 July 2022: Biden Pledges 1.4 Billion in Annual Aid to Jordan, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2022: Biden lobbies for regional security alliance with Israel, Arab states, The Algemeiner, 16 July 2022: Gaza Rockets, Israeli Air Strikes Accompany Biden’s Middle East Visit, Haaretz, 16 July 2022: No Normalization With Israel Until Two-state Solution Reached, Saudi FM Says, Palestine Chronicle, 16 July 2022: Israeli Forces Open Fire at Palestinian Fishermen off Gaza, Times of Israel, 16 July 2022: Contradicting Biden, Saudis deny opening of airspace is step toward ties with Israel, The Algemeiner, 16 July 2022: Saudi FM: No Normalization with Israel until Palestinian Two-State Solution, Palestine Chronicle, 16 July 2022: WATCH: Israeli Warplanes Attack Several Locations in the Gaza Strip, DW, 16 July 2022: Biden says the United States remains committed to the Middle East, France24, 16 July 2022: Israeli strikes hit Gaza weapons factory hours after Biden’s West Bank visit, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2022: US ‘not going anywhere,’ will remain engaged partner in Middle East: Biden, Haaretz, 17 July 2022: Palestinians Hold Their Breath Awaiting Biden’s Next Move, Times of Israel, 17 July 2022: Abbas thanks Saudi royals for backing Palestinian cause at Jeddah summit with Biden, Arab News, 18 July 2022: Palestinian residents in West Bank facing severe water crisis, Jerusalem Post, 18 July 2022: Morocco-Israel relationship is a huge beneficiary of new peace era, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: Biden visit proves a far cry from Israel’s fanciful expectations, Al Arabiya, 18 July 2022: UN failing to protect Palestinian children, Arab News, 18 July 2022: Raisi faces new challenge as Sweden sets crucial precedent, Haaretz, 18 July 2022: In Mideast Trip, Biden Uncoupled Israel From the Palestinians, Arab News, 18 July 2022: Selling Germany hydrogen a big opportunity for Egypt, the world: Scholz, Jewish Chronicle, 19 July 2022: Palestinian Authority faces grilling by UN Committee Against Torture, Haaretz, 19 July 2022: Settlement Movement Readies to Erect Series of New West Bank Outposts on Wednesday, Times of Israel, 19 July 2022: Gantz, IDF warn settler activists against ‘illegal’ bid to form West Bank outposts, Haaretz, 19 July 2022: Israeli Arms Exports to Morocco: From Pegasus to Kamikaze Drones, Arab News, 19 July 2022: How Palestinians can win support in pro-Israel America, BBC, 19 July 2022: Ukraine war: Putin visits Iran in rare international trip, CNN, 19 July 2022: Putin arrives in Iran for first trip outside former Soviet Union since his invasion of Ukraine, Times of Israel, 20 July 2022: Thousands of settler activists create mayhem in West Bank campaign, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: How a Jewish Settler Group Raised Millions to Set Up Illegal Outposts, Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2022: Right-wing activists set up six West Bank protest encampments (if they were Palestinians who want to set up illegal Palestinian outposts in Israel, they would be called “right-wing terrorists.” However, since these are Israeli Jews who set up illegal Israeli outposts in Palestine, they are only called “right-wing activists”. Quite remarkable and noticeable and for over a decade the new normal), Israel Hayom, 20 July 2022: Far Left is pushing to make Palestinian ‘return’ a viable option, Palestine Chronicle, 20 July 2022: Palestinian Activists Rock: On Roger Waters and the Students’ Society of McGill University, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Settlers Camp Out in Six Locations Across the West Bank, Planning to Establish New Outposts, Times of Israel, 20 July 2022: After almost two decades, IDF finally admits to using armed drones in airstrikes, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Israeli Military Admits It Uses Attack Drones, France24, 20 July 2022: Macron hosts Abbas for talks, calls for new Mideast peace push, Times of Israel, 20 July 2022: Meeting Palestinian leader Abbas, France’s Macron calls for renewed peace talks, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Situation in Jerusalem, West Bank ‘More Than Worrying,’ Macron Tells Palestinian President Abbas, The National, 20 July 2022: Egypt’s first nuclear power plant under way as Russia’s Rosatom breaks ground, Arab News, 20 July 2022: Rights watchdog condemns arrest of Palestinian journalist by Israeli forces, The Guardian, 20 July 2022: Saif Gaddafi: London life of former playboy who could lead Libya revealed, Times of Israel, 21 July 2022: What the Saudis think about when they think about peace with Israel (from a strategic point of view, an interesting stalemate has emerged, because it doesn’t really matter how the Americans react from now on: Thanks to Netanyahu and Trump, Iran will develop and expand the ability to build the atomic bomb. The Iranian regime can then decide at any time whether it will actually build the bomb or leave it at acquiring the know-how. Should the US expand its military capabilities for on-the-spot deterrence, it would be a signal to Iran to speed up efforts. If the US doesn’t do it, the Iranians will continue at the current pace. The reactivation of the Iran deal may change that. Of course, the Arab Gulf States, who have stepped up their diplomatic efforts towards Iran, also know this. The Emirates are even reinstating their ambassador in Tehran. Israel is just a small building block. The desired purchase of jets, missiles and air defense by the Gulf States from the Americans is rated as much more important), Al Arabiya, 21 July 2022: Israel-Palestinian clashes leave victims in West Bank settlement with heartache, Haaretz, 21 July 2022: Norway Becomes 10th European State to Reject Israel’s Blacklisting of Palestinian NGOs, Palestine Chronicle, 21 July 2022: The Shameful UN ‘List of Shame’: Equating between the Israeli Perpetrator and the Palestinian Victim, Al Arabiya, 21 July 2022: Cameras to replace peacekeepers at strategic Red Sea strait, Times of Israel, 21 July 2022: Police remove all settler activists from illegal outpost, ending massive campaign, Al Arabiya, 21 July 2022: Air Force official expects Iran to resume attacks on US, Times of Israel, 22 July 2022: How Israel nearly turned Biden’s East Jerusalem visit into a diplomatic incident, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: For Israeli Normalization, Everyday Saudis Will Need to Be on Board, Times of Israel, 23 July 2022: Biden unfazed by Saudi denial of advancement in Israel ties — senior US official, Arab News, 23 July 2022: Russia’s Lavrov to visit Egypt during Africa tour, Haaretz, 23 July 2022: ‘Gazans Laugh at the Idea of Israel’s Disengagement. Israel Is Still a Major Factor in Their Lives’, Arab News, 23 July 2022: The right of Palestinians to travel freely is a simple matter of dignity, Palestine Chronicle, 24 July 2022: The Hundred Year War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: IDF unit spends weekend as guests at illegal West Bank outpost, Palestine Chronicle, 24 July 2022: Two Palestinians Killed, 10 Wounded in Israeli Raid on Nablus (VIDEO), The National, 24 July 2022: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Egypt at start of African tour, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: Biden pressing Palestinians to cooperate on Abraham Accords, but Abbas undecided, The National, 24 July 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah says Palestinians must not be marginalised in any regional moves, The Guardian, 24 July 2022: West Bank: Israeli forces kill two Palestinian fighters in gun battle, Al Arabiya, 24 July 2022: Two Palestinians killed in Israel West Bank raid: Palestinian Ministry, Arab News, 25 July 2022: Israel urged to lift blockade on struggling Gaza fishing industry, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2022: Abbas describes Biden visit as ‘big zero’ for Palestinians, Arab News, 25 July 2022: What lies behind Iran’s drones deal with Russia?, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2022: Israel advances 700 Jerusalem Jewish housing plans delayed by Biden visit, Arab News, 25 July 2022: Palestinian leadership needs to rethink its grave mistakes, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: Abu Akleh’s family calls for criminal probe into her killing in Blinken meeting, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Popular Arab Support for the Abraham Accords Is Dropping. Israel Must Take Notice, Times of Israel, 26 July 2022: Meeting Blinken in DC, Abu Akleh family demands independent US probe into her death, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Family of Slain Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh Demands ‘Real Accountability’ in Blinken Meeting, The National, 26 July 2022: Family of killed journalist Shireen Abu Akleh demand ‘justice’ in Washington visit, Arab News, 26 July 2022: Slain Al Jazeera reporter’s family meets Blinken to ‘demand justice for Shireen’, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: UN official: Social media largely controlled by Jewish lobby, NGOs, Arab News, 26 July 2022: Child detentions highlight cruelty of Israeli occupation, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Germany Provides a Kosher Stamp for the Israeli Occupation, Arab News, 26 July 2022: Predatory birds of a feather plotting mayhem together, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: US says it has not seen any signs of Russia buying drones from Iran, Arab News, 27 July 2022: US and Egyptian officials discuss water security, Ethiopian dam, Times of Israel, 27 July 2022: In reversal, High Court rules Mitzpe Kramim outpost can remain on Palestinian land, Haaretz, 27 July 2022: Israel’s Top Court Reverses Ruling on West Bank Outpost, Allowing Settlers to Stay, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Jordan’s King discusses prospect of creating Palestinian state with Israeli PM, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Palestinians must be part of regional economic projects, Jordan King tells Israel PM, Jerusalem Post, 27 July 2022: IDF unveils Hamas sites to be targeted in future Gaza conflicts, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Abbas rival Al-Kidwa launches initiative seeking major political reforms, Times of Israel, 27 July 2022: IDF exposes ‘Hamas sites’ in Gaza civilian areas, in bid to explain future strikes, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Why Europe’s fate matters to the Middle East and North Africa, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Israel accuses Hamas of hiding weapons depots near civilian buildings, Jerusalem Post, 28 July 2022: Moroccan foreign minister to visit Israel in September, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: In DC, Abu Akleh’s family says no help from US for full probe into killing, The Algemeiner, 28 July 2022: Israeli Soldier Reveals She Was ‘Handed Over to Prisoners’ at Gilboa, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: Israel: Disband UN Gaza war probe over member’s ‘antisemitic comments’ (well, the statement was certainly not appropriate, but deriving a generalization and insinuation towards the UN from this is no better, especially since it of course also has the stale aftertaste of “wanting to evade responsibility in the matter”. In Israel, the fear is not being let off the hook this time, and to face consequences for any possible war crimes. The underlying interference here is of course very welcome in order to try to first question the entire investigation and then to reject it entirely. The usual games), Haaretz, 28 July 2022: As Arab-hating Fundamentalists Take Center Stage in Israeli Politics, U.S. Jews Must Step In, The Algemeiner, 28 July 2022: Integrated Mideast Defense System Still Only an Idea, Says US Official, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: Education minister revokes licenses of 6 East Jerusalem schools for incitement, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: U.S. Lawmakers Demand U.S.-led Probe Alongside Shireen Abu Akleh’s Family, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: Palestinian shot after opening fire at military post near Nablus — IDF, Arab News, 28 July 2022: Palestinian lawyers ramp up protests against Abbas governing by ‘decree’ amid the presidency’s silence, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2022: Integrated Mideast defense system still only an idea, says US official, Haaretz, 29 July 2022: Palestinian Teen Killed by Israeli Military Gunfire in the West Bank, Ramallah Says, Times of Israel, 29 July 2022: UN rights council chief tells investigator to clarify ‘Jewish lobby’ remarks, Haaretz, 29 July 2022: West Bank Reality Is Changing Even as Palestinian President Still Sits on His Chair, The Algemeiner, 30 July 2022: Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Rejects ‘Struggle for Power,’ Exiled Leader Says, Times of Israel, 30 July 2022: Palestinian dies days after being shot by IDF while nearing West Bank military post, Haaretz, 30 July 2022: A One-state Solution Means an All-out Jewish-Arab War, Al Arabiya, 30 July 2022: Mentally disabled Palestinian shot by Israel army dies of wounds, Palestine Chronicle, 30 July 2022: U.S. Interests and Pretenses in a Changing Middle East, Haaretz, 30 July 2022: Man Killed in East Jerusalem Shooting, Arab News, 30 July 2022: Jerusalem’s Palestinians speak out, Times of Israel, 31 July 2022: Hamas claims Israel bombed facility holding captive remains of IDF soldier last year, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2022: Israel to advance joint industrial zone with Jordan, Times of Israel, 31 July 2022: Government advances plan for joint industrial park with Jordan, Arab News, 31 July 2022: Israel to accelerate establishment of joint industrial zone with Jordan, Palestine Chronicle, 31 July 2022: EU Condemns Increase in Jewish Settler Violence, France24, 31 July 2022: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI reiterates openness to restoring ties with Algeria, Arab News, 31 July 2022: Morocco’s king reiterates openness to restoring ties with Algeria, Haaretz, 1 August 2022: Report: Israel’s Civil Administration Eases Permits for Palestinians in Exchange for Intel (understandable from the point of view of both sides. Some urgently need information, others want to escape the economic misery. Then you look for a compromise that both sides can live with), Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: Shabtai takes off to Morocco for first official visit by Israel’s top cop, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: Israel Extends Gaza Border Roadblocks, Travel Restrictions for Third Day Fearing Attack, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2022: Senior Islamic Jihad official: We will bomb the center of Israel, Times of Israel, 3 August 2022: Roads around Gaza to remain closed for 3rd day amid fears of Islamic Jihad attack, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: Israelis Refuse to Be Haunted by the Ghosts of Massacres Past. What Does It Mean for the Future?, Palestine Chronicle, 3 August 2022: Why Resistance Matters: Palestinians are Challenging Israel’s Unilateralism, Dominance, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: ‘It Can Be Different’: When Israeli and Palestinian Kids Spend a Rare Day Together, Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2022: Jeremy Corbyn: Pro-Palestinian stance, ‘powerful forces’ led to antisemitism claims, Times of Israel, 4 August 2022: Member of UN Gaza probe says sorry for ‘Jewish lobby’ remark; Israel rejects apology, Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2022: ‘Would you close Tel Aviv?’ Southern Israel residents lash out at gov’t, Haaretz, 4 August 2022: Pressure on Hamas and Islamic Jihad Increases as Power Plant Issues Shutdown Warning, Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2022: UN investigator apologizes for Jewish Lobby remark, Haaretz, 4 August 2022: Israeli Soldiers Shot Mentally Ill Palestinian, His Body Not Returned to Family, Arab News, 4 August 2022: Arab League’s clarion call on Palestine can restore its relevance, Times of Israel, 5 August 2022: Fiasco in the East Room: The trainwreck unveiling of the Trump peace plan, Haaretz, 5 August 2022: Israel Launches New Gaza Operation, Killing ‘Several’ Islamic Jihad Militants, The Guardian, 5 August 2022: Gaza: Israel strikes amid tensions following arrest of Palestinian militant (so the crazy ones have once again triumphed over reason. It was to be expected. It’s amazing that Hamas, of all people, turns out to be the most sensible party here. It is also astonishing that while Israel is successfully committing targeted acts of terrorism in Iran, it believes it has to carry out alleged “precision attacks” with rockets and jets (which are about as precise as the Russian strikes in Ukraine) in the densely populated Gaza Strip. It hardly gets much more cynical and inhuman. Given the ongoing election campaign in Israel, it should be clear that the recipients of the message are the domestic audience, to show that center-right heads of government also carry out such actions and are therefore eligible for election), The New York Times, 5 August 2022: Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Kill Senior Figure in Palestinian Militant Group, CNN, 5 August 2022: Israel launches strikes on Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza, France24, 5 August 2022: Israeli strikes kill several people in Gaza, including senior Islamic militant, The National, 5 August 2022: At least 10 killed including a child in Israeli air strikes on Gaza, Al Arabiya, 5 August 2022: Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza: Official , Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2022: Palestinian Islamic Jihad fires over 100 rockets from Gaza into Israel, Palestien Chronicle, 5 August 2022: Israel Kills, Wounds Many in Ongoing Attacks on Besieged Gaza, BBC, 5 August 2022: Israel attacks Gaza targets after militant threat, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2022: Latest Gaza rocket barrage targets Tel Aviv, central Israel, Palestien Chronicle, 5 August 2022: BREAKING: Israel Kills Eight Palestinians, Including Top Islamic Jihad Leader, Child in Gaza (VIDEOS), Al Arabiya, 5 August 2022: White House calls for calm as violence flares between Gaza, Israel, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2022: Palestinians demand elections as discontent with leadership grows, The Times, 5 August 2022: Israel assassinates Islamic Jihad leader with Gaza airstrikes, Palestien Chronicle, 6 August 2022: 24 Killed in Gaza, over 206 Wounded as Israel Continues to Bomb Besieged Strip (UPDATED), The National, 6 August 2022: Israel-Gaza fighting continues for second day with air strikes and rockets, Al Arabiya, 6 August 2022: 19 members of Palestine’s Islamic Jihad movement arrested in West Bank: Army, Arab News, 6 August 2022: Explosive situation in Gaza following Friday’s bloodbath, Times of Israel, 6 August 2022: As Islamic Jihad sparks Gaza-Israel conflict, all eyes are on Hamas, Haaretz, 6 August 2022: Live Updates: Islamic Jihad Sends Volley of Rockets Toward Central Israel, Sirens Sound in Tel Aviv, Al Arabiya, 6 August 2022: Day two of Israel, Palestinian conflict sees fighting, arrests, rising death toll, Arab News, 6 August 2022: Air strikes, rocket attacks push Israel, Gaza into second day of fighting, Palestine Chronicle, 6 August 2022: Condemn Latest Israeli Attack on Gaza, Canadian Complicity, Haaretz, 6 August 2022: Hamas Has Not Yet Fired Rockets, and Will Determine Whether Battle Becomes War, Al Arabiya, 6 August 2022: Gaza’s sole power plant shuts over lack of fuel: Spokesman, Arab News, 6 August 2022: Iran Guards say Israel facing ‘heavy price’ for attacks in Gaza, The Hill, 6 August 2022: Disrupting Palestinian Islamic Jihad a smart play by Israel, Politico.eu, 6 August 2022: Israel-Gaza fighting continues for second day as death toll rises, Al Arabiya, 6 August 2022: Israeli aggression on Gaza ‘flagrant defiance of international law’: Arab Parliament, The Algemeiner, 6 August 2022: Explainer: Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Group Targeted by Israel in Gaza, Irish Times, 6 August 2022: Israel and Gaza militants exchange fire after deadly strikes, Palestine Chronicle, 6 August 2022: Gaza this Evening: Israeli Aggression and Palestinian Resistance (PHOTOS), The Guardian, 6 August 2022: Palestinian territories: Israel bombs Gaza Strip for second day in ‘pre-emptive operation’, DW, 6 August 2022: Israel preparing for weeklong Gaza operation, Haaretz, 7 August 2022: The Patterns Entrenching Israel in Conflict, Arab News, 7 August 2022: UN Security Council will meet to discuss Israeli attack on Gaza: Palestine’s UN Ambassador, NPR, 7 August 2022: At least 36 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the weekend, Times of Israel, 7 August 2022: 580 rockets fired from Gaza since Friday; Iron Dome at 97% success rate, Haaretz, 7 August 2022: Live Updates: Israel-Gaza Cease-fire Set to Go Into Effect, Reports Say, The National, 7 August 2022: Egypt leads effort for Gaza ceasefire, Times of Israel, 7 August 2022: Efforts underway for Egypt-brokered full ceasefire between Israel and Islamic Jihad, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2022: LIVE BLOG: IDF warns of deadly barrage before 11:30 p.m. ceasefire, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2022: Israeli airstrike hits main street in Gaza City, Haaretz, 7 August 2022: TIMELINE: How the Latest Israel-Gaza Flare-up Unfolded, Times of Israel, 7 August 2022: Islamic Jihad expands rocket range, firing at Jerusalem and Beersheba, France24, 7 August 2022: Israel kills second Islamic Jihad leader, Gaza death toll mounts, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2022: Close to 1,000 rockets fired toward Israel since Friday evening, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2022: Four children killed in Gaza as death toll rises to 41: Health ministry, Haaretz, 7 August 2022: ‘All Top Islamic Jihad Security Officials in the Gaza Strip Have Been Assassinated,’ Israeli Army Says, Arab News, 7 August 2022: Saudi Arabia leads condemnations of Israel’s storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2022: Rockets from Gaza Strip intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2022: Gaza power plant closes, Palestinians have 4 hours of electricity daily, BBC, 7 August 2022: Israel-Gaza: Talks under way to broker ceasefire in Gaza, DW, 7 August 2022: Israel, Gaza militants agree to Egypt-brokered cease-fire, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2022: Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli attack on Gaza Strip: Foreign ministry statement, Arab News, 7 August 2022: Israeli airstrike kills 2nd top Islamic Jihad commander, death toll rises, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2022: Palestinians sift through rubble at Gaza camp hit in Israeli strike, Irish Times, 7 August 2022: Israel and Gaza militants agree truce, sources say, The Guardian, 7 August 2022: Gaza: Reports of truce between Israel and Palestine Islamic Jihad after days of fighting, France24, 7 August 2022: Gaza power plant restarts, Israel reopens border crossings as truce holds, The Algemeiner, 8 August 2022: UN Official Defends Palestinian ‘Right to Resist’ Israeli ‘Occupation’ (it is exactly like that. International law presides that those living under occupation can and should resist the occupiers. However, it also stipulates that a willingness to negotiate must be shown. The latter has not always or sufficiently been made clear by the Palestinians in recent years. On the other hand, every Israeli prime minister since Netanyahu has acknowledged that there will be no peace agreement with Palestine during his tenure. It is therefore irrelevant whether the Palestinians are willing to negotiate or not, because the occupying power has repeatedly made it clear that it doesn’t want peace, or only on it’s own terms, which would amount to the utter destruction of everything Palestinian. The enormous number of illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine are only a foretaste of this. For occupiers, international law lays down even more far-reaching obligations, including the protection and care of the civilian population. Israel does not, if at all, adequately comply with this. Instead, for humanitarian reasons, the UN, the EU and the US must do the job that the Israelis are only partially willing to do), Jerusalem Post, 8 August 2022: Int’l media has once again shown its true colors toward Israel (as a decades-long observer of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I have seen or read reports of riots and wars between the parties from a wide variety of perspectives. One learns very quickly that after the loss of human life and the countless injuries, the truth in the reporting of both parties to the dispute is also lost, as is the case in almost all wars in this world. If you put the reports from Israel and Palestine together, there is usually a (very) small overlap somewhere. It often turns out that this (very) small overlap corresponds to the truth. The remainder is often propaganda and/or filler words intended to support one’s own point of view. You first have to come to the realization yourself in order to read reports about the various conflicts with a corresponding dose of skepticism in general), Palestine Chronicle, 8 August 2022: On the Latest Round of Gaza’s Suffering and Sumoud: How Mainstream News Gets it Wrong Yet Again, Haaretz, 8 August 2022: Israel’s Military Success Pushes Gaza Solution Even Further Away, The National, 8 August 2022: Gaza ceasefire holding after late flurry of attacks, Arab News, 8 August 2022: UN Security Council to meet over Gaza fighting, Haaretz, 8 August 2022: How Israel Attacked Gaza and Radicalized Yet More Palestinians (when the answers come in from the Gaza Strip, the Israeli government will again howl at the moon and plaintively cry, “Oh, how could this have happened? We are such peaceful people and we don’t deserve this.” Then a voice is heard from heaven saying, “You’re lying to yourself!”), Times of Israel, 8 August 2022: Lapid offers a new path to residents of Gaza: Livelihood, dignity and peace, Arab News, 8 August 2022: As Israel-Palestinian truce holds, Gaza power plant restarts, DW, 8 August 2022: Israel: Fragile cease-fire with Palestinian militants in Gaza holding, Arab News, 8 August 2022: US wrong to greenlight Israel’s unprovoked attack on Gaza, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2022: Palestinian official assassinated in Lebanon just hours after Gaza truce, Times of Israel, 9 August 2022: IDF says it ‘significantly’ damaged Islamic Jihad during Gaza operation, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2022: Gaza needs int’l intervention, South African ruling party says, Palestine Chronicle, 9 August 2022: Anadolu: Palestine Needs ‘New Vision for Liberation’ as Israel Bombs Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2022: WATCH: This is how the IDF killed the terrorist in Nablus – play-by-play, The National, 9 August 2022: Israeli forces kill three Palestinians in Nablus raid, France24, 9 August 2022: Israeli forces kill several, wound dozens in West Bank raid, Palestine Chronicle, 9 August 2022: Israel Kills Three Palestinians in Nablus, Including Top Fatah Commander, Times of Israel, 9 August 2022: Pentagon backs off Jerusalem security coordinator downgrade amid lawmaker pressure (now that the story is out, and regardless of the outcome, Israel and Palestine have now been shown where America’s interests do not lie: continuing to throw good money after bad), The National, 9 August 2022: Washington’s Museum of the Palestinian People mourns deaths in Gaza, France24, 9 August 2022: UN holds emergency session on Gaza as fragile truce holds, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Hamas’ Pragmatism Creates a New Partner for Israel, CNN, 9 August 2022: Three Palestinians killed as Israel launches new raid against suspected militants in the West Bank, Arab News, 9 August 2022: Flights for West Bank Palestinians to Turkey to start at end of August, Al Arabiya, 9 August 2022: West Bank Palestinians to start flying from Israel’s Ramon Airport to Turkey, DW, 9 August 2022: Israel kills 2 militants in West Bank gun battle, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Europe Has Given Up on the Palestinians, Arab News, 9 August 2022: Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire prevented all-out war but remains fragile, UN Security Council hears, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Israel’s Economy Barely Felt Gaza Operation. War With Hezbollah Would Be Different, Palestine Chronicle, 10 August 2022: Without Palestine, There is No Arab Unity: Why Normalization with Israel Will Fail, Haaretz, 10 August 2022: Israel Says Illegal Outpost at Homesh to Be Evacuated, Tells High Court Not to Intervene, Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2022: Russian embassy slams PM Lapid for ‘disdain of Palestinians’ lives’, Haaretz, 10 August 2022: Israel Demolished a Palestinian’s Home in Violation of Court Orders. He Now Lives in a Tent With His Children, Times of Israel, 10 August 2022: After Gaza fighting, Russia says Lapid’s Ukraine war criticism is ‘double standard’, Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2022: State affirms Homesh yeshiva demolition to court, but doesn’t set date, The Algemeiner, 10 August 2022: ‘Isolated’ Russia Seeks to Pressure Israel Through Squeeze on Jewish Agency, Says Sharansky, Haaretz, 10 August 2022: ‘Double Standard’: Russia Blasts Israel’s Lapid Over Gaza Operation, Arab News, 10 August 2022: Truth the first victim of Israeli war on Gaza, Palestine Chronicle, 11 August 2022: When Will the West Publicly Endorse the Right of the Palestinians to Defend Themselves?, Times of Israel, 11 August 2022: After another round in Gaza, Lapid said, ‘There is another way to live.’ Here’s how, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: More U.S. Jews Moved to West Bank Settlements in 2021 Than Any Other Year in Past Decade, Palestine Chronicle, 11 August 2022: Israeli Army Detains Many Palestinians across Occupied West Bank, Times of Israel, 11 August 2022: Condition of hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner deteriorates to ‘life-threatening’, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: I Deleted My Tweet, but Israel Is Rightly Suspected of Killing Children, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: ‘Al-Nabulsi, we’ll carry on your legacy,’ Canada activists praise terrorist, Times of Israel, 11 August 2022: Security forces dismantle illegal West Bank outpost Ramat Migron, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: Gaza Girl Succumbs to Wounds Days After Israeli Strike, Bringing Death Toll to 48, Arab News, 11 August 2022: UN rights chief sounds alarm at number of Palestinian children killed, condemns lack of accountability, DW, 11 August 2022: Gaza and South Israel: How are people coping after the latest offensive?, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2022: Operation Breaking Dawn: What’s changed in the Israel-Gaza conflict?, Times of Israel, 12 August 2022: Losing battle with IDF, Palestinians in firing zone face largest expulsion since ’67, Haaretz, 12 August 2022: In Latest Gaza Fighting, Israel Contradicted Its Own Strategy, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2022: Civilian casualties: The real cost of Operation Breaking Dawn, Times of Israel, 12 August 2022: Footage shows IDF delayed strike on Islamic Jihad position due to young girl at site, Haaretz, 12 August 2022: How to Cover Up a Massacre, The National, 13 August 2022: Egypt gets 13 new ministers in Cabinet reshuffle, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2022: Hamas, PIJ ‘attracting’ many Palestinians, top Fatah official tells Post, Haaretz, 13 August 2022: Why Didn’t Hamas Join Islamic Jihad Against Israel? Ideology, Times of Israel, 13 August 2022: In 2021, American immigrants again moved to settlements far more than other arrivals, Haaretz, 13 August 2022: Arab Allies Nix Abraham Accords Summit in Israel, Citing Upcoming Election, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2022: ‘Zionists, go home!’ chanted at anti-Israel protest in London, Haaretz, 13 August 2022: Uninvolved: These Are the 36 Palestinian Civilians Killed During Israel’s Gaza Op, Palestine Chronicle, 13 August 2022: Jewish Settlers Destroy Portion of EU-Funded Water Pipeline in Jordan Valley, Arab News, 13 August 2022: The hostilities in Gaza are over, for now, but…, Times of Israel, 13 August 2022: Senior UN official loses her post after tweet condemning PIJ rocket fire at Israel, Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: UN should reinstate staffer sacked for tweet against ‘indiscriminate rocket fire’ – Erdan, Times of Israel, 14 August 2022: IDF official says Gaza exports have soared, as Israel seeks to incentivize calm, Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: Trump letter authorized Israeli sovereignty in West Bank – exclusive, Haaretz, 14 August 2022: U.S. Offers ‘Sympathies and Support’ to American Victims of Jerusalem Shooting Attack, Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: Several Americans wounded in Jerusalem terror attack, Al Arabiya, 14 August 2022: Seven injured, two seriously, in Jerusalem attack: Police , Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: Terror groups applaud Jerusalem attack, urge more ‘heroic operations’, Arab News, 14 August 2022: Israeli government accused of increasing settlement activities, Palestine Chronicle, 14 August 2022: Gaza Beach after the Israeli War: Photos and a Poem, CNN, 14 August 2022: Five Americans among injured in Jerusalem shooting attack, Arab News, 15 August 2022: Lebanon denounces the use of its airspace to bomb Syria, Times of Israel, 15 August 2022: Confirming Israeli account, some Gazans acknowledge PIJ rockets landed inside Strip, Arab News, 15 August 2022: Israel’s ‘tactical victory’ in Gaza will be short-lived, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2022: Israel came out on top in Gaza op, but Hamas won diplomatically – former general, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: Palestinian President Abbas Skirts Apology for 1972 Munich Attack (I still remember times when you could hear such speeches from all the colorful personalities of the MENA region almost every day. In comparison, the interaction today is downright calm, peaceful and almost friendly. That’s why such failures are of course all the more noticeable. Chancellor Scholz seems to have triggered a flashback in President Abbas, who isn’t quite fresh and fit anymore. Comparisons with the singular event of the Holocaust are of course not forbidden, especially since you need a comparative value, but it still doesn’t make sense, especially since a genocide would first of all have to be a genocide. For this to happen, however, the number of Palestinians would have to have been significantly reduced by murder. In fact, the number of Palestinians is growing year after year. Ethnic cleansing, i.e. the (violent) expulsion of Palestinians, cannot be dismissed out of hand, but this has absolutely nothing to do with genocide. The term “apartheid” is also not appropriate, at least not for Israel within the borders of 1967. There, tangible racism against non-Jews is represented. In Palestinian East Jerusalem and the West Bank, particularly in and around the illegal Israeli settlements there, this is far less clear. Despite all the excitement, one should not overlook the obvious: Abbas says it, while especially in the countries that have already concluded the so-called “normalization agreements” with Israel or want to conclude them, the image of Israel is largely unchanged, it’s just not said open/public. Then there is the question of what is better: Knowing where you stand or having to play guesswork? In the United Arab Emirates there is something like a code of conduct, which specifies how Emiratis should position themselves on certain topics and how the Emiratis should represent the Emirates to the outside world. It’s not particularly democratic, but it’s obviously effective), Times of Israel, 16 August 2022: At Abbas’s side, German leader rejects his use of ‘apartheid’ in reference to Israel (it is striking how in the summer of 2022 people are trying almost desperately to draw Israel and Jewish life in Germany into the center of public attention – and despite the use of overdrawing, overstretching and the economy of constant excitement, they do not succeed. It is probably also due to the fact that there are currently many more significant challenges and crises to be overcome. Maybe a different strategy is needed. In any case, the “market chanting” obviously leads to nothing. That’s good on the one hand, but on the other hand it doesn’t lead to objectification, at least not for the moment, and that’s not good), Haaretz, 16 August 2022: ‘The Most Heinous Crime in Human History’: Palestinian President Walks Back ’50 Holocausts’ Accusation After Drawing Worldwide Ire, CNN, 17 August 2022: Outrage over Palestinian leader’s ’50 Holocausts’ remark, Times of Israel, 16 August 2022: Settlers establish first ultra-Orthodox illegal West Bank outpost, DW, 16 August 2022: Germany’s Scholz rejects use of ‘apartheid’ to describe Israel, Times of Israel, 16 August 2022: Plan shelved to turn historic Arab village at Jerusalem entrance into luxury housing (the village is located in Palestinian East Jerusalem, which is why the article matters), Palestine Chronicle, 17 August 2022: Mass Arrests in West Bank Continue, Two Palestinians Wounded, France24, 17 August 2022: Germany’s Scholz slams Palestinian leader’s ‘unacceptable’ Holocaust remark, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2022: Palestinians defend Abbas’s holocaust remarks, denounce Israeli ‘incitement’, Times of Israel, 17 August 2022: Mahmoud Abbas’s lifelong falsification of Jewish history, Palestine Chronicle, 17 August 2022: These Are Israel’s Financial Losses from Its Latest War on Gaza, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2022: Anti-Israel orgs plan to protest 125th anniversary of the first Zionist Congress (bringing the conflict from the Levant to Europe and levantizing it here too will produce the same results as in the Levant itself: none. Instead, the intractability of the conflict is becoming more and more globalized), Palestine Chronicle, 17 August 2022: Israel’s Premature ‘Victory’ Celebration: The Defining War in Gaza Is Yet to Be Fought, Times of Israel, 17 August 2022: Palestinians aim to gain full UN member state status, but US law stands in their way, Palestine Chronicle, 17 August 2022: EU Officials Visit War-Devastated Gaza, Donate 97 Million Euro to UNRWA, Haaretz, 17 August 2022: Not Even the Shoah Can Guarantee Germany’s Duty to Israel Today, DW, 17 August 2022: Olaf Scholz should have shut down Mahmoud Abbas — he failed (but you can overdo it too. Whether and when Scholz commented on Abba’s statements is ultimately irrelevant. After all, Abbas has been dropping such comparisons on various occasions for years, so that they no longer need to be commented on, especially since it is clear that they are inaccurate. Trying to blame Scholz for not immediately reciting memorized sayings is downright ridiculous. Scholz is not my chancellor, but wanting to turn such a big wheel because of such a trifle is clearly overshooting the mark), The Algemeiner, 17 August 2022: Jewish Leaders Rebuke Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for Trivializing Holocaust, DW, 17 August 2022: Scholz reaction to Abbas’ Holocaust remarks draws criticism, Irish Times, 17 August 2022: A moment of hesitation that Olaf Scholz will have plenty of time to regret, Politico.eu, 17 August 2022: Olaf Scholz slammed over (non)reaction to Palestinian leader’s Holocaust remarks, The Algemeiner, 18 August 2022: UAE-Israel Trade Reaches $1.4 Billion This Year So Far, Surpassing All of 2021, Middle East Eye, 18 August 2022: Bella Hadid says she lost modelling jobs for supporting Palestine, Times of Israel, 18 August 2022: Military chief says IDF forces struck ‘third country’ during recent Gaza fighting, Haaretz, 18 August 2022: Abbas’ Holocaust Scandal Reveals a Bitter Truth About Germany, The Algemeiner, 18 August 2022: Why the World Won’t Care About Abbas’ ‘Holocaust’ Lie, Arab News, 18 August 2022: Young Palestinians losing interest in politics, poll shows, Haaretz, 19 August 2022: German Police Investigate Abbas’ Holocaust Comments, Times of Israel, 19 August 2022: Berlin police investigate Abbas for incitement to hatred over ’50 holocausts’ remark, France24, 19 August 2022: US says ‘concerned’ by Israeli raids on Palestinian rights groups, Haaretz, 19 August 2022: Gaza Flare-up Leaves New Israel-Egypt Tensions in Its Wake, Arab News, 19 August 2022: Palestinian killed in Israeli West Bank raid: Palestinian ministry, Al Arabiya, 19 August 2022: Palestinian man killed in Israeli West Bank raid: Palestinian ministry, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2022: Israel delays plan to allow W?est Bank Palestinians to fly out of Ramon Airport, Haaretz, 21 August 2022: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, This Is What’s Really Disgusting, The Guardian, 21 August 2022: Israel: Palestinian flight plan shelved on eve of first scheduled departure, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2022: Mahmoud Abbas to leave for official Turkey visit on Erdogan’s invitation, The Algemeiner, 21 August 2022: Mahmoud Abbas Highlights a German Problem, The National, 22 August 2022: Leaders of UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq to meet on Tuesday, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: Gantz: Jerusalem is Israel’s; can’t be the Palestinians’, too (well, the rest of the world has a pretty different opinion about the topic and so does Palestine. After all, the so-called “Jerusalem Law” has already been declared “null and void” several times by the UN. Tel Aviv is still the capital of Israel. The status for West Jerusalem is “tolerated” and nothing more), Haaretz, 22 August 2022: Israel Postpones Opening of Airport to Palestinians After Pilot Flight, Times of Israel, 22 August 2022: EU top diplomat ‘deeply concerned’ by Israeli raids on Palestinian NGOs, Arab News, 22 August 2022: CIA finds no evidence for Israeli ‘terror’ label for Palestinian rights groups, The Guardian, 22 August 2022: CIA unable to corroborate Israel’s ‘terror’ label for Palestinian rights groups, The National, 22 August 2022: Report shows CIA cannot corroborate Israel’s ‘terror’ designation of 6 Palestinian NGOs, Arab News, 22 August 2022: Israeli dream of eternal impunity becoming a reality, Haaretz, 22 August 2022: ‘Biblical Mandate’: The U.S. Evangelicals Behind the Latest West Bank Land Grab, Times of Israel, 22 August 2022: Shin Bet said to warn Palestinian Authority to stay out of Israel’s elections, Palestine Chronicle, 22 August 2022: US Hypocrisy and Israeli Crimes, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2022: Egypt’s al-Sisi to host five-state Arab summit, Palestine Chronicle, 22 August 2022: Message of Palestinian Resistance is Clear: No Surrender to Apartheid Israel, Times of Israel, 23 August 2022: Erdogan welcomes Abbas to Turkey a week after fully restoring ties with Israel, Arab News, 23 August 2022: Israel’s attempt to demolish buildings, facilities in West Bank condemned, Haaretz, 23 August 2022: Both Palestinian Authority and Eilat Mayor Condemn First ‘Israeli-Palestinian’ Flight Taking Off From Israel, Arab News, 23 August 2022: Western media bias makes Israeli war on Palestinians possible, The National, 23 August 2022: Last section of Beirut port’s northern grain silos collapses, Arab News, 23 August 2022: Special interview: Abraham Accords have ‘not fundamentally changed Palestinians’ situation,’ says EU envoy).

2021_hrw_world_report

israel_palestine0421_web_0


Iran Deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)
However, in the medium and long term, the events can have a positive effect for Israel, especially since the Gulf States, especially Saudi Arabia (Sunni Islam), and their regional allies are currently seeking for more allies against Iran (Shia crescent – predecessors in parts of the region were, among others, the Assassins). Israel, not much beloved and esteemed in the Arab world, would be eligible, according to the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend” (Iran–Saudi Arabia relations and Iran–Israel relations). Conversely, Israel need every ally in the region that the country can find and can’t be picky. Benjamin Netanyahu will enjoy this, especially as he can continue his personal vendetta (Yonatan Netanyahu), which has now been going on for almost 40 years, with all the means at his disposal against Arab states in the Levant, Iran and in particular against Palestinians. Among other things, he succeeded to trick George W. Bush in a war with Iraq under false pretenses (Iraq allegedly has an arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, which turned out to be a blatant lie – French President Nicolas Sarkozy and American President Barack Obama about Netanyahu’s personality: The Guardian, 8 November 2011 Sarkozy: Netanyahu’s a ‘liar’). Netanyahu was against the Iran deal, which was arduously negotiated between the P5+1 and Iran over the years, from the beginning, especially since the agreement has clearly fenced Iran in this point and by doing so is no longer suitable as an “enemy”. Of course, this needs to be changed immediately from Netanyahu’s point of view. Netanjahu is currently trying his for intelligence-minded people easy to understand game (Iran would allegedly violate the Iran deal and continue to build a nuclear bomb (The New York Times, 3 March 2015: Mr. Netanyahu’s Unconvincing Speech to Congress, The Guardian, 30 April 2018: Nuclear deal: Netanyahu accuses Iran of cheating on agreement, National Review, 28 August 2017: How to Get Out of the Iran Nuclear Deal), but according to his own words this should be crowned with success already tomorrow for the past 30 years) to push the intellectually overwhelmed #45 (whose “work” and “accomplishments” are characterized by being unable to develop own successful strategies and, due to this considerable deficit, thus it is limited to wiping out the nationally and internationally acclaimed achievements by his outstanding predecessor, US President Barack Obama. If the situation weren’t that serious, one would have to laugh about the duo Netanyahu and Trump (The New York Times, 9 July 2019: Who Is a Bigger Threat to His Democracy: Bibi or Trump?), which inevitably reminds of Pinky and the Brain – The Guardian, 9 March 2018: Meet Donald Trump’s twin: Benjamin Netanyahu) into an altercation with Iran (Iran–United States relations). Certainly, no one does need to place bets on it if this will work or not. The intellectual resources of the current US president aren’t big enough to see through the game. After Netanyahu’s theatrical performance, followed by big applause from (at the moment) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a similar statement from Washington was declared (The Guardian, 24 December 2003: Pakistan admits it may be source of Iran’s nuclear expertise, Irish Times, 11 March 2005: Pakistan says Khan supplied key nuclear technology to Iran, Haaretz, 20 May 2015: Pakistan Is the Only Muslim Nuclear State – So Why Is Israel’s Hysteria Reserved for Iran?, BBC, 1 May 2018: Israel’s Iran documents show nuclear deal ‘was built on lies’, Haaretz, 30 April 2018: Trump: Netanyahu’s Speech on Iran Deal Proves That I Was 100% Right on Iran Deal, The Guardian, 1 May 2018: Europeans cast doubt on Israel’s claims about Iran nuclear breaches, The New York Times, 1 May 2018: Netanyahu’s Flimflam on Iran, DW, 1 May 2018: Netanyahu slideshow reinforces need for Iran nuclear deal, says EU, BBC, 1 May 2018 Iran nuclear row: Tehran says Israel’s Netanyahu lied, Reuters, 6 May 2018: Macron warns of risk of war if Trump withdraws from Iran deal, Haaretz, 6 May 2018: Netanyahu: Iran Must Be Stopped, Even if It Means Conflict – and Better Sooner Than Later, The Guardian, 6 May 2018: Fate of Iran nuclear deal at stake as UK foreign secretary heads to Washington, and New York Times, 15 May 2018: Allies at Cross-Purposes: Trump Puts Europe Into Damage-Control Mode). The whole of the theatrical spectacle organized by the US President and Netanyahu in favor of the dissolution of the Iranian agreement, that Iran fully complies to, overshadows two major aspects due to the volume of the two aforementioned show master: First, the entire Israeli security architecture (intelligence services and the IDF leadership) is backing the Iran deal in full (“It’s much better to have this deal than none!”). Secondly, neither the US President nor Netanyahu provide viable alternatives to the existing agreement, so that the opposition against it turns out to be pure and dangerous nonsense that threatens the security of Europe and would damage the credibility of treaties with the US for decades. An agreement similar to the Iran deal with North Korea would off the table as well (at the end of May 2018 happened what was already expected: The “great dealmaker” #45 failed during at the negotiations with North Korea as well – The New York Times, 24 May 2018: Trump’s Relationship With North Korea Just Got More Dangerous. Apparently, it doesn’t stop North Korea and South Korea in its negotiations. Who would have thought that one day a North Korean dictator would act smarter than a US president? Xinhua News Agency, 26 May 2018: Moon, Kim hold second summit in Panmunjom. If you look at the overall situation with humor, then a quote from the US sitcom Last Man Standing come to mind: “Why are there so many designer diseases like ADHD and allergies in the US? In the days back, we used to have measles and mumps and we just ignored everything else. Today, the North Koreans don’t even need a nuclear bomb because they could kill half of the US population with a single glass of peanut butter!”). It is certainly true that additional agreements on the ballistic missile programs with Iran would be desirable, but the amateur spectacle delivered by the US President and Netanyahu isn’t only not purposeful but extremely counterproductive. In addition to the foreign policy aspects obviously domestic policy aspects play a major role here. The US president tries to distract from the numerous affairs before (Trump / Russia – A definitive History by Seth Hettena, BBC, 3 May 2018: Why the Stormy Daniels-Donald Trump story matters, The Guardian, 6 May 2018: ‘Trump’s going to be forced to resign’: Stormy Daniels’ lawyer predicts a fall, Bloomberg, 26. August 2018: The Prosecutors Who Have Declared War on the President and France24, 27 February 2019: ‘Conman’ Trump broke law in office, Cohen tells Congress in explosive testimony) and during his first term to reach a second term. His voters forgive him all of his disastrous missteps anyway. Netanyahu in turn tries to distract him from the numerous corruption and fraud allegations (New York Times, 2 March 2018: Benjamin Netanyahu Is Questioned in 3rd Corruption Case in Israel, CNN, 2 December 2018: Israeli police say there’s enough evidence to indict Benjamin Netanyahu in a third corruption case, Haaretz, 2 December 2018: Police: Charge Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu With Bribery in Telecom Case, France24, 2 December 2018: Israeli police recommand indicting Netanyahu in graft probe, The Guardian, 2 December 2018: Police recommend indicting Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery charges (Trial of Benjamin Netanyahu), The New York Times, 3 December 2018: Netanyahu’s Obsession With Image Could Be His Downfall, NBC News, 3 December 2018: Israel police recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be charged with bribery, Haaretz, 3 December 2018: Almost Half of All Israelis Fear ‘Grave Danger’ to Democracy in Their Country, The New York Times, 5 December 2018: Suspected of Crimes, Netanyahu Is Also Suspected of Fear-Mongering, Times of Israel, 6 January 2019: Ex-Supreme Court justice likens Netanyahu’s rhetoric to crime boss threats, BBC, 22 May 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu: What are the corruption charges?) against him (his wife Sara Netanyahu make a start here: The Washington Post, 21 June 2018: Sara Netanyahu not first leader’s wife accused of corruption, Haaretz, 7 October 2018: Judge in Sara Netanyahu Fraud Trial Gives Sides One Additional Month to Reach Deal, Washington Post, 7 October 2018: Lifestyle of Israeli prime minister’s wife under scrutiny as she goes on trial in Jerusalem, BBC, 16 June 2019: Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife Sara admits misusing public funds, Times of Israel, 16 June 2019: Sara Netanyahu convicted of misusing state funds, says she’s ‘suffered enough’, The Guardian, 16 June 2019: Israeli court convicts Sara Netanyahu for misusing state funds, France24, 16 June 2019: Israeli court convicts, fines Netanyahu’s wife for misusing public funds, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2020: Two employees suspected of lying in favor of Sara Netanyahu during trial and “Like father, like son”: The Guardian, 17 December 2018: Netanyahu’s son banned from Facebook over hate speech – Times of Israel, 13 September 2017: The troll of Balfour Street, Times of Israel, 21 August 2019: Losing bite, friendlier state watchdog is accused of being Netanyahu’s poodle). Apparently, it has become a “good habit” among Israeli leading politicians of the past years to take appropriate prison sentences after the end of their terms. In addition, after losing his immunity status, Netanyahu will rarely leave Israel, especially since numerous international arrest warrants are waiting for him, including two from Spain. Nevertheless, it happened as expected: On May 8, 2018, #45 announced, expressly based on Netanyahu’s fairy tales (not to say lies), the withdrawal from the Iran deal and renewed the sanctions (and the addition of further sanctions) against Iran, which were stopped under the fantastic President Barack Obama on the basis of the Iran deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). The US is responding to Netanyahu’s expressed desire to allow Iran to build/obtain nuclear weapons (The Guardian, 8 May 2018: Iran deal: Trump breaks with European allies over ‘horrible, one-sided’ nuclear agreement). Netanyahu is delighted to welcome the expected economic deterioration and the resulting unrest in Iran, especially since a destabilizing effect would be very accommodating to his plans of attack, for which again US soldiers will be sacrificed (as in the case of Iraq when Netanyahu tricked Bush Junior into the Iraq war), instead of Israeli soldiers. Not a good day for peace in the Middle East and the security of Europe – above all, it will be remembered who is responsible for it, namely Benjamin Netanyahu and then the duped by him Donald Trump (and his masterminds and stooges Leo Strauss (The Claremont Institue, and the The Heritage Foundation – The Guardian, 8 May 2018: Obama condemns ‘misguided’ violation of Iran deal as Republicans cheer move, Washington Post, 8 May 2018: Trump’s Iran decision just brought us closer to war, USA TODAY, 8 May 2018: Obama: Trump withdrawing from Iran deal is ‘serious mistake,’ turns our back on U.S. allies, New York Times, 8 May 2018: Trump Vandalizes the Iran Deal, Times of Israel, 17 July 2018: In recording, Netanyahu boasts Israel convinced Trump to quit Iran nuclear deal, The Guardian, 10 May 2018 :Israel has hit nearly all Iranian infrastructure in Syria, military claims, The New York Times, 23 May 2018: Deep in the Desert, Iran Quietly Advances Missile Technology, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2019: Ambassador urges Germany to change anti-Israel stance at U.N., Times of Israel, 12 May 2019: Germany vows to back Israel at UN, in apparent break from past record (while in the real world, Germany isn’t voting against Israel, instead in very own and EU interests, which is, of course, the N° 1 priority of all German governments. Then and only then, the interests of foreign countries are taken into account. On the other hand, Israel sees itself as a possible EU member country and should ask itself, why its state interests are so fundamentally different to those of EU States and at the same time make a EU membership widely impossible – Auswärtiges Amt, 11 May 2019: Foreign Minister Maas on Israel in the United Nations)). After Israel’s renewed and massive air strikes on Syria during the night of 9th to 10th May 2018, it became finally clear that Netanyahu wants to force a war with Iran now, because he doesn’t know if he and his right-wing Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman will ever get another chance to do so (and to trick a US president into a war in the Middle East). The current scenario is very similar to the Suez Crisis 1956 and the Six-Day War, in the preparation of which the Israeli government had asserted Egypt or Syria would in turn prepare for war against Israel. In retrospect, it turned out that these were complete lies of the Israeli leadership in order to begin wars of aggression against the unprepared Egypt and Syria – the only reason why israel was able to win theses selfmade wars. Netanyahu apparently wants to continue this tradition. The perception of the Golan Heights from the international and Israeli point of view is interesting as well: In fact, the Golan Heights are part of the Syrian state territory, although annexed by Israel, this annexation has never ever been recognized by the international community. Assuming that the Syrian government (or its coalition partners) had actually done rocket-firing exercises in the Golan Heights, they would have every rights in the world to do so, especially because they can of course carry out as many military maneuvers and exercises as they want on their own soil. That is also why United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has rejected Israel’s request to hold a special session of the UN Security Council (at the end of July 2018, Israel shot down a Syrian fighter plane over Syrian territory: The New York Times, 24 July 2018: Israel Downs Syrian Fighter Jet Over Golan Heights). Over the past few days, newspaper reports have come to the fore that the Israeli government is now #45, after the unilateral and internationally ineffectual recognition of (West) Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (at international level, it is de jure still Tel Aviv), to declare the Golan Heights Israeli unilaterally and thus again international ineffective (Times of Israel, 6 January 2019: Hosting top Trump aide, PM asks US to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2019: Is Netanyahu angling for a Golan gift from Trump before election? and Times of Israel, 11 March 2019: Trump ally Graham says he’ll lobby White House for Golan recognition). It is interesting, that the judicious Obama administration has voted against it under the effective United Nations Resolution 2334 in December 2017 (both in terms of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights), so that it doesn’t matter what the dream dancers Netanyahu and #45 are coming up with: The international community will not play along (Haaretz, 29 August 2018: Israel Will Pay for Its Too-tight Embrace of Donald Trump). Netanyahu starts his European tour on 04 June 2018 to try to convince the governments in Berlin, Paris and London of his anti-Iran course, which is unlikely to succeed (The Guardian, 4 June 2018: Israel’s Netanyahu tours Europe to lobby leaders against Iran). With his sabotage of the Iran deal he endangers the security of Europe and that can’t be tolerated. His theater performances might impress #45 (for whom breach of agreements and contracts is everyday business), but certainly not European leaders. His first talks leads him to Berlin. Once again very bad timing, because on this day Joachim Loew will finally announce the formation of the German team for the World Cup in Russia. Neighborhood disputes in the Levant are at best secondary on such a day. Netanyahu spent the next day in Paris: France24, 5 May 2018: French President Emmanuel Macron warned of the risk of an “escalation” in the Iranian nuclear standoff on Tuesday following talks in Paris with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu. How far the whole thing got out of hand becomes clear when one discovers with a mixture of disbelief, speechlessness and horror that one has to agree to remarks of Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Reuters, 21 July 2018: U.S. launches campaign to erode support for Iran’s leaders and Reuters, 21 July 2018: Iran supreme leader says ‘obvious mistake’ to negotiate with U.S.: website. And the show went on: The New York Times, 22 July 2018: Trump Threatens Iran on Twitter, Warning Rouhani of Dire ‘Consequences’, The Washington Post, 22 July 2018: Middle East: After Trump slams Iran’s president, Iranian officials accuse him of ‘psychological warfare’, The Guardian, 23 July 2018: John Bolton backs Trump’s Iran threat: ‘They will pay a price’, The Washington Post, 23 July 2018: Ignore Trump’s clueless bluster on Iran, The Guardian, 23 July 2018: Trump says Iran will ‘suffer consequences’ after speech by President Rouhani, The Guardian, 23 July 2018: Trump’s tweet to Iran cannot bully the west away from making peace and The Guardian, 24 July 2018: It’s not Trump Iranians are worried about – it’s their homegrown crises. At the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2018, Netanyahu has revealed his latest discovery: There are even warehouses in a village called Turquzabad in Iran 😲, presumably to store the CDs and ring binders from Netanyahu’s previous “sensational findings” (The Washington Post, 27 September 2018: Israel accuses Iran of harboring ‘secret atomic warehouse’, France 24, 22 February 2019: Iran is holding up its end of nuclear deal, shows IAEA report and Times of Israel, 22 February 2019: UN nuclear watchdog say Iran staying within limits of 2015 deal). The international response to Netanyahu’s “sensational findings” was mixed but overwhelmingly amused, especially as understandably pretty much nobody believed him.

The consequences of the re-enforced and additional sanctions imposed by #45 on Iran for European companies can’t be determined clearly yet. The essential aspect is how banks react to it. Without loans and payments, there will be no international business in Iran. Banks, operating in the US, will refrain from doing business with Iran in the near future, in order to avoid of being on the #45’s sanction/play list and thus risking the US business or the entire US dollar-based business. Companies, which aren’t active in the US business, but would like to do business in Iran, therefore, have to be very creative, especially with regard to the selected bank and the currency (the European Investment Bank would be eligible if the European Union accidentally came to an agreement. The 1996 Helms-Burton Blocking Statute of the European Union, in order to fend off sanctions of the former Clinton administration, would be eligible (New York Times, 16 May 2018: E.U. Official Takes Donald Trump to Task: ‘With Friends Like That’ …, The Guardian, 17 May 2018: EU sets course for US clash with law blocking Iran sanctions, Reuters, 17 May 2018: EU to start Iran sanctions blocking law process on Friday, Der Spiegel, 22 May 2018: Interview with Joschka Fischer: ‘The U.S. President Is Destroying the American World Order’, The New York Times, 6 May 2018: Europe Asks U.S. for an Exemption From Sanctions on Iran, The New York Times, 6 August 2018: U.S. to Restore Sanctions on Iran, Deepening Divide With Europe, USA Today, 6 August 2018: Donald Trump reimposes economic sanctions on Iran, BBC, 7 August 2018: Iran sanctions: Trump warns trading partners, Reuters, 7 August 2018: Trump says firms doing business in Iran to be barred from U.S. as sanctions hit, The Guardian, 7 August 2018: The Guardian view on Iran and sanctions: the EU stands firm, Reuters, 11 December 2018: German exports to Iran soar ahead of U.S. sanctions, Reuters, 21 August 2018: Germany urges EU payment system without U.S. to save Iran deal, Reuters, 27 August 2018: World Court hears Iran lawsuit to have U.S. sanctions lifted, France24, 9 January 2019: EU sanctions Iran over assassination plots, The Washington Post, 9 January 2019: Iran supreme leader calls US officials ‘first-class idiots’, Politico.eu, 18 January 2019: Trump seeks to split EU as fight intensifies over Iran nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2019: Are European countries moving closer to Trump on Iran?, Handelsblatt, 21 January 2019: Mahan Air: Berlin bans Iranian airline after EU slaps sanctions on Tehran, Bloomberg, 24 January 2019: EU Says Preparations for Iran SPV Are at ‘Advanced Stage’, The Washington Post, 28 January 2019: Germany says EU soon to launch Iran funding scheme, Times of Israel, 28 January 2019: Trump warns Europeans not to try to evade Iran sanctions, The New York Times, 29 January 2019: On North Korea and Iran, Intelligence Chiefs Contradict Trump, Times of Israel, 30 January 2019: Rouhani: Iran facing ‘greatest pressure and economic sanctions’ in 40 years, The Guardian, 31 January 2019: Europe sets up scheme to get round US sanctions on Iran, Bloomberg, 31 January 2019: Europe Protects Itself From Trump’s Caprice, Instex (NPR, 5 July 2019: How Instex, Europe’s Trade Channel With Iran, Will Work, AP News, 8 August 2019: Designated Head of Europe-Iran Trade Entity Won’t Take Job, Jerusalem Post, 8 August 2019: German Ambassador se to run EU-Iran trade resigns, linked to Holocaust denier, Haaretz, 9 August 2019: German Diplomat Designated to Head Iran Trade Vehicle Pulls Out at Last Minute (Barter), euractiv.com, 29 November 2019: Six European countries join EU-Iran financial trading mechanism INSTEX, IRNA, 30 November 2019: Iran Deputy FM welcomes six European states’ joining INSTEX to improve it, Al Arabiya, 30 November 2019: Six European nations to join INSTEX in bid to bypass US sanctions against Iran, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2019: Netanyahu calls out European attempt to bypass Iran sanctions (BS bingo at it’s best, brought to you by Netanyahu and Danny Danon), Times of Israel, 1 December 2019: Netanyahu slams European ‘rush to appease Iran’ by sidestepping sanctions, Xinhuanet, 1 December 2019: 6 countries join EU-initiated payment channel with Iran as shareholders, The National, 26 February 2020: European nations raise prospect of using Instex to ease lran’s coronavirus crisis, France24, 31 March 2020: Europe sends medical goods to Iran in test of sanctions bypass mechanism, Politico.eu, 31 March 2020: Europe completes first export deal with Iran to dodge US sanctions, Jerusalem Post, 31 March 2020: Germany, France, UK circumvent sanctions to send medical goods to Iran – all EU states + China and Russia should participate in INSTEX), The New York Times, 31 January 2019: 3 European Nations Create Firm to Trade With Iran, but Will Anyone Use It?, European Comission: Iran, Foreign Policy, 13 February 2019: Iran’s Economy Is Crumbling, but Collapse Is a Long Way Off, Reuters, 25 February 2019: Iran’s Foreign Minister Zarif, architect of nuclear deal, resigns, The Guardian, 25 February 2019: Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif announces resignation, The New York Times, 25 February 2019: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Architect of Nuclear Deal, Says He Is Resigning, The Washington Post, 25 February 2019: Iran’s foreign minister, who became the face of his country, tenders his resignation, Iran–European Union relations, France24, 27 February 2019: Iran’s Rouhani rejects Foreign Minister Zarif’s resignation, Times of Israel, 27 February 2019: Iranian president rejects Foreign Minister Zarif’s resignation, Washington Post, 27 February 2019: Iran’s Rouhani rejects chief diplomat’s resignation, calling it ‘against national interests’, Hawala, Remittance, Economy of Iran, Germany–Iran relations and Iran–European Union relations). Today, and in the face of an obviously unstable US president, it would probably involve the risk of triggering a full-blown US-EU trade war through countermeasures from Washington – of course, despite the current transatlantic moods, the US remains the EU’s main and most important (trading) partner, because there aren’t any real alternatives given. People who think of Moscow or Beijing here, obviously didn’t deal enough with the basic data and the opposing social/society models (the democracy in the EU stands in clear and obvious opposition to the so-called “controlled democracy” in Russia under President Vladimir Putin, which in fact corresponds to an autocracy, and in the People’s Republic of China under President Xi Jinping, according to its constitution “under the democratic dictatorship of the people”, but is governed since 1949 authoritarian by the Chinese Communist Party)). Sometimes the mostly rightfully scolded, anonymized tax havens sometimes seems to be good for something. As a cherry on #45’s absurdity cake, at the same time the current US Secretary of State (who knows how long he will stay or whether he will survive the next tweet) Mike Pompeo chats happily with #45’s new buddy, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, about possible help from the US to build up the country (The Guardian, 13 May 2018: Pompeo: US firms could invest in North Korea and Kim may get ‘security assurances’).

In the dispute over the Iran deal, the EU has now come a step further to protect small and medium-sized EU companies that are not active in the US business but want to do business in Iran – and there are surprisingly many. The European Commission has created a protection mechanism against US sanctions and has authorized the European Investment Bank to carry out payment transactions. By contrast, large companies and corporations can not benefit from the protection mechanism.

The next bomb exploded on June 27, 2018, when it became known that the blackmail duo Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump will once again try to take the global economy hostage for their crude plans. Starting on November 4, 2018, those companies and countries (China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil, followed by the EU), which continue to import oil from Iran, will face US sanctions. Apart from the fact that the US will shoot itself in the foot, the step will certainly not increase the sympathy values for and the willingness to foreign investment in Israel and the United States. Should the economic situations of both countries change in the near future, which can be assumed, they can not only hope for appropriately amused reactions from the Arab world. As with the first round of US sanctions on Iran, following the unilateral termination of the Iran deal by #45, the second round now means for the EU to seek again for banks that this time can handle the oil business with Iran. A prerequisite for the selection is to do little or no business in the US and therefore be able to laugh about possible sanctions. As with the first round, the EU will not be able to cope with the risk of default of large companies and corporations, especially since their international business usually includes considerable US business volumes. At the same time, countermeasures against the US must again be planned (e.g., complete suspension of liquefied gas and oil trade), and measures against Israel’s Trump whisperers should be considered as well. The current attempt is the 1:1 takeover of a confused Netanyahu plan to initially destabilize Iran economically and then attack the country militarily. Here is another aspect: The affair surrounding the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which is making big waves internationally, is shaking Trump’s entire “Middle East policy” (if it exists at all), as it is build on Saudi Arabia’s important role as a regional power player and policymaker, especially with regard to Iran. After the evidence against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman intensify, Democrats and influential Republicans are increasingly calling for the US to move away from Saudi Arabia and impose sanctions on the country. For Trump, but especially for Benjamin Netanyahu, that would be a bitter defeat. In particular, the latter hope for a major breakthrough in the Middle East conflict from the recent rapprochements between Saudi Arabia and Israel, especially as the appeal of Saudi Arabia to the Muslim world has considerable weight. Against the background, it is understandable why Trump and Netanyahu are desperately looking for ways out of the crisis (for the Saudi crown prince). Before Trump, this would’t have been possible (Haaretz, 20 November 2018: Trump: U.S. to Remain Steadfast Partner to Saudi Arabia to Ensure Israeli Interests, The Guardian, 20 November 2018: Trump ‘stands with’ Saudi Arabia and defends crown prince over Khashoggi, The New York Times, 20 November 2018: In Extraordinary Statement, Trump Stands With Saudis Despite Khashoggi Killing, Times of Israel, 14 January 2019: Pompeo: US wants accountability for Khashoggi murder, and Saudis agree, Haaretz, 31 May 2018: Ex-Mossad Chief Says He Questioned Legality of Netanyahu’s Order to Prepare Iran Strike, Times of Israel, 6 April 2019: US said set to declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as terrorist group, France24, 8 April 2019: US designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a ‘terrorist organisation’, The New York Times, 8 April 2019: Trump Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a Foreign Terrorist Group, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2019: Netanyahu praises Trump for putting Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on terror list, Times of Israel, 8 April 2019: Netanyahu says Trump designated Iran Guards a terror group at his request, The New York Times, 22 April 2019: U.S. Moves to Stop All Nations From Buying Iranian Oil, BBC, 22 April 2019: Iran oil: US to end sanctions exemptions for major importers, Reuters, 22 April 2019: U.S. to end all waivers on Iran oil imports, crude price jumps, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2019: Netanyahu lauds Trump decision to eleminate Iran oil waivers, Times of Israel, 22 April 2019: Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz after US ends sanction waivers, France24, 23 April 2019: US sanctions over Iran oil will ‘intensify Mideast turmoil’: China, Times of Israel, 24 April 2019: Iran threatens ‘consequences’ if US takes ‘crazy measure’ of blocking oil sales, Times of Israel, 25 April 2019: Zarif accuses Netanyahu and Saudis of trying to provoke US into war with Iran, The Guardian, 24 April 2019: Iran will continue to defy US oil sanctions, says Tehran (Netanyahu and Trump obviously want to drive Iran to self-defense actions and then, of course, once again, mendacious and hypocritical as both are, cry into the cameras that Iran would have to take full responsibility for it. Netanyahu and Trump apparently assume that the rest of the world is just as limited in their ability to think as they are themselves. At any rate, they are closer to their goal of imposing war on Iran than ever before (2020 United States presidential election, Rally ’round the flag effect, Pledge of Allegiance, United States sanctions against Iran, The Guardian, 6 May 2019: US deploys aircraft carrier and bombers after ‘troubling indications’ from Iran, gunboat diplomacy, psychological warfare, BBC, 6 May 2019: US sends aircraft carrier and bomber task force to ‘warn Iran’, France24, 8 May 2019: Iran nuclear deal: what happens now?, The Guardian, 8 May 2019: Trump’s antics over Iran have endangered us all. The stakes are now lethally high, The Guardian, 8 May 2019: Iran announces partial withdrawal from nuclear deal, BBC, 8 May 2019: Iran nuclear deal: Tehran urged to honour commitments, The New York Times, 8 May 2019: U.S. Threatens New Sanctions as Iran Plans to End Compliance With Parts of Nuclear Deal, Washington Post, 8 May 2019: Why Russia is the big winner of the Iran deal fallout, The National, 8 May 2019: European pressure on Tehran is needed, Washington Post, 8 May 2019: Iran announces it will stop complying with parts of landmark nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 8 May 2019: Democrats warn Trump is leading US toward war with Iran, France24, 8 May 2019: Trump tightens Iran sanctions as France warns against ‘escalation’, The Guardian, 9 May 2019: EU rejects Iran’s two-month ultimatum on nuclear deal, France24, 9 May 2019: Europe rejects Iran’s ‘ultimatum’ but stands by nuclear deal, The Guardian, 10 May 2019: Trump’s foolish Iran policy only makes war more likely, The Washington Post, 11 May 2019: Why the U.S.-Iran Conflict Is Now Coming to a Head, i24 News, 12 May 2019: Analysis: Will escalation between US, Iran revive Netanyahu’s decade-old strike plans?, Times of Israel, 12 May 2019: Amid US-Iran tension, Israeli minister fears Tehran ‘may fire rockets at Israel’, The Guardian, 12 May 2019: US war against Iran is impossible, claims Iranian general, The Guardian, 13 May 2019: Iran-US tensions are reaching new heights – and neither is likely to blink, The Guardian, 13 May 2019: Europe urges Mike Pompeo and US to show restraint towards Iran, The New York Times, 13 May 2019: White House Reviews Military Plans Against Iran, in Echoes of Iraq War, The National, 13 May 2019: Mike Pompeo delays Russia visit to lobby against Iran deal in Brussels, The National, 13 May 2019: The US and Europe must unite over Iran, The Washington Post, 13 May 2019: Pompeo crashes Brussels meeting of E.U. diplomats but changes few minds on Iran, The Times, 14 May 2019: US could stumble into a war with Iran, allies tell Mike Pompeo, The New York Times, 14 May 2019: It’s Time for the Leaders of Saudi Arabia and Iran to Talk, The Washington Post, 14 May 2019: It’s up to Israelis to stop Iran’s nuclear program. Here’s how they did it before., Times of Israel, 15 May 2019: Allies split with US over Iranian threat as war worries mount, The New York Times, 14 May 2019: Skeptical U.S. Allies Resist Trump’s New Claims of Threats From Iran, Haaretz, 15 May 2019: Iran Vows to Defeat ‘American-Zionist Alliance’ as Putin Warns Against U.S. Pressure, BBC, 15 May 2019: US pulls ‘non-emergency staff’ from Iraq as Iran tensions mount, Times of Israel, 15 May 2019: Iran’s defense minister: ‘We will defeat the American-Zionist front’, Arab News, 16 May 2019: Iran must not go unpunished, Haaretz, 16 May 2019: If the U.S. Goes to War With Iran, Netanyahu Will Be the Prime Suspect, Arab News, 18 May 2019: Gulf nations ‘approve US request to deploy troops in the Gulf’, Times of Israel, 18 May 2019: Saudi newspaper calls on Washington to launch strikes on Iran, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2019: Saudi Arabia says it seeks to avert war, ball in Iran’s court, Times of Israel, 20 May 2019: Trump warns if Tehran attacks, it will be ‘official end of Iran’, Haaretz, 20 May 2019: Trump: ‘If Iran Wants to Fight, That Will Be the Official End of Iran’, The Guardian, 20 May 2019: Iran hits back at Trump for tweeting ‘genocidal taunts’, Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2019: Iranian commander: We are ready to confront the enemy, Times of Israel, 20 May 2019: Hitting back at Trump, Zarif says ‘genocidal taunts won’t end Iran’ (the whole extent of Trump’s stupidity shows again: Only those who are members of a club can change its rules. On the other hand, anyone who leaves the club and roars around from the fence just looks like a ridiculous idiot. With Benjamin Netanyahu’s forced unilateral termination of the Iran deal, the US president has reached exactly this position. An emperor without clothes), Times of Israel, 20 May 2019: Iran quadruples low-enriched uranium production, Times of Israel, 21 May 2019: Rouhani: In current situation, Iran chooses path of ‘resistance only’, The New York Times, 23 May 2019: Trump Officials Prepare to Bypass Congress to Sell Weapons to Gulf Nations, New York Post, 23 May 2019: Dianne Feinstein had dinner meeting with Iranian minister amid US tensions, Times of Israel, 24 May 2019: Trump to invoke emergency to sell arms to Saudis, citing Iran threat, CNN, 24 May 2019: Trump declares emergency to expedite arms sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2019: Controvery in Iran amid reports Zarif met U.S. senator, Times of Israel, 29 May 2019: Netanyahu uncommonly quiet as US-Iran crisis escalates, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2019: German intel: Iran wants to expand to weapons of mass destruction, Haaretz, 30 May 2019: Israel’s False Messiah of Religious Freedom Just Brought Down Netanyahu. It’s Hilarious, France24, 31 May 2019: Saudi king demands firm action against ‘criminal’ Iran at Arab summit, Times of Israel, 31 May 2019: Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of ‘sowing division’ to Israel’s benefit, Times of Israel, 1 June 2019: Saudi king says will reject US measures that ‘prejudice’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2019: Handshakes, Jerusalem and Iran: The politics of the Saudi summits, Times of Israel, 1 June 2019: Iran president says Islamic Republic won’t be ‘bullied’ into US talks, Times of Israel, 1 June 2019: Khomeini’s legacy looms over Iran, 30 years after his death, Times of Israel, 6 June 2019: Saudi missile program expanded with help from China, US intel said to show, Iran Press, 6 June 2019: German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to visit Iran next week, Times of Israel, 6 June 2019: Trump signals readiness for negotiations with Iran, Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2019: Iran rejects French call for wider talks beyond nuclear deal – state TV, The New York Times, 7 June 2019: Trump Allows High-Tech U.S. Bomb Parts to Be Built in Saudi Arabia, France24, 7 June 2019: Iran rejects France’s call for wider talks beyond nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 8 June 2019: Iran said accelerating uranium centrifuge production, anticipating deal collapse, Times of Israel, 8 June 2019: US hits Iran with new sanctions targeting petrochemicals, Times of Israel, 8 June 2019: Iran says new US sanctions show offer for talks is ‘hollow’, France24, 8 June 2019: Iran says selling oil through ‘unconventional’ means, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2019: Understanding the Saudi, UAE arms deals and Iran, The Guardian, 10 June 2019: Iran’s foreign minister warns US ‘cannot expect to stay safe’, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2019: Iran welcomes German FM to pressure Europe on nuke deal, France24, 10 June 2019: Germany urges Iran to stick to nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 10 June 2019: Iran’s top envoy: Netanyahu wants to destroy us, and we will respond, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2019: Iran foreign minister slams Netanyahu and Trumo ‘deal’, Times of Israel, 10 June 2019: UN nuclear watchdog: Iran uranium production up, can’t confirm compliance, Times of Israel, 12 June 2019: Japan premier hopes to ease US-Iran tensions in Tehran visit, Times of Israel, 13 June 2019: Khamenei: Iran doesn’t want nuclear bomb, but US couldn’t stop us if we did, The Guardian, 13 June 2019: Two oil tankers struck in suspected attacks in Gulf of Oman, USS Liberty, France24, 13 June 2019: US blames Iran for attacks on oil tankers in Gulf of Oman, The Guardian, 14 June 2019: US says video shows Iranian military removing mine from tanker, France24, 14 June 2019: US releases video accusing Iran of tanker attack, Tehran blasts ‘Iranophobic campaign’, The Guardian, 14 June 2019: Trump blames Iran for oil tanker attacks and calls country a ‘nation of terror’, The New York Times, 14 June 2019: Distrusting Both Iran and U.S., Europe Urges ‘Maximum Restraint’, The New York Times, 14 June 2019: Was Iran Behind the Oman Tanker Attacks? A Look at the Evidence, The New York Times, 14 June 2019: Iran and the U.S. Are on a Collision Course, France24, 14 June 2019: Trump accuses Iran of tanker attacks but flags need for talks, The Guardian, 15 June 2019: Iran-US dispute grows over attacks on oil tankers in Gulf of Oman, Times of Israel, 15 June 2019: Israel said to blame Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for attacks on oil tankers, Times of Israel, 16 June 2019: Saudi prince blames Iran for tanker attacks, says won’t hesitate on ‘threats’, The New York Times, 16 June 2019: In Face-Off With Iran, Escalation May Depend on Who Prevails Inside Washington and Tehran, The New York Times, 17 June 2019: Iran Threatens to Violate Nuclear Deal’s Limits on Uranium Enrichment, The Guardian, 17.06.2019: Iran to break uranium stockpile limit set by nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 17 June 2019: After enrichment threat, US accuses Iran of ‘nuclear extortion’, Times of Israel, 17 June 2019: Germany, UK warn Iran over enrichment threat; EU takes wait-and-see approach, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2019: U.N. officials: U.S. planning a ‘tactical assault’ in Iran, Times of Israel, 18 June 2019: US deploying 1,000 more troops to Middle East as Iran tensions soar, France24, 18 June 2019: US deploys 1000 more troops to Middle East, citing ‘hostile behaviour’ from Iran, The Guardian, 18 June 2019: US to send 1,000 more troops to Middle East, citing ‘hostile behavior’ by Iran, The Guardian, 18 June 2019: The Trump administration’s dangerous fever dream about Iran, The Guardian, 19 June 2019: UK, France and Germany in last-ditch effort to save Iran deal, The Guardian, 19 June 2019: A US war with Iran looms. Don’t for one second think that it is justified, Times of Israel, 18 June 2019: , The Guardian, 18 June 2019: The Iran crisis was created in Washington. The US must be talked down, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2019: Kremlin says Russia-Us_Israel meeting ‘very important’, CNN, 20 June 2019: Iran shoots down US drone aircraft, The Guardian, 20 June 2019: Iran shoots down US drone, The New York Times, 20 June 2019: Attacking Iran Is Congress’s Call, Times of Israel, 20 June 2019: US official confirms Iran shot down drone, says it was in international airspace, The Guardian, 20 June 2019: Iran shoots down US ‘spy’ drone, Times of Israel, 20 June 2019: Moscow to look out for Iranian interests in upcoming Jerusalem meet, The Guardian, 20 June 2019: US joins four rogue countries seen as likely forces for bad, poll finds, The Guardian, 21 June 2019: Donald Trump ‘cancelled Iran strikes with planes in the air’, France24, 21 June 2019: US approved, then scrapped Iran strikes after drone shooting, US media say, CNN, 21 June 2019: Military operation against Iran was set before Trump called it off, CNN, 21 June 2019: How Donald Trump created one hell of a mess with Iran, The New York Times, 21 June 2019: Trump Stopped Strike on Iran Because It Was ‘Not Proportionate’, The National, 21 June 2019: Prince Khalid bin Salman: Saudi Arabia supports ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran, The Guardian, 21 June 2019: The Guardian view on Iran and Trump: the risks remain, The National, 21 June 2019: Donald Trump confirms reversing order for strikes on Iran, Arab News, 21 June 2019: Trump warned Iran via Oman that US attack was imminent, called for talks, Reuters, 21 June 2019: Trump’s half-cocked and loaded tweet draws barrage of reaction, Arab News, 21 June 2019: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks with Donald Trump on Iran, The New York Times, 21 June 2019: Urged to Launch an Attack, Trump Listened to the Skeptics Who Said It Would Be a Costly Mistake, The Guardian, 22 June 2019: Foreign Office minister to visit Iran to call for ‘urgent de-escalation’, France24, 23 June 2019: US launched cyber attack on Iranian computer systems, The National, 23 June 2019: US-Iran tensions remain high as UAE calls for de-escalation, The Guardian, 23 June 2019: Trump says ‘absolutely broken’ Iran will face major new sanctions, France24, 23 June 2019: Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs: ‘Iran’s policies are not acceptable and have to change’ (Netanyahu has been trying to engage Iran in war for decades, first with the help of the Bush II administration, now with the help of the Trump administration, and the Iranian leadership simply does not fall for his tricks – how mean of them. It remains to be seen what the simpletons Netanyahu and Trump will come up next with to reach their goal in any case. Again, it is obvious that Iran is playing “3D chess“, while Netanyahu and Trump are just able to play “Mensch ärgere Dich nicht” (while large parts of the West perceive the conflicts in the Middle East as singular events and react accordingly with individual strategies, Iran understands all of this as a single conflict in different places and fueled by different Iranian proxies (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen etc. .), for which there is a single large plan with different chapters. Only the Islamic State / Daesh terrified Iran because it posed an existential threat. Here, too, the West would have had the opportunity to talk to the country, but here too they didn’t want to. At the end of the day, however, it should be noted that it was Iraq, economically pepped up by the USA, that invaded Iran in 1980 (First Gulf War) and thus ultimately unleashed Iran). On the other hand, it should also be clear to Iran that the support of Hezbollah, Hamas, the Islamic Jihad in Palestine and the Houthis does not contribute to deepening international friendships or building confidence in international relations. Even if the Trump administration is understandably unsuitable as a negotiating partner, it should have spread to Teheran that the other signatories to the Iran deal were not only concerned with the continuation and observance of the treaty, but want to include the Irian ballistic missile programs as well. In the knowledge of the connections, it should not be difficult for Iran to offer the remaining contractual partners from the Iran deal corresponding additional contract formulations. Thus, the contract would be in tact and would have lasting existence, at the same time all sanction reasons would be omitted and as a cherry on the cake, the US would be permanently barred by pressure from Netanyahu from the Iran deal. That would sell well even with the Iranian hardliners and inflict enormous political damage on Trump. That would be the first part. In order to turn the tables completely against Netanyahu and Trump, who apparently want to see the Middle East burn, and to put a crown on top, it would also be smart to start a Peace and Neighborhood Initiative with the Arab Gulf States very soon, in order to conclude a non-aggression pact and in the course start the pacification process in Yemen, while making sure that Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates come out of it by keeping their faces. This would lead to an groundbreaking agreement for the region, based on its own initiative. That would be a precedent for the whole region and could be the start of much broader regional cooperation for a prosperous future. For the West in particular, it has never been comprehensible why Muslims have been fighting each other for decades for essentially vain reasons. Because, to be honest, wars about the interpretation of Islam (Tafsir, Sunnis and Shias) are about as meaningful as the war between Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola, or about whose imaginary friend is cooler. It would be a signal of reason and strength to put an end on this kind of action, based on a regional initiative. In view of the fact that even Muslims in the region are less and less religious, the time for an inner-Muslim peace initiative would be absolutely right (The Guardian, 24 June 2019: Arab world turns its back on religion – and its ire on the US, BBC, 24 June 2019: The Arab world in seven charts: Are Arabs turning their backs on religion?). There will certainly come the objection “Yes, that’s a good thing, but the Muslim countries have been waging unnecessary wars against each other for centuries, and they’re not going to stop that!” Given the current situation, which can easily lead to the entire Arabian Peninsula, Iran and the countries of the Levant being plunged into a firestorm, such a peace initiative would be one of the few emergency exits and solutions to cool the overall situation down a bit, prevent widespread war, but at the same time send very positive signals for future developments), The New York Times, 23 June 2019: Trump’s Iran Reversal Raises Allies’ Doubts Over His Tactics, and U.S. Power, CNN, 23 June 2019: Why Trump can’t fill the gaping holes in his government, France24, 24 June 2019: USA’s Pompeo seeks global coalition against Iran as fresh sanctions due to be announced, The Guardian, 24 June 2019: Donald Trump orders fresh sanctions against Iran’s Ali Khamenei, Times of Israel, 24 June 2019: Europe cool on Iran coalition talk, seeks deescalation, Haaretz, 24 June 2019: Trump on Iran: Will Talk Without ‘Preconditions’ — Warns Bolton Would Go to War With the World, Times of Israel, 24 June 2019: Zarif: Netanyahu, Bolton, Gulf leaders ‘thirst for war’ between Iran, US, The National, 24 June 2019: Pompeo visits UAE and Saudi as Trump puts new sanctions on Iran, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2019: Putin adviser: Israel’s security important, Russian “countrymen” are here, Haaretz, 24 June 2019: As Winds of War Blow in Gulf, Trump Will Try to Workshop Mideast Peace, Arab News, 24 June 2019: King Salman meets Pompeo amid US-Iran tensions, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: Pompeo pushes Gulf allies on chipping in to counter Iran, USA Today, 25 June 2019: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani calls new US sanctions ‘outrageous and idiotic’, The Guardian, 25 June 2019: Iran says it will never build a nuclear weapon, France24, 25 June 2019: Iran says new US sanctions mean ‘permanent closure’ of diplomacy, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: Rouhani says US ‘lying’ about talks offer, suffers from ‘mental retardation’, The New York Times, 25 June 2019: Trump Threatens ‘Obliteration’ of Iran, as Sanctions Dispute Escalates, Haaretz, 25 June 2019: Contradicting Trump, Top Putin Adviser Says U.S. Drone Downed in Iranian Airspace, Times of Israel, 25 June 2019: In trilateral Jerusalem summit, Russia sides with Iran, against Israel and US, The Guardian, 25 June 2019: Trump threatens ‘obliteration’ after Iran suggests he has a ‘mental disorder’, France24, 25 June 2019: Iran says new US sanctions mean ‘permanent closure’ of diplomacy, CNN, 25 June 2019: Iranian president says White House is ‘suffering mental disability’ over sanctions, The New York Times, 25 June 2019: Trump Takes On China and Persia at Once. What’s to Worry About?, The Guardian, 26 June 2019: Iran’s ultimatum on breaching nuclear deal puts EU3 on the spot, France24, 26 June 2019: Iraq must not be dragged into another regional war: president, The National, 26 June 2019: Iraq president vows country will not be used as platform of Middle East instability, CNN, 26 June 2019: The US isn’t interested in dialogue with Iran, France says, The National, 26 June 2019: Averting conflict with Iran is the right move, but Trump’s margins for manoeuvre are limited, CNN, 26 June 2019: US is ‘not in a position to obliterate Iran,’ Iranian foreign minister says, The Guardian, 26 June 2019: EU makes last-ditch effort to keep Iran from leaving nuclear deal, The New York Times, 26 June 2019: This Isn’t About Iran. It’s About China., Times of Israel, 27 June 2019: Iran tells UN it cannot uphold nuclear deal ‘alone’, Times of Israel, 27 June 2019: Iran said to be short of uranium limit but expected to reach it by weekend, The Guardian, 27 June 2019: Iran holds back on threat to breach nuclear deal, The Guardian, 27 June 2019: UK and other powers to hold crunch talks with Iran over nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 28 June 2019: Iran, nuclear deal partners to meet as accord under threat, Haaretz, 28 June 2019: U.S.-Iran Tensions: What the Key Players Around Trump Are Pushing For, The National, 29 June 2019: Iran says progress at last-ditch nuclear deal talks ‘not enough’, Palestine Chronicle, 29 June 2019: An Honorable Course in Iran: End Sanctions, Resume Dialogue, France24, 29 June 2019: UAE scales down troops in Yemen as Iran-Gulf tensions mount, Times of Israel, 29 June 2019: Senate fails to limit Trump war powers amid Iran tensions, Haaretz, 29 June 2019: Why Trump May End Up Calling Rohani ‘Dear Friend’ After All, Arab News, 30 June 2019: The rise and fall of the Iran nuclear deal (the recent episode between the US and North Korea already shows clearly that Iran would be well advised to promptly acquire nuclear weapons from North Korea, China, Russia or India to be able to respond to any military aggression with the strongest possible power. The easiest way would be a deal between North Korea and Iran (oil against nuclear warheads), especially since both countries are under maximum US sanctions and therefore couldn’t care less about what Trumps USA and its few remaining allies think about it. Of course, Iran would not use the nuclear warheads, because following the proverb “jumped as a lion and landed as a bedside rug” the US would then immediately withdraw. Netanyahu’s aggressions against Iran would certainly end soon, too). The next escalation stage should not be long in coming, especially since Iran is unable to transport abroad enriched heavy water and the amount exceeding the limit of 300 kg of slightly enriched material due to US sanctions. So Iran will again not be at fault here, even when the “Fake News” experts Netanyahu and Trump will of course try to make it look the other way round), The New York Times, 30 June 2019: Trump’s Iran Strategy Will Fail. Here’s Why., The Guardian, 1 July 2019: Iran breaks nuclear deal and puts pressure on EU over sanctions, France24, 1 July 2019: Iran has broken stockpile limit set by nuclear deal, FM Zarif says, BBC, 1 July 2019: Iran nuclear deal: Enriched uranium limit breached, IAEA confirms, CNN, 1 July 2019: Iran exceeds uranium caps set by nuclear deal, foreign minister says, The New York Times, 1 July 2019: Iran Passes Critical Nuclear Fuel Limit Under 2015 Pact, State Media Reports, The Washington Post, 1 July 2019: U.N. watchdog confirms Iran has breached nuclear deal stockpile limit, Arab News, 1 July 2019: IAEA confirms Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile exceeds nuclear deal limit, The National, 1 July 2019: Iran tensions set to mount as Tehran breaches uranium enrichment limit, The Guardian, 1 July 2019: EU powers resist calls for Iran sanctions after breach of nuclear deal, BBC, 1 July 2019: Iran’s nuclear deal is on life support. Can it be saved?, The New York Times, 1 July 2019: Iran Passed Its Uranium Limit. What Happens Next?, Saudi Gazette, 2 July 2019: Macron calls on Iran to ‘immediately’ reduce enriched uranium reserves, The National, 2 July 2019: European Union urges Iran to comply with nuclear deal, Palestine Chronicle, 2 July 2019: Iran is Not Iraq: American Warmongers Must Be Stopped, The National, 2 July 2019: Iran seeks influence over Europe by tampering with nuclear deal, Arab News, 3 July 2019: Regional realities see Germany focus on Gulf over Iran, The National, 3 July 2019: Renegotiate or Iran will breach more nuclear deal commitments, Hassan Rouhani tells EU, Arab News, 3 July 2019: Iran warns it will increase nuclear enrichment within days, France24, 4 July 2019: Iran condemns, US applauds Britain’s seizure of Iranian oil tanker at Gibraltar, BBC, 4 July 2019: Iran summons UK ambassador in tanker seizure row, CNN, 5 July 2019: Gibraltar seizes Iranian oil tanker bound for Syria, The Guardian, 5 July 2019: Iran fury as Royal Marines seize tanker suspected of carrying oil to Syria, Times of Israel, 5 July 2019: US: Detention of tanker loaded with Iranian crude is ‘excellent news’, BBC, 5 July 2019: Iranian official threatens to seize British oil tanker, Times of Israel, 5 July 2019: UN nuclear watchdog to hold emergency meeting on Iran next week, The Guardian, 6 July 2019: Iran says it is ready to enrich uranium beyond nuclear deal levels, The National, 6 July 2019: Iran planning to boost uranium enrichment level, official says, Arab News, 6 July 2019: Iran hints it could enrich uranium to 5% for ‘peaceful’ means, Al Arabiya, 6 July 2019: Iran to announce more reductions to nuclear deal commitments, The Guardian, 6 July 2019: Iran breaks nuclear deal enrichment targets for second time (Iran would then have gone into the obvious trap set by Netanyahu and Trump), The New York Times, 7 July 2019: Why This Narrow Strait Next to Iran: Is So Critical to the World’s Oil Supply, Arab News, 7 July 2019: Iran to exceed 2015 nuclear deal uranium enrichment cap, Gulf News 7 July 2019: Iran ramping up uranium enrichment beyond 2015 deal limits, France24, 7 July 2019: Iran announces it will exceed uranium enrichment cap in latest breach of nuclear deal, Arab News, 7 July 2019: US sent message to Iran after drone downing, warning of limited strike: Iranian official, The National, 7 July 2019: Iran uranium enrichment: why do the nuclear deal limits matter?, BBC, 7 July 2019: Iran nuclear deal: Government announces enrichment breach, Arab News, 7 July 2019: Europe should pull the plug on Iran nuclear deal, CNN, 7 July 2019: Iran to breach uranium enrichment limits set by landmark nuclear deal, Saudi Gazette, 7 July 2019: Macron condemns Iranian violation of 2015 nuclear commitments, Haaretz, 7 July 2019: Iran Set to Breach Enriched Uranium Level Allowed by Nuke Deal, The New York Times, 7 July 2019: Iran Announces New Breach of Nuclear Deal Limits, and Threatens Further Violations, The National, 7 July 2019: Iran, France seek conditions to resume nuclear talks by mid-July, Times of Israel, 7 July 2019: Netanyahu likens Iran’s enrichment breach to Nazis’ 1936 occupation of Rhineland (this simpleton and main responsible for the warmongering against Iran need to be replaced urgently. One can only hope for Israel and the entire region that Netanyahu will lose the election in September 2019 and then get a well-deserved and long-term prison sentence), Haaretz, 7 July 2019: After Iran Nuke Deal Breach, Netanyahu Calls on World Powers to Impose ‘Snapback Sanctions’, Saudi Gazette, 7 July 2019: Britain, Germany tell Iran to stop, reverse nuclear activities, Haaretz, 7 July 2019: Bibi and Trump’s Iran Dilemma: Wage War or Win an Election, Times of Israel, 7 July 2019: European powers call on Iran to halt nuke deal breach, but balk at sanctions Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2019: When Netanyahu talks about Iran, chances slim of anyone shooting – analysis, CNN, 7 July 2019: Iran’s slow-burn nuclear strategy: Wait out Trump and get new deal from his successor, Haaretz, 7 July 2019: Netanyahu Is Leading Trump Into Disaster With Iran, Guardian, 7 July 2019: Iran’s uranium enrichment programme: the science explained, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2019: Iran: Enriching uranium to 20 pct an option in next steps to reduce commitments, Haaretz, 8 July 2019: Iran Still Has Room to Maneuver, but Trump Is Running Out of Diplomatic Options, Politico.com, 8 July 2019: The U.S. and Qatar: A critical relationship: Al Udeid: Home to 11,000 U.S. troops and critical to winning the War on Terror, Arab News, 9 July 2019: Europeans take first step to punish Iran over nuclear pact breaches, Saudi Gazette, 9 July 2019: Europeans take first step to punish Iran over nuclear pact breaches, Haaretz, 9 July 2019: European Foreign Ministers Call for ‘Urgent’ Meeting Over Iran Nuke Deal Breach, Times of Israel, 9 July 2019: Netanyahu warns Iran that Israel’s F-35s can reach ‘anywhere in the Middle East’, France24, 9 July 2019: Macron seeks leading EU role in Iran crisis, Times of Israel, 9 July 2019: Iran’s Zarif hints US, Israeli demands for zero enrichment will backfire, Jerusalem Post, 9 July 2019: Secret meetings between U.S., Iran officials in Iraq – report, The Guardian, 10 July 2019: Iran refuses to end breach of nuclear deal until it gets ‘full rights’, BBC, 10 July 2019: US to enlist military allies in Gulf and Yemen waters, BBC, 11 July 2019: Threat level raised to ‘critical’ for UK ships in Iranian waters (after the British downgraded themselves to lapdogs of the USA with the help of the Brexit, they have no choice but to play a role in Netanyahu’s and Trump’s dirty game. The British consumers, and especially their agriculture, will certainly be even more pleased to note that they “will be allowed” to import vast quantities of US agricultural products in the future to minimise the fallout of Trump’s trade war with China), France24, 11 July 2019: UK says it prevented Iranian Revolutionary Guard from intercepting oil tanker, CNN, 11 July 2109: Iranian boats attempted to seize a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2019: Iran’s hard-to-attack underground nuke facility part of increasing threat, CNN, 12 July 2019: UK raises threat level and sends second warship to Persian Gulf as Iran tensions simmer, The Guardian, 12 July 2019: UK to step up its military presence in Gulf amid crisis with Iran, Haaretz, 12 July 2019: As Iran Tensions Flare, Israel Suspects Trump Aims for ‘Nuclear Deal 2.0’, Times of Israel, 13 July 2019: Nasrallah warns Israel could be ‘wiped out’ in war between US and Iran, Jerusalem Post, 13 July 2019: Iranian foreign minister heading to New York for U.N. conference – IRNA, Mail on Sunday, 13 July 2019: Trump axed Iran deal to spite Obama: How the British ambassador called the President’s actions ‘diplomatic vandalism’ fueled by ‘personality reasons’ – as revealed in more explosive cables that have sparked a free speech row while Iran tensions mount, BBC, 14 July 2019: New leak claims Trump scrapped Iran nuclear deal ‘to spite Obama’, CNN, 14 July 2019: Daily Mail: Leaked cables show British ambassador saying Trump abandoned Iran deal in act of ‘diplomatic vandalism’ to spite Obama, Arab News, 14 July 2019: European powers ‘deeply troubled’ by shipping attacks, warn nuclear deal could collapse, France24, 14 July 2019: Trump axed Iran deal to spite Obama, says leaked diplomatic cable, Times of Israel, 14 July 2019: Rouhani says Iran prepared to talk to US if it rejoins nuclear deal, The Guardian, 14 July 2019: Failure of Iran deal could pose ‘existential threat’, says Hunt, Arab News, 15 July 2019: France sees risk of stumbling into US-Iranian conflict, The National, 15 July 2019: UK warns Iran nuclear bomb a year away as foreign ministers seek to save 2015 deal, Times of Israel, 15 July 2019: EU seeks to deescalate Persian Gulf tensions, BBC, 15 July 2019: Iran nuclear deal: Jeremy Hunt aims to ease tensions, Reuters, 15 July 2019: Nuclear deal parties not ready to trigger dispute mechanism against Iran – EU’s Mogherini, Haaretz, 15 July 2019: Iran Nuclear Deal Parties Not Ready to Trigger Dispute Mechanism, EU Says, The Guardian, 15 July 2019: It’s folly for Jeremy Hunt to think Britain can solve the Iran crisis without the EU, Reuters, 15 July 2019: Britain sees ‘small window’ to salvage nuclear deal, Iran urges Europe to act, France24, 15 July 2019: Iran nuclear deal ‘not in good health, but still alive,’ says EU top diplomat, The New York Times, 15 July 2019: E.U. Ministers, Scrambling to Save Iran Nuclear Deal, Play Down Breaches, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2019: What the EU reaction tells us about the Iran nuke deal – analysis, BBC, 16 July 2019: Netanyahu: ‘Europe might ignore Iran threat until nuclear missiles hit’ (fortunately, the simpleton Netanyahu isn’t a contract partner in the Iran deal, so that he can continue to tell as much nonsense as he wants without having any influence on the negotiations whatsoever), Al Arabiya, 16 July 2019: Trump says US wants to help and work with Iran, not looking for regime change, The National, 16 July 2019: US official concerned Iran has seized UAE-based tanker, Arab News, 16 July 2019: Donald Trump tells Iran to ‘get out of Yemen’, Haaretz, 16 July 2019: Trump Says Progress Made With Iran, as Tehran Threatens Further Nuke Deal Breaches, Haaretz, 16 July 2019: In First, Top Iranian Diplomat Says Talks on Ballistic Missiles Possible, Times of ISrael, 16 July 2019: Iran denies it’s willing to negotiate with US over ballistic missile program, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2019: Trump, Pompeo hint at US-Iran talks, Gulf News, 16 July 2019: UAE says missing oil tanker not Emirati owned or operated, Saudi Gazette, 16 July 2019: Iran says its missile program is not negotiable, Reuters, 16 July 2019: Iran says it came to help of disabled foreign oil tanker in the Gulf, Times of Israel, 17 July 2019: At summit with Russia, Israel and US demanded Iran leave Lebanon, Iraq — report, The National, 17 July 2019: Vanished Strait of Hormuz tanker ‘towed to Iran for repairs’, says Tehran, Times of Israel, 17 July 2019: Russia says it can have good ties with both Israel and Iran, Palestine Chronicle, 17 July 2019: Hamas Delegation Meets Russia Officials in Moscow, CNN, 18 July 2019: Iran seizes foreign oil tanker with 12 crew, state media says, The National, 18 July 2019: Steven Mnuchin warns EU leaders to respect US sanctions when trading with Iran, Saudi Gazette, 18 July 2019: US amphibious group patrols Arabian Sea as Iran tensions simmer, Arab News, 18 July 2019: Iran state TV: Iranian forces seize foreign oil tanker, crew, NPR, 18 July 2019: Rules of Engagement, France24, 18 July 2019: Iraq: On the fault line of rising US-Iran tensions, NPR, 18 July 2019: Trump Administration Turns To South America For Help With Anti-Iran Coalition, Al Arabiya, 15 July 2019: US sanctions on Hezbollah officials are a call to action for the Lebanese state, CNN, 17 July 2019: Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran ‘will never start a war,’ but will defend itself, CNN, 18 July 2019: US preparing to send hundreds of troops to Saudi Arabia amid Iran tensions, BBC, 18 July 2019: US shot down Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, Saudi Gazette, 18 July 2019: US places sanctions on international network involved in Iran nuclear program, CNN, 18 July 2019: US Navy ship ‘destroyed’ an Iranian drone, Trump says, Gulf News, 19 July 2019: Trump says US Navy ship shot down Iranian drone, The Guardian, 18 July 2019: Iran makes ‘substantial’ nuclear offer in return for US lifting sanctions, The New York Times, 19 July 2019: As Conflict With U.S. Grows, Some Iran Hard-liners Suggest Talking to Trump, Times of Israel, 19 July 2019: In US, Zarif offers permanent scrutiny of nuclear sites for sanctions relief, Arab News, 19 July 2019: Why the Islamic Republic is so unpopular with Iranians, France24, 19 July 2019: Tehran suggests US downed its own drone ‘by mistake’ in Strait of Hormuz, BBC, 19 July 2019: Iran seizes two UK tankers in Strait of Hormuz, The National, 19 July 2019: Iran seizes British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in new Gulf escalation, CNN, 19 July 2019: Iran announces capture of British oil tanker; US officials say two have been seized, Gulf News, 19 July 2019: Iran says it seized UK tanker Stena Impero in Strait of Hormuz; owners confirm lost contact, France24, 19 July 2019: Iran seizes British tanker in Strait of Hormuz as tensions mount, CNN, 20 July 2019: Iran’s gamble on a tanker seizure will end its credit — even among friends, BBC, 20 July 2019: Tanker seizure: Jeremy Hunt warns Iran against choosing ‘dangerous path’, CNN, 20 July 2019: Tensions soar after Iran seizes tanker, Politico, 20 July 2019: US to send troops to Saudi Arabia amid Iran tensions, Saudi Gazette, 20 July 2019: European powers urge Iran to release British-flagged tanker, Arab News, 20 July 2019: Iran on ‘dangerous path’: UK warns British ships to avoid Strait of Hormuz, Times of Israel, 20 July 2019: As sanctions choke Iran, Hezbollah said deploying for war on Israel’s border, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2019: Saudi King Salman approves hosting US troops to enhance security in region, The Guardian, 20 July 2019: Iran’s top diplomat in UK summoned over seizure of Stena Impero tanker, The Guardian, 20 July 2019: How Trump’s arch-hawk lured Britain into a dangerous trap to punish Iran, The New York Times, 19 July 2019: Trump and Ahmadinejad Are Right, The Guardian, 20 July 2019: Boris Johnson warned: focus on Iran crisis or risk war, France24, 21 July 2019: Britain mulls sanctions in response to Iran tanker seizure, report says, The Guardian, 21 July 2019: UK defence minister rebuffs criticism over tanker seized in Gulf, BBC, 21 July 2019: Iran tanker seizure: UK ‘didn’t take eye off ball’, Hammond says, CNN, 21 July 2019: ‘Alter your course,’ Iranians warned before seizing UK-flagged ship, Arab News, 21 July 2019: UK mulls sanctions as Iran admits seizing British ship as a ‘reciprocal’ move, Gulf News, 21 July 2019: Oman urges Iran to release seized tanker, Haaretz, 21 July 2019: U.S.-Iran Escalation on Verge of Turning Into Real Slugfest, The Guardian, 21 July 2019: The Guardian view on Iran’s seizure of a British tanker: dangerous waters ahead, CNN, 21 July 2019: Trump and the Ayatollah: The odd couple, France24, 22 July 2019: Iran announces breakup of ‘CIA spy ring’, some sentenced to death, The Guardian, 22 July 2019: By punishing Iran, Trump risks a full-scale war between our two countries, BBC, 22 July 2019: Iran says it arrested CIA spies and sentenced some to death, France24, 22 July 2019: Britain blasts Iran seizure of tanker as act of ‘state piracy’, The Guardian, 22 July 2019: UK to seek European maritime mission to counter Iran’s ‘ illegal acts of piracy’ (Irony of history: Wanting to leave the “patronizing” EU sooner than later, but begging for help at the slightest headwind. So much for “take back control”), Arab News, 22 July 2019: British intelligence fears Gulf crisis could lead to attacks on UK by Iranian terror cells, The National, 22 July 2019: Iran to face European naval protection force in the Gulf after tanker seizure, Saudi Gazette, 22 July 2019: UK calls for European naval mission to counter Iran’s ‘piracy’, Times of Israel, 22 July 2019: Britain says it is planning European-led protection force in Persian Gulf, France24, 22 July 2019: Trump blasts Iran, says hard to deal with top ‘terror’ state, Arab News, 22 July 2019: Gulf confrontation a battle of nerves, France24, 22 July 2019: On Iran, Donald Trump is running out of options, Haaretz, 23 July 2019: Excluding the U.S., Remaining Countries in Iran Nuclear Deal to Meet in Vienna on Sunday, The Guardian, 23 July 2019: Iran rejects UK’s proposal for European-led maritime force, Haaretz, 23 July 2019: Between ‘Ending Iran’ and ‘No More Endless Wars’: The Unraveling of Trump’s Incoherent Iran Strategy, Arab News, 23 July 2019: Iran to meet nuclear deal parties on Sunday, Times of Israel, 23 July 2019: Israel: Iran smuggling dual-use items for Hezbollah weaponry via Beirut port (Israel is once again playing children’s theater at the UN, and at the same time is still assuming that there would be poeple who actually believe this nonsense :-D ), Politico, 23 July 2019: Iran’s Threats Are an Attempt to Negotiate, Arab News, 24 July 2019: What is Iran hoping to achieve with Gulf confrontations?, Arab News, 25 July 2019: Germany remains uncertain over Hormuz naval mission with UK and France (the German participation in the EU mission for the safe passage of European merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz should be implemented, while clearly communicating to Iran that the EU mission will not participate in the aggressive actions of the Netanyahu and Trump administrations), Times of Israel, 25 July 2019: Israel, Bahrain foreign ministers talk Iran in groundbreaking public meet, The National, 25 July 2019: UK warships to escort British-flagged vessels through Strait of Hormuz, Arab News, 25 July 2019: Iran tensions give new UK PM Johnson an early test, Times of Israel, 25 July 2019: Iran poses loyalty test for ‘British Trump’ Johnson, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2019: Iran offers to return to nuclear deal even if U.S. doesn’t, Al Arabiya, 26 July 2019: Iran test-fires medium-range ballistic missile: CNN, Arab News, 26 July 2019: Pompeo says he’d go to Iran if needed as he asks US allies to join maritime force, Al Arabiya, 22 July 2019: Washington should wake up to the fact that Hezbollah runs Lebanon, CNN, 26 July 2019: With Iran, Trump speaks loudly but (fortunately) carries a small stick, Times of Israel, 27 July 2019: Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran comes to critical crossroads, The National, 28 July 2019: Second British warship arrives to assist vessels through Strait of Hormuz, Arab News,28 July 2019: Oman not mediating, but in contact with ‘all parties’ over navigation in Hormuz, Haaretz, 29 July 2019: On Iran, Trump Is Shoving Israel Out Into the Cold, Arab News, 29 July 2019: Talks with Iran must be genuinely joint and comprehensive, DW, 29 July 2019: German government divided over joining Strait of Hormuz naval mission, Politico.eu, 30 July 2019: US asks Germany to join security mission in Persian Gulf, Politico.com, 30 July 2019: Trump to disappoint Iran hawks with more nuclear waivers, The Guardian, 30 July 2019: UK calls meeting with US and France to discuss Hormuz plan, Haaretz, 30 July 2019: Rivals Iran and UAE to Hold Maritime Security Talks, Politico.eu, 31 July 2019: German vice chancellor ‘very skeptical’ about joining US military mission in Gulf, Haaretz, 31 July 2019: In Major Shift, Israel Twice Struck Iranian Targets in Iraq ‘Using F-35’, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2019: Zarif: Iran to reduce nuclear deal commitments unless Europe protects it, Haaretz, 31 July 2019: Iran Presence in Iraq Threatens Israel, Security Officials Say, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2019: UK commander: Iran testing British Navy, but remains professional, The National, 31 July 2019: UK frigate had 85 interactions with Iranian forces in a month, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: Report: Israel believes Hamas, Iran agreed on Gaza front in case of northern war, Arab News, 31 July 2019: Iran to reduce nuclear deal commitments more unless Europe protects it, Al Arabiya, 31 July 2019: Zarif: Iran will cut nuclear deal commitments further unless Europe acts, The National, 31 July 2019: Germany rebuffs US demand to join maritime mission in Strait of Hormuz, Arab News, 31 July 2019: Europe far from united when it comes to Iran, Saud Gazette, 31 July 2019: Britain must back US in tougher stance against Iranian destabilization of Middle East, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: US imposes financial sanctions on Iran’s foreign minister, France24, 31 July 2019: US imposes sanctions on Iran’s foreign secretary Zarif, BBC, 31 July 2019: US sanctions Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Times of Israel, 31 July 2019: US says it has asked Germany to ‘help secure’ Strait of Hormuz, Haaretz, 31 July 2019: Germany Says It Won’t Join U.S.-led Mission in Strait of Hormuz, Reuters, 31 July 2019: Germany: European naval mission in Strait of Hormuz worth considering, Defense News, 31 July 2019: Germany punts on Hormuz Strait mission with US involvement, Reuters, 31 July 2019: Germany will not join U.S.-led mission in Strait of Hormuz: Maas, Bloomberg, 31 July 2019: The Hormuz Crisis Shows U.S. Alliances Are Weak, DW, 31 July 2019: Opinion: Strait of Hormuz crisis a political dead-end for Germany, Israel Hayom, 31 July 2019: In game of cat and mouse, Iran changes tactics, CNN, 31 July 2019: US sanctions Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif, Times of Israel, 1 August 2019: Rouhani slams US for ‘childish’ sanctions on Iran’s foreign minister, Arab News, 1 August 2019: Iran’s leaders to blame for country’s financial crisis, Israel Hayom, 1 August 2019: Iran isn’t giving up on regional domination just yet, Foreign Policy, 1 August 2019: Iran Owns the Persian Gulf Now, Times of Israel, 1 August 2019: EU to work with top Iran diplomat despite US sanctions, Arab News, 1 August 2019: US envoy slams Germany after reluctance on Hormuz mission (it’s not Germany’s obligation to fulfil U.S. duties in the Gulf and the Straight of Hormuz. As the saying goes: “You break it, you own it!” Fix the problems, caused by yourself, on your own.” Germany will be part of a possible EU mission (France, Italy, Germany, Denmark and maybe the United Kingdom, if Bojo should come to his senses. In addition, the German Navy is already part of the Operation Atalanta near the Strait of Hormuz, so that a combined mission, supported by aerial reconnaissance, would be conceivable as well), the escort of merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, it would be a signal of solidarity to the Arab Gulf States and Israel. Germany, the EU and the rest of the world are already making major contributions to the detriment of their own economies because they have been collectively taken hostage for the completely nonsensical Trump sanctions on Iran), Politico.eu, 2 August 2019: Trump’s coalition of one, Arab News, 2 August 2019: Gargash: UAE is redeploying forces in Yemen with the agreement of Saudi Arabia, The National, 2 August 2019: Anwar Gargash debunks rumours of UAE-Saudi split as a ‘desperate attempt’ by Qatar, The New Yorker, 2 August 2019: Iran’s Foreign Minister was invited to meet Trump in the Oval Office, The Guardian, 3 AUgust 2019: Iran to further reduce compliance with nuclear deal, Gulf News, 3 August 2019: What Iran will do next, and how to stop it, The National, 3 August 2019: Tehran could push Europe closer to the US if it continues its provocation, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2019: Netanyahu to Boris Johnson: Stand tough against Iran, Arab News, 3 August 2019: Iran will take ‘third step’ to reduce commitments to nuclear deal: Iranian FM, Times of Israel, 3 August 2019: Iran’s Zarif was invited to meet Trump at White House last month — report, The New York Times, 3 August 2019: Despite U.S. sanctions, China and other countries are receiving oil from Iranian tankers, a Times investigation found., France24, 4 August 2019: Iran seizes Iraqi oil tanker in Persian Gulf, Israel Hayom, 4 August 2019: Danger ahead: A US-Iran ‘deal of the century’, CNN, 4 August 2019: Iran says it seized foreign oil tanker in Gulf for smuggling fuel, Times of Israel, 4 August 2019: US struggles to build willing coalition amid Strait of Hormuz tensions, Haaretz, 4 August 2019: Inside Hezbollah’s American Sleeper Cells: Waiting for Iran’s Signal to Strike U.S. and Israeli Targets, Arab News, 4 August 2019: Why the Mullahs fear the Iranian diaspora, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2019: Senior Iranian commander: The Islamic Republic is on Israel’s borders, Haaretz, 5 August 2019: Faced With U.S. Threats, Iran Warms Up to Arab Neighbors – Even Riyadh, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2019: Would China sanction Iran to stop an Israeli attack? – analysis, DW, 5 August 2019: UK joins US in Strait of Hormuz naval mission, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2019: UK to join US-led maritime security mission in Gulf, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2019: Iran says will not tolerate ‘maritime offenses” in Gulf, Times of Israel, 5 August 2019: Iran said increasing Hamas funding to $30m per month, wants intel on Israel, Politico.com, 5 August 2019: U.S.-led Gulf maritime coalition ‘rebranded’ to attract more countries, Times of Israel, 5 August 2019: UK joins US in Gulf mission after Iran taunts American allies, Times of Israel, 6 August 2019: Israel involved in US-led naval mission in Strait of Hormuz — foreign minister, The National, 7 August 2019: The new US approach to the Middle East raises more questions than answers, Saudi Gazette, 7 August 2019: KSA, US concerned over threat to maritime traffic, Israel Hayom, 7 August 2019: Israeli supremacy in Gulf’s shadow war, Huffington Post, 7 August 2019: The White House Is Split On Iran, With One Side Thirsty For Conflict, Der Spiegel, 7 August 2019: Middle East Expert Vali Nasr: ‘The U.S. Has To Get a Sense of Iran’s Security Interests’, Times of Israel, 8 August 2019: Iran says Israeli involvement in Gulf naval mission would be ‘disastrous’, Arab News, 8 August 2019: Saudi crown prince, Pompeo discuss maritime security, Iran, Gulf News, 8 August 2019: Gulf shipping told to notify US and UK navies of planned course, France24, 9 August 2019: Trump accuses Macron of sending ‘mixed signals’ to Iran, Haaretz, 10 August 2019: The White House Once Labeled Them Terrorists. Now It Calls Them Iran’s Next Government, Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2019: Iran unveils ‘upgraded missile defense system’, Al Arabiya, 11 July 2019: US ambassador to Saudi Arabia: Iran uses various militias to ‘fight their fight’, Arab News, 11 August 2019: How water can oil the wheels in dealing with Iran, Politico.eu, 12 August 2019: To fix Iran crisis, Trump must change course, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2019: German exports to Iran drop by half in first 6 months due to U.S. sanctions, Arab News, 12 August 2019: Iran’s racist revisionism must be challenged, The National, 12 August 2019: Britain sends navy warship to join US-led maritime coalition in the Gulf, Times of Israel, 12 AUgust 2019: At the southern tip of the Red Sea, Iran poses a direct threat to Israel, CNN, 15 August 2019: US moves to block release of Iranian tanker detained in Gibraltar, BBC, 15 August 2019: Iran tanker row: US requests detention of Grace 1 in Gibraltar, The Guardian, 15 August 2019: US moves to block release of Iranian vessel in Gibraltar, BBC, 15 August 2019: Iran oil tanker: Gibraltar orders release of Grace 1, CNN, 15 August 2019: Gibraltar defies US and releases seized Iranian tanker Grace 1, France24, 15 August 2019: Gibraltar allows Iranian tanker Grace 1 to leave despite US detention request (in fact, little Gibraltar is rescuing the United Kingdom face-saving from an unpleasant situation, while at the same time partially defusing the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump’s advisers Bolton and Pompeo are on the verge of heart attacks – a classic win-win situation), The Guardian, 15 August 2019: Gibraltar to release oil tanker at centre of Iran row pending challenge, Arab News, 15 August 2019: Gibraltar allows Iranian tanker Grace 1 to leave despite US detention request, The National, 15 August 2019: Gibraltar orders release of Iranian tanker, Times of Israel, 15 August 2019: Syria says ‘hostile target’ shot down near Iran-linked base, The Guardian, 17 August 2019: US unveils warrant to seize Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar dispute (next, the Iranians may grab a US tanker and confiscate it with the same reasoning. It’s called “tit for tat”), France24, 17 August 2019: Iranian tanker in limbo off Gibraltar as US issues warrant for its seizure, CNN, 17 August 2019: US makes last-ditch attempt to stop Iranian supertanker setting sail, Arab News, 17 August 2019: US issues warrant to seize Iranian tanker off Gibraltar, Al Arabiya, 17 August 2019: Iranian-American US Navy captain may head carrier in Arabian Gulf amid tensions, France24, 17 August 2019: Iranian tanker in limbo off Gibraltar as US issues warrant for its seizure, Arab News 18 August 2019: Gibraltar rejects US request to seize Iranian tanker now called ‘Adrian Darya-1’, BBC, 18 August 2019: Iran tanker row: Gibraltar rejects US request to detain ship, Al Arabiya, 18 August 2019: Iranian ambassador says oil tanker expected to leave Gibraltar tonight, France24, 19 August 2019: Iranian tanker departs after Gibraltar rejects US demand, Haaretz, 19 August 2019: Iranian Tanker Sought by U.S. Departs Gibraltar for Greece, The National, 19 August 2019: US conveys its ‘strong position’ to Greece over freed Iranian tanker, Times of Israel, 20.08.2019: Netanyahu hints Israel behind strikes on Iraq, says Iran not immune anywhere, Haaretz, 21 August 2019: On Trump and Iran, the UAE Shifts Strategy — and Israel Should Take Heed, Saudi Gazette, 21 August 2019: Israel, Iran endanger regional security: Saudi Arabia, CNN, 22 August 2019: Cracks are appearing in the Mideast’s most important alliance. That’s bad news for Trump, The National, 22 August 2019: France makes proposal to bring Iran to negotiating table, Reuters, 22 August 2019: Iran displays domestically built mobile missile defense system, Times of Israel, 22 August 2019: Unveiling missile defense system, Iran’s president says talks with US ‘useless’, Haaretz, 22 August 2019: Fed Up With Trump, Fed Up With Israel, Times of Israel, 23 August 2019: Ex-Iraqi PM warns Israel of ‘strong response’ if it proves to be behind strikes, Times of Israel, 23 August 2019: Netanyahu hints again that Israel attacked Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Israel Hayom, 23 August 2019: Regional tensions and Israeli elections, Haaretz, 23 August 2019: Israel Struck Iran Targets in Iraq, U.S. Officials Tell New York Times, Times of Israel, 23 August 2019: US officials say Israel behind bombing of Iranian militias in Iraq, Haaretz, 23 August 2019: Netanyahu’s Silence on Trump’s ‘Disloyal Jews,’ and What It Means for the Fight Against Iran, Saudi Gazette, 24 August 2019: Iranian tanker switches destination, heads to Turkey, Reuters, 24 August 2019: Britain sends another warship to boost presence in the Gulf, NPR, 24 August 2019: Iran Under Sanctions: A Scramble For Cancer Care And Blame To Go Around, Haaretz, 24 August 2019: Unhappy With Iraq Strikes, U.S. Outs Israel, Times of Israel, 24 August 2019: Israeli jets strike in Syria to thwart attack by Iranian ‘killer drones’, Times of Israel, 25 August 2019: Hezbollah says Israeli drones crash into Beirut stronghold, France24, 25 August 2019: Lebanese PM condemns Israeli ‘aggression’ after drones crash in Beirut, The Guardian, 25 August 2019: G7 summit: Iran foreign minister makes surprise Biarritz appearance, The Guardian, 25 August 2019: Netanyahu hails Israel strikes against Syria to foil Iran ‘killer drone attack’, CNN, 25 August 2019: Israel claims responsibility for airstrikes near Damascus, saying it foiled ‘large-scale attack’ by Iran, Israel Hayom, 25 August 2019: Time for the UK to join the US on Iran, France24, 25 August 2019: Macron backtracks on ‘G7 mandate for Iran’ after Trump denial, Israel Hayom, 25 August 2019: Iranian FM Zarif talking to French counterpart at G-7 summit, Jerusalem Poast, 25 August 2019: Trump caught off guard as iran’s Zarif lands in G7 summit town, France24, 25 August 2019: Iranian foreign minister leaves Biarritz after surprise G7 nuclear talks, The New York Times, 25 August 2019: Iran’s foreign minister made a surprise appearance at the summit meeting., Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2019: The drone arms race and Israel’s enemies – analysis, Haaretz, 25 August 2019: Why Iran Is Risking a Major Escalation With Israel, Times of Israel, 26 August 2019: Israel said to strike Palestinian terror group base deep inside Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 26 August 2019: Iran’s Zarif leaves G7 talks, unclear if progress made to ease tensions, The Guardian, 26 August 2019: Israel accused of targeting Iran allies in Lebanon bombing, Haaretz, 26 August 2019: Israel Broke the Rules of the Game With Hezbollah, and Now the Ball Is in Nasrallah’s Court, Times of Israel, 26 August 2019: Trump says open to meeting Iran’s Rouhani, a ‘great negotiator,’ in coming weeks, Times of Israel, 26 August 2019: Israel said to strike base of Palestinian terror group deep inside Lebanon, France24, 26 June 2019: ‘We’re already at war economically,’ Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif tells FRANCE 24, Times of Israel, 26 August 2019: UN urges restraint as Lebanon set to file complaint alleging Israeli violations, The Guardian, 27 August 2019: Iran president steps back from possible Trump talks, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2019: Trump, Rouhani talk of possible meeting to solve nuclear impasse, Arab News, 27 August 2019: Iran’s Rouhani says no talks with US unless sanctions lifted, Arab News, 27 August 2019: Lebanon vows to defend itself ‘by any means’ after Israeli drone incident, The National, 27 August 2019: Iraqi Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi: we will respond to air strikes using ‘all means’, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2019: Iran sentences 2 men on charges of spying for Mossad, The National, 27 August 2019: Suspected Israeli attacks on Lebanese soil raise spectre of new war, Times of Israel, 28 August 2019: As US-Iran tensions escalate, American Jews are warned they could be targeted, The National, 28 August 2019: Lebanese troops fire at Israeli drone in south Lebanon as tension rises, Politico.eu, 29 August 2019: EU tests maritime security pact after Iran tanker fight, Arab News, 29 August 2019: Israel accuses Iran of pushing Hezbollah missile plants in Lebanon, Saudi Gazette, 29 August 2019: EU backs US-Iran talks but says nuclear deal must stay, The National, 29 August 2019: Europe optimistic after French push for direct Iran-US talks, Arab News, 29 August 2019: Israel empowered as Iran weakens, Jerusalem Post, 29 August 2019: What does Trump-Rouhani meeting mean for Israel? – analysis, Haaretz, 29 August 2019: Netanyahu and Nasrallah — the Middle East’s Longest and Most Stable Enmity, Israel Hayom, 29 August 2019: Iran’s Rouhani calls for unity to overcome US ‘economic war’, Times of Israel, 29 August 2019: As tensions spike in north, IDF cancels leave for combat brigades, Jerusalem Post, 29 August 2019: Netanyahu tried to scuttle a potential Trump-Zarif meeting – report, Arab News, 1 September 2019: Why Iran must cool its rhetoric, France24, 2 September 2019: Iran threatens ‘strong step’ away from nuclear deal if no new terms, The Guardian, 2 September 2019: Iran voices optimism over nuclear deal after talks with France, France24, 3 September 2019: US imposes sanctions on Iran space program, The National, 3 September 2019: France sees progress in $15bn credit line for Iran, Times of Israel, 3 September 2019: France seeks $15b letter of credit for Iran to keep nuclear deal alive, The Guardian, 4 September 2019: US dismisses French plan to ease Iran tension and piles on economic pressure, Arab News, 4 September 2019: Europe stepping out of America’s shadow in Middle East, Saudi Gazette, 4 September 2019: US won’t waive sanctions to allow French-proposed Iran credit line, The New York Times, 4 September 2019: The Secret History of the Push to Strike Iran, Haaretz, 4 September 2019: ‘Bibi-sitting’ and Drones Out of Azerbaijan: Report Reveals How Close Israel Came to Striking Iran, The National, 5 September 2019: US piles sanctions on Iran as Rouhani threatens new step back from nuclear commitments, Haaretz, 4 September 2019: Iran Announces Development of Centrifuges in Latest Breach of Nuclear Deal, Israel Hayom, 4 September 2019: France to Iran: No trade until anti-terrorism laws passed, Times of Israel, 4 September 2019: Israel said again mulling raid on Iran; thinks Trump, unlike Obama, won’t oppose, Politico.eu, 4 September 2019: France explores a credit line for Iran, but needs Trump’s buy-in, France24, 5 September 2019: Iran nuclear deal: Tehran plans new centrifuges for faster uranium enrichment, Times of Israel, 5 September 2019: Now is not the time to talk to Iran, Netanyahu says en route to London, Saudi Gazette, 5 September 2019: EU urges Iran to ‘reverse’ scale-back from N-deal, The National, 5 September 2019: EU demands Iran returns to commitments in nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 5 September 2019: The US thinks cash can break Iran, Tehran prepares to ride out the storm, Die Zeit, 6 September 2019: “If Someone Rises Up To Kill You, Kill Him First”, Al Arabiya, 6 September 2019: Hezbollah and Israel’s face-off in Lebanon is a sideshow to Syria, CNN, 6 September 2019: Former Israeli ambassador: Why we have to prepare for war and peace, France24, 7 September 2019: Iran violates nuclear deal with advanced centrifuges, Arab News, 7 September 2019: Iran warns ‘not much time left’ to save nuclear deal, The Guardian, 7 September 2019: Iran puts pressure on Europe to save nuclear deal within 60-day deadline, Arab News, 8 September 2019: Iranian tanker near Syria sells oil at ‘final destination’, Arab News, 8 September 2019: France should be confronting, not appeasing, Iranian regime, Haaretz, 8 September 2019: Trump-Rohani Summit Is a Done Deal, Israeli Defense Officials Believe, Gulf Times, 8 September 2019: US will sanction whoever purchases Iran’s oil- official, Haaretz, 8 September 2019: Netanyahu Braces for a Warming of Ties Between Trump and Tehran, Arab News, 9 September 2019: UN atomic watchdog confirms Iran installing new centrifuges, Arab News, 9 September 2019: Saudi Arabia wants to enrich uranium for nuclear power: Energy minister, The National, 9 September 2019: Saudi Arabia looks to enrich domestic uranium for nuclear programme, Arab News, 9 September 2019: Saudi Arabia wants to enrich uranium for nuclear power — Prince Abdulaziz, Gulf Times, 9 September 2019: IAEA confirms that Iran upped number of advanced uranium centrifuges, Times of Israel, 9 September 2019: Iran blames Europe as it rolls back nuclear commitments, Arab News, 10 September 2019: US running out of options as sanctions fail to subdue Iran, Al Arabiya, 10 September 2019: Iran supplies oil to Syria’s al-Assad in return for influence: Cut the supply line, Arab News, 10 September 2019: US must keep punishing Iran for its indiscretions, The National, 10 September 2019: Britain summons Iranian ambassador over sale of Grace 1 tanker oil to Syria, Times of Israel, 10 September 2019: Trump fires Iran hawk John Bolton as national security adviser, France24, 11 September 2019: World leaders react to John Bolton’s sudden departure, Arab News, 11 September 2019: Saudi Arabia calls for ‘deterrent measures’ against Iran’s nuclear violations, Saudi Gazette, 11 September 2019: ‘We’ll see what happens,’ Trump says about possible easing of Iran sanctions, The National, 11 September 2019: Iranian targeting of shipping in the Arabian Gulf ‘changes the game’ by raising risks to new levels, Haaretz, 11 September 2019: Trump Decided to Fire Bolton After He Opposed Easing Iran Sanctions, Report Says, The Guardian, 11 September 2019: Bolton exit followed bust-up over mooted Trump-Rouhani meeting, Al Arabiya, 12 September 2019: New sanctions could extend to allies of Hezbollah in Lebanon: US envoy, The National, 14 September 2019: Despite John Bolton exit, don’t expect thaw in US-Iran relations, Jerusalem Post, 14 September 2019: Russia prevents Israeli airstrikes in Syria, The National, 14 September 2019: Donald Trump and the West’s overtures to Iran are rooted in delusion, The Guardian, 14 September 2019: Major Saudi Arabia oil facilities hit by Houthi drone strikes, CNN, 14 September 2019: Drone strikes knock out half of Saudi oil capacity, 5 million barrels a day, BBC, 14 September 2019: Saudi Arabia oil production reduced by drone strikes, Reuters, 14 September 2019: Houthi drones attack Saudi oil heartland, sources say crude flows hit, France24, 14 September 2019: Yemen Houthi drones hit major Saudi oil sites, sources say supplies disrupted, Gulf News, 14 September 2019: UAE condemns terrorist attacks on 2 Aramco factories in Abqaiq and Khurais provinces, Al Arabiya, 14 September 2019: Trump tells Saudi Crown Prince US ready to help protect Kingdom’s security, Gulf Times, 14 September 2019: Houthi drones hit two Aramco plants, Saudis say fires contained, Saudi Gazette, 14 September 2019: Drone strikes on Aramco facilities spark regional, international condemnation, The National, 14 September 2019: UAE condemns Houthi drone attacks on two Saudi Aramco facilities, Arab News, 14 September 2019: Trump calls Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after drones attack Saudi Aramco plants, The New York Times, 14 September 2019: Two Major Saudi Oil Installations Hit by Drone Strike, and U.S. Blames Iran, The Washington Post, 14 September 2019: Saudi Arabia oil output takes major hit after apparent drone attacks claimed by Yemen rebels (“The first casualty, when war comes, is truth” – US senator Hiram Johnson, The Washington Post, 15 September 2019: Iran denies carrying out crippling attacks on Saudi oil facilities (all in all, the drone attack has created some sort of a win-win situation, except for the Houthis, who are now threatened with further air strikes by the Saudi Arabian-led alliance. With regard to the drone attacks, Saudi Arabia is now able to make press the US for more concession to the country’s defense, but also to advance the already announced development of nuclear weapons. The US can tighten its rhetoric on Iran, and Iran in turn can extend its support for the Houthis. But the problem with the “blame game” in the Middle East is that rarely anything is as it seems at first sight. There are possibly groups, that committed the terrorist attack in question, which have not yet appeared on the radar at all), France24, 15 September 2019: Drone attacks on Saudi oil sites disrupt supplies, CNN, 15 September 2019: Attack on Saudi oil field a game-changer in Gulf confrontation, The Guardian, 16 September 2019: Everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia oil attacks, CNN, 15 September 2019: What a successful Trump strategy on Iran must include, BBC, 16 September 2019: ‘Drone’ attack on Saudis destabilises an already volatile region, CNN, 16 September 2019: The White House would like you to abandon all common sense on ‘locked and loaded’, The Guardian, 16 September 2019: The world ignored the warning signs – and now the Middle East is on the brink, CNN, 16 September 2019: Fact check: Trump blasts media for reporting he’d meet with Iran with no pre-conditions — but he said that, publicly, Gulf News, 16 September 2019: Aramco attack: Who is responsible, global reactions, The National, 16 September 2019: Donald Trump to send Mike Pompeo to Saudi after Aramco attacks, Al Arabiya, 16 September 2019: NATO chief ‘extremely concerned’ after attacks on Saudi Arabia, Foreign Policy, 16 September 2019: What You Need to Know About the Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities, Reuters, 16 September 2019: Saudi Arabia to invite U.N. experts to investigate oil attack: statement, CNN, 16 September 2019: Trump gets amnesia on Iran, The Telegraph, 17 September 2019: Saudi king urges international response after oil field attacks blamed on Iran (DW, 28 March 2019: Germany extends ban on arms sales to Saudi Arabia – it might be that political Berlin is satisfied with the “moral world championship”. However, this has very little to do with realpolitik and securing self-interests. Obviously, there has to be a large-scale escalation in the Middle East, before Berlin will wake up and then has to bring twice the commitment to compensate for the omissions of the past. Apparently it seems as if Berlin and Brussels is waiting for another large influx of war refugees to Europe, instead of becoming proactive. It is understandable, of course, that NATO will stay out of the action, to prevent the Middle East conflict from spreading to Europe. Especially against the background of the rapprochement between the Gulf monarchies and Israel, however, it is incomprehensible, why equipment for self-defense is provided one-sided only. It would be much more useful to equip the Gulf monarchies very well, because then not only military conflicts will be more unlikely, but also prevent Saudi Arabia from developing their own nuclear weapons), The National, 17 September 2019: King Salman: Saudi Arabia capable of responding to cowardly attacks, The Guardian, 17 September 2019: Iran’s supreme leader rules out any talks with US officials, Arab News, 17 September 2019: Merkel urges return to Iran nuclear deal to defuse Middle East tensions, Jerusalem Post, 17 September 2019: US Embassy says pro-Iran business event funds terrorism in Berlin (to give an appropriate response to the permanent interference in German affairs and the fundamentally abysmal anti-German attitude of the US ambassador, it will be a special pleasure to participate in the event for the attendees. The event is about preserving the Iran deal and how payments can be made despite US sanctions. Netanyahu and Trump will not succeed in pulling Europe into their largely failed game as an accomplice. Jerusalem Post, 21 September 2019: Wiesenthal Nazi-hunter says Merkel appeasment of Iran echoes 1938: It’s quite simple: Netanyahu and Trump are trying to pull other countries into their shitshow with Iran, which is obviously not working. If the Israeli and US administrations want to start a war with Iran, then they should do that, but stop boring other countries with their nonsense), France24, 18 September 2019: Trump orders ‘substantial increase’ in Iran sanctions over Saudi oil field attack, CNN, 18 September 2019: Trump says he’s ordering new sanctions on Iran after Saudi oil facility attack, The Guardian, 18 September 2019: The latest Iran-Saudi flare-up exposes Trump’s bankrupt Middle East policy, The New York Times, 18 September 2019: Pompeo Calls Attacks on Saudi Arabia ‘Act of War’ as Trump Tightens Iran Sanctions, Arab News, 18 September 2019: Saudi Arabia joins International Maritime Security Construct, The National, 18 September 2019: Saudi displays drones and missiles that ‘point to Iran’ in attack, The Irish Times, 18 September 2019: Trump announces new economic sanctions on Iran, Arab News, 18 September 2019: Mike Pompeo lands in Jeddah for talks with Saudi officials on Aramco attacks, Politico.eu, 18 September 2019: Germany extends Saudi arms export ban into 2020, CNN, 19 September 2019: Exclusive: Zarif threatens ‘all-out war’ in case of military strike on Iran, The Guardian, 19 September 2019: Saudi oil attack shines light on geopolitical truth and lies, Politico, 19 September 2019: Iran’s foreign minister threatens ‘all-out war’ in response to potential military strike, Jerusalem Post, 19 September 2019: Tillerson accuses Netanyahu of haing ‘played’ Trump, Haaretz, 19 September 2019: Netanyahu ‘Played Trump Using Misinformation’ Several Times, Says Tillerson, The New York Times, 19 September 2019: Iran’s Foreign Minister Vows ‘All-Out War’ if U.S. or Saudis Strike, Jerusalem Post, 19 September 2019: Saudis, Israel attack pro-Iran militias on Syria-Iraq border – report, The New York Times, 19 September 2019: The End of Saudi Arabia’s Illusion, The New York Times, 19 September 2019: Attacks Expose Flaws in Saudi Arabia’s Expensive Military, The New York Times, 19 September 2019: Attack on Saudis Tests U.S. Guarantee to Defend Gulf, CNN, 20 September 2019: China depends on foreign oil. The Saudi attack is a wake-up call, Politico.eu, 19 September 2019: Trump’s deference to Saudi Arabia infuriates much of DC, France24, 20 September 2019: Trump announces toughest sanctions ‘ever’ on Iran, Jerusalem Post, 20 September 2019: Hezbollah says Iran would destroy Saudi Arabia in any war, The New York Times, 20 September 2019: Trump Focuses on Defending Saudis, Not Striking Iran, for Now, The Washington Post, 20 September 2019: U.S. to send more troops to Saudi Arabia after attacks on oil facilities, BBC, 21 September 2019: Iran warns it will ‘destroy aggressors’ after US troop announcement, The Guardian, 21 September 2019: US to deploy more troops to Saudi Arabia after attack on oil industry, France24, 21 September 2019: US to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia after attack, Arab News, 21 September 2019: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jubeir says Iran bears responsibility for Aramco attacks, Arab News, 21 September 2019: US sanctions target Iranians’ access to food, medicine: foreign minister, Gulf Times, 21 September 2019: Iran says new US sanctions target Iranians’ access to food, medicine, The National, 21 September 2019: Saudi Arabia’s recovery can only be good for the global economy, Times of Israel, 21 September 2019: Iran warns any country that attacks it will become the ‘main battlefield’, France24, 21 September 2019: Saudis show media scorched, shrapnel-blasted oil facility, Times of Israel, 22 September 2019: Trump heads to UN with long list of deals he’s yet to close, BBC, 22 September 2019: Iran warns foreign forces to stay out of Gulf, amid new US deployment, The Guardian, 22 September 2019: Iran to lay out Gulf security proposal at UN general assembly, Foreign Policy, 22 September 2019: Blast From the Past, The Guardian, 23 September 2019: Iran says UK-flagged tanker seized in July is free to leave, Israel Hayom, 23 September 2019: Ukraine, Iran, and US allies – the challenges facing Trump at the UN, The New York Times, 23 September 2019: Iran Says British Tanker Is Free to Go After 2 Months of Detention, The New York Times, 23 September 2019: A Year Later, Iran Finds Evaporating Sympathy at the U.N., Jerusalem Post, 23 September 2019: Why is Boris Johnson leaping into Iran mess – analysis (the interesting point in this development is, that Johnson is running out of options at home, and know quite well that he is fully in Trump’s pocket if he want to get a trade deal with thew US in a relativly short period of time, so that he has to appease Trump in any possible way, including Netanyahu’s and Trumps’ anti-Iran nonsense. The Iranian government, on the other hand, would be pretty stupid to give up it’s nuclear ambitions, especially after watching Trump’s reality show featuring North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, with the outcome, that only the bomb can prevent his country from being attacked by the US. And Netanyahu can go on for the coming 30 years, like in the past three decades, blubbering that Iran will have the bomb tomorrow or at least the day after tomorrow), Arab News, 23 September 2019: Macron hopes for Iran progress at UN assembly, Jerusalem Post, 23 September 2019: INSS expert: Trump has lost control of Iran standoff, France24, 23 September 2019: European leaders blame Iran for Saudi attack ahead of Trump UN speech, Times of Israel, 24 September 2019: UK, France, Germany blame Iran for Saudi oil attacks, but urge dialogue (in other words: Even if the Houthis carried out the attack, it must be assumed that the necessary weapons were supplied by Iran), Israel Hayom, 24 September 2019: France’s enthusiasm for Iran is transparent and dangerous, Haaretz, 24 September 2019: The Sunni-U.S. Alliance Against Iran Has Weakened, and Trump Is Partly to Blame, Times of Israel, 24 September 2019: Trump could negotiate ‘better’ Iran deal, UK’s Johnson says, Haaretz, 24 September 2019: Trump Touts ‘Full Normalization’ Between Israel, Mideast Countries to Fend Off Iran’s ‘anti-Semitism’, Times of Israel, 24 September 2019: At UN, Trump calls on Mideast nations to fully normalize ties with Israel, France24, 24 September 2019: Macron and other European leaders urge Iran, US to restart negotiations, The New York Times, 25 September 2019: New U.S. Sanctions Bite Iran as Its President Says No Meeting With Trump, France24, 25 September 2019: US committing ‘merciless economic terrorism’, Iran’s Rouhani says, Arab News, 25 September 2019: Bloomberg backs dialogue — in US politics and in the Middle East, Times of Israel, 26 September 2019: UN watchdog says Iran using advanced centrifuges, breaching nuke deal, Jerusalem Post, 26 September 2019: Why did Trump-Rouhani UN meeting go sideways – analysis, Arab News, 26 September 2019: Iran has committed ‘serious’ breaches of international law, says UK foreign secretary Raab, Times of Israel, 26 September 2019: Iran supreme leader lashes out at Europe as nuke deal wallows, Israel Hayom, 26 September 2019: Sanctions-hit Iran props up economy with bartering, secret deals, Gulf Times, 26 September 2019: Rouhani says US should build trust with Iran, Times of Israel, 27 September 2019: The last time Netanyahu let a deputy address the UN, he regretted it immediately, France24, 27 September 2019: Seized British oil tanker leaves Iranian port, BBC, 27 September 2019: Stena Impero: Seized British tanker starts to leave Iran, The Guardian, 27 September 2019: UK-flagged tanker seized by Iran released and heading for Dubai, Arab News, 27 September 2019: Latest attacks have exposed ‘vile and cowardly’ Iranian regime before the entire world, Saudi FM tells UN General Assembly, Times of Israel, 27 September 2019: At UN, foreign minister urges more pressure on Iran, taunts regime in Persian, Arab News, 27 September 2019: Israeli minister urges unity government to stave off ‘blow-up’ in Iran tensions, The National, 27 September 2019: Financial pressure is the best way to control Iran, says Saudi foreign minister, Times of Israel, 28 September 2019: ‘Nothing will be left of Israel’ if it attacks, Iranian commander threatens, Times of Israel, 28 September 2019: Nasrallah: Hezbollah will ‘enter occupied Palestine’ with improved intelligence, Jerusalem Post, 28 September 2019: Danon to Post: Coordination between Israel, Arab states at the UN on Iran, DW, 28 September 2019: Yemen: Houthi rebels claim capture of ‘thousands’ of Saudi troops, Arab News, 29 September 2019: The world has failed to confront Iran – so what next? , Gulf News, 29 September 2019: Time for Europe to close ranks against Iran’s threats, Jerusalem Post, 29 September 2019: Iran’s goal: Turn Yemen into Saudi’s Vietnam, Arab News, 29 September 2019: Preparations by both sides in the Gulf, The National, 29 September 2019: Hezbollah dominance starts to drag on Lebanon, Israel Hayom, 29 September 2019: Iran creating more Hezbollahs across the Middle East, BBC, 29 September 2019: Houthi rebels video fails to prove Saudi troop capture claim, Israel Hayom, 29 September 2019: ‘At the end of the day, it’s all about Iran’, Jerusalem Post, 30 September 2019: Saudi crown prince warns that war with Iran could collapse world economy, The National, 30 September 2019: US temporarily moves Middle East command amid Iran tension, BBC, 30 September 2019: Saudi crown prince warns of ‘Iran threat’ to global oil, Arab News, 30 September 2019: CBS interview: Saudi Crown Prince talks Khashoggi, Yemen, Iran and women rights, The National, 30 September 2019: UAE welcomes EU initiative to open diplomatic path with Iran, Times of Israel, 30 September 2019: Iran Guards chief: Destroying Israel now not a dream but an ‘achievable goal’, Jerusalem Post, 1 October 2019: German antisemitism commissioner calls on Merkel to exit Iran nuke deal, Saudi Gazette, 1 October 2019: Saudi Arabia tells world to rein in Iran’s terrorist behavior, Jerusalem Post, 1 October 2019: Iran: International community must confront US hostility, Times of Israel, 1 October 2019: Report: Trump, Rouhani agreed to a French detente plan before Iran leader bolted, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2019: France almost brokered a Trump-Rouhani meeting – report, Jerusalem Post, 1 October 2019: Saudi Arabia has sent messages to Iran’s president through third party, Jerusalem Post, 3 October 2019: Wiesenthal: Merkel mocks Holocaust due to Iran support (interestingly enough, the two fools Netanyahu and Trump now notice what the rest of the world has known since May 2018, namely that they invited Iran to build a nuclear bomb when they destroyed the Iran deal. Of course, it was also clear that the two simpletons would not get a new deal with Iran. Netanyahu and Trump are not only as politicians perfect mistakes, but have failed miserably as negotiators in most cases. So here too. Almost every kindergarten child could have solved the situation better. And now, after they’ve messed up again, of course, others shall solve Netanyahu’s and Trump’s self inflicted problems, because they themselves are far too incompetent for that. That’s the way how nationalists role: thinking is not one of their strengths. Here are just a few brain teasers: After Netanyahu had already tricked Bush Junior into the pointless Iraq war (alleged weapons of mass destruction that never existed), how likely will it be to do the same with Trump and his hawks? After the Europeans have already seen through the first of Netanyahu’s bluffs, how likely will it be that they do not recognize the current bluff with regard to Iran as well? So how likely will it be that the Europeans will support the Iran Shitshow of Netanyahu and Trump? Since the trust in Netanyahu and Trump in Europe tends to zero, you do not need to be a rocket scientist to find the answers), CNN, 3 October 2019: Any war between the US and Iran would be a catastrophe. And no one could win it, Haaretz, 3 October 2019: Anti-Iran Alliance Falters as Netanyahu, Trump and MBS Focus on Their Own Predicaments, Jerusalem Post, 3 October 2019: Iran claims it thwarted Arab-Israeli plot to assassinate IRGC Quds Force leader Soleimani, Arab News, 3 October 2019: Gulf chiefs of staff: We are militarily ready to address threats and attacks, The National, 3 October 2019: Iran says it foiled Israeli assassination plot against Quds Force chief Qassem Suleimani, Jerusalem Post, 4 October 2019: Iran’s regime lashes out at German antisemitism commissioner in response to ‘Post’ article, Arab News, 4 October 2019: US sanctions squeezing Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, Arab News, 4 October 2019: Saudi Arabia pledges commitment to protecting global shipping, Express.co.uk, 4 October 2019: Merkel and Macron savaged by Trump lawyer over Iran dealings: ‘Giving money to terrorists! (sure, because Merkel and Macron canceled the Iran deal, to enable Iran to build the bomb .. oh, wait .. it was Trump, pressured by Netanyahu, who did that), Jerusalem Post, 4 October 2019: Trump’s lawyer Giuliani blames Merkel, Macron for iranian terrorism, Haaretz, 4 October 2019: It’s Tempting to Connect the Dots, but Iran-Israel War Doesn’t Seem Imminent, Times of Israel, 5 October 2019: Saudis said moving toward detente with Iran amid US reluctance to act militarily, Times of Israel, 5 October 2019: Trump insists he, not Iran, called off talks with Rouhani at UN, Times of Israel, 5 October 2019: Israel and Gulf states working on ‘historic pact’ to end conflict between them, France24, 6 October 2019: Israeli minister seeks ‘non-aggression’ pacts with Arab nations (when looking at the comment sections of English-language, Arabic and Israeli (in particular Ynet, Jerusalem Post and Israel Hayom) news sites, one must inevitably come to the conclusion that actually only extremists are at home in the region, who deeply reject, hate, despise and therefore want to extinguish everything non-Arab or non-Jewish. In that sense, such an agreement could be called “historical”, if it ever should be closed. However, it will take several generations to reach societal acceptance, because the reciprocal reservations are very high and be shared by parts of the educational institutions on both sides. Good luck with that one), Arab News, 6 October 2019: Israeli minister seeks ‘non-aggression’ pacts with Arab nations, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2019: Israel should focus more on Iran’s nuclear weapons than on Hezbollah’s missiles (which Iran actually doesn’t have, but if so one day, than thanks to the actions of Netanyahu and Trump), Arab News, 6 October 2019: Chinese state oil firm withdraws from $5bn South Pars gas deal: Iran, Times of Israel, 6 October 2019: Iran says Chinese state oil firm withdraws from $5b natural gas deal, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2019: Merkel’s gov’t says Iran’s call to ‘wipe out Israel off the map’ not antisemitic (making things up out of thin air is the general business model of the tabloid Jerusalem Post, but this article is even for Jerusalem Post’s standards a new low), Haaretz, 6 October 2019: Iran Attack on Saudi Arabia Shows Why Israel Must Shut Down Its Nuclear Reactor, Times of Israel, 6 October 2019: FM confirms initiative to sign ‘historic’ non-aggression pact with Arab states, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2019: Does Israel need pacts with Persian Gulf that Katz is trying to secure?, Haaretz, 6 October 2019: Saudi Arabia Recognizes Its Weakness and Is Ready to Talk to the Iranian Foe, Times of Israel, 7 October 2019: Trump’s policy of inaction is whetting Iran’s appetite for aggression, Haaretz, 7 October 2019: Netanyahu Seeks Billions to Fund Israeli Defense Against Iranian Cruise Missiles, Jerusalem Post, 7 October 2019: German publisher calls on Merkel to sanction Iran’s regime for Israel’s security, Times of Israel, 8 October 2019: Iran plans to start using more advanced centrifuges in coming weeks, The New York Times, 8 October 2019: Trump and Tehran Shake Up the Middle East, BBC, 9 October 2019: Trumplomacy: Are we seeing the end of a close Israel-US relationship?, Reuters, 9 October 2019: Iran’s Khamenei says building, using nuclear bomb is forbidden under its religion: TV (would also be rather counterproductive for Iran’s future plans, because Iran is ultimately interested in land gains and the extension of the country’s territory to the Levant, Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. If Iran would expose the region or parts of it to atomic radiation, nobody could use the land anymore), France24, 9 October 2019: Khamenei says nuclear weapons forbidden for Iran, Israel Hayom, 10 October 2019: A state that threatens Jewish genocide isn’t normal (just to keep it in mind: to Netanyahu, Israel Hayom is what Russia Today is for Putin. And another point should be kept in mind too: One of the very few consensuses between the Israeli and Iranian governments is that for decades they have been dealing with mutual annihilation fantasies. This isn’t and hasn’t been a one-way road at all), Israel Hayom, 10 October 2019: Netanyahu: ‘Israel will defend itself, by itself, against any threat’, France24, 11 October 2019: Explosions set Iran oil tanker ablaze near Saudi port city of Jeddah, Arab News, 11 October 2019: US deploying 3,000 more troops to Saudi Arabia: Pentagon, Arab News, 14 October 2019: US must accept consequences of its Middle East policies, Al Arabiya, 14 October 2019: Rouhani says Iran to continue scaling back commitments to nuclear deal, The Guardian, 16 October 2019: Iran to limit inspectors’ access to its nuclear facilities, Arab News, 16 October 2019: Iran must refrain from new reductions to nuclear commitments: France, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2019: IAEA mum on Iran’s illicit nuclear activities in Germany, Israel Hayom, 17 October 2019: Trump’s Middle East moves show why Israeli deterrence is crucial, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2019: 75% of Iranians against ending nuke enrichment – poll, Haaretz, 17 October 2019: With America Out, Wily China Will Be Mideast’s Next Big Economic Power, Times of Israel, 18 October 2019: As US withdraws, Jerusalem spooked by Moscow’s growing control over Middle East, Haaretz, 18 October 2019: From Syria to Iran, Trump Is Losing the Battle to End ‘Endless Wars’ in Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 18 October 2019: UN must renew its arm embargo against Iran, Pompeo says in Israel, Times of Israel, 20 October 2019: In latest sign of thaw, Israel sending official to anti-Iran summit in Bahrain, Times of Israel, 21 October 2019: In rare formal visit, Israeli official attends anti-Iran conference in Bahrain, CNN, 21 October 2019: No longer the obedient NATO ally, Erdogan floats nuclear option, Times of Israel, 22 October 2019: Israel said bracing for direct cruise missile or drone attack by Iran, Israel Hayom, 25 October 2019: IDF chief: Iran’s regional aspirations are Israel’s key strategic challenge, Israel Hayom, 25 October 2019: As Iran grows more audacious, Israel must confront new security reality, Israel Hayom, 26 October 2019: Iran views US withdrawal from Syria as an opportunity, Arab News, 27 October 2019: No let-up in Iran’s foreign terror operations, The Guardian, 27 October 2019: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi killed in US raid, Trump confirms, BBC, 27 October 2019: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: IS leader ‘dead after US raid’ in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 27 October 2019: Iranian official: “We can destroy Israel within 30 minutes”, Arab News, 27 October 2019: Trump: Daesh leader Al-Baghdadi ‘died a coward’ in US raid in north-west Syria, Jerusalem Post, 27 October 2019: Ex-intel chief praises Baghdadi hit, says Iran, Hezbollah should be next, The Guardian, 27 October 2019: Nowhere left to run: how the US finally caught up with Isis leader Baghdadi, Times of Israel, 27 October 2019: Baghdadi assassination succeeded despite Trump, not thanks to him – US officials, The National, 27 October 2019: Baghdadi’s death does not resolve the issues behind his rise, Times of Israel, 27 October 2019: Islamic State leader’s death is important, but not a game changer, France24, 27 October 2019: World leaders react to announcement of al-Baghdadi’s death, Arab News, 28 October 2019: Saudi Arabia hails US raid that killed Al-Baghdadi, Times of Israel, 28 October 2019: Netanyahu says Iran seeking to fire missiles at Israel from Yemen, Saudi Gazette, 28 October 2019: Netanyahu accuses Iran of wanting to strike Israel from Yemen, Arab News, 29 October 2019: Saudi Arabia working for promotion of ‘true image of Islam’, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2019: European parliament members want to sanction Iran for human rights, Times of Israel, 28 October 2019: Democratic hopeful Sanders urges giving chunk of US military aid to Gaza instead, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2019: Iran tells UNSC: Long, dark list of Israeli brutality goes on and on, Israel Hayom, 29 October 2019: Escalation with Iran and its satellites is not an empty threat, Haaretz, 29 October 2019: At J Street Confab, Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Blast Trump and Call to Mend Ties With Palestinians, Haaretz, 30 October 2019: Iranian Threat to Israel Is Real, Even if It Serves Netanyahu’s Interests, Arab News, 30 October 2019: US and Gulf countries sanction individuals and businesses linked to Iran and Hezbollah, Israel Hayom, 31 October 2019: IAF chief: Security challenges posed by Iran becoming more complex, The National, 31 October 2019: Amid Donald Trump’s desire to disengage from Middle East, US-Iran confrontation leaves Gulf allies uneasy, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2019: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards honor Jewish soldiers who died in Iran-Iraq war, Times of Israel, 31 October 2019: Iran hopes new UN nuclear chief will act ‘neutrally’, Israel Hayom, 31 October 2019: Iran’s Khamenei accuses West, Saudi Arabia of ‘spreading turmoil’ in Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 1 November 2019: U.S. imposes new Iran sanctions while waiving others (Coca-Cola, New York-style pizza, apple pie, burgers and bagels will soon be sanctioned because two out of ten nuke engineers like Coca-Cola, New York-style pizza, apple pie, burgers or bagels as well), Times of Israel, 1 November 2019: 40 years on, embassy hostage crisis still haunts US-Iran ties, Haaretz, 1 November 2019: In TrumpWorld and BibiWorld, Truth Is Tantamount to Treason, Times of Israel, 1 November 2019: Netanyahu told ministers US can’t be counted on against Iran — report, Arab News, 3 November 2019: Iran’s Khamenei renews ban on talks with US, Haaretz, 3 November 2019: Israeli Army’s Boasts of Preparedness Against Iran Have Quickly Turned to Alarm, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2019: Iran remains worst state-sponsor of terror, works with al-Qaeda (the efforts to circumvent US sanctions obviously need to be significantly and greatly expanded. China will for sure have some fantastic ideas to do just that. Therefore close cooperation would make sense here), Israel Hayom, 3 November 2019: War of words is not enough to keep Iran at bay, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2019: Iran-US-Israel’s 40 years of hostility with no end in sight – analysis (Iran hostage crisis), Haaretz, 4 November 2019: Iran Announces New Breach of Nuclear Deal on 40th Anniversary of U.S. Embassy Takeover, Arab News, 4 November 2019: European powers condemn Iran over new centrifuges move, Times of Israel, 4 November 2019: European Union warns Iran over nuclear deal after uranium claims, The National, 4 November 2019: Germany condemns Iran’s move to speed up uranium enrichment, Israel Hayom, 4 November 2019: ‘Iranian attack on Israel is just a matter of time’, Arab News, 4 November 2019: Fresh US sanctions target Iranian supreme leader Khamenei’s inner circle, Haaretz, 4 November 2019: With Latest Nuke Deal Breach, Iran Forces Remaining Signatories to Face Hard Dilemma, The Guardian, 5 November 2019: Iran to begin injecting uranium gas into 1,044 centrifuges, France24, 5 November 2019: Iran further distances itself from nuclear deal by fuelling underground centrifuges, Arab News, 6 November 2019: Iran starts enriching uranium at Fordow amid reports UN nuclear inspector detained, Times of Israel, 6 November 2019: Iran shaves weeks off breakout time, but isn’t tearing up nuclear pact yet, France24, 7 November 2019: Iran pulls accreditation of UN nuclear inspector, Arab News, 7 November 2019: Maritime coalition launched to protect Gulf shipping after Iran attacks, Haaretz, 7 November 2019: After Tehran Blocks UN Inspector, Netanyahu Claims Iran ‘Continues to Lie’ About Nuclear Program (the Crime Minister is, of course, the right one to judge if others are lying or not :-D ), Times of Israel, 7 November 2019: Netanyahu: Europe ‘must stop stalling,’ confront Iran over its nuclear program (after exactly happened what the parties to the JCPOA have vigorously warned the two simpletons Netanyahu and Trump, namely that they would completely fail with their anti-Iran strategy, the result can now be noted with great Schadenfreude and satisfaction. Instead of moving the Iranian government into new negotiations, the US sanctions are bleeding out the population, while the Iranian hardliners have been significantly strengthened. Now that this has apparently been made clear to Netanyahu and Trump, they are now begging (Pompeo is on tour in Europe to convey Trump’s message) that the Europeans who want to continue holding on to the JCPOA should work against their own interests and European security, so that it can be distracted from the fact that Netanyahu and Trump, as predicted, have indeed completely failed. Therefore the answer from Europe to Netanyahu and Trump should be: “You brake it, you own it!”), Politico.com, 8 November 2019: Pompeo hits Iran on IAEA inspector, amplifies claim of undeclared nuclear materials, The National, 9 November 2019: Iran says it is now enriching uranium to five per cent, The Guardian, 9 November 2019: Pompeo slams Iran’s treatment of UN nuclear inspector, The National, 9 November 2019: Iran is a country that has increasingly gone rogue on international norms and conventions, Haaretz, 11 November 2019: Israel Is Forcing the Palestinians to Love Iran, Times of Israel, 11 November 2019: Hezbollah chief: Chance of US-Iran war down by 99%, Trump’s strategy failed, France24, 12 November 2019: Iran accuses Europeans of hypocrisy over nuclear deal, The National, 16 November 2019: One dead during petrol protests in Iran’s Sirjan, reports say, Gulf Times, 16 November 2019: One dead as petrol protests spread in Iran, France24, 17 November 2019: Iran’s supreme leader blames ‘thugs’ for unrest, backs govt on petrol price hikes, The National, 17 November 2019: Iranians protesting against petrol price increases threatened with military intervention, Arab News, 17 November 2019: Internet restricted in protest-hit Iran: report, Haaretz, 17 November 2019: Has Netanyahu’s Iran Strategy Blown Up in His Face?, Arab News, 17 November 2019: Khamenei dismisses deadly protests sweeping Iran, hundreds arrested in crackdown, Arab News, 18 November 2019: Iran’s heavy water stock exceeds authorised limit: IAEA, Politico.eu, 18 November 2019: Iran’s leadership faces its biggest test of survival, The Guardian, 19 November 2019: UN urges Iran restraint amid reports of high protester death toll, Arab News, 21 November 2019: Britain urges Israel to halt settlement expansion, in contrast to US, France24, 21 November 2019: Iran media reports internet access back after multi-day shutdown, Politico.eu, 21 November 2019: Iran takes Europe hostage on nukes, Arab News, 21 November 2019: Iran Guards praise protests crackdown that killed dozens as international condemnation continues, The National, 21 November 2019: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard praises crackdown on fuel protesters, France24, 21 November 2019: A new Iranian revolution?, Politico.eu, 21 November 2019: Six days after start of violence, EU issues Iran statement, The Guardian, 21 November 2019: Iran’s digital shutdown: other regimes ‘will be watching closely’, Arab News, 21 November 2019: King Salman urges Iran to junk its expansionist ideology, The National, 21 November 2019: UN nuclear watchdog presses Iran over undeclared uranium traces, Times of Israel, 21 November 2019: Syria strikes send clear warning message to Iran, but stick to familiar playbook, The National, 23 November 2019: Saudi’s Al Jubeir warns against appeasement of Iranian regime, The National, 23 November 2019: Expect a threatened Iran regime to double down – including on its ‘moderate’ leadership, Arab News, 23 November 2019: Iran warns regional states of consequences if they stoked unrest, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2019: US Centcom Commander: International alliances are solution to Iran’s bullying, France24, 24 November 2019: UAE to host European-led mission to monitor Gulf waters, Arab News, 24 November 2019: UAE to host European-led mission to monitor Gulf waters, The National, 24 November 2019: UAE and France sign military cooperation agreement, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2019: Netanyahu: We will stop Iran’s attempts to use Yemen, Iraq against Israel, Arab News, 25 November 2019: Iranian conspiracy behind attack on Saudi Aramco facilities: Reuters investigation, Jerusalem Post, 25 November 2019: France seeks to fill void in Middle East left by U.S. – analysis, The National, 26 November 2019: Netherlands to join French-led Strait of Hormuz naval mission, The National, 26 November 2019: Iran harassing Europe-based Persian language journalists, unions say, Haaretz, 27 November 2019: U.S. Worried Israel Will Strike Iran. Israel Is Worried About Something Else, Arab News, 30 November 2019: Iran disputes ‘exaggerated’ protest death tolls, The Guardian, 1 December 2019: Blocked roads then bullets: Iran’s brutal crackdown in its City of Roses, Arab News, 1 December 2019: Iran begins registering candidates for parliamentary polls, Jerusalem Post, 2 December 2019: Israel’s war with Iran will cause never-before-seen images, Al Arabiya, 2 December 2019: The US should cooperate with Russia to get Iran out of Lebanon, The New York Times, 3 December 2019: Iran Is Crushing Freedom One Country at a Time, BBC, 3 December 2019: Iran protests: State TV acknowledges deaths during unrest, The Guardian, 3 December 2019: Iran state TV says ‘rioters’ shot and killed in last month’s protests, France24, 4 December 2019: Iran’s Rouhani calls for release of ‘innocent’ protesters detained during country’s unrest, Arab News, 5 December 2019: Iran using protest chaos to stockpile ballistic missiles in Iraq, CNN, 5 December 2019: France, Germany and UK reiterate claim that Iran has nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, France24, 6 December 2019: Iran nuclear deal signatories meet in Vienna as accord nears collapse, Reuters, 7 December 2019: United States and Iran swap prisoners in rare act of cooperation, The Guardian, 7 December 2019: If Tehran is pushed too far, it may hit out in ways that are disastrous, (in contrast to the misperceptions propagated by Netanyahu and Trump, that Iran would collapse and be “destroyed”, the country cheerfully stationed over 15,000 additional short- and medium-range missiles in its areas of influence, successfully tested long-range missiles, successfully enriched uranium (the now only survival guarantee of the country), provides itself with money from abroad, again moves away from the West and creates another security risk for Europe. And whom can we thank for it? The two “super brains” from Israel and the USA. Thank you for nothing), The Guardian, 8 December 2019: Iran unveils ‘budget to resist US sanctions’ with help from $5bn Russian loan, Arab News, 8 December 2019: Ayatollahs should be most afraid of Iran’s own citizens, The National, 8 December 2019: Iran to unveil new generation of uranium enrichment centrifuges soon, Israel Hayom, 10 December 2019: It’s time for Europe to stand with the Iranian people, The National, 11 December 2019: Iranian threat to ‘flatten Tel Aviv’ from Lebanon draws ire in Beirut, Israel Hayom, 10 December 2019: Why we should fear a nuclearized Saudi Arabia, BBC, 9 December 2019: Six charts that show how hard US sanctions have hit Iran, CNN, 11 December 2019: US unveils new sanctions on Iran, Haaretz, 17 December 2019: How Trump and Netanyahu Split Ways on Iran, Pushing Israel to Reconsider Acting Alone, Jerusalem Post, 17 December 2019: Bennett working to step up campaign against Iran in Syria, Times of Israel, 18 December 2019: Iran begins testing much faster centrifuges as nuclear deal further unravels, Jerusalem Post, 20 December 2019: EU Parliament condemns Iran for slaughtering protesters, Al Arabiya, 20 December 2019: Japan briefs Iran on plan to send forces to Middle East, Arab News, 20 December 2019: Iran calls Pompeo ‘loudspeaker for bullying’, Times of Israel, 21 December 2019: Iran calls US foreign policy ‘delusional,’ Pompeo ‘a loudspeaker for bullying’, Al Arabiya, 21 December 2019: Iran’s Rouhani welcomes Japan opt-out of US-led naval mission in Gulf, France24, 25 December 2019: Iran’s Guardian Council: ‘The authorities must respond to the people’s rightful demands’, Al Arabiya, 25 December 2019: Iran starts internet shutdown ahead of possible new protests, Haaretz, 25 December 2019: Israeli Army Chief Made It Clear: A Collision With Iran Is Almost Inevitable, Arab News, 26 December 2019: Iran is looking at Asia as a lifeline, Arab News, 29 December 2019: Why is Iran silent on Israel’s attacks?, Arab News, 29 December 2019: Iran, Russia, China cement ties with military maneuvers, CNN, 30 December 2019: A proxy war between the US and Iran just moved a step closer, The National, 30 December 2019: Iran-backed militia leader threatens retaliation after US strikes in Iraq, Arab News, 30 December 2019: Iran-backed Iraqi militia vows revenge to US airstrikes, Times of Israel, 30 December 2019: Netanyahu praises ‘important’ US strikes on Iran-backed militia, The National, 30 December 2019: Kataib Hezbollah’s strike on US base is a diversion tactic, Jerusalem Post, 30 December 2019: After US attacks Iranian-backed militias, is America back in the game?, The New York Times, 30 December 2019: American Airstrikes Rally Iraqis Against U.S., Arab News, 31 December 2019: Islamic Republic cannot win unless we let it, CNN, 31 December 2019: Protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad after airstrikes, France24, 31 December 2019: Iraqi Shiite militia supporters attack US embassy compound in Baghdad, The Washington Post, 31 December 2019: Protesters chanting ‘Death to America’ break into U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, BBC, 31 December 2019: US Baghdad embassy attacked by protesters angry at air strikes, NPR, 31 December 2019: Mob Angered By Airstrikes Tries To Storm U.S. Embassy Compound In Baghdad, The Guardian, 31 December 2019: Embassy protesters in Iraq deal symbolic blow to US prestige, The New York Times, 31 December 2019: Protesters Attack U.S. Embassy in Iraq, Chanting ‘Death to America’, The Washington Post, 31 December 2019: Why Iraq is at the center of the dispute between Iran and the United States, Arab News, 31 December 2019: Protesters outside US Iraq embassy in Baghdad rage against air strikes, The National, 31 December 2019: Militia attack on US Embassy in Baghdad bodes ill for Iraqi protesters, Al Arabiya, 31 December 2019: Iraqi leaders assure Americans’ safety in call with US Secretary of State Pompeo, CNN, 31 December 2019: US sending additional forces to protect embassy threatened by protesters in Iraq, BBC, 31 December 2019: Trump threatens Iran with ‘big price’ to pay over US embassy attack, The Guardian, 31 December 2019: Trump threatens Iran will pay ‘a very big price’ over US embassy protests in Baghdad, Jerusalem Post, 31 December 2019: Iran’s Zarif in Russia and China for strategic diplomatic push, Haaretz, 1 January 2020: Iran Denies Role in U.S. Embassy Violence, Warns Against Retaliation, France24, 1 January 2020: Supporters of Iranian-backed Iraqi militias withdraw after protests at US embassy in Baghdad, DW, 1 January 2020: Pro-militia protesters withdraw from US Embassy in Iraq, BBC, 1 January 2020: US embassy attack: Protesters withdraw after standoff in Iraq, CNN, 1 January 2020: Iraqi security forces regain control of area around US Embassy after second day of protests, NPR, 1 January 2020: Why The U.S. Embassy In Iraq Became A Target Of Anger Again, Arab News, 1 January 2020: Pro-Iran protesters leave US embassy in Baghdad, Al Arabiya, 1 January 2020: Pro-Iran protesters fully withdraw from US embassy in Baghdad, The New York Times, 1 January 2020: Pro-Iranian Protesters End Siege of U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Times of Israel, 1 January 2020: Iran’s Khamenei shrugs off Trump threat to retaliate over Iraq embassy violence, The National, 2 January 2020: US official: Iran orchestrated Baghdad embassy attack, The New York Times, 1 January 2020: Pro-Iranian Protesters End Siege of U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Politico.com, 2 January 2020: ‘The game has changed’: Defense secretary warns of preemptive strikes on Iranian group, Arab News, 2 January 2020: US expects more attacks from Iran-backed groups: Esper (As noted elsewhere, here you can watch Iran playing 3D chess, while Trump misdirected by Netanyahu again trips over his own feet. In the US election year 2020, Trump is even less able to act than he already is. On the one hand, this results from his foreign policy of isolation into which he led the United States by spoiling almost all important international allies. On the other hand, for domestic political reasons, there is a compulsion to hold back militarily, because the key election promises include that the US will not only start new wars but make sure that all soldiers stationed abroad will return to the US soon. All of this, of course, isn’t news to the Iranian leadership and they use it consequently in their favor, with the result that Trump’s “policy of maximum pressure” increasingly fails, Iran has entered into new coalitions with China and Russia, and at the same time trolling Trump at will until at least November 2020: “And this, dear kids, is called strategy and tactics. The art is to always know who the cat and who the mouse is.”), CNN, 3 January 2020: Iran Quds Force chief and deputy head of Iraq paramilitary forces killed in Baghdad airport rocket attack, Iraqi TV reports, France24, 3 January 2020: Air strike at Baghdad airport kills top commanders of Iran and Iraqi militia (What might happen next? In return, some Americans are likely to die – “tit for tat”. The entire Iraq war was a great stupidity and a “gift” from Netanyahu to Bush Jr. and the United States. As expected, with Trump he has now trapped the next US president in his strategy-free fancies (weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which didn’t existed, nuclear weapons in Iran which do not exist, etc.) for which US soldiers instead of Israeli soldiers will have to pay with their lives), BBC, 3 January 2020: Qasem Soleimani: Iran Quds force leader reportedly killed, DW, 3 January 2020: Top Iranian general reportedly killed in Baghdad airstrike, BBC, 3 January 2020: Qasem Soleimani: US kills top Iranian general in Baghdad air strike (when a action like this is carried out, then this is either the result of a complete misjudgment or someone went wacko. However, both has the same consequences. In this case, Iran will probably take its time with the “answer” and will not necessarily respond in the Middle East or the Levant. Destinations in the United States are options as well. It can only be described more specifically when it has actually happened, as Iran’s reaction will have different consequences as well. What can be said with certainty is that the killing of General Qasem Soleimani has ensured that Iran now again has the better cards for the enforcement of its own interests. It can also be assumed that the general will not be replaced by a liberal freedom fighter. The future enforcement of self-interests is therefore likely to be even more aggressive and will be justified with “American state terrorism against Iran”. While there can be no doubt that General Soleimani was the strategist and architect behind Iran’s aggressive expansion policy in the Middle East, he was not Osama bin Laden, but a highly decorated, highly regarded, and highly respected representative of his country. With the targeted killing of Soleimani by the US, the US at the same time hands out an invitation to Iran to repay the same with the same. How would the United States react if Mike Pence, Mike Pompeo or Mark Esper were found in their destroyed vehicles? Trump’s assassination of Soleimani has led to the opposite of what Washington, D.C. and Israel had hoped for: The Iranian population has been closing ranks, including those opposed to the regime, has been united against the USA and Israel, because nobody attacks Iran with impunity, and has vocalized this millions of times during public statements. Here, too, Trump failed again completely. At the same time, Trump broke the unwritten law that government members are in general not attacked or killed, because otherwise the own government members are also becoming fair game. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper should be fully aware of this. Against this background, Iran is now planning its counterattack(s). Hopefully Berlin, London, Paris and Brussels will stick to their pragmatic and rational line and will not be drawn into the Netanyahu-Trump circus. In view of the fact that both of them are permanently endangering Europe’s security with their everlasting misjudgments and wrong decisions, it has not been possible to speak of a partnership in the Middle East between the USA/Israel and the EU for quite some time now. In this respect, EU support measures would amount to a fulminant own goal. However, the EU is in a delicate situation, because if it pulled itself out of Iraq (and the United States would withdraw its troops too), not only Iran would see significant increase in power in Iraq (Iran was already on the defensive and in reverse before the US attack on General Soleimani for domestic reasons. Trump has now turned this into the opposite. Out of solidarity, the Arab world will give Iran greater scope for action), but also ISIL. Leaving the Iraqi population alone in this situation would not be acceptable (this also applies to the Lebanese). The $ 1 million question is now how the EU can act moderating and de-escalating while pursuing its own strategic line, which is clearly different from Netanyahu’s and Trump’s strategic lines), France24, 3 January 2020: Iraq could ‘pay price’ for US strike on Iran commander: analysts, BBC, 3 January 2020: Iran vows ‘severe revenge’ over general’s killing, CNN, 3 January 2020: Who was Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian commander killed by a US airstrike? (International Institute for Strategic Studies, November 2019: Iran’s Networks of Influence in the Middle East), France24, 3 January 2020: General Qassem Soleimani: key to Iranian influence in the Middle East, The Guardian, 3 January 2020: Iran crisis: US embassy urges its citizens to leave Iraq immediately – live updates, France24, 3 January 2020: Live: Iraq’s Sadr reactivates anti-US ‘Mahdi army’ after Soleimani killing, CNN, 3 January 2020: Iran’s top general Soleimani killed in US airstrike, Al Arabiya, 3 January 2020: US killing of Iranian commander will ‘increase tensions’: Moscow, The Guardian, 3 January 2020: Qassem Suleimani’s death threatens to open grisly new chapter in Middle East, The National, 3 January 2020: Qassem Suleimani: A loss too big for Iran to leave unanswered, Al Arabiya, 3 January 2020: Iran supreme leader vows ‘severe revenge’ for Soleimani killing, Arab News, 3 January 2020: Iran’s Gen. Soleimani killed in airstrike at Baghdad airport, Haaretz, 3 January 2020: U.S. Democrats Warn of Major Escalation After Iranian General Soleimani Assassination, The National, 3 January 2020: Iran’s Qassem Suleimani killed by US strike in Iraq – live updates and reaction, Al Arabiya, 3 January 2020: UK military increases security at Middle East bases after Soleimani killing, Haaretz, 3 January 2020: Top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani Killed in U.S. Airstrike in Iraq, Times of Israel, 3 January 2020: Iran supreme leader vows ‘severe revenge’ after US kills top general Soleimani, The National, 3 January 2020: Who is Esmail Qaani, the new Iranian elite force commander?, Politico.eu, 3 January 2020: Trump takes massive gamble with killing of Iranian commander, France24, 3 January 2020: ‘A more dangerous world’: US killing of Iran’s Soleimani stokes fears of regional conflict, Politico.eu, 3 January 2020: Weakness at home limits Khamenei’s options for revenge, The National, 3 January 2020: US-Iran tensions: latest updates as Qassem Suleimani funeral procession takes place in Baghdad, Arab News, 3 January 2020: How Iran’s Qassem Soleimani destabilized the Middle East, The New York Times, 3 January 2020: Trump Kills Iran’s Most Overrated Warrior, The Guardian, 4 January 2020: Qassem Suleimani: tears mix with vows of vengeance at funeral, BBC, 4 January 2020: Qasem Soleimani: Thousands mourn assassinated Iranian general, Times of Israel, 4 January 2020: Chanting ‘Death to America, Israel,’ thousands join Soleimani funeral procession, Haaretz, 4 January 2020: Hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza Mourn Iran’s Soleimani, The Guardian, 4 January 2020: After Suleimani, Iran will hit back hard – possibly on multiple fronts, Jerusalem Post, 4 January 2020: Iran’s UN Ambassador: US virtually declared war on Iran, CNN, 4 January 2020: Iran could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s why that matters, Times of Israel, 4 January 2020: Iran threatens Tel Aviv, US bases in Middle East after killing of Soleimani, Haaretz, 4 January 2020: U.S. Presidential Hopefuls Walk a Tightrope in Responses to Soleimani’s Killing, CNN, 4 January 2020: Crowds gather in Baghdad to mourn military leaders killed by US airstrike, The National, 4 January 2020: Suleimani mourners begin 200km funeral procession, Arab News, 4 January 2020: Yemen minister warns Houthis against turning country into theater of US-Iran war, NPR, 4 January 2020: Was It Legal For The U.S. To Kill A Top Iranian Military Leader?, Times of Israel, 4 January 2020: German police get revised guidance on protecting American, Jewish facilities, Politico.eu, 4 January 2020: Iran’s retaliation could be hacking, not bombs, Politico.com, 4 January 2020: NATO suspends Iraq training mission,Arab News, 4 January 2020: Coalition scales back Iraq operations for security reasons, The Washington Post, 4 January 2020: At Baghdad funeral procession for Qasem Soleimani, calls for retaliation against the United States, The New York Times, 4 January 2020: ‘The Game Has Changed’, Arab News, 4 January 2020: Missiles hit Green Zone, Baghdad and Iraq base housing US troops, Al Arabiya, 4 January 2020: Iran’s new Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani ‘not another Solemani’: Expert, Times of Israel, 4 January 2020: Who is Esmail Ghaani, the successor to slain Iranian general Soleimani?, Arab News, 4 January 2020: Iran will ‘punish’ Americans wherever they are within its reach, The Guardian, 4 January 2020: I have no confidence Boris Johnson will keep us out of a quagmire in Iran, NBC News, 4 January 2020: Rose McGowan defends tweet apologizing to Iran after strike, CNN, 4 January 2020: Fox’s Tucker Carlson breaks with colleagues and criticizes Trump’s strike on Iranian general, The Guardian, 4 January 2020: Boris Johnson’s silence on Suleimani assassination is ‘deafening’ say critics, Arab News, 4 January 2020: Qassem Soleimani: He will kill no more, The National, 4 January 2020: World leaders urge caution following US strike on Qassem Suleimani, Times of Israel, 4 January 2020: Security officials doubt Iran will strike Israel following Soleimani killing, The New York Times, 4 January 2020: The Dire Consequences of Trump’s Suleimani Decision, Politico.com, 4 January 2020: Biden: Trump is ‘incredibly dangerous and irresponsible’ as the ‘walls close in’, Arab News, 5 January 2020: Reaper drone launched from Qatar fired missile that killed Soleimani, France24, 5 January 2020: Body of top Iranian general Soleimani killed in US air strike returned to Iran, CNN, 5 January 2020: Skepticism mounts over evidence of ‘imminent’ threat that Trump says justified Soleimani killing, Arab News, 5 January 2020: Trump issues new threat to Iran, Soleimani’s body arrives in Iran, Haaretz, 5 January 2020: Trump Ends U.S. Restraint With Soleimani Assassination, and Iran Won’t Hold Back, Times of Israel, 5 January 2020: Crowds throng Iran city to mourn Soleimani, vow revenge, as remains flown back, The Guardian, 5 January 2020: Boris Johnson: Qassem Suleimani was threat to all our interests, France24, 5 January 2020: Iraq parliament passes resolution to expel US-led coalition troops from country, CNN, 5 January 2020: Iraqi Parliament votes for government to work on plan to end US troop presence in Iraq after Soleimani killing, The Washington Post, 5 January 2020: Pompeo dismisses Iraqi leader’s call for all foreign troops to leave, Politico.eu, 5 January 2020: Pompeo defends American presence in Iraq as its parliament moves to oust US troops, The Guardian, 5 January 2020: The Guardian view on Trump’s war: UK goes from poodle to lapdog?, Times of Israel, 5 January 2020: Key US allies push to deescalate crisis with Iran after top general killed, BBC, 5 January 2020: Iran rolls back nuclear deal commitments (Who could have seen it coming? For sure not the “mastermind” in the White House), France24, 5 January 2020: Iran abandons enrichment limits in further step back from nuclear deal, The Guardian, 5 January 2020: Iran will feel it must retaliate against US, say military analysts, CNN, 5 January 2020: Exclusive: Iran’s response to US will be military — Khamenei’s adviser, France24, 5 January 2020: Hezbollah leader vows bloody retaliation for US killing of Iranian general, The Guardian, 5 January 2020: Diplomacy over Iran is still possible – if only to avoid an all-out war, The Washington Post, 5 January 2020: Hezbollah says retribution for Soleimani’s death must target U.S. military, not civilians, The Guardian, 5 January 2020: Iran ends nuclear deal commitments as fallout from Suleimani killing spreads, The Washington Post, 5 January 2020: Trump faces Iran crisis with fewer experienced advisers and strained relations with traditional allies, The New York Times, 5 January 2020: Iran Ends Nuclear Limits as Killing of Iranian General Upends Mideast, Politico.eu, 5 January 2020: EU invites Iran’s foreign minister to Brussels amid tensions with US, NPR, 5 January 2020: In A Day Of Turmoil, Repercussions Of Soleimani Killing Grow More Widespread, Al Arabiya, 5 January 2020: Qatar’s condolences over Soleimani show ‘dangerous’ drift towards Iran: Expert, Arab News, 5 January 2020: Saudi Arabia ‘not consulted’ over Soleimani drone strike, The National, 5 January 2020: What’s next for Iran after Suleimani’s death? The past may offer an insight, Gulf Times, 5 January 2020: Khamenei adviser says Iran response to US to be military: CNN, Al Arabiya, 5 January 2020: Soleimani’s death takes America’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign to next level, Times of Israel, 5 January 2020: Hamas, Islamic Jihad heads give condolences to Iran’s FM on Soleimani’s death, CNN, 5 January 2020: US officials tried to prevent Iraqi vote to remove troops, The New York Times, 5 January 2020: Trump Threatens Iranian Cultural Sites, and Warns of Sanctions on Iraq
Haaretz, 6 January 2020: Trump Just Turned the United States Into a Mideast Country, The Guardian, 6 January 2020: Here’s what could be lost if Trump bombs Iran’s cultural treasures, The Times, 6 January 2020: Was America to blame for Soleimani’s worldview?, Politico.eu, 6 January 2020: Iran told EU foreign policy chief it doesn’t want escalation, CNN, 6 January 2020: Iran’s response to the US may happen slowly and that’s more concerning, France24, 6 January 2020: Trump warns Iraq of sanctions ‘like they’ve never seen before’, Iran with ‘major retaliation’ (the difference between the Trump administration and the mafia is that the mafia is at least committed to organized crime), Politico.eu, 6 January 2020: Trump envoy says U.S., Europe agreed Soleimani was a threat (Grenell is and remains an even greater liar and fake news distributor than his boss already is. Not one single EU government is partnering in this with the Trump administration, which is good news), The Guardian, 6 January 2020: Donald Trump defends threat to hit cultural sites in Iran, CNN, 6 January 2020: Trump’s decision to kill Soleimani is beginning to look like a reckless gamble, The Guardian, 6 January 2020: Future of US military presence in Iraq in question amid confusion in Washington, BBC, 6 January 2020: Huge crowds pack Tehran for commander’s funeral, The Guardian, 6 January 2020: Donald Trump’s belligerent threats to Iran’s cultural sites are grotesque, Politico.eu, 6 January 2020: As crisis engulfs Middle East, EU is off the pace, France24, 6 January 2020: Trump warns Iran of ‘major retaliation,’ threatens sanctions on Iraq, CNN, 6 January 2020: Trump’s threatened attack on Iranian cultural sites could be a war crime if carried out, The Guardian, 6 January 2020: Nato chief holds back from endorsing US killing of Suleimani, CNN, 6 January 2019: Former Israeli ambassador: Iran must be confronted, NPR, 6 January 2020: U.S. Informs Iraqi Government About Repositioning Of Coalition Forces, France24, 6 January 2020: US military tells Iraq it is preparing to ‘move out’ in letter (a clever military strategist would move the troops to Jordan, or if not possible otherwise, to Israel (the United States already has bases in both countries). It can be doubted that this consideration reaches the White House), Al Arabiya, 6 January 2020: France says Iran must not retaliate after Iran general Soleimani’s killing, France24, 6 January 2020: ‘There is still a place for diplomacy’, says France’s Le Drian in wake of Soleimani killing, BBC, 6 January 2020: Trump under fire for threat to Iranian cultural sites, Arab News, 6 January 2020: How Iranian, Qatari media glorified Qassem Soleimani, Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2020: US ambassador hosts Iranian dissidents grateful for action vs. Soleimani, CNN, 6 January 2020: Growing doubts on legality of US strike that killed Iranian general, The New York Times, 6 January 2020: A Sea of Mourners in Iran, and New Threats From Both Sides: Live Updates, The Washington Post, 6 January 2020: Trump’s order to kill Soleimani is already starting to backfire, Times of Israel, 6 January 2020: Hamas chief meets slain Iranian general’s successor in Tehran, Arab News, 6 January 2020: Saudi Arabia appeals for calm after Soleimani killing, BBC, 6 January 2020: US denies Iraq pullout amid letter mystery, CNN, 6 January 2020: Top general says letter suggesting US would withdraw troops from Iraq was a ‘mistake’, Al Arabiya, 6 January 2020: Letter on Iraq pullout ‘genuine’ but sent by ‘mistake’: Top US general, Times of Israel, 6 January 2020: US military says it’ll ‘move out’ of Iraq, but defense secretary denies pullout, Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2020: US, Canada to citizens: Rockets could strike Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 6 January 2020: The ‘Great Game’ is Afoot: Killing Soleimani Reflects US Desperation in the Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 7 January 2020: Soleimani was a monster, wanted atomic cloud over Tel Aviv – German newspaper, Israel Hayom, 7 January 2020: Soleimani’s death and the world order, Foreign Policy, 7 January 2020: In Death Suleimani May Achieve His Life’s Dream: Preserving Iranian Power in Iraq, NPR, 7 January 2020: War Powers Resolution On Iran Is Latest Attempt By Congress To Reclaim Clout, The New York Times, 7 January 2020: The Choice That’s Coming: An Iran With the Bomb, or Bombing Iran, The Washington Post, 7 January 2020: Iran’s retaliation for Soleimani is to race toward a nuclear bomb, Foreign Policy, 7 January 2020: What Explains Trump Pulling the Trigger on Suleimani? It’s the Economics, Stupid., Al Arabiya, 8 January 2020: Iran’s exit from nuclear deal puts Europe in a fix, Gulf Times, 8 January 2020: Iranian missiles target US troops in Iraq, Trump consults advisers, Politico.eu, 8 January 2020: Why Europe hates Trump more than Iran (The Economist, 9 Febuary 2019: Four decades after its revolution, Iran is still stuck in the past), CNN, 8 January 2020: Iran attacks bases housing US troops, France24, 8 January 2020: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirm missile attacks against US forces in Iraq, BBC, 8 January 2020: Iran attack: US troops targeted with ballistic missiles, The National, 8 January 2020: European nations redeploy troops in face of Iran strikes, The Guardian, 8 January 2020: Iran launches missiles at Iraq airbases hosting US and coalition troops, Washington Post, 8 January 2020: Trump’s deepening Iran morass all started with one big lie, France24, 8 January 2020: Iraqi parliament speaker condemns Iranian missile strikes as ‘violation of Iraqi sovereignty’, The Guardian, 8 January 2020: Iran attack: Nato chief condemns missile strike on US forces in Iraq, NPR, 8 January 2020: Satellite Photos Reveal Extent Of Damage From Iranian Strike On Air Base In Iraq, Politico.eu, 8 January 2020: What Europe can do in Iran, Politico.com, 8 January 2020: How Trump created a credibility problem for the Pentagon, Arab News, 8 January 2020: EU promises to try to save Iran nuclear deal despite setback, Al Arabiya, 8 January 2020: President Trump announces new, immediate US economic sanctions on Iran, The National, 8 January 2020: US-Iran tensions live updates: Donald Trump says ‘Iran appears to be standing down’, Times of Israel, 8 January 2020: Iran will suffer ‘crushing blow’ if it attacks Israel, Netanyahu warns, The Washington Post, 8 January 2020: Live updates: Trump says Iranian strike caused no American or Iraqi deaths; new sanctions on Iran will be imposed, The New York Times, 8 January 2020: Iranian Blood Is on Our Hands, Too, Israel Hayom, 8 January 2020: Soleimani death won’t dim Iran’s regional hegemony aspirations, Jerusalem Post, 8 January 2020: Trump, NATO chief discuss situation in Middle East – White House, The Guardian, 8 January 2020: Trump sparked the Iran crisis. Now he must walk away from the brink of war, CNN, 8 January 2020: This is what Iranian Americans think will happen next, France24, 8 January 2020: Iraq is at the centre of US-Iran tug of war, and Trump’s re-election campaign, The Guardian, 8 January 2020: False claims spread online after Iran missile attack on Iraqi airbases, BBC, 8 January 2020: US-Iran tensions: Five things to note from Trump’s speech, CNN, 8 January 2020: Iran sent ‘multiple messages’ to US that its attacks were done, The Guardian, 8 January 2020: The Guardian view on the US and Iran: relief may be short-lived, Jerusalem Post, 8 January 2020: Saudi Arabia says it will do everything to spare Iraq the danger of war, Politico.eu, 8 January 2020: Trump asks for NATO help in Middle East, Politico.com, 8 January 2020: ‘Absolutely insane’: Mike Lee rips Iran briefing as GOP unites behind Trump, The Wall Street Journal, 8 January 2020: Trump Calls for NATO Expansion Into Middle East, Politico.eu, 9 January 2020: ‘NATO plus ME’: Trump proposes NATO expansion into Middle East, Politico.eu, 9 January 2020: Charles Michel admits: EU’s not in the Middle East ‘game’, CNN, 9 January 2020: Iran’s military power is boosted by unconventional tactics and proxies in strategic locations, BBC, 9 January 2020: US ‘ready for serious negotiations’ with Tehran, Politico.eu, 9 January 2020: After ripping up Obama’s Iran playbook, Trump quickly pieces it back together, CNN, 9 January 2020: Standing down: How Trump decided that not striking back was his best option on Iran, Politico.eu, 9 January 2020: Trump’s Mideast allies duck Iran confrontation, NPR, 9 January 2020: House Passes War Powers Resolution In Effort To Restrict Trump’s Actions Against Iran, Politico.com, 9 January 2020: House votes to rein in Trump on Iran, Gulf Times, 9 January 2020: Critical of Trump record on Iran, Americans expect war, The National, 9 January 2020: On Iran, the West cannot afford to hold differing opinions, Politico.eu, 9 January 2020: ‘NATO plus ME’: Trump proposes NATO expansion into Middle East, France24, 10 January 2020: Iran could have nuclear weapons in one or two years, says France, BBC, 10 January 2020: Qasem Soleimani: Why his killing is good news for IS jihadists, France24, 10 January 2020: US announces tighter sanctions against Iran, The Guardian, 10 January 2020: In Iran, we try to be hopeful. But we’re stalked by the fear of war, France24, 10 January 2020: US sanctions target top Iran officials, metals industry, The Times, 10 January 2020: Protesters in Baghdad want to end Tehran’s influence, NPR, 10 January 2020: Trump Administration Announces More Economic Sanctions Against Iran, Times of Israel, 10 January 2020: US rejects Iraq request to work on a troop withdrawal plan, Al Arabiya, 10 January 2020: Iraq files complaint on Iran at the UN Security Council: Document, Gulf Times, 10 January 2020: Iran will be further mistrusted if it does not investigate crash properly: German FM, The National, 10 January 2020: Iraq’s anti-government protesters rally as fears of US-Iran war recede, Politico.eu, 10 January 2020: Macron eyes role as US-Iran peacemaker, Haaretz, 10 January 2020: Iran Retaliated. Now May Come the Covert Proxy Revenge, Times of Israel, 10 January 2020: EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels to salvage Iran nuclear deal, Politico.eu, 10 January 2020: Investigation into Iran’s downing of plane explained, NPR, 10 January 2020: ‘Imminent’ Threat — Trump Justification Of Attack On Iranian General — Is Undefined, Jerusalem Post, 11 January 2020: Fearing nuclear proliferation, Europe scrambles to calm Iran tensions, The New York Times, 11 January 2020: Donald Trump Is a Hostage to 1979, The Washington Post, 11 January 2020: Iran admits to downing airliner amid calls for justice, transparency, CNN, 11 January 2020: Iran admits to unintentionally shooting down Ukrainian plane, France24, 11 January 2020: Iran admits it ‘unintentionally’ shot down Ukrainian passenger plane, The Guardian, 11 January 2020: Iran’s admission of guilt over plane crash sparks unrest in Tehran, BBC, 11 January 2020: Iran plane crash: Protesters condemn ‘lies’ on downed jet, NPR, 11 January 2020: Iran’s ‘Unforgivable Mistake’ Downing Jet Elicits Furor At Home And Abroad, Jerusalem Post, 11 January 2020: General Secretary of Merkel’s party calls for Iran sanctions, CNN, 11 January 2020: Donald Trump is currently a bigger headache for Europe than Iran is, The New York Times, 11 January 2020: Seven Days in January: How the U.S. and Iran Approached the Brink of War, The Guardian, 11 January 2020: Why instinct and ideology tell Trump to get out of the Middle East, Politico.com, 11 January 2020: The Lull in Hostilities Between Iran and the U.S. Is Just Escalation in Disguise, The National, 11 January 2020: Anti-government protests as Iran admits downing Ukraine plane, Al Arabiya, 11 January 2020: Angry Iranians question authorities for concealing truth on plane incident, Arab News, 11 January 2020: British ambassador to Iran arrested amid protests against Khamenei over plane downing,CBC, 11 January 2020: Why Trump’s call for an expanded NATO presence in the Middle East will be a hard sell, Irish Times, 11 January 2020: Trump sends message to ‘brave, long-suffering people of Iran’ amid protests, Politico.com, 11 January 2020: Bush’s Iraq hawks had Trump’s back this week, France24, 12 January 2020: Trump warns Iran against ‘another massacre of peaceful protesters’, BBC, 12 January 2020: Iran plane downing: Second day of protests turns up heat on leaders, The New York Times, 12 January 2020: Esper Says He ‘Didn’t See’ Specific Evidence Iranians Planned to Attack 4 Embassies, The Guardian, 12 January 2020: Iran deploys riot police as backlash against government grows, Politico Magazine, 12 January 2020: The Middle Eastern Problem Soleimani Figured Out, Al Arabiya, 12 January 2020: Protests erupt across Iran demanding leaders quit after Ukraine plane downing, The National, 12 January 2020: European powers refuse to back down from Iran nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 12 January 2020: Iran’s Khamenei calls for better regional cooperation, criticises US, Haaretz, 12 January 2020: Israeli Intel Helped the United States to Take Out Soleimani, Report Says, The Guardian, 12 January 2020: Protests and teargas as Iran faces public anger over aircraft downing, Israel Hayom, 12 January 2020: What would happen if a nuclear bomb fell on Tel Aviv?, Israel Hayom, 12 January 2020: A powder keg that could engulf the world, Business Insider, 12 January 2020: Trump’s blundering attempts to strong arm Iran follow the same pattern as the China trade-war mess, France24, 12 January 2020: Iran concedes de-escalation ‘only solution’ to end crisis with US, CNN, 12 January 2020: Cracks emerge in Trump’s wall of GOP support, Politico.eu, 12 January 2020: France, Germany, UK urge Iran to fully comply with nuclear deal, France24, 13 January 2020: Exclusive: ‘We cannot afford instability in our part of the world’, King Abdullah II of Jordan tells FRANCE 24, BBC, 13 January 2020: Iran plane downing: Five reasons why the US-Iran crisis is not over, France24, 13 January 2020: Iranians vent anger for third day in wake of plane downing, The National, 13 January 2020: Why Iran’s Quds Force chose Esmail Qaani as Suleimani’s successor, Al Arabiya, 14 January 2020: Pompeo: US to work with Iraqi leaders on US troop deployment, Al Arabiya, 14 January 2020: UN says reports of violence against Iran protesters ‘worrying’, The Guardian, 14 January 2020: US-Iran conflict could lead to slower global growth or even recession, BBC, 14 January 2020: Iran nuclear deal: European powers trigger dispute mechanism, The Guardian, 14 January 2020: European states trigger dispute mechanism in Iran nuclear deal, CNN, 14 January 2020: European allies trigger dispute mechanism in Iran nuclear deal, The Guardian, 14 January 2020: Justin Trudeau: US escalation partly to blame for Iran plane deaths, Politico.com, 14 January 2020: European powers trigger mediation over Iranian violations of nuclear deal, The New York Times, 14 January 2020: France, Germany and U.K. Serve Notice on Iran Under Nuclear Deal, Politico.com, 14 January 2020: Boris Johnson calls for ‘Trump deal’ to replace Iran nuclear pact, The Washington Post, 14 January 2020: European countries to hold Iran accountable for violating nuclear deal, The National, 14 January 2020: US-Iran tensions latest updates: Arrests made after Ukrainian plane shot down, Haaretz, 14 January 2020: EU Triggers Iran Nuclear Deal Dispute Mechanism, Paving Way for Possible Sanctions, Times of Israel, 14 January 2020: EU states trigger dispute process with Iran for breaches of nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2020: US maneuvers the EU back into its column against nuclear Iran – analysis, Arab News, 14 January 2020: We should not miss this chance to help Iran change course, The New York Times, 14 January 2020: Suleimani Is Dead, Iraq Is in Chaos and ISIS Is Very Happy, Arab News, 14 January 2020: Saving Iran deal ‘more important than ever’, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2020: Iran threatens retaliation against Greece for US use of military bases, The Hill, 14 January 2020: Trump touts killing of ‘son of a b—-‘ Soleimani (as is known, you have to be one yourself to be able to recognize someone else as such. In this respect: “In the West Nothing New”), Israel Hayom, 14 January 2020: Europeans trigger mechanism to force Iranian compliance with nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 14 January 2020: UK’s Johnson calls for ‘Trump deal’ to replace Iran nuclear agreement, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2020: Iran’s president dismisses idea of a new “Trump deal” in nuclear row (No wonder. The Iranians would be pretty stupid if they were to get involved in talks with Netanyahu and Trump (and the Saudi royal family in the background). After Netanyahu and Trump systematically pushed Iran on the defensive, they also ensured that everyone in Iran now knows that only the atomic bomb can protect the country from destruction – congratulations on so much incompetence. The Israeli and American voters of the two hasardeurs can pat each other on the back for this “achievement” as well), Israel Hayom, 15 January 2020: The Europeans have a chance to save face, Gulf Times, 15 January 2020: US-Iran war would bring ‘untold chaos’ warns Jordan’s king, Al Arabiya, 15 January 2020: Iran falls to deep recession as sanctions pummel economy: IFF, Haaretz, 15 January 2020: Israeli Army Sees Chance to Escalate Attacks Against Iran and Its Allies, France24, 15 January 2020: Iranian president rejects new ‘Trump deal’ in nuclear dispute (what is Europe’s answer and strategy for resolving the conflict? By now there is no answer, because there is no common strategy. But here too, the omissions in the timely establishment of an EU defense structure become clear, without which a common EU foreign policy to deal with the conflicts in the Middle East cannot be implemented at all. Sometimes it makes the impression that the decision-makers are actually very fond of the starting point as it is, because that way they don’t have to take on any responsibility, which sooner or later the EU will have to take on from the outside. However, solutions would look very different. At the end of the day, the EU will have to provide a suitable answer, however unpleasant it may be), The Washington Post, 15 January 2020: Days before Europeans warned Iran of nuclear deal violations, Trump secretly threatened to impose 25% tariff on European autos if they didn’t (that of course explains the irrational step by the Europeans: they were blackmailed, which on the other hand will lead to minimal possible support for the Trump administration against Iran. Donnie shot himself in the foot once again), Reuters, 15 January 2020: U.S. threatened Europe with auto tariffs over Iran nuclear program – Washington Post, The Times, 16 January 2020: Punish Iran or face US tariffs, Trump told European nations, Reuters, 16 January 2020: Iran’s nuclear enrichment at higher level than before 2015 deal: president, Times of Israel, 16 January 2020: US threatens tariffs on Europeans unless Iran nuke deal scrapped, BBC, 16 January 2020: Iran plane downing: Victims’ governments to press Tehran for answers, The National, 16 January 2020: The ball is in Iran’s court after Europe puts Tehran on notice over the nuclear deal, Arab News, 16 January 2020: Iranians need to seek change, not revenge in 2020s, Arab News, 16 January 2020: Iran’s nuclear enrichment at higher level than before 2015 deal: Rouhani, Israel Hayom, 16 January 2020: Hezbollah’s pursuit of precision missiles fateful for 2020, The National, 16 January 2020: Iran says Europeans yielded to Trump bullying over nuclear pact, Jerusalem Post, 16 January 2020: Iran says Europeans yielding to “high school bully” Trump in nuclear row, Al Jazeera, 16 January 2020: Specter of war in the Middle East rises as America retreats, Politico.eu, 17 January 2020: Germany confirms US car tariff threat over Iran deal, Al Arabiya, 17 January 2020: Brian Hook: Iran’s threats will isolate it more, France24, 17 January 2020: Iran’s supreme leader says Trump is a ‘clown’ who will betray Iranians, NPR, 17 January 2020: Iran’s Ayatollah Slams ‘American Clowns’ In Rare Friday Prayers Sermon, Al Arabiya, 17 January 2020: The day Iran attacked US targets in Iraq was ‘day of God’: Iran’s Khamenei, CNN, 18 January 2020: The US operation in Iraq could come to an embarrassing end. Iran’s power will only grow, Politico.eu, 18 January 2020: Prayers and pixie dust as EU powers try to save Iran deal, Al Arabiya, 18 January 2020: ‘Villainous’ US is lying about standing with Iranian people: Khamenei, Haaretz, 18 January 2020: Why Flooded Israeli F-16s Do Not Bode Well for an Iran War, The National, 18 January 2020: War of words between Trump and Khamenei as tension continues, Al Arabiya, 19 January 2020: UK’s Johnson, France’s Macron reiterate commitment to Iran nuclear deal, Israel Hayom, 19 January 2020: Iran says it will ‘seriously reconsider’ its cooperation with nuclear inspections agency, Israel Hayom, 19 January 2020: UK’s Johnson, France’s Macron reiterate commitment to Iran nuclear deal, Haaretz, 19 January 2020: Trump Is Failing to Protect Israel Against Iran, Al Arabiya, 20 January 2020: If nuclear issue is referred to UN, Iran will pull out of the NPT: Iran FM, Politico.eu, 20 January 2020: Borrell says Iran nuclear deal mediation timeline still not clear, Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2020: Israeli F-35 jet accidentally exposes location over nuclear facility, Palestine Chronicle, 21 January 2020: In the Name of ‘Israel’s Security’: Retreating US Gives Israel Billions more in Military Aid, NPR, 21 January 2020: VIDEO: How The U.S. And Iran Ratcheted Up Their Long-Running Feud, France24, 22 January 2020: Iran’s Rouhani: nation ‘will never seek nuclear weapons’, with or without 2015 deal in place, France24, 22 January 2020: Iraq president warns against making Baghdad pick sides in US-Iran tensions, Al Arabiya, 23 January 2020: US imposes fresh Iran-related sanctions on two people, six companies, Al Arabiya, 23 January 2020: Iranian IRGC officer suggests taking US hostages to make up for sanctions, Palestine Chronicle, 24 January 2020: Trump’s Gamble in Iraq Backfires: Assassination of Soleimani has Huge Cost for America, Der Spiegel, 24 January 2020: Interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif: “It’s a Disaster for Europe To Be So Subservient to the U.S”, Politico.eu, 24 January 2020: How the Quds force is filling Qassem Soleimani’s shoes, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2020: Britain’s Prince Charles wants to visit Iran – Sunday Times, Al Arabiya, 31 January 2020: Iran’s limited options against the US, Arab News, 2 February 2020: EU top diplomat Josep Borrell due in Tehran for nuclear talks, Times of Israel, 2 February 2020: New EU foreign policy chief to make his first visit to Iran, Times of Israel, 2 February 2020: TV report: Oman sought to broker Israel-Iran talks in 2013; Netanyahu said no, Politico.eu, 4 February 2020: Borrell backs Iran deal, trashes Trump’s Middle East peace plan, Arab News, 4 February 2020: Iran wants to resolve issues with Saudi, UAE quickly — Iranian official, Jerusalem Post, 4 February 2020: Commander of Hatzor Airbase relieved from duty after drowned F-16 case, Times of Israel, 4 February 2020: 3 officers censured, base commander leaves position early over flooding of F-16s, The National, 5 February 2020: EU and Iran fail to make breakthrough as Rouhani threatens to block nuclear inspections, Haaretz, 5 February 2020: Flooded Fighter Jets Were Bad for Israeli Air Force, the Cover-up Was Worse, Jerusalem Post, 7 February 2020: US envoy urges Germany not to celebrate Iran’s Holocaust-denying regime (it will for sure become a fantastic party once again, like every year. A great opportunity to strengthen networks and working on common business projetcts. Obviously, Trump’s lapdog, the least powerful, most insignificant and unwelcome US ambassador over the past century (on the other hand, the Israeli settlers in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and Syria seem to like him very much), Germany and EU hater, Richard Grenell, wasn’t invited and is now overly jealous that he isn’t allowed to participate. Poor, little baby, but that’s what’s happening when you annoy the party host .. and for those loonies, who don’t understand the word “diplomacy”: The German government participate in the national holiday events of all nations the country has diplomatic ties with. It’s not Germanys problem, that some other countries aren’t willing to enjoy the same amount of diplomatic ties to other countries. It’s their problem), Al Arabiya, 7 February 2020: Top EU diplomat briefs US leaders on Iran trip, Middle East plan, Politico.com, 8 February 2020: The Pentagon wants money for China, but troops are stuck in the Middle East, Arab News, 8 February 2020: Top EU envoy talks to US on Iran trip, Mideast plan, Times of Israel, 8 February 2020: Khamenei says Iran ‘does not pose threat to any country,’ but must get stronger, France24, 9 February 2020: Iranian satellite fails to reach orbit in latest setback for space programme, The Guardian, 9 February 2020: Purge of reformists in Iran election could doom nuclear deal, say diplomats, Jerusalem Post, 10 February 2020: German president mistakenly congratulates Iran’s regime for its revolution (“mistakenly congratulates Iran” :-D ), Reuters, 10 February 2020: More than 100 U.S. troops diagnosed with brain injuries from Iran attack, DW, 10 February 2020: 109 US service members were injured in the Iran missile attack, Reuters, 10 February 2020: More than 100 U.S. troops diagnosed with brain injuries from Iran attack, France24, 13 February 2020: Senate votes to limit Trump’s war powers on Iran, presidential veto expected, BBC, 13 February 2020: US Senate votes to curb Trump’s war powers on Iran, France24, 13 February 2020: Iran purges reformists as legislative election campaign kicks off, CNN, 13 February 2020: Senate passes Iran War Powers resolution despite Trump’s opposition, Washington Post, 13 February 2020: Senate passes resolution to limit Trump against Iran in bipartisan vote, The New York Times, 13 February 2020: In Bipartisan Bid to Restrain Trump, Senate Passes Iran War Powers Resolution, NPR, 13 February 2020: Senate Approves Legislation To Limit President’s War Powers Against Iran, The National, 13 February 2020: US Senate passes Iran war powers resolution to restrain Trump, Times of Israel, 13 February 2020: US Senate votes to restrain Trump’s military powers against Iran, The New York Times, 13 February 2020: How Months of Miscalculation Led the U.S. and Iran to the Brink of War, Times of Israel, 14 February 2020: UAE reportedly held talks with Iran behind Washington’s back in September, Times of Israel, 15 February 2020: Zarif says Iran could reverse nuclear breaches if Europe gives economic relief, Al Arabiya, 15 February 2020: Iran FM Zarif says President Trump misled by advisers, Times of Israel, 15 February 2020: Trump, led by novice advisers, brought region close to war, Arab News, 15 February 2020: Saudi foreign minister: Iran must change behavior for discussions to take place, Al Arabiya, 15 February 2020: Saudi FM: Iran should change behavior first before any discussions, Israel Hayom, 16 February 2020: Iran: Trump wrong if he thinks Tehran regime will collapse, Al Arabiya, 18 February 2020: Pompeo responds to US Senator Chris Murphy meeting with Iran FM Zarif, France24, 19 February 2020: US sanctions ‘targeting’ patients, say doctors at Iranian cancer hospital, The National, 19 February 2020: Russia and Turkey fail to reach deal to end Syria offensive, Arab News, 19 February 2020: Pompeo arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks on Iran, The National, 19 February 2020: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Saudi Arabia to talk Iran and economy, Al Arabiya, 19 February 2020: Maximum pressure on Iran will continue, says Pompeo as he arrives in Riyadh, The Guardian, 20 February 2020: Iran conservatives hope to harness popular anger to win elections, France24, 20 February 2020: Moderates sidelined as Iranians head to the polls, Al Arabiya, 20 February 2020: Iran’s Khamenei tightens grip on parliamentary elections, low turnout expected, The National, 20 February 2020: Fresh US sanctions on Iran for blocking election candidates, Haaretz, 20 February 2020: It’s the Iranian Economy, Stupid: Regime Asks Voters to Swallow Another Bitter Pill, CNN, 20 February 2020: Iran’s elections are set to be dominated by hardliners. Here’s what that means, The National, 20 February 2020: How the Iranian regime has boxed itself in ahead of the crucial parliamentary elections, The Guardian, 21 February 2020: ‘Nothing will change’: apathy and a lack of queues on election day in Iran, France24, 21 February 2020: Polls close in Iran elections with conservatives seen tightening grip, Arab News, 22 February 2020: Hardline Guards make early gains in restricted Iran election, The Guardian, 22 February 2020: Iran elections: conservatives heading for large majority, France24, 22 February 2020: Conservatives ahead as Iran poll results trickle in, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2020: Iran blacklisted by 200 member nations of Financial Action Task Force, Times of Israel, 22 February 2020: Iranian hard-liners jump out to early lead in parliamentary elections, The Guardian, 22 February 2020: Iran elections: conservatives on brink of landslide victory, France24, 23 February 2020: Iran’s parliamentary elections see lowest turnout since 1979 revolution, BBC, 23 February 2020: Iran elections: Record low turnout but hardliners set for win, The Guardian, 23 February 2020: ‘Iranian society is sick,’ says son of former president, The Sunday Times, 23 February 2020: Iran’s hardliners take all as voters stay home, Politico.eu, 23 February 2020: Iran’s leadership rigs an election — and still loses, Times of Israel, 23 February 2020: Iran’s state TV: Hardliners win all seats for Tehran in vote, The Guardian, 23 February 2020: The Guardian view on Iran’s elections: a closing door, France24, 27 February 2020: ‘In Iran there are no differences between fundamentalists and reformists’, The National, 26 February 2020: European nations raise prospect of using Instex to ease lran’s coronavirus crisis, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2020: Iran’s nuclear stockpile now five times over nuclear deal limit, The National, 6 March 2020: Iran is attempting to hide its nuclear activities, in blatant contravention to international law, The National, 6 March 2020: US says Tehran must let inspectors into nuclear sites, Times of Israel, 10 March 2020: Israel uses anti-terror conference in Morocco to rally world against Iran, Palestine Chronicle, 11 March 2020: Brazil is Adopting Israel’s Terror Narrative, which is Anything but Democratic, Jerusalem Post, 12 March 2020: US angered by Europe’s refusal to extend sanctions on Iran (there is not one single reason, why the EU should fight the US, Israeli and Saudi war against Iran. You want this war? Than fight it on your own!), The National, 13 March 2020: Pompeo and Khamenei in Twitter feud over coronavirus (while the two simpletons Netanyahu and Trump are still lying to their voters and claim that the completely senseless sanctions against Iran should help the Iranian people, the two are actually jointly responsible for hundreds of corona deaths in Iran. Months of economic strangulation, let to the situation that Iran wasn’t able to maintain its health care system properly, so that the medical care bleeded out, with the result that the country can’t react to the coronavirus pandemic), The Washington Post, 13 March 2020: Coronavirus burial pits so vast they’re visible from space, Haaretz, 14 March 2020: As Coronavirus Strikes, Iran Forced to Rethink Its Proxy Wars, CNN, 18 March 2020: US uses encrypted app to connect with Iranians as coronavirus sweeps their country, The Guardian, 18 March 2020: UK presses US to ease Iran sanctions to help fight coronavirus, The Guardian, 21 March 2020: Trump’s callous sanctions risk tipping Iran over the nuclear precipice, France24, 23 March 2020: EU to give €20 million to aid sanctions-hit Iran in coronavirus fight, The National, 1 April 2020: US might rethink Iran sanctions in light of coronavirus outbreak, says Pompeo, The Guardian, 2 April 2020: Iran hits back after Trump claims it is planning Iraq attacks, Times of Israel, 2 April 2020: As calls rise for the US to ease sanctions on Tehran, why is Netanyahu silent?, National Interest, 3 April 2020: Iran’s Next Super Weapon: Nuclear Submarines?, The National, 3 April 2020: Europe is offering Iran aid, and a chance to restore its relationship with the world, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2020: Germany allows US sanctioned Iranian ‘terror’ banks to operate (great news. All EU governments should encourage companies and banks to strengthen their business ties with Iran and circumvent the senseless US sanctions), Arab News, 8 April 2020: Iran’s Rouhani urges IMF to give Tehran $5 billion coronavirus loan, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2020: US opposes IMF loan to Iranian regime (“Trump administration is worried that the funds will be sent to Iran’s proxies and not benefit the Iranian people.” – so, Donnie is still selling this lie to his snowflakes, although it is clear that thousands of Iranians have already died because of the US sanctions because Iran could’t import medical care (medicines, devices, equipment, etc.) from abroad. It is obvious that the US sanctions are deadly to Iranian civilians and this is apparently what is wanted while Netanyahu is standing by, happy that his plan is working out and applauding – 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Iran), Arab News, 8 April 2020: US, Iran should heed call for change in diplomatic mood, Times of Israel, 9 April 2020: Pompeo speaks with Netanyahu about coronavirus, Iran’s ‘destabilizing behavior’, DW, 11 April 2020: US offers $10 million for information on Hezbollah leader, The National, 12 April 2020: Netanyahu rival seeks extension in Israel coalition talks, The New York Times, 22 April 2020: Tehran Launches Military Satellite as Trump Tells Navy to ‘Shoot Down’ Iranian Boats, The Guardian, 22 April 2020: Iran reportedly launches first military satellite as Trump makes threats, Politico.eu, 22 April 2020: EU foreign policy chief chides US for blocking Iran loan, Haaretz, 23 April 2020: Iranian Missiles and Trump’s Threats: Iran-U.S. Tensions Flare Anew, Times of Israel, 23 April 2020: Pentagon backs Trump’s threat to ‘destroy’ Iran ships as tensions rocket, France24, 23 April 2020: Iran Guards chief vows ‘decisive response’ after Trump threat, The Washington Post, 23 April 2020: Top Iranian general warns U.S. against ‘dangerous behavior’ in Persian Gulf after Trump threat, Jerusalem Post, 23 April 2020: Iran: US warships will be destroyed if threaten Iran’s interests in Gulf, The Times, 23 April 2020: Iran threatens to strike US ‘terrorist’ ships as tensions rise in the Gulf, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2020: Can Pompeo use Iran nuclear deal to extend embargo of conventional arms? (this wouldn’t even be possible in the parallel universe in which the Trump administration is living in. In real life, such an idea can only have been conceived by a completely unworldly US administration whose implementation is probability close to zero), Haaretz, 27 April 2020: U.S. to Argue It Never Left Iran Nuke Deal, in Bid to Force Arms Embargo, Report Says, CNN, 29 April 2020: US splits with allies again as it looks to extend Iran weapons ban, Reuters, 30 April 2020: Most of U.S. House urges more diplomacy at U.N. to renew Iran arms embargo: sources, Jerusalem Post, 1 May 2020: US sanctions Iranian and Iraqi national over support of Iran’s Quds Force, The Washington Post, 1 May 2020: U.S. seizes millions, disrupts purchase of oil tanker in move targeting Iran’s elite Quds Force, The Hill, 3 May 2020: Hundreds of lawmakers urge Pompeo to take ‘increased diplomatic action’ to renew Iran arms embargo, Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2020: Majority of US House members call for renewal of UN arms embargo on Iran, Haaretz, 5 May 2020: Under Cover of COVID-19, Israel Seems to Intensify Its Attacks Against Iran in Syria, Times of Israel, 5 May 2020: Defense officials: Iran pulling out of Syria as Israel pummels its forces there, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2020: Iran’s Rouhani: Trump pulling out of nuclear deal was a ‘stupid mistake’, Palestine Chronicle, 5 May 2020: ‘Extremely Disappointing’: Ilhan Omar Signs AIPAC Letter to Prolong Iran Sanctions, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2020: Iran: Amazing qualities of our new long-range ballistic missiles, France24, 7 May 2020: Trump vetoes Congress resolution to limit his right to war with Iran, Arab News, 7 May 2020: Turkey-Iran border open for trucks despite contagion risk, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2020: Powerful 5.1 earthquake hits Iran’s capital Tehran, panicked residents flee homes, Foreign Policy, 8 May 2020: Despite U.S. Sanctions, Iran Expands Its Nuclear Stockpile, France24, 10 May 2020: Iran ready for prisoner swap talks with US, citing Covid-19 threat as impetus, France24, 11 May 2020: Iran warship accidentally ‘hit by missile’ during exercises, BBC, 11 May 2020: Iran naval ‘friendly fire’ incident kills 19 sailors in Gulf of Oman, France24, 11 May 2020: 19 dead as Iran warship hit by ‘friendly fire’ in tense Gulf, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2020: Why the Iran-US standoff is going to get worse – analysis, Times of Israel, 15 May 2020: Tomb of Mordechai and Esther in Iran reportedly set ablaze, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2020: Against evidence, Israel defense minister claims Iran withdrawing from Syria: Experts, Times of Israel, 19 May 2020: IDF chief hints at Israel’s role in cyberattack on Iranian port, Haaretz, 21 May 2020: EU Foreign Policy Chief Condemns Iranian Pledge to Support Any Entity That Fights Israel, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: Israeli websites hacked in cyberattack: ‘Be ready for a big surprise’, France24, 22 May 2020: Iran’s Khamenei: fight to ‘liberate Palestine’ is ‘Islamic duty’, Gulf Times, 23 May 2020: Iran’s Khamenei denounces Israel as ‘cancerous tumour’, Al Arabiya, 23 May 2020: A new Iran nuclear deal? Not so fast, Times of Israel, 26 May 2020: Iran’s president orders implementation of law banning all use of Israeli tech, Times of Israel, 29 May 2020: Iran says it will continue nuclear work despite US sanctions (every kindergarten child could have predicted the consequences of an unilaterally withdraw from the Iran deal, the only effective means until then to prevent Iran from developing the atomic bomb and to dissuade it from the course of confrontation through economic cooperation. Instead, Netanyahu and Trump have achieved the exact opposite. They enlisted an enemy who could soon no longer be controllable and who has learned from Trump’s negotiation show with North Korea. For the Middle East, this will mean that the Gulf States in particular will supply themselves with nuclear weapons in order to build up a significant deterrent scenario against Iran), Arab News, 29 May 2020: US Senator Cruz: Twitter’s failure to delete Iranian officials’ accounts could violate sanctions, Times of Israel, 29 May 2020: Russia slams ‘dangerous’ US foreign policy moves on Iran, treaties, Haaretz, 1 June 2020: Iran Did Its Cyber Homework and Managed to Embarrass Israel, Al Arabiya, 3 June 2020: Israel ‘successfully’ tests two ballistic missiles amid tensions with Iran, Hezbollah, ABC News, 5 June 2020: UN agency: Iran violating all restrictions of nuclear deal (everything has consequences. After Trump unilaterally stepped down from the Iran deal under pressure from Netanyahu and the subsequent sanctions made trade with Iran largely impossible, there are no longer any reasons for Iran to stick to the terms of the agreement and can, thanks to Netanyahu and Trump to resume nuclear enrichment to any desired extent. If the goal of the two simpletons was to worsen the security situation in the Middle East, then they did a great job here. However, it is more likely that they once again pursued some dubious other goals and failed completely again. Congratulations. If, as expected, the two fools continue to refer to “bad, bad Iran”, there are exactly six words to tell them “You break it, you own it!”), Al Arabiya, 5 June 2020: Iran violating all restrictions of nuclear deal: UN’s IAEA, Arab News, 5 June 2020: UN agency: Iran violating all restrictions of nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 5 June 2020: UN atomic watchdog says Iran now violating all restrictions of nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2020: Iran prepares to confront Israel in Syria via Hezbollah – report, The Washington Post, 7 June 2020: How Trump’s failed ‘maximum pressure’ tactics could inspire a pre-election provocation, France24, 9 June 2020: Iran to execute spy convicted of helping US kill Qassem Soleimani, Al Arabiya, 9 June 2020: Iran builds fake aircraft carrier off Bandar Abbas resembling US Navy carriers, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2020: Iran builds another fake US aircraft carrier to practice blowing it up, Al Arabiya, 11 June 2020: Iran ‘single, biggest’ threat to region: US commander, Israel Hayom, 11 June 2020: EU rejects US attempt to invoke nuclear deal to push for arms embargo on Iran, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2020: Why Iran is more dangerous than North Korea – analysis, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2020: JINSA warns US weapons stockpile in Israel ‘falling dangerously short’, Times of Israel, 19 June 2020: Gantz: Iran’s ‘blatant’ nuclear violations threaten Israel and global stability, Politico.eu, 19 June 2020: UN nuclear body slams Iran as Europeans try to strike balance with US, The Washington Post, 19 June 2020: European powers refuse to back U.S. call for escalating Iran sanctions, Haaretz, 21 June 2020: How Bolton, Netanyahu and Pompeo Sabotaged Trump’s Dream of Talks With Iran, Times of Israel, 21 June 2020: Bolton: Trump told Netanyahu he’d back Israeli military action against Iran, Jerusalem Post, 25 June 2020: Could Iran’s air force ever be a threat to Israel or Europe, The National, 25 June 2020: Iran faces further isolation if it keeps up aggression, says top British general, The National, 26 June 2020: Norwegian man found guilty of spying for Iran in Denmark, The National, 26 June 2020: Pompeo says Iran could buy ‘Chinese and Russian jets’ if UN embargo is not extended, CNN, 29 June 2020: Iran issues arrest warrant for Trump over drone strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, The Guardian, 29 June 2020: Iran issues arrest warrant for Donald Trump over Qassem Suleimani killing, Arab News, 30 June 2020: Pompeo to UN: Ending Iran arms ban would mean ‘sword of Damocles’ over region, The National, 30 June 2020: Fears over vastly upgraded Iranian military if arms embargo ends, The Guardian, 30 June 2020: US urges allies to maintain UN embargo on arms sales to Iran, Arab News, 1 July 2020: Saudi Arabia: UN Aramco attacks report ‘leaves no doubt’ over Iran’s hostile intentions, Haaretz, 2 July 2020: Fire at Iranian Nuclear Facility Caused by Explosive Device, Intel Official Tells NYT, Times of Israel, 2 July 2020: Iran warns Israel, US after fire at nuclear site, amid reports bomb caused blaze, Israel Hayom, 2 July 2020: Analysts: Fire at Iran nuke site hit new centrifuge facility, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2020: Are three mysterious explosions in Iran linked? – analysis, Times of Israel, 3 July 2020: Report: Israeli cyberattack caused Iran nuclear site fire, F35s hit missile base, Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2020: EU: Tehran has triggered Iran deal dispute mechanism, Times of Israel, 4 July 2020: Explosion reportedly damages power plant in Iran, the latest in series of blasts, Politico.eu, 4 July 2020: EU says Iran has triggered nuclear deal dispute mechanism, The National, 4 July 2020: Britain warns Iran over ‘systematic non-compliance’ with nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 5 July 2020: Iran admits fire at Natanz nuclear site caused ‘considerable’ damage, Haaretz, 7 July 2020: Iran’s Centrifuges Are in the Crosshairs Again, The National, 7 July 2020: Factory explosion in Tehran kills two, state media reports, Al Arabiya, 9 July 2020: Former top Democrat praises Trump strategy on Iran, warns Biden against reviving deal, Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2020: Three-quarters of Natanz centrifuge assembly hall destroyed – nuke experts, Haaretz, 11 July 2020: Israel, U.S Developing Shared Strategy to Harm Iran’s Nuclear Facilities, Officials Tell NYT (should there be “mysterious explosions” in Israel in the coming months, it can be assumed that Iran has delivered “counter gifts”), The New York Times, 11 July 2020: Defying U.S., China and Iran Near Trade and Military Partnership (Tehran Times: Iran-China trade), Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2020: How have Iran’s intelligence forces broken down in face of explosions?, Haaretz, 12 July 2020: Fire Breaks Out at Petrochemical Facility in Southwest Iran, The Guardian, 12 July 2020: Sabotage, sanctions and the bullying of Iran is bound to backfire on the west, Times of Israel, 13 July 2020: China ‘strategic accord’ could give Iran a $400 billion boost, up military ties, Jerusalem Post, 13 July 2020: Explosion, fire at gas plant in east Iran, Jerusalem Post, 13 July 2020: Proposed China-Iran deal is bad news for Israel (who could see it coming? Everyone, except of Netanyahu and Trump. Not only did these weirdos destroy the Iran deal, they also never had a working strategy to contain Iran. The negative consequences of this completely incompetent, short-sighted and dangerous approach are becoming increasingly visible), Al Arabiya, 13 July 2020: Explosion at gas company in northeast Iran, Jerusalem Post, 13 July 2020: Iran will ‘react decisively’ if foreign gov. involved in Natanz explosion, Arab News, 14 July 2020: Europeans should ditch JCPOA in light of German intelligence report: Experts (well, first and foremost, the deal might be dead soon because of the idotic and one-sided move to nix the agreement by Trump under pressure from Netanyahu and some Gulf States, without having any feasible alternatives at hand. Finger-pointing at Iran is the last thing these guys should do in order to avoid to look like full scale fools. The JCPOA is far from being perfect, but it was the best option to get at that time, instead of having nothing at hand – like right now (ever heard of the fairy tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes”? That’s exactely how Trump, Netanyahu and some Gulf states leaders looks like right now, concerning JCPOA, and they brought it over themselves without the help of any outside powers). It’s not Iran’s fault that the agreement is going south. Blame those who are responsible for the given situation instead. To contain a problem by trying to force a solution on people or whole countries never worked out in world history and it will certainly not work out in relations to Iran). Those who have put failing “maximum pressure” on Iran and are now upset that Iran is responding to it, should better stop whining immediately and instead work hard on constructive solutions), Israel Hayom, 17 July 2020: Israel and the Sino-Iranian alliance (China is Iran’s biggest customer when it comes to crude oil. Like with many other countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, China is securing raw materials, in this case oil, for very favourable prices and long term. Iran can choose, to either sell oil for a low price and in large quantities or to not sell a drop of oil for a high price. When looking at the economic situation of Iran, even a layperson can see what the country had to choose in order to remain able to act .. and “no”, Trump can’t trigger “snapback sanctions”, not only because he is an incompetent clown, but foremost because he pulled the US out of the Iran deal, so that the US are no longer part of the deal. Very simple and just like in real life), Israel Hayom, 17 July 2020: Hitting Iran where it hurts, Arab News, 18 July 2020: How Iran’s missile arsenal holds the Middle East hostage, Haaretz, 18 July 2020: Plagued by a String of Blasts and Fires, Iran Gets a Helping Hand From China (nobody can seriously blame China for using the Trump administration’s considerable weaknesses for its own benefit), Times of Israel, 18 July 2020: In latest in series of blasts, explosion reported at Iranian oil pipeline, Times of Israel, 19 July 2020: Fire engulfs factory in Iran’s 2nd industrial incident within hours (if Iran defends itself and in turn attacks Israeli facilities, the whining will be big again: “The evil, evil Iran is fighting back instead of simply holding still! *mimimimi*”), Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2020: Chemical, steel factory fires latest in series of fires, explosions in US, Arab News, 20 July 2020: Iran regime accused of auctioning country off to China, Haaretz, 21 July 2020: ‘Mysterious’ Incidents in Iran Could Provoke Regime to Confront Israel, Haaretz, 22 July 2020: Democrats’ Presidential Platform Commits to Return to Iran Nuclear Deal, Times of Israel, 23 July 2020: New DNC platform opposes ‘unilateral actions,’ supports Palestinian rights, Israel Hayom, 23 July 2020: Iranian retaliation: Not ‘if’ but ‘when’, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2020: Did Mossad’s 2018 Iran operation pave way for 2020 explosions? – analysis, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2020: Iran says foreign countries may be behind cyberattacks, but fires, explosions normal, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2020: Massive explosion at Iraqi base linked to Iranian-backed militias, Haaretz, 26 July 2020: Does Iran Really Want to Build Nuclear Weapons at Any Cost? Maybe Not, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2020: Why did a Four Star General land in Israel during a pandemic?, Arab News, 26 July 2020: Iran-China deal’s repercussions for the region, The National, 26 July 2020: Iran and Israel use Levant as battlefield with no regard to human life, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2020: Iran’s revenge against US killing of Soleimani is not over: Iran senior adviser, The Guardian, 28 July 2020: Tehran threatens US by targeting replica aircraft carrier in Strait of Hormuz, The National, 28 July 2020: Two US bases in the Middle East go ‘on alert’ after Iranian missile threat, Times of Israel, 29 July 2020: Iran fires ballistic missiles from underground for 1st time, during major drill, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2020: What is Iran’s strategy amid Israel-Hezbollah tensions?, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: Twitter tells MKs: Khamenei’s ‘eliminate Israel’ posts don’t violate our rules, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: Pompeo: US will take ‘necessary action’ if Iran arms embargo ends, Haaretz, 30 July 2020: A Long Road to China: Iran Seeks a Way Out of Its Worst Financial Crisis Ever, The National, 30 July 2020: Iraqi trust in Tehran evaporates amid domestic interference, report finds, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2020: Iran’s Khamenei rejects talks with US over missile, nuclear programs, The National, 31 July 2020: The US wants to stop Iran’s arms build-up by hook or by crook, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2020: Questions arise over China’s agreement with Iran, DW, 1 August 2020: Iran looks to partner with China, as the West steps back, Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2020: Israel’s unique methods against the Iranian threat, Arab News, 3 August 2020: Chinese and Iranian vultures circling over Beirut, Reuters, 4 August 2020: North Korea has ‘probably’ developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles, U.N. report says (now Iran is missing, so that Trump will become the greatest loser of all time in the American history books), The Guardian, 4 August 2020: North Korea has ‘probably’ developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles – UN, Haaretz, 6 August 2020: Iran Arms Embargo: The Quiet Battle Between Superpowers Threatening the Remains of the Nuclear Deal, The Guardian, 6 August 2020: Trump’s top Iran envoy quits as US bids to extend Tehran embargo, Arab News, 6 August 2020: US Iran envoy Brian Hook standing down, Elliott Abrams to take on the role, The National, 6 August 2020: Brian Hook resigns as US envoy on Iran, Israel Hayom, 10 August 2020: Trump: Iran will agree to quick deal after re-election (he forgot to mention on which planet or in which parallel universe he wants to achieve this. On this planet and in this universe he will most certainly not succeed. Iran just signed a $ 400 billion deal with China. The Iranian leadership couldn’t care less about what Netanyahu, Trump or the Arab Gulf states want. This game is lost by Trump, Netanyahu and the Saudi Crown Prince. They aren’t even able to maintain the arms embargo, because China and Russia will veto it. That’s what comes of putting an incompetent and corrupt bungler in the Oval Office of the White House. The Iranian leadership should send a letter to Putin to thank him for placing Trump there), Haaretz, 12 August 2020: Why the U.S. Is Pushing to Extend an Arms Embargo on Iran, Haaretz, 12 August 2020: China Is Saudi Arabia and Iran’s New Friend – and That’s a Real Problem for Israel, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: US seizes Iranian oil tankers for the first time: WSJ, BBC, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE strike historic deal to normalise relations, CNN, 13 August 2020: Israel and the UAE establish ‘full normalization of relations,’ Trump says (what does that mean in concrete terms? The United Arab Emirates rate the threat posed by Iran ever higher and are therefore trying to strengthen military alliances and classify Israel as the lesser evil, following the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend!” Of course, understandably, Israel is still not trusted. In return, the UAE accept that the corrupt kleptocrats Netanyahu and Trump can distract for a few hours from the fact that they are the completely wrong people for the tasks assigned to them. The Emiratis can even talk about it nicely by pointing out that Netanyahu’s and Trump’s mentalities and ways of acting ultimately make them ideally suited to the Middle East, because they have never understood the concepts of democracy, law and freedom. For the Palestinians, however, it is more bad news because it means that the Emiratis have made a choice, albeit understandably, for their own security. This inevitably leads to the legitimate interests of the Palestinians being neglected and thus indirectly favoring the further expansion of the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Netanyahu has already announced that the planned illegal annexation of the largest parts of the Palestinian state (East Jerusalem and the West Bank) will only be postponed, but not canceled. The Palestinians are not innocent of this development, because their actions and their omissions have angered the Arab supporters considerably. How long this situation will last from the UAE’s point of view is difficult to assess, especially since China has closed agreements with Iran and Saudi Arabia that have what it takes to turn enemies into friends, so that the tide can turn into the opposite, especially because there is still no agreement between China and the United Arab Emirates. This can be changed quickly. It is of course also obvious that the agreement between two small states will not change the world. Overall it’s just a drop in the ocean, but Netanyahu and Trump currently need every straw that could ensure that they can cling to their chairs, no matter how criminal they are. That being said, the agreement is little more than an Letter of Intent (The National, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement of US, Israel and UAE) that must first be filled with life before it can be called an “agreement”. The mutual opening of embassies that have already been announced will not work because the Emiratis have announced that this will only take place after a peace agreement has been concluded between Israelis and Palestinians. Whether and how the symbolic act will actually affect Iran’s ability to act remains to be seen, because one thing is of course clear: In the Middle East nothing is set in stone and rarely as it seems at first glance. This can be seen, among others, because of the fact that it is Iran of all countries that, through its expeditions in foreign territories, has brought closer ties between the Arab Gulf states and Israel. Netanyahu is now talking about a “turning point”, while he probably only saw a Fata Morgana in the Negev. The small states of Bahrain and Oman may well follow suit, because both states have had good unofficial relations with Israel for a long time. All three countries benefit from this. To hope that normalization with Saudi Arabia will take place just as quickly would be an outright self-deception. You have to look at Saudi Arabia’s political system, which, unlike in the West, is not based on parties, but on a clan/tribal economy. Among them are clans/tribes who would be more willing to plunge the country into civil war than to do business with Israel, which in turn would put the royal family in serious danger. This is understandably not worth it to the House of Saud. It will probably be the case that the Saudis will first look at how things are going with their much smaller neighbors and Israel. If it works there, they will familiarize their own population with the idea of ​​normalization. Added to this is the religious importance of Saudi Arabia in the Muslim world. Everything has to be considered twice and three times in order not to cause a catastrophe. So we don’t talk about a year or two in advance, but about decades. For the Palestinians, it means defeat in any case. As “occupied” they should have resisted AND shown willingness to negotiate. But they only delivered 50%, what in return makes it clear again that Israel can exchange as many letters of intent with the Gulf States as it want to: in the end, there is still no solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If you look at the whole picture, the developments result in very positive approaches. If normalization between the states of North Africa, the Gulf States and Israel were actually managed in the next few decades, the potential threat to Israel would be reduced to Lebanon, Palestine and Iran, and for the Gulf States to Iran. If one continues to assume that economic activities among each other would be considerably strengthened through synergy effects, this would have clearly positive effects for the USA and the EU with regard to the billions in support provided to date to the countries of the Levant and North Africa regions, which could be gradually reduced. For the EU this would mean investing the funds released in the expansion of the functioning “Union for the Mediterranean”, which is currently little more than a paper tiger. The bigger challenges are Turkey and Lebanon. The Erdogan regime is currently well on the way to completely pushing the Turkish economy against the wall, which makes the initial situation rather problematic, especially since the Sultan and his neo-Ottomans can hardly deal with defeats, even those completely self-inflicted. Lebanon is in a far more hopeless position: the country must free itself from its corrupt leadership, develop a new political system, rebuild Beirut, overcome the ongoing economic crisis and significantly curb the influence of Iranian-controlled Hezbollah. The country will not be able to cope with the challenges alone. If the EU were to provide support, help and advice and put pressure on individual parties to the extent necessary, it would certainly have positive effects for the entire country. The impetus for this must come from the population themselves. As it turns out in retrospect, the Emiratis have apparently achieved much more than just stopping annexation. As an additional agreement, a billion-dollar arms deal was concluded between the UAE and the USA, which includes the purchase of of F-35 fighter jets. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have wanted to buy US weapons systems for several years, but have always been put off. Apparently they now have found the right lever. Who knows what other agreements have sweetened the Letter of Intent to Israel), The New York Times, 13 August 2020: Israel and United Arab Emirates Strike Major Diplomatic Agreement, DW, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE to start diplomatic ties after breakthrough deal, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement on ‘normalization of relations’ between Israel, UAE, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: Israel-UAE Deal Clears Annexation Muddle. But Not for Everyone, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Hailing ‘new era with Arab world,’ Netanyahu says others will follow UAE’s lead (Ze’ev Jabotinsky and Revisionist Zionism), Haaretz, 13 August 2020: After Netanyahu Commits to Future Annexation, Trump Says It’s Now ‘Off the Table’, Arab News, 13 August 2020: World reacts to UAE’s opening diplomatic ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: In halting annexation, UAE paints its Israel peace deal as win for Palestinians, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: In UAE Deal, Netanyahu Trades Imaginary Annexation for Real Life Diplomacy Win, Arab News, 13 August 2020: Full text of joint statement on UAE and Israel normalizing ties, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: ‘A despicable betrayal’: PA blasts Emirates, demands retraction of Israel deal, Arab News, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel reach ‘historic deal’ to normalize relations, The National, 13 August 2020: Israel freezes Palestine annexation for UAE ties, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace dealUAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace deal, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2020: UAE deal boosts Gulf clout – analysis, The Washington Post, 13 August 2020: The Israel-UAE agreement is an insult to the peace Palestinians and Arabs want and need, The National, 13 August 2020: Gargash: UAE-Israel deal a ‘death blow’ to annexation of Palestine, NPR, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel Move To Normalize Relations As Israel Halts Planned West Bank Annexations, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE’s Jewish community reacts to country’s historic agreement with Israel, France24, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE normalise relations in historic, Trump-brokered deal, The Guardian, 13 August 2020: ‘Truly historic’ Israel signs deal with UAE that will ‘suspend’ West Bank annexation, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Trump scores diplomatic deal with Middle East allies before election, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE to normalise relations in shift in Mideast politics; West Bank annexations on hold, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: Normalization Deal Between Israel and the UAE Signals a Shift in the Region, The Hill, 13 August 2020: 5 takeaways from Israel and UAE opening diplomatic ties, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: In Historic Deal With the UAE, Israel Is the Biggest Winner, The Atlantic, 13 August 2020: Why the UAE Made Peace With Israel, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: Maximum Pressure May Bring Iran Back to the Table After All, The New York Times, 13 August 2020: A Geopolitical Earthquake Just Hit the Mideast, The Washington Post, 14 August 2020: Trump is right. The Israel-UAE agreement is a huge achievement., DW, 14 August 2020: Opinion: Israel-UAE deal means goodbye to independent Palestinian state, France24, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE deal a Trump coup, but his sights are set on Iran, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: ‘It’s a game and we lost’: Palestinians decry Gulf moves towards Israel, Politico.eu, 14 August 2020: EU foreign policy chief Borrell welcomes Israel-UAE deal, Haaretz, 14 August 2020: UAE’s Unique Leverage Over Israel Buried Annexation to Enable Normalization, The National, 14 August 2020: United Nations and major states praise UAE-Israel accord, DW, 14 August 2020: Iran, Turkey slam UAE over agreement with Israel, CNN, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE agreement a meek version of the historic Mideast deal Trump pledged, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: While Israel celebrates a new peace accord, Palestinians once again lose (Trump “should be a frontrunner for the Nobel Peace Prize”. :-D .. following this logic, Iran would be the #1 candidate, because without its activities in the region the Arab Gulf states wouldn’t agree to normalize relations with Israel in the coming 200 years), DW, 14 August 2020: UN Security Council rejects Iran arms embargo extension, Haaretz, 14 August 2020: U.S. Loses Iran Arms Embargo Vote at UN as Putin Pushes Summit on Nuclear Deal, Politico.com, 14 August 2020: Pompeo lashes out as U.N. Security Council rejects extension to Iran arms embargo, Al Arabiya, 14 August 2020: After UAE-Israel peace deal, a Palestinian state is the next step, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Taking normalization over annexation, Netanyahu poised to enter exalted company, CNN, 15 August 2020: Trump says snapback sanctions against Iran could come next week, DW, 15 August 2020: Mixed reaction to historic agreement between Israel and UAE, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Morocco said likely to be one of the next states to normalize ties with Israel (unabashed corruption in public: Morocco offers to normalize relations with Israel if the US in return recognizes the illegal annexation of Western Sahara as legal), The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: The historic deal between Israel and the UAE shows Trump’s strategy is paying off, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: Israeli Delegation to Head to UAE to Hammer Out Details of Accords, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: UAE locals hail Israel peace, offer hotel discounts; elsewhere in Gulf, wariness, The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: Israel’s relations in the Middle East, explained, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: King of Bahrain Congratulates the UAE on Deal With Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 15 August 2020: The Emirati-Israel-Trump Treachery, Bloomberg, 15 August 2020: Bahrain Joins Egypt, Oman in Supporting UAE, Israel Deal, Arab News, 15 August 2020: Ankara burns bridges with UAE but maintains ties with Israel: Why?, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2020: UAE says Israel deal not about Iran, rejects criticism from Turkey’s Erdogan, The New York Times, 15 August 2020: Shifting Dynamics of the Mideast Pushed Israel and U.A.E. Together, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Iran claims victory after UN soundly rejects US bid to extend arms embargo, France24, 15 August 2020: UN defeats US demand to extend arms embargo on Iran (it’s nice to see that reason has largely prevailed in the international community – with two exceptions, but they will also learn that you only shoot yourself in your own foot with permanent threats and mafia-like behavior and ultimately stand clearly visible isolated internationally. Netanyahu had hoped so much that his lies would not only be believed by Trump and his voters. Fortunately, it didn’t work again and that’s awesome), The Guardian, 15 August 2020: Iran: President calls US defeat over UN arms embargo a ‘humiliation’, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: Netanyahu Slams ‘Scandalous’ UN Vote Against Extending Iran Arms Embargo, Jerusalem Post, 15 August 2020: Iran regime celebrates ‘heavy defeat’ for US over arms embargo, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Iran threatens to attack UAE over Israel deal, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Once Again, the U.S. Saves Netanyahu From Himself, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Normalization with other Arab countries is possible, says Avi Berkowitz, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Stopping Annexation Was Our Main Concern: Top UAE Official Hails ‘Historic’ Israel Deal in Haaretz Interview, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Why Lebanon won’t make peace with Israel so long as Hezbollah is around, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: UAE Is Normalizing Relations With Israel. Lebanon Should, Too, France24, 16 August 2020: Telephone service begins between Israel and UAE after historic deal, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Netanyahu: UAE deal based on strength, will yield ‘true peace’ with Palestinians, Arab News, 17 August 2020: Netanyahu says UAE deal signals end to ‘land for peace’, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Five countries that could be next to make peace with Israel, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Thanks for Dubai, Now Bye Bye: An Evening With Israel’s Happiest anti-Netanyahu Protesters, Israel Hayom, 16 August 2020: EU welcomes Israel-UAE deal as good for Mideast stability, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Born of internal Arab despair, UAE deal gives Israel genuine chance of peace, DW, 16 August 2020: UAE, Israel firms sign deal after establishing ties, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Only Trump Could Get Bibi to Pose as Shimon Peres, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: UAE foreign minister calls his Israeli counterpart to launch direct phone lines, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Base set by UAE-Israel deal must be built upon, France24, 16 August 2020: Macron urges new Middle East peace talks after call with Abbas, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Made Peace in Dubai? Now Make Peace With the Palestinians, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Middle East peace talks remain priority, Macron says after call with Abbas, The National, 16 August 2020: EU says UAE-Israel peace accord a ‘fundamental step’ for stability, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2020: Phone calls open between UAE and Israel, websites unblocked after agreement, France24, 16 August 2020: Trump promises ‘snapback’ to force return of UN Iran sanctions, The New York Times, 16 August 2020: The Israel-U.A.E. Deal and the Beirut Blast Both Box in Iran, Al Arabiya, 17 August 2020: Six major events in Oman-Israel relations: Timeline, Politico.eu, 18 August 2020: The latest Iran nuclear deal mess, The Washington Post, 18 August 2020: Netanyahu’s diplomatic sleight of hand can’t hide his failures at home, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: Gaza Tensions: Hamas Doesn’t Seek Escalation, but Won’t Make Do With Restoring Calm, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: UAE official reportedly rebuffs Netanyahu denial he okayed F-35 sale, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: A Deal With UAE? If Israeli Settlers Are Mad, It Must Be Good, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: Despite sanctions, Iran aims to keep nuclear deal alive until US election, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: The Palestinians weren’t betrayed by the UAE. They were simply left behind, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: ‘Impossible’ Beirut Port blast was caused by Hezbollah arms – president, Al Arabiya, 18 August 2020: Pompeo to visit UN headquarters to submit complaint on Iran nuclear deal: Diplomats, NPR, 19 August 2020: Opinion: Israel And UAE’s Accord Is A Big Win, But Don’t Overplay It, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Reported deal to sell UAE F-35 jets edges in on US promise of Israeli dominance, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: After Israel-UAE Normalization, Saudi FM Says Committed to Arab Peace Initiative, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Saudi FM: No Israel normalization without peace with the Palestinians, Arab News, 19 August 2020: Foreign minister: Saudi Arabia is committed to Arab peace plan, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2020: Friedman to ‘Post’: Israeli security not undermined in UAE deal, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: How Netanyahu’s Huge Diplomatic Achievement Turned Into a Self-made Political Fiasco, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Israel said to express concerns to US over Saudi nuclear program, Middle East Monitor, 19 August 2020: Fatah, Hamas hold joint protest against UAE-Israel deal (after all, the rapprochement initially stopped the “great annexation” of the West Bank and East Jerusalem by Israel through the engagement of the UAE. Of course, the many “small annexations” will continue in the future, as they did in the past decades. At the end of the day, however, the Palestinians need also do their part to achieve a sustainable overall solution before Israel has annexed the entire Palestinian state land. Even if the Palestinian view is perfectly understandable, it is neither goal-oriented nor solution-oriented. By the way, insulting the Arab supporters isn’t either), The New York Times, 19 August 2020: Trump Administration Pushes Arms Sale to U.A.E. Despite Israeli Worries, The Hill, 19 August 2020: Trump announces ‘snapback’ of sanctions on Iran (those who leave a party at their own request have given up and forfeited their future options. Withdrawing from the Iran deal was rightout stupid. To believe two years later that they can still have a say is absolutely ridiculous. At the same time, Americans can see on the world stage the consequences of electing a racist isolationist to the White House. A superpower is not only defined by the most powerful army, but above all by strong international networks. Trump systematically destroyed them and is now harvesting the results. On the positive side, it shows that there still is a lot of common sense in the international community), The New York Times, 19 August 2020: U.S. Heads to United Nations to Demand ‘Snapback’ of Sanctions Against Iran, Politico.com, 19 August 2020: U.S. will trigger ‘snapback’ mechanism to reimpose Iran sanctions, JStreet, 20 August 2020: Trump Admin’s Doomed Effort to Trigger JCPOA ‘Snapback’ Underscores Total Failure of ‘Maximum Pressure’ Iran Policy, Arab News, 21 August 2020: US to restore all sanctions on Iran, accuses European allies of ‘siding with ayatollahs’, The National, 21 August 2020: European statement sets out refusal to back Iran arms ban extension, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: F-35 Sale to UAE: ‘Netanyahu Knew… It’s an Outrage’, The Guardian, 21 August 2020: Iran sanctions: nearly all UN security council unites against ‘unpleasant’ US, Arab News, 21 August 2020: The UAE has skillfully moved to check Iranian aggression, France24, 21 August 2020: European countries oppose US sanctions move on Iran, deepening rift at UN, Haaretz, 23 August 2020: Iran Sanctions Snapback Explained: Trump Left U.S. Isolated at UN, Jerusalem Post, 23 August 2020: Israel could lose twice in the US gambit against Iran in the UNSC, Arab News, 23 August 2020: Iran admits sabotage caused fire at Natanz nuclear site, The National, 23 August 2020: The world’s great powers will soon face off in Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: Iran could bear responsibility for UAE-Israel reconciliation: Veteran US diplomat, Times of Israel, 24 August 2020: UAE said to scrap meet with Israel, US envoys after Netanyahu panned F-35 deal (looks like Netanyahu and Trump messed it up once again. Dumb and dumber), Arab News, 24 August 2020: Pompeo hopes other Arab states open relations with Israel, The Guardian, 25 August 2020: Israel tells UK and EU to drop ‘absurd’ backing for Iran nuclear deal (the best part on it is, that it shows how isolated Netanyahu and Trump are on the international stage, while at the same time signaling Iran that there are good chances to overcome the given challenges after the US presidential elections in November. Because of the corruption charges, Netanyahu is just a lame duck anyway, so let him babble and simply forget about him), France24, 25 August 2020: Iran’s Rouhani says talks possible if US returns to 2015 nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2020: Iran says talks with IAEA chief in Tehran were ‘constructive’ – Tasnim, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: UN Security Council rejects US demand to ‘snap back’ Iran sanctions (the third major defeat of the Trump administration at UN within a few weeks and there is even more to come. Awesome), Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2020: Snapback mechanism for Iran sanctions not triggered, UNSC president says, Haaretz, 25 August 2020: The Iranian Jews Who Joined the Islamic Revolution, France24, 26 August 2020: Iran agrees to grant UN nuclear watchdog access to suspected sites, Palestine Chronicle, 26 August 2020: UAE-Israel Normalization Hits Snag, Trilateral Meeting Canceled, Times of Israel, 27 August 2020: German FM tells Ashkenazi efforts underway to keep Iran arms ban, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2020: Ashkenazi meets EU counterparts in Germany on first diplomatic trip overseas, Arab News, 27 August 2020: Pompeo: Iran sanctions will snap back at midnight on Sep. 20, Times of Israel, 27 August 2020: Pompeo heads home after appearing to hit wall in push for Israel ties, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2020: Iran relents on IAEA inspections at two sites, The National, 28 August 2020: Iran sought to advance weapons of mass destruction programme: German state intelligence, BBC, 4 September 2020: Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile ’10 times limit’, Arab News, 11 September 2020: Iran deploys submarine, cruise missile in exercises, Al Arabiya, 11 September 2020: Iran deploys submarine, cruise missile during military exercises in Strait of Hormuz, Arab News, 11 September 2020: ‘Cheating’ Iran must not have arms embargo lifted: Experts, Al Arabiya, 12 September 2020: Iran’s currency hits new record low against the dollar, falling by 30 pct since June, Arab News, 12 September 2020: Iran’s currency hits new record low against the dollar, Politico.com, 13 September 2020: Officials: Iran weighing plot to kill U.S. ambassador to South Africa, The Atlantic, 16 September 2020: Iran and the Palestinians Lose Out in the Abraham Accords, Jeruasalem Post, 16 September 2020: The Abraham Accord: No details, no devil – analysis (“peace treaties” – hahaha .. by now, they are little more but marketing stunts), Haaretz, 16 September 2020: Iran Is Just an Excuse for the Gulf to Embrace Israeli Tech, Haaretz, 17 September 2020: White House Peace Deals Are as Vacuous as Miss Universe Statements, and That’s by Design, Arab News, 18 September 2020: Muslims and Jews of the Gulf can set an inspiring example, Al Arabiya, 18 September 2020: Nuclear deal with Iran to be killed by Trump before UN speech, Jeruasalem Post, 19 September 2020: Britain, France, Germany say UN sanctions relief for Iran to continue, The National, 19 September 2020: Britain, France and Germany say UN sanctions relief for Iran to continue, Al Arabiya, 19 September 2020: Britain, France, Germany say UN sanctions relief for Iran to continue beyond Sep 20, The Hill, 19 September 2020: US reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions (the complete idiocy and stupidity of the Trump administration is on display once again. Anyone who is stupid enough to unilaterally terminate such a delicate contract is no longer part of the agreement and at the same time has forfeited the right to have a say. What can the Europeans do about it? So far, no effective remedy has been found against extraterritorial vandalism by a superpower. It will be all the more important to confirm the displeasure with the previous needle prick tactics. This includes the full commissioning of INSTEX as well as being permanently on the brakes when implementing the US sanctions in order to slow them down and thus cushion the effects), DW, 20 September 2020: Iran: US declares unilateral return of UN sanctions, Haaretz, 20 September 2020: UN Chief Says No Action on Iran Sanctions Due to ‘Uncertainty’, Times of Israel, 20 September 2020: Iran, Russia pan ‘illegitimate, reckless’ US claim UN sanctions back in force, Jerusalem Post, 20 September 2020: UN chief says no action on UN Iran sanctions due to ‘uncertainty’, France24, 20 September 2020: US unilaterally declares UN sanctions on Iran are back in force, The Guardian, 20 September 2020: Iran sanctions: UN secretary general says he cannot act because of ‘uncertainty’ on snapback, Arab News, 20 September 2020: US to slap sanctions on over two dozen targets tied to Iran arms, The National, 20 September 2020: US declaration of sanctions on Iran lacks legal basis, say E3 (within the EU, there is a ban on the sale of weapons to Iran until 2023. Pompeo can pedal until he weighs a few pounds less – which will be good for his health. The EU can sit back and relax and let the Trump administration run wild. That is exactly what the EU should do and set INSTEX into action), Al Arabiya, 20 September 2020: Watch: Iranians react to US declaration of UN sanctions against Iran, The Guardian, 21 September 2020: US announces new Iran sanctions and claims it is enforcing UN arms embargo, Times of Israel, 21 September 2020: US unveils additional ‘UN’ sanctions against Iran, will enforce arms embargo, Haaretz, 21 September 2020: Trump Wants New Iran Sanctions. The World Is Flipping Him the Bird, Foreign Policy, 21 September 2020: Trump’s Policies Have Convinced Iran to Build a More Advanced Nuclear Program Before Negotiating, Foreign Policy, 21 September 2020: U.S. Isolated at U.N. as Push to Ramp Up Pressure on Iran Fails, Al Arabiya, 22 September 2020: US vows to maintain Israel’s ‘military edge’ amid talk of F-35 sale to UAE, France24, 22 September 2020: US adds new sanctions on Iran, plans to enforce them singlehandedly, Al Arabiya, 23 September 2020: Saudi Arabia: Any nuclear deal with Iran must preserve non-proliferation, France24, 22 September 2020: UN gathering exposes transatlantic rift on Iran sanctions, The Guardian, 23 September 2020: UK, France and Germany summon country’s ambassadors over prisoners, The National, 23 September 2020: UNGA 2020: King Salman calls for comprehensive solution on Iran, Al Arabiya, 26 September 2020: US threatens Baghdad with sanctions over Iran-backed militia attacks in Iraq: Sources, Israel Hayom, 27 September 2020: UAE: Iran’s aggressive policies made Arabs look at Israel, Haaretz, 29 September 2020: Netanyahu Reveals ‘Secret Hezbollah Missile Depot’ in Beirut Residential Area (“In UN speech, PM says Iran will have enough enriched uranium in a few months for two nuclear bombs” – more than 30 years of the same old lies. Just lame and boring), Al Arabiya, 30 September 2020: The Iran deal is dead: After US sanctions snapback, other members won’t admit it, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2020: Iran busts sanctions by using other nations to get WMD – German intel, The Washington Post, 7 October 2020: U.S. imposes crushing sanctions on Iran, defying European objections, CNN, 8 October 2020: US imposes sweeping new sanctions on Iran’s financial sector, Arab News, 11 October 2020: EU must condemn Iran regime, not appease it (in the first place, the EU can do what it wants to do. She doesn’t want to wage war in the Middle East. Others, who are interested in doing so, have to fight their wars themselves), Israel Hayom, 11 October 2020: US imposes new Iran sanctions that may spook European banks, The National, 14 October 2020: Trump’s latest sanctions threaten to add to Iran’s currency crisis, Israel Hayom, 15 October 2020: ‘Maximum pressure’ only way to oppose Iran: Experts (“But in addition to that, this administration has a strategy of building out the alliance of likeminded countries (to) serve as a firebreak.” – they do it foremost in preparations for withdraw from the Arabian Gulf by stirring up and supporting fears against Iran so that the Arab states buy American weapons systems for hundreds of billions of dollars (incidentally, the same weapon systems that they gift to the Israelis year after year) and thus make the American presence in the Arabian Gulf unnecessary. Iran, the Iranians, the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabs, Israel and the Israelis doesn’t matter to the Trump administration at all. For similar reasons, the Trump administration wants to force the EU states to double their arms spending. That would have some advantages for the US arms industry. In the medium and long term, the US will lose its status as a superpower), Arab News, 15 October 2020: Atomic energy watchdog seeks details on secret Iranian nuclear site, DW, 18 October 2020: Iran says UN arms embargo lifted, allowing it to buy weapons (Netanyahu and Trump have screwed it up again, but nothing else can be expected from them anyway. Unlike the two losers, the EU states still have a long-term arms embargo against Iran in place and can calmly wait and see how the situation develops, while the two continue to ridicule themselves), The Guardian, 18 October 2020: Iran hails lifting of 13-year UN arms embargo as ‘momentous day’, France24, 18 October 2020: Iran rules out weapons ‘buying spree’ as UN embargo is set to expire, Times of Israel, 18 October 2020: Iran says UN arms embargo on Tehran has ended, Arab News, 18 October 2020: Iran: UN arms embargo on Tehran has been lifted: https://www.arabnews.com/node/1750591/middle-east, Jerusalem Post, 20 October 2020: Iran’s massive air defense drill to cover ‘half the country’, Al Arabiya, 20 October 2020: Israel’s EAPC pipeline company says it will bring UAE oil to Europe in new deal (Trans-Israel pipeline), Reuters, 20 October 2020: Israeli pipeline company signs deal to bring UAE oil to Europe, Financial Times, 20 October 2020: Israel and UAE sign visa and pipeline deals to cement alliance, The National, 21 October 2020: Coronavirus: Workforce is automating faster than expected, World Economic Forum says, Haaretz, 22 October 2020: Haim Saban: MBS Said Iran, His People Would Kill Him if Saudi Arabia Normalized Ties With Israel, Arab News, 27 October 2020: IAEA chief: Iran building underground centrifuge plant at nuclear facility, Arab News, 3 November 2020: Allies must take note of Iran’s belligerence, says Saudi FM, Haaretz, 7 November 2020: A Biden Revolution in the Middle East Will Have to Wait, Times of Israel, 7 November 2020: Biden a veteran friend of Israel, critic of settlement, may be at odds over Iran, Jerusalem Post, 7 November 2020: Protestors celebrate Biden win, call out Likud Iran accusations, Arab News, 7 November 2020: Why it won’t be easy to reset the Iran nuclear clock, Al Arabiya, 8 November 2020: Iran hopes for a change in ‘destructive’ US policies under Biden’s presidency, Times of Israel, 8 November 2020: For Biden, reentering the Iran deal will not be an easy task, Arab News, 9 November 2020: Iran awaits the moment of truth with Biden, The National, 9 November 2020: Trump plans further sanctions on Iran to tie Biden’s hands, Haaretz, 10 November 2020: Trump Envoy Pushes for New Iran Sanctions. Biden Has Different Plans, Times of Israel, 10 November 2020: German FM: Biden’s election an opportunity for US to rejoin Iran deal, France24, 11 November 2020: Iran’s explanations on uranium stockpile ‘not credible’, UN nuclear watchdog says, Haaretz, 11 November 2020: Iran Installs Advanced Centrifuges at Underground Natanz Plant, IAEA Says, The National, 12 November 2020: US sanctions companies and people over Iran WMD link, The National Interest, 13 November 2020: Iran’s Army May be Huge, but the IRGC is Tehran’s Real Power Broker, The New York Times, 13 November 2020: Al Qaeda’s No. 2, Accused in U.S. Embassy Attacks, Was Killed in Iran, DW, 14 November 2020: Iran could harbor false hopes after Biden victory, The Washington Post, 14 November 2020: Israel, at behest of U.S., killed al-Qaeda’s deputy in a drive-by attack in Iran, France24, 14 November 2020: Al Qaeda’s second-in-command killed in Iran, New York Times reports, DW, 14 November 2020: Al-Qaida’s No.2 secretly killed in Iran: US report, France24, 14 November 2020: Iran moderates hail Biden win, but any nuclear talks expected to be fraught, Arab News, 14 November 2020: Israeli operatives killed Al-Qaeda’s No. 2 leader in Iran in August, The New York Times, 16 November 2020: Trump Sought Options for Attacking Iran to Stop Its Growing Nuclear Program, Times of Israel, 16 November 2020: Top defense official: Israel must replace aging aircraft before it’s too late, Arab News, 16 November 2020: Iran ponders how to deal with new US president, The National, 16 November 2020: Pompeo promises ‘further actions’ against Iran on protest anniversary, France24, 17 November 2020: Trump asked for options for attacking Iran last week, according to US official, CNN, 17 November 2020: New York Times: Trump asked advisers about possible strike on Iranian nuclear site, Arab News, 17 November 2020: Trump asked for options for attacking Iran last week, but held off: reports, The New York Times, 17 November 2020: Biden Wants to Rejoin Iran Nuclear Deal, but It Won’t Be Easy, Al Arabiya, 17 November 2020: Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran ‘creates leverage’ for Biden admin: Experts, Times of Israel, 18 November 2020: Iranian foreign minister: ‘Ready to discuss’ how Biden can rejoin nuclear deal, Haaretz, 18 November 2020: Israel Strikes Iran-backed Targets in Syria After Explosives Found on Border, Times of Israel, 18 November 2020: IDF says it bombed barracks of top Iranian officers in Syria to ‘send message’, France24, 19 November 2020: US imposes sweeping sanctions on Iran, targets Khamenei-linked foundation, Haaretz, 22 November 2020: Netanyahu ‘Warns’ Biden, as if His Iran Strategy Hadn’t Failed With Trump and Obama, The National, 22 November 2020: Pompeo vows to maintain ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran and won’t rule out military strike, Arab News, 22 November 2020: Iran vows to crush any Israeli attempt to hit its ‘advisory’ role in Syria, The National, 22 November 2020: US sending B-52H bombers to Middle East to deter aggression, Haaretz, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu Secretly Flew to Saudi Arabia, Met MBS and Pompeo, Israeli Sources Say, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu, Mossad head traveled to Saudi Arabia, met with crown prince — report (Arab News, 22 November 2020: Pompeo arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2020: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince discusses latest Middle East developments with US’ Pompeo), France24, 23 November 2020: Saudi Arabia and Israel: quiet prelude to landmark meeting, BBC, 23 November 2020: Israel PM ‘flew to Saudi Arabia for secret talks with crown prince’, The Guardian, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu holds secret meeting with Saudi crown prince – reports, Arab News, 23 November 2020: Saudi foreign minister to Arab News: No Israelis attended Pompeo meeting, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2020: Saudi FM denies Netanyahu NEOM visit: ‘There were no Israelis present’, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: TV report: Netanyahu, Pompeo hoped for normalization, but Saudis said no, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2020: Netanyahu, UAE Crown Prince nominated for Nobel Peace Prize (never in history was a Nobel Peace Prize awarded to people who closed a trade deal. This would be a first :-D ), DW, 24 November 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2020: Iran sees foreign firms returning if US lifts sanctions, The National, 25 November 2020: The Iranian spy whose Paris ‘bomb plot’ could have sparked a war, The Guardian, 25 November 2020: Hassan Rouhani: Iranian president upbeat about relations with Biden-led US, Arab News, 25 November 2020: US to sanction entities linked to Iran’s missile program, The National, 25 November 2020: Israel targets Iranian advisers in more Syria air strikes, Times of Israel, 26 November 2020: ‘Until King Salman has gone,’ no progress on Israel-Saudi normalization – report, Politico.eu, 27 November 2020: Iran points finger at Israel after atomic expert killed, vows revenge, The New York Times, 27 November 2020: Gunmen Assassinate Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientist in Ambush, Provoking New Crisis, The Washington Post, 27 November 2020: Iraq fears Trump’s final weeks could see confrontation between U.S. and Iran, Palestine Chronicle, 27 November 2020: Iran Accuses Israel of Assassinating Top Scientist, Fakhrizadhe, NPR, 27 November 2020: Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Killed In Attack, Times of Israel, 27 November 2020: Israel behind hit on architect of Iranian nuclear weapons program — NY Times, Al Arabiya, 27 November 2020: Attacks on scientists in Iran in recent years: A list, The New York Times, 28 November 2020: Analysis: Killing of Iranian Scientist Threatens Fate of Nuclear Deal (Biden only needs to make it clear that it is not his way of solving problems and that should be very easy for him, especially since the terrorist attack clearly bears the signatures of Netanyahu and Trump), DW, 28 November 2020: Iran vows retaliation, blames ‘Israeli mercenaries’ for assassination, France24, 28 November 2020: Iran vows to avenge killing of nuclear scientist, points finger at Israel, The New York Times, 28 November 2020: Iran Threatens Payback for Assassination of Top Nuclear Scientist, BBC, 28 November 2020: Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran blames Israel for killing top scientist, The Guardian, 28 November 2020: Was scientist’s killing the opening shot of a Trump-led war on Iran? (exactly what Netanyahu has been pushing for years. And again he came a little closer to his goal), CNN, 28 November 2020: Iran’s supreme leader vows revenge after top nuclear scientist apparently assassinated, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: Trump Might Leave Scorched Earth on His Way Out. Netanyahu Is Happy to Lend Him a Lighter, The Guardian, 28 November 2020: Iran: Supreme leader calls for ‘definitive punishment’ of scientist’s killers, Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2020: Warning from the past comes back to haunt Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: Despite the Blow to Morale, Iran Will Find a Nuclear Scientist Just as Talented as the Assassinated Fakhrizadeh, The Washington Post, 28 November 2020: Iran’s president blames Israel for nuclear scientist’s killing, vows response at the ‘right time’, Jerusalem Post, 28 November 2020: EU condemns assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist, calls for ‘calm’, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: Killing Iran’s Nuke Chief May Hurt Israel More Than He Ever Did in His Life, The National, 28 November 2020: How will Iran retaliate for the assassination of its top nuclear scientist?, Times of Israel, 28 November 2020: Creeping in through Syria, Iran is just a border fence away from Israel, DW, 28 November 2020: Fakhrizadeh killing: Iran’s security apparatus under scrutiny, Politico.com, 29 November 2020: Iran newspaper: Strike Haifa if Israel killed scientist, France24, 29 November 2020: Body of slain Iranian nuclear scientist taken to Muslim shrine, The Guardian, 29 November 2020: Nuclear chief’s body prepared for burial as anger focused on Israel and US, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: World Should Thank Us for Killing Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientist, Senior Israeli Official Tells NYT (the good news is that Israel is neither a NATO nor an EU member. Except for the US arms industry, the United States protectorate has given them little pleasure, especially this year), Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: World should thank Israel for hit on Iran nuke chief, Israeli official tells NYT, New York Post, 29 November 2020: Iran’s Mohsen Fakhrizadeh killed by 62-person hit squad, reports say, Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: Minister chides EU for condemning killing of top Iran nuclear scientist, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: Killing of Iranian Scientist Is a Dangerous Provocation, Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: J Street denounces killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist, The Hill, 29 November 2020: Iranian op-ed urges attack on Israeli port city over scientist killing, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Was Killed by Remote-controlled Machine Gun, Report Says (even terrorist squads are using latest technology these days), Times of Israel, 29 November 2020: Killing of nuke chief was done entirely by remote control — Iranian report, Israel Hayom, 29 November 2020: EU’s hypocrisy knows no bounds (this is how whiny pussy propaganda from Israel looks like. They want so dearly a war with Iran, but of course not fought by themselves, as they are far to weak to get it done. The EU has a lot of very good reasons to fill the Iran deal with life and not a single one to fight Iran. So if the Israeli wimps really want to wage war with Iran, they have to do it themselves instead of embarking on the ridiculous search for pseudo-responsible entities outside the country that should only cover up Israel’s weakness and inability to wage war against Iran. For its part, the EU should make a clear and unambiguous commitment to the Iran deal in order to show Netanyahu and his Likudniks how isolated they really are on the issue), Reuters, 29 November 2020: Iran to give a ‘calculated’ response to nuclear scientist killing, says official, Haaretz, 29 November 2020: Assassinations and Sanctions Aren’t Working: Why America and Israel Need a New Iran Strategy, Jerusalem Post, 29 November 2020: Yadlin: Iran may wait until end of Trump era to retaliate, Israel Hayom, 29 November 2020: Former CIA chief calls killing of top Iranian scientist ‘state-sponsored terrorism’, i24 News, 29 November 2020: EU condemns killing of Iranian nuclear scientist, Arab News, 29 November 2020: UAE condemns killing of Iranian scientist, calls on all parties to exercise self-restraint, The National, 29 November 2020: Iran will wait patiently for Trump’s term to end, Al Arabiya, 29 November 2020: All you need to know about Iran’s nuclear program, The New York Tmes, 29 November 2020: Dear Joe, It’s Not About Iran’s Nukes Anymore, The Guardian, 30 November 2020: Analysis: Is Iran likely to retaliate over assassination of top nuclear scientist?, DW, 30 November 2020: Iran accuses Israel at funeral for slain military nuclear scientist, France24, 30 November 2020: Iranian official blames Paris-based opposition, Israel for death of nuclear scientist (the Iranian leadership is playing a dangerous game here. If, on the one hand, it takes on Netanyahu’s Israel and Trump’s America, the bitter opponents of the JCPOA, and, on the other hand, on France and the EU, the clear supporters of the JCPOA, then the country threatens to end up empty-handed), BBC, 30 November 2020: Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran scientist ‘killed by remote-controlled weapon’, CNN, 30 November 2020: Assassinated Iranian nuclear scientist shot with remote-controlled machine gun, news agency says, The Guardian, 30 November 2020: Mohsen Fakhrizadeh: Iran says nuclear scientist killed by remote-controlled device, Haaretz, 30 November 2020: Iran Has Plenty of Options to Retaliate Against Israel. But What Will It Actually Do?, Al Arabiya, 30 November 2020: Why is Iran threatening Israel’s Haifa? Experts explain, Al Arabiya, 30 November 2020: Iran’s IRGC commander targeted by a drone near Iraqi-Syrian border, Times of Israel, 1 December 2020: Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander reported killed in drone strike, The National, 1 December 2020: Air strike kills IRGC commander at Iraq-Syria border, say Iraqi officials, The Guardian, 1 December 2020: Iran: MPs seek to harden nuclear stance after killing of scientist (not good news, but understandable nonetheless. If you overdo it with the encroachments on state sovereignty, as Netanyahu and Trump are doing, then there will certainly be a corresponding backlash, and there it is. Should Iran one day actually produce nuclear weapons, Netanyahu and Trump would have to add that to their endless lists of complete failures), Times of Israel, 1 December 2020: Iran MPs advance bill to stop UN nuclear inspections, step up enrichment, The Guardian, 1 December 2020: The Guardian view on an Iranian nuclear scientist’s assassination: danger ahead, Haaretz, 1 December 2020: European Allies Pushed Back When Trump Sanctioned Iran’s Banks, CNN, 2 December 2020: US official says Israel was behind assassination of Iranian scientist, Haaretz, 2 December 2020: Israeli, U.S. Militaries Step Up Coordination Ahead of Possible Iranian Retaliation, Times of Israel, 2 December 2020: Biden: US will rejoin Iran nuclear deal if Tehran returns to strict compliance, Jerusalem Post, 2 December 2020: Biden on Iran: Nukes first – again – analysis, Arab News, 2 December 2020: President-elect Biden: Last thing Middle East needs is Iran with nuclear weapon, Al Arabiya, 2 December 2020: Israel receives its most advanced warship as tensions with Iran rise, Times of Israel, 3 December 2020: Iran’s Zarif says nuclear deal ‘will never be renegotiated,’ rules out new talks, CNN, 3 December 2020: The UAE and Israel’s whirlwind honeymoon has gone beyond normalization, Israel Hayom, 3 December 2020: Trump imposes new sanctions on Iran, Arab News, 3 December 2020: Biden warns Iran to end its ‘malign’ regional activities, DW, 4 December 2020: Israel has ‘no confidence’ Iran deal is working, ambassador tells DW (Israel isn’t part of the deal and obviously for good reasons), Times of Israel, 4 December 2020: Iran tells atomic watchdog its adding more centrifuges at underground site, Der Spiegel, 4 December 2020: Germany’s Foreign Minister on the Future of Trans-Atlantic Relations: “We Have Waited a Long Time for This” (“We need this agreement precisely because we distrust Iran.” – if that is the case, then we can do without an agreement entirely. Contracts are there for bad times, but if they happen, then contracts won’t help anyway, which became visible when the notorious contract breaker #45, at the insistence of Netanyahu, was stupid enough to drop out of the agreement without an alternative solution), Al Arabiya, 4 December 2020: Iran continues to fund militias in region, terror operations in Europe: Saudi FM, Arab News, 4 December 2020: Germany wants broader Iran nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 4 December 2020: German FM requests broader Iran nuclear deal, no ballistic rocket program, Jerusalem Post, 4 December 2020: Biden addresses Fakhrizadeh’s assassination, Iran nuclear program, Der Spiegel, 4 December 2020: A Murder and an Ultimatum: Biden’s Goal of Saving the Iran Deal Just Got Harder, Israel Hayom, 4 December 2020: Biden and Israel’s unsteady Right, The National, 5 December 2020: Germany calls for new and broader nuclear deal with Iran, Arab News, 5 December 2020: If Iran doesn’t want to get burnt, stop stoking the flames, The National, 5 December 2020: Manama Dialogue: Germany calls for updated nuclear deal to stop Iran threat, Arab News, 5 December 2020: Who killed Iran’s nuclear mastermind … and why now?, Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2020: Saudi Arabia at Bahrain conference: Normalization with Israel possibility, Arab News, 6 December 2020: Gulf states ‘must have role in new US-Iran talks’, Saudi FM asserts at Manama Dialogue (neither the Arab Gulf States nor Israel are parties to the deal for some pretty good reasons. The most important aspect is that the agreement would never have been closed because the Gulf States and Israel would have demanded so much that it would have been unacceptable to Iran. It is therefore important to first get the JCPOA going again with all of the original contractual partners. In the second step you can add further aspects. For that to happen, Iran must first and foremost be credibly assured that the agreement will be adhered to by the US. Iran would have a lot to lose in return if it no longer adhered to the agreement. It is now abundantly clear that the Maximum Pressure approach has led to absolutely nothing and isn’t working at all, so that a different path must be taken to prevent Iran from developing and producing nuclear weapons due to the stupidity of Netanyahu and Trump), Times of Israel, 5 December 2020: Iran top body urges unity amid spat over bill to suspend UN nuclear inspections, The Guardian, 6 December 2020: Saudi Arabia says Gulf states must be consulted if US revives accord, The Times, 6 December 2020: Trump had Tehran on the ropes: now our hope is gone, Israel Hayom, 6 December 2020: Direct conflict with Israel ‘could make Iran regional superpower’, The Hill, 6 December 2020: Assassination in Iran: Mideast tensions and US politics at play, Haaretz, 6 December 2020: Iran, Biden and the Bomb: Why Tehran Is Now Speeding Up Its Nuclear Program, Arab News, 6 December 2020: GCC: Iran nuclear deal must take account of regional countries’ interests, Arab News, 7 December 2020: Manama Dialogue sparks new thinking on negotiations with Iran, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: 153 UN states call on Israel to ‘renounce possession of nuclear weapons’, Times of Israel, 8 December 2020: Iran president vows to help Syria confront Israel ‘until Golan liberated’, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: Will Austin’s appointment see Israel move from EUCOM to CENTCOM? (United States European Command (EUCOM), United States Central Command (USCENTCOM or CENTCOM)), Israel Hayom, 8 December 2020: European powers ‘alarmed’ by Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts (what else have the Europeans expected instead? That the Iranian government would allow Netanyahu and Trump to continue harassing and terrorizing the country without any countermeasures?), Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: Russian envoy: Israel – not Iran – is the problem in the Middle East, Arab News, 8 December 2020: US announces terror sanctions against Iran’s ‘ambassador’ to Houthis in Yemen, The New York Times, 8 December 2020: On Iran, Biden Can Bide His Time, Haaretz, 9 December 2020: Trump Issues Formal Threat to Veto Congressional Effort to Block Massive UAE Arms Sales, The New York Times, 9 December 2020: Iran Is Moving Key Facility at Nuclear Site Underground, Satellite Images Show, Times of Israel, 9 December 2020: Rouhani says Iran ready for swift return to nuclear deal compliance, Al Arabiya, 9 December 2020: Is negotiating with Iran on its nuclear program worth it?, Arab News, 9 December 2020: Trump determined to designate pro-Iran groups as terrorist, Haaretz, 11 December 2020: U.S. B-52H Bombers Fly to Middle East in Mission to Deter Iran, Al Arabiya, 11 December 2020: Saudi Royal Air Force fighter jets escort B-52H bombers across Kingdom airspace, Times of Israel, 12 December 2020: Iran’s options to hit Israel for nuke chief’s killing reach far beyond Hezbollah, France24, 12 December 2020: Iran executes dissident journalist who inspired 2017 protests, Jerusalem Post, 13 December 2020: Netanyahu: Unchecked Iran will target US, Europe with nuclear tipped ICBM (in Trump he has obviously found someone stupid enough to believe him. Fortunately, with the incoming administration these times are now over. The rest of the world, of course, knows perfectly well that he is nothing more than a paranoid liar. The world will celebrate when the JCPOA will be back in full force), Arab News, 13 December 2020: France, other European countries withdraw from business forum over Ruhollah Zam execution, Politico.eu, 13 December 2020: EU countries withdraw from Iran business forum over journalist’s execution, Al Arabiya, 13 December 2020: Iran forum postponed as journalist, diplomats withdraw over journalist’s execution, DW, 14 December 2020: US blames Iran for ‘probable death’ of ex-FBI agent, The Guardian, 14 December 2020: Iran nuclear deal: Country says it would rejoin within an hour of US doing so, Politico.eu, 14 December 2020: Journalist execution doesn’t affect Iran nuclear deal: EU top diplomat, Times of Israel, 14 December 2020: Rouhani claims Israel killed nuke scientist ‘to wage instability and war’, Arab News, 14 December 2020: Tehran’s ‘Greater Iran’ dream a threat to the region, Iran International, 14 December 2020: UK Parliament Will Be Asked To Ban Iran’s IRGC Over Terror Links, BBC, 15 December 2020: USA v Iran: The historic 2000 friendly match planned to bring countries together, Al Arabiya, 16 December 2020: Biden rejoining the Iran nuclear deal will allow Tehran to fund militias through oil, Times of Israel, 17 December 2020: IAEA chief: US reentering Iran deal will require some new agreements, Arab News, 17 December 2020: New agreement needed to revive Iran nuclear deal under Biden, IAEA chief says, DW, 18 December 2020: Biden and Iran: Back to the old nuclear deal or negotiate a new one?, The Guardian, 18 December 2020: Iran Images show fresh construction work at Fordo nuclear site, DW, 21 December 2020: Germany tells Iran ‘don’t squander final opportunity’ on nuclear deal, The Guardian, 21 December 2020: EU foreign ministers pave way for revival of Iran nuclear deal, The Hill, 23 December 2020: Israel using Gen. Mark Milley to pass messages to Biden administration on Iran: report, The Washington Post, 23 December 2020: Israel deploys submarine to Persian Gulf in message of deterrence to Iran, DW, 24 December 2020: Israel open to German efforts to expand Iran nuclear deal, The National, 24 December 2020: US-Iran escalation fears top Trump’s foreign policy holiday agenda, France24, 26 December 2020: Iran’s Rouhani says US wants vaccine payments to go via its banks, Times of Israel, 26 December 2020: IDF: Our subs sail everywhere; Iran: Our response to any attack will be strong, Al Arabiya, 28 December 2020: Biden needs to build on Trump success to aid Iranian people, France24, 28 December 2020: Iran warns Israel not to cross Gulf ‘red lines’, The National, 29 December 2020: Iran warns Israel after rumoured submarine deployment, Times of Israel, 30 December 2020: Iran allocates $150,000 to pay each family of 176 Ukraine crash victims, DW, 30 December 2020: US-Iran tensions rise in Iraq, as Qassem Soleimani assassination anniversary nears, Times of Israel, 30 December 2020: US bomber flight over Persian Gulf aims to intimidate Iran in Trump’s final days, Jerusalem Post, 30 December 2020: Israel opposes any and all versions of Iran Deal, says PMO – exclusive (for very good reasons, Israel isn’t and won’t be part of the Iran deal. Not just because only smokes and mirrors are coming from this direction), The Algemeiner, 31 December 2020: Israel-Arab Alliance: Biden’s Greatest Opportunity for a Foreign Policy Triumph, The Guardian, 31 December 2020: Foreign minister says Trump is trying to fabricate pretext for war, Al Arabiya, 31 December 2020: Iran’s Zarif: Intelligence from Iraq shows Trump aims to fabricate ‘pretext for war’, CNN, 1 January 2021: US defense officials divided over potential for Iranian attack on eve of grim anniversary, Haaretz, 1 January 2021: As Iran Marks One Year to General’s Killing, the Mideast Is Riddled With Warning Signs, The Algemeiner, 1 January 2021: Iran Commander Vows ‘Resistance’ a Year After Soleimani Killing, Times of Israel, 1 January 2021: Iran says killers of top general Soleimani, including Trump, ‘not safe on Earth’, The National, 1 January 2021: Iran warns of severe revenge as it marks Qassem Suleimani assassination, BBC, 1 January 2021: Iran nuclear crisis: Tehran to enrich uranium to 20%, UN says, France24, 1 January 2021: Iran says it will enrich uranium up to 20 percent, UN nuclear watchdog says (Tit for tat: Netanyahu and Trump continue to escalate, Iran follows suit. Very simple logic and thus acts differently than expected on top of that. Instead of committing counter-attacks as measures against the attacks by the Americans and Israelis, the nuclear program is being expanded. The much more promising strategy in the long term), NPR, 1 January 2021: Iran Tells U.N. Agency It Will Enrich Uranium Back To Pre-Nuclear Deal Level Of 20%, DW, 2 January 2021: Iran to ramp up uranium enrichment program, The Guardian, 2 January 2021: Tehran to enrich uranium to up to 20% purity, UN nuclear watchdog says, The Hill, 2 January 2021: Iran plans 20% uranium enrichment in rebuke of nuclear deal, The National, 2 January 2021: Iran says it is going ahead with 20 per cent uranium enrichment, Arab News, 2 January 2021: Another year, more of the same in the Middle East, CNN, 2 January 2021: US and Iran ratchet up military activity as concerns increase ahead of Soleimani killing anniversary, The National, 2 January 2021: Qassem Suleimani assassination left Iraq at the mercy of militias, Times of Israel, 2 January 2021: Iran claims Israeli agents ‘plotting attacks’ on US in Iraq to spark conflict, Arab News, 2 January 2021: Israel may try to provoke war with attacks on US forces in Iraq: Iran’s Zarif, The National, 2 January 2021: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard chief vows firm response to enemies, Al Arabiya, 2 January 2021: IRGC: Iran will not distinguish between US bases, Arab host countries in case of war, Haaretz, 3 January 2021: Iran Threatens Revenge Over Soleimani Killing. Some Experts Say It Should Be Taken Seriously, DW, 3 January 2021: Iran blames Germany, other countries, for Qassem Soleimani assassination, Haaretz, 3 January 2021: Iran Missile Program Must Be ‘On the Table’ in Nuclear Talks, Biden National Security Adviser Says, BBC, 4 January 2021: Iran ‘resumes enriching uranium to 20% purity at Fordo facility’ (Congrats to Netanyahu and Trump. The two really ruined it on pretty much every level. A difficult legacy was left to Biden. In Iran, the hardliners are gaining more and more influence who no longer want an agreement and if they will then certainly not renegotiate. Germany and the EU have not covered themselves with glory here either. To this day Instex is just a paper tiger. So it’s no wonder that at some point the Iranian leadership got fed up with it), CNN, 4 January 2021: Iran has restarted uranium enrichment toward 20% target, government spokesman says, Arab News, 4 January 2021: Iran resumes 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow nuclear site, Times of Israel, 4 January 2021: Iran ramps up uranium enrichment to 20%; Netanyahu: Proof it is seeking nukes, Haaretz, 4 January 2021: Iran Says It Resumed 20 Percent Uranium Enrichment at Fordow Site, Breaching Nuclear Deal, The National, 4 January 2021: Iran confirms accelerated nuclear programme towards weapons-grade uranium, Saudi Gazette, 4 January 2021: Iran starts enriching uranium to 20% in new breach of nuclear deal, Haaretz, 4 January 2021: Iran Seizes South Korean Oil Tanker in Gulf; Seoul Dispatches Forces, Arab News, 4 January 2021: South Korean tanker seized by Iran in Strait of Hormuz, The National, 4 January 2021: US aircraft carrier ‘Nimitz’ ordered to stay in Gulf after Iran threats, Arab News, 4 January 2021: How Arab states can foil Iran’s dark plans for the future, DW, 5 January 2021: Iran’s nuclear move is playing with fire, Foreign Policy, 5 January 2021: Iran Increases Nuclear Enrichment, Posing First Challenge for Incoming Biden Administration, Times of Israel, 5 January 2021: Iran says it’s installing 1,000 more centrifuges as US slaps on new sanctions, CNN, 5 January 2021: What to make of Iran’s half-measures, Israel Hayom, 5 January 2021: Biden’s Iran problem is getting worse by the day, Times of Israel, 5 January 2021: European Union says it will redouble efforts to save Iran nuclear deal, The Algemeiner, 6 January 2021: Iran Vows ‘Decisive Response’ to Any Israeli Move Against It, Al Arabiya, 6 January 2021: ‘Deeply concerned’ by Iran’s nuclear enrichment, says UK along with France, Germany, The Times, 6 January 2021: Iran speeds up nuclear programme in challenge to Joe Biden, Times of Israel, 6 January 2021: Iran expert: New enrichment an effort to show strength after Fakhrizadeh killing, Haaretz, 8 January 2021: Iran in No Rush for U.S. to Rejoin Nuclear Deal, Khamenei Says After Enrichment Move, Israel Hayom, 8 January 2021: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards boast about underground missile base in Persian Gulf, The National, 8 January 2021: Bolton urges Republicans to fight Biden’s ‘JCPOA 2.0’, Saudi Gazette, 8 January 2021: B-52 bombers take part in Saudi-US joint air exercise, Times of Israel, 9 January 2021: Iran’s IRGC unveils underground ‘strategic missile base’ on Persian Gulf shores, Haaretz, 9 January 2021: Syria Reports Third Israeli Strike on Iranian Targets in Ten Days; 15 Deaths and Injuries Reported, Times of Israel, 9 January 2021: Iran holds naval parade in the Persian Gulf amid regional tensions, Jerusalem Post, 9 January 2021: Iran exports continue despite US sanctions, The Algemeiner, 11 January 2021: Return to Iran Deal Would Create Regional Arms Race, Says Ex-Secretary of State Kissinger, Haaretz, 12 January 2021: Trump’s Erratic Last Days in Office Put the Middle East on High Alert, The Algemeiner, 12 January 2021: Iran Must Undo Uranium Enrichment, Help Nuclear Diplomacy, EU Says, Times of Israel, 12 January 2021: EU warns Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 20% ‘a matter of deep concern’, The National, 12 January 2021: Iran accelerates underground nuclear site construction at Natanz, Times of Israel, 13 January 2021: Likud minister warns Israel could attack Iran nuclear program if US rejoins deal (Netanyahu want and is actively seeking for a war with Iran at any costs), Jerusalem Post, 13 January 2021: With Middle East on edge, miscalculation could trigger conflagration, Arab News, 13 January 2021: Iran works on uranium metal for reactor fuel in new breach of nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2021: Will Israel lose its freedom to operate against Iran? – opinion, Times of Israel, 14 January 2021: With Iran held in check by Biden hopes, Israel grabs chance to hit hard in Syria, Times of Israel, 14 January 2021: Report: IDF drawing up plans to strike Iran’s nuclear program, The Wall Street Journal, 14 January 2021: Trump Orders Military Shift to Spur Israeli-Arab Cooperation Against Iran (United States Central Command (CENTCOM), United States European Command (EUCOM) – at least some good news in these days. A win-win situation for all parties involved), Military Times, 15 January 2021: In waning days, Trump shakes up CENTCOM to increase Arab-Israeli efforts against Iran (Military.com, 7 August 2014: Why the US Military Puts Israel, Gaza in Europe), Jerusalem Post, 15 January 2021: Regional ramifications as Trump seeks to include Israel in CENTCOM, Arab News, 15 January 2021: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard holds ballistic missile drill amid tensions, The National, 15 January 2021: US Navy chief: Gulf maritime region secure despite tensions with Iran, The Algemeiner, 16 January 2021: Major European Powers Rebuke Iran Over Uranium Metal Plans, DW, 16 January 2021: Iran test-fires ballistic missiles at ‘hypothetical’ enemy ships, Jerusalem Post, 16 January 2021: European gov’ts warn Iran’s latest move has ‘grave military implications’, Arab News, 16 January 2021: European powers blast Iran over new work on nuclear bomb fuel, Times of Israel, 16 January 2021: Report: Biden team already holding talks with Iran on US return to nuclear deal, Arab News, 16 January 2021: Iranian missiles land 100 miles from US aircraft carrier strike group in Indian Ocean, The National, 16 January 2021: Iran fires anti-ship cruise missiles in Indian Ocean exercise, Al Arabiya, 16 January 2021: Iran’s long-range missile land close to US Navy ships in Indian Ocean, Arab News, 16 January 2021: Iran deal architect among veterans named for Biden State Department, The Washington Post, 16 January 2021: Europe sees a narrow window for Biden to revive Iranian nuclear deal, France24, 17 January 2021: France says Iran is building nuclear weapon capacity, urgent to revive agreement, The Guardian, 17 January 2021: ‘Grave military implications’ Iran making uranium metal alarms Europe, Times of Israel, 17 January 2021: France: Iran is acquiring a nuclear weapons capacity, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2021: Biden’s Wendy Sherman appointment tilts balance on Iran deal – analysis, The National, 17 January 2021: US dispatches more B-52 bombers to the Middle East in last days of Trump administration, Arab News, 17 January 2021: US B-52 bombers fly over Middle East amid Iran tensions, Times of Israel, 18 Jauary 2021: Lavrov: Israel should inform Moscow of Iranian threats in Syria, not bomb them, Al Arabiya, 18 January 2021: Lebanon’s Hezbollah erects Soleimani statues, dividing supporters on Iran propaganda, Times of Israel, 20 January 2021: Congratulating Biden, Netanyahu urges him to build on peace deals, confront Iran, The Algemeiner, 20 January 2021: Frequent New York Times Opinion Writer Was Secret Iranian Agent, Federal Prosecutors Charge, Arab News, 21 January 2021: White House says Biden will be discussing Iran with foreign partners, Irish Times, 21 January 2021: Iran expecting Biden administration to lift sanctions and resume nuclear deal, Haaretz, 21 January 2021: Biden’s Iran Dilemma: How to Reenter Nuclear Deal – and Keep Allies Like Israel Happy, BBC, 22 January 2021: Iran’s supreme leader tweets attack threat to golfing Trump, Times of Israel, 22 January 2021: Khamenei account suspended after tweet of Trump golfing under warplane shadow, Arab News, 22 January 2021: The Biden administration’s hasty desire for Iran talks, Times of Israel, 23 January 2021: TV: Mossad chief to meet Biden, set out terms for overhaul of Iran nuclear deal (thankfully Biden isn’t dumb like #45, so that he won’t fall for Netanyahu’s usual propaganda and BS bingo. Pushing away Iran from the west means a big win for China and Russia in the region), Times of Israel, 25 January 2021: Biden official says US seeking direct dialogue with Iran – report, Arab News, 27 January 2021: Iran’s regional chess game exposes US confusion, Times of Israel, 27 January 2021: US suspends $23 billion sale of F-35s to UAE that followed Abraham Accords, France24, 27 January 2021: Biden reviews Gulf arms deals, starts long path with Iran, Times of Israel, 27 January 2021: German FM insists nuclear deal is best way to confront Iran’s ‘reckless’ acts, Arab News, 27 January 2021: Top US diplomat Blinken sees long road to Iran deal, The National, 27 January 2021: US flies B-52 bombers over Middle East in deterrence mission, The Hill, 28 January 2021: Iran expert says he’s confident Biden will rejoin nuclear deal, The New York Times, 28 January 2021: U.S. Names Iran Envoy Ahead of Nuclear Negotiations, The National, 28 January 2021: Iran says production of enriched uranium exceeds goals, The Algemeiner, 28 January 2021: German Foreign Minister Blasts ‘Tehran’s Reckless Behavior’, Haaretz, 29 January 2021: ‘The Americans Will Sign a Deal With Iran With or Without Israel’, Times of Israel, 29 January 2021: Iran’s nuclear activities do not mean it’s seeking atomic bomb, FM Zarif says, Haaretz, 29 January 2021: Iran Nuke Deal Is Not Perfect, but Israeli Army Chief’s Take Is Far From Reality, Times of Israel, 29 January 2021: 2015 nuke deal negotiator Malley named as Biden’s envoy on Iran; hawks cry foul, The National, 29 January 2021: Who is Joe Biden’s Iran envoy Robert Malley?, Al Arabiya, 29 January 2021: Clear confidence in working with European, US allies on regional challenges: Saudi FM, Arab News, 29 January 2021: Saudi Arabia must be involved in fresh talks on Iran deal, says Macron, The National, 29 January 2021: US and Saudi Arabia wrap up naval exercises as senior US general visits Kuwait, Al Arabiya, 29 January 2021: New US Iran envoy talks to European officials about nuclear deal: Reuters, France24, 30 January 2021: Iran rejects new talks or participants in global nuclear deal (why should Iran agree to renegotiations? Iran has kept to the agreement, while the West, above all Trump’s America, has not fulfilled its obligations, from which an obligation can now be derived. Iran is now in the comfortable position of being able to demand compliance with all obligations from the Iran deal by the West without having to deliver anything itself. At the same time, the “maximum pressure” concept favored by Netanyahu and Trump has collapsed. The Iranian regime is more firmly in the saddle than before and the hardliners have received a strong boost, the population, the majority of whom were fond of the West and above all want peace and quiet, is being radicalized again and is understandably very angry about the western sanctions that make their lives unnecessary difficult (in the propaganda of Netanyahu and Trump it sounds completely different, of course. They want to protect the Iranian people from the regime and similar unfounded nonsense) and the most important aspect: It is not only for the two criminal idiots from Israel and the USA succeeded in dissuading Iran from its cautious western course for many years to come, but also drove the country directly into the arms of China and Russia. China has already signed a $ 400 billion investment agreement. European companies would have liked to have gotten involved, but then preferred to bow down rather than make money. This has of course also been registered very precisely in Tehran, which is why Europe has now ended up in the same pot with the USA, supplemented by justified scorn and ridicule about the “European wimps and cowards who surrendered to the dictates of Washington”. The days when Iran’s doors were wide open for European companies are over for a some years), Haaretz, 30 January 2021: Iran Rejects New Participants, Any Talks on Nuclear Deal, Times of Israel, 30 January 2021: Iran rejects talks after Macron says ‘very short time’ to stop it getting nukes, Arab News, 30 January 2021: How friendship with Venezuela benefits Iran’s isolated regime, Al Arabiya, 30 January 2021: Iran IRGC-linked agency denies ‘rumors’ of Israeli F-35 jets entering Iranian skies, The Guardian, 31 January 2021: Biden: Presidency ‘may herald new start for Saudi-Iranian relations’, Haaretz, 31 January 2021: Iran Envoy Rob Malley Is Not ‘anti-Israel’ or an Iran Apologist. It’s That Simple, Times of Israel, 1 February 2021: Blinken: If it further breaks deal, Iran could amass material for nuke in weeks (funny. How can Iran breach a deal that the US broke? Due to Trump’s actions, Iran is holding far better cards than ever before), Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2021: Is peace between Iran and Israel inevitable?, The National, 1 February 2021: UAE, US and Israeli think tanks advise Biden on Iran policy, France24, 1 February 2021: In Iran, power outages reveal the secret business of Chinese bitcoin farms, Arab News, 1 February 2021: US secretary of state: Iran ‘weeks away from having material to build nuclear bomb’, The National, 2 February 2021: Iranian foreign minister asks Europe to co-ordinate US return to nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 2 February 2021: UN: Iran, breaching deal, installs 2nd batch of advanced centrifuges at Natanz (one can clearly see how “successful” Netanyahu’s and Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign actually was and is, namely zero. Surprise, surprise. Who could possibly have seen it coming?), Arab News, 2 February 2021: Future Iran nuclear talks should include the GCC and regional issues, Times of Israel, 2 February 2021: Minister says US will never attack Iran nuclear facilities; Israel may act alone, Arab News, 2 February 2021: Iran enriching uranium in second set of centrifuges in Natanz: IAEA, Arab News, 2 February 2021: US says too early to accept Iran proposal on reviving nuclear deal, Israel Hayom, 3 February 2021: Israel could find itself alone against Iran, Al Arabiya, 3 February 2021: Blinken tells US envoy Malley to form Iran team not ‘dominated’ by one side: Official, Times of Israel, 3 February 2021: US moves carrier strike group out of Gulf as tensions with Iran appear to ebb, Al Arabiya, 3 February 2021: EU priority to get US back to Iran nuclear deal: Spokesperson, Jerusalem Post, 3 February 2021: What is Iran’s mega-missile and what does it mean for nuclear deal?, Al Arabiya, 4 February 2021: US ‘disappointed’ as UN International Court of Justice takes up Iran sanctions, Israel Hayom, 4 February 2021: The Iranian threat, the American problem, Israel Hayom, 5 February 2021: New White House, new reality on Iranian front, Haaretz, 6 February 2021: Israel Worries a Swift Iran Deal Is in the Works as Biden Gives Bibi Cold Shoulder, The Algemeiner, 6 February 2021: Iran Top Diplomat Urges Biden to Return to Nuclear Deal, Haaretz, 6 February 2021: Iran’s Zarif Urges Biden to Return to Nuclear Deal: ‘Time Is Running Out’, Arab News, 6 February 2021: IAEA inspectors find new evidence of Iran’s undeclared nuclear work — WSJ, Arab News, 6 February 2021: UAE says it’s committed to working with US to reduce regional tensions, Al Arabiya, 6 February 2021: UAE’s FM, US Envoy to Iran discuss ‘reducing’ regional tensions, DW, 7 February 2021: US must lift all sanctions, Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei insists, France24, 7 February 2021: Iran won’t resume nuclear commitments until US lifts sanctions, says Khamenei, BBC, 7 February 2021: Iran nuclear deal: US sanctions will not be lifted for talks, says Biden, The Guardian, 7 February 2021: Biden will not lift sanctions to get back to negotiating table, Politico.eu, 7 February 2021: Iran won’t return to nuclear commitments until US lifts sanctions, Khamenei says, The Hill, 7 February 2021: Iran foreign minister: Restoring nuclear deal is responsibility of US, The National, 8 February 2021: UK military envoy John Lorimer warns Iran’s increasing menace will test Biden’s review of Middle East options, Haaretz, 9 February 2021: Israeli Military Intel: Iran Is Two Years Away From Nukes, but Hasn’t Decided on Breakout, France24, 9 February 2021: Top Iranian diplomat says US ‘should take first step’ by returning to nuclear deal, The Algemeiner, 9 February 2021: An Arrest in the US Shows Iran’s Influence in the West, The Algemeiner, 9 February 2021: Iran’s Spy Chief Says Tehran Could Seek Nuclear Arms If ‘Cornered’ by West, Haaretz, 10 February 2021: Iran Develops Key Material for Nuke Production, Atomic Watchdog Reports, Al Arabiya, 10 February 2021: US sells over a million barrels of illicit Iranian fuel, another seized cargo on way, Arab News, 10 February 2021: A new study on the Middle East takes the wraps off Iran’s militia doctrine, France24, 11 February 2021: Iran producing uranium metal, further violating 2015 deal: IAEA, Times of Israel, 11 February 2021: Zarif warns ‘window is closing’ for new US approach to Iranian nuclear program, DW, 12 February 2021: Iran’s nuclear non-compliance risks deal, warn UK, France, Germany, The Algemeiner, 12 February 2021: France, Germany, UK Condemn Iran’s Production of Uranium Metal, The National, 12 February 2021: UK, France and Germany accuse Iran of undermining chance for nuclear diplomacy, Al Arabiya, 12 February 2021: Iran nuclear deal, easing sanctions did not curb Iran-backed militancy: Report, France24, 12 February 2021: European powers say Iran risks ‘undermining’ chance for diplomacy, The National, 15 February 2021: Iran on its way to ‘solving nuclear missile puzzle’, Al Arabiya, 15 February 2021: Iran will further scale back its nuclear commitments if obligations not revived, DW, 15 February 2021: We could restrict UN nuclear inspections, Iran warns West, Arab News, 15 February 2021: Russia refuses to play Iran’s political games, Haaretz, 16 February 2021: U.S. Envoy Hints Israel Would Chart Its Own Course Over Iran Amid Biden Divergence, Arab News, 16 February 2021: Germany cautions Iran against blocking IAEA inspections – source, DW, 17 February 2021: Merkel’s call to Iran sparks new demands on nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 18 February 2021: US, EU-3 move toward Israel on Iran – but is it far enough?, Al Arabiya, 18 February 2021: Biden eases pressure on Iran as US announces readiness for nuclear talks, The Guardian, 18 February 2021: Iran: Nuclear deal hangs in balance as Tehran turns screw on US, The New York Times, 18 February 2021: Biden Administration Formally Offers to Restart Nuclear Talks With Iran, France24, 18 February 2021: US says it is ready to join talks with Iran, Europe to restore nuclear deal, Nuclear Threat Initiative, 18 February 2021: Iran Submarine Capabilities, Haaretz, 19 February 2021: ‘Our Position Has Not Changed’: Netanyahu Slams Iran Deal After U.S. Says It’s Ready to Reopen Negotiations (that’s one of the reasons, why Israel wasn’t and won’t be part to the deal), Jerusalem Post, 19 February 2021: Israel: US paving path to Iranian nuclear bomb with push to rejoin JCPOA (nice attempt to distract from the unpleasant but unmistakable truth. It was the seldom stupid decision by Netanyahu and Trump to get out of the Iran deal and impose massive sanctions without having the slightest hint of a realistic alternative at hand, that resulted in Iran resuming uranium enrichment. The Biden administration is trying to reverse this substantial and utterly failed decision. After all, Iran is familiar with decades of US sanctions and has not only resisted the sanctions, but has even expanded its destructive activities in a remarkable manner in the past three years. Another consequence of the totally failed “maximum pressure” doctrine is Iran’s orientation towards Russia and China. The Biden administration is also trying to reverse this), The New York Times, 19 February 2021: Muted Reaction in Israel and Gulf to U.S. Push for Iran Talks, The Algemeiner, 19 February 2021: US Says Ready for Talks With Iran to Revive Nuclear Deal, Arab News, 19 February 2021: Biden: US must address Iran’s ‘destabilizing activities’, Al Arabiya, 19 February 2021: Iran reacts to US talks offer: Lift sanctions before we reverse nuclear actions, The Algemeiner, 19 February 2021: Iran Will Reverse Nuclear Actions When US Lifts Sanctions: Zarif, Arab News, 19 February 2021: EU aims for meeting on Iran nuclear deal with US, official says, The National, 19 February 2021: Iran insists all sanctions be lifted after US offers talks to revive nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 19 February 2021: Biden says US, Europe must address Iran’s ‘destabilizing activities’ in Middle East, The Washington Post, 21 February 2021: Biden’s move on Iran: No breakthrough but worth trying, DW, 21 February 2021: IAEA chief arrives in Iran ahead of sanctions deadline, Arab News, 21 February 2021: Arab Gulf states need to present a united front on Iran, France24, 21 February 2021: UN nuclear watchdog chief says ‘temporary solution’ negotiated with Iran, Politico.eu, 22 February 2021: Iran keeps hopes for nuclear deal alive, Arab News, 22 February 2021: US top general urges Iran restraint amid efforts to restart talks, The National, 22 February 2021: EU signals ‘important diplomatic contacts’ between Iran and US are taking place, Foreign Affairs, 22 February 2021: Stability in the Middle East Requires More Than a Deal With Iran, Al Arabiya, 22 February 2021: US seeks to ‘lengthen,’ ‘strengthen’ nuclear deal with Iran: Blinken, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2021: Ex-IDF generals, top Mossad officials urge Biden to return to Iran deal, Times of Israel, 23 February 2021: Former defense officials back US return to Iran deal, urge new long-term pact, France24, 23 February 2021: UN expert says Iran lied in downing of Ukraine airliner, Haaretz, 23 February 2021: As Biden Seeks New Iran Nuclear Deal, Netanyahu Knows He Has Little Say, Times of Israel, 23 February 2021: Iran announces official start of new restrictions on UN nuclear inspections, Arab News, 23 February 2021: Iran must cooperate with IAEA, reverse steps that reduce transparency- UK, France, Germany, The National, 23 February 2021: UK, France and Germany condemn Iran over UN inspection limits, The Algemeiner, 23 February 2021: South Korea Says Will Release $7 Billion in Frozen Iranian Assets After ‘Consultations’ With US, Haaretz, 23 February 2021: What Angela Merkel’s Retirement This Year Means for Israel, Times of Israel, 24 February 2021: Report: Israel, US to launch quiet talks on Iran in coming days, The National, 24 February 2021: Biden’s CIA nominee: Important US does ‘everything’ to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapon, Arab News, 24 February 2021: Rouhani calls for ‘unity’ as he faces backlash from hardliners on commitment to nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 24 February 2021: Don’t make same Iran mistakes as Obama, US members of Congress tell Biden, Arab News, 25 February 2021: Iran uses Houthis as pressure card for 2015 nuclear pact: Yemeni information minister, Times of Israel, 25 February 2021: Bahrain crown prince calls Netanyahu regarding US-Iran nuclear talks, Arab News, 25 February 2021: US patience with Iran on nuclear deal ‘not unlimited’: State Department, The National, 25 February 2021: Iran’s brinksmanship before nuclear talks risks alienating Europe, Times of Israel, 25 February 2021: A soccer field-sized dig, stories deep: Israel expands Dimona nuclear facility (Iran is right to protect it’s citizens and itself against the actions of Israel’s “Crime Minister”. Without the permanent threats from Israel, Iran would not need any nuclear weapons for self-defense. At the same time it is of course a self-defense spiral, because the paranoid Netanyahu sees Israel threatened by Iran, while Israel is the only country in the Middle East with nuclear weapons), Arab News, 25 February 2021: Bahrain’s crown prince calls Israel PM on Iran nuclear talks, The National, 25 February 2021: US and allies hold nerve to save nuclear deal in face of Iranian escalation, Times of Israel, 26 February 2021: ‘Netanyahu resorts to bigoted lies’: Iran says Israeli PM seeks to demonize it, Haaretz, 26 February 2021: Trump Administration Order Allowed Release of High-resolution Satellite Imagery of Israeli Nuclear Facility, Times of Israel, 26 February 2021: EU seeks to take advantage of must-not-miss chance to revive Iran nuclear deal, Haaretz, 27 February 2021: Mysterious Attack on Israeli Ship and U.S. Strike Suggest New Phase in Biden’s Dialogue With Iran, The National, 27 February 2021: Joe Biden warns Iran after US air strikes against militias in Syria, Arab News, 28 February 2021: Iran dismisses idea of talks with EU and US to revive 2015 nuclear deal, The Guardian, 28 February 2021: Nuclear deal: Iran says it won’t attend talks with US, France24, 28 February 2021: Iran dismisses idea of negotiations with EU, US to revive nuclear deal, The National, 1 March 2021: Iran says time not ‘suitable’ for nuclear deal meeting, France24, 2 March 2021: France, allies to lodge complaint at UN nuclear watchdog over Iran’s activities, Al Arabiya, 2 March 2021: Controversial EU-Iran business forum goes ahead despite outcry (not only the forum should be strengthened, but also many other initiatives, especially since Europe has a responsibility to deliver. Because Europe it has not fulfilled its part of the Iran deal, Iran is fulfilling its obligations less and less – Europe Iran Business Forum), The National, 3 March 2021: Macron asks Iran for ‘clear gestures’ on nuclear inspections, Haaretz, 3 March 2021: Israel Says Iran Is Behind Major Oil Spill, Accusing Tehran of ‘Environmental Terrorism’ (what a joke! :-D There is also the possibility that an Israeli pipeline is leaking and Netanyahu is trying to cover it up before the elections), Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2021: Sherman: Biden interested in rejoining Iran nuclear agreement, Arab News, 4 March 2021: Pope Francis can help all Arabs, not just Christians, Haaretz, 4 March 2021: Greenpeace Slams Israeli Minister’s ‘Baseless Claim’ Accusing Iran of Eco-terrorism in Devastating Oil Spill, DW, 5 March 2021: Nuclear program: Iran avoids critical resolution with agreement for talks, Haaretz, 5 March 2021: Israel Always Updating Plans for Possible Iran Strike, Defense Minister Gantz Tells Fox News, Israel Hayom, 5 March 2021: Biden abandons Middle East peace (unlike Trump, the Biden administration is apparently not ready to support the “Crime Minister” and his election campaign, as they are not a fan of him for obvious and very good reasons. Apparently the Likudniks are annoyed about it. Cool. The article itself is of course a mix of more or lesse pure and baseless pro-Trump and -Netanyahu propaganda and veritable brain farts), Arab News, 5 March 2021: Saudi Arabia: Iran continues nuclear blackmail, IAEA safeguards system at stake, Foreign Policy, 5 March 2021: Who’s to Blame for Stalling U.S.-Iran Negotiations?, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2021: Israel is updating attack plans against Iran’s nuclear sites – Gantz, Arab News, 5 March 2021: Official: Israel upgrading contingency plans for Iran attack, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2021: Why are Israeli ex-generals battling over the Iran deal? – opinion, Times of Israel, 6 March 2021: Likud minister’s Iran eco-terror accusations damage Israel’s credibility, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2021: US: Our Middle East allies don’t get blank check to oppose US interests, Arab News, 6 March 2021: Iran’s target: An Israeli ship or the nuclear deal?, Irish Times, 7 March 2021: Iran prepared to fulfill nuclear deal commitments, president tells Coveney, Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2021: Biden sends B-52 heavy bomber over Persian Gulf in signal to Iran, Times of Israel, 7 March 2021: If Israel attacks, we’ll raze Tel Aviv and Haifa, warns Iranian defense minister, The Algemeiner, 7 March 2021: The Shiite Crescent: The Middle East’s Arc of Crisis, Arab News, 7 March 2021: Rouhani: Iran ready to take steps when US lifts sanctions, Al Arabiya, 8 March 2021: Iran enriching with new set of advanced machines at Natanz, says IAEA, The Algemeiner, 8 March 2021: Germany Can Show True Repentance by Confronting Iran (not the first time, that pro-Nutty Yahoo lobbyists are trying to drag Germany and the EU into the Crime Minister’s Middle East Bullsh!t Bingo and for sure not the last time that it won’t work. The most important reason is, that it would be against the fundamental selfinterests of Germany and the EU, including security interests. The second one is, that Netanyahu massively contributed to the Israel-Iran dispute, not least by pushing Trump to abonden the Iran deal, without having a reasonable alternative at hand and by doing so enabling Iran to develop own nuclear war heads or in other words: “you break it, you own it”. Meanwhile Germany and the EU are trying to keep the Iran deal alive, e.g. by maintainig the INSTEX mechanism, to bring US President Joe Biden in the position to re-start negotiations. Netanyahu did never anything good to Israel and is only interested in his self-enrichment through various criminal actions. Sooner or later the Israelis will pay a price for that. Iran is a challenge for Germany as well. The bigger task, however, is to protect the Israelis from their greatest enemy, and that is clearly Netanyahu), The Hill, 8 March 2021: Nuclear watchdog says Iran is escalating its breaches of 2015 deal, The National, 9 March 2021: US issues first Iran sanctions under Biden administration, The Hill, 9 March 2021: State Department designates two Iranians for ‘involvement in gross violations of human rights’, Haaretz, 10 March 2021: Blinken: U.S. Won’t Make Concessions to Iran to Help Resume Nuclear Talks, Times of Israel, 10 March 2021: Israel and US to convene 1st strategic group meeting on Iran, Arab News, 10 March 2021: Saudi foreign minister calls for Iran arms embargo to stop attacks on ‘global economy’, Al Arabiya, 10 March 2021: Biden’s envoy says US not rushing to nuclear deal before Iran elections, The New York Times, 11 March 2021: Impasse Over Iran Nuclear Talks Sets Off International Scramble to Save Accord, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: Netanyahu’s anti-Iran campaign is Israel’s greatest failure – opinion (should Iran one day consider its necessary to build nuclear weapons in order to be able to defend the country and its people against Israeli aggressions, it would be the greatest political successes of Netanyahu and Trump), Times of Israel, 11 March 2021: Informal US-Iran nuclear talks set to start soon — NY Times, Al Arabiya, 11 March 2021: US, Israel discuss Iran threats during first strategic group meeting, Israel Hayom, 11 March 2021: Israeli president, IDF chief of staff to visit Europe next week, The Wall Street Journal, 12 March 2021: Israeli Strikes Target Iranian Oil Bound for Syria (Israel is bombing Iranian tankers and as a result has now oil on its beaches. Thank you for nothing, incompetent Crime Minister Netanyahu), Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: US officials say Israel has hit many ships taking Iran oil, arms to Syria: WSJ, Jewish News Syndicate, 12 March 2021: Report: Israel has carried out multiple attacks on Syrian-bound Iranian ships, The Guardian, 12 March 2021: Israel Country ‘bombed a dozen ships carrying Iranian oil or weapons in past two years’, Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: Storm brings more tar to Israel’s Mediterranean coast following major oil spill, Haaretz, 12 March 2021: Iran Ship Damaged in ‘Terrorist’ Attack in Mediterranean, State Company Says, The National, 12 March 2021: US and Israel discuss Iran concerns in first meeting of strategic group, Jewish News Syndicate, 12 March 2021: Kosovo to open embassy in Jerusalem as Czech Republic institutes new office, The Algemeiner, 13 March 2021: US Engaged in Indirect Diplomacy with Iran, Says White House Adviser, The Times, 13 March 2021: Israel ‘secretly attacked Iranian oil tankers and weapons carriers’, Haartz, 13 March 2021: Israel’s Reported Attacks on Iranian Tankers Expose It to Greater Risks, The Algemeiner, 14 March 2021: IDF Chief, Israeli President to Lobby European Leaders Against Iran Deal Starting Tuesday (no leader in Germany, France or Austria is nearly as stupid as Trump, and, unlikle Trump’s senior advisor for the conflict, Jared Kushner, they have read far more than just seven books about the Middle East conflicts, so that the lobbying efforts won’t work), The Washington Post, 14 March 2021: U.S. and Iran warily circle each other over reactivating nuclear deal, Israel Hayom, 14 March 2021: Only the West can cure Assad of the Iranian variant (now, that’s pretty funny. Netanyahu has induced Trump to leave the Iran deal and to install the “maximum pressure” sanctions regime against Iran, that is, to withdraw all incentives from Iran to stick to anything at all. And now the article by Netanyahu’s advertising agency Israel Hayom calls for the sanctions to be expanded even further, although it is widely visible that the previous ones have led to absolutely nothing except to considerably strengthen Iran in terms of foreign policy and almost double its sphere of influence), The Wall Street Journal, 14 March 2021: Opportunity Beckons in the Mideast, France24, 15 March 2021: Iran charges detained French tourist with espionage, lawyer says, Arab News, 15 March 2021: Iran boasts of Revolutionary Guards ‘missile city’ base, The Hill, 15 March 2021: Kushner calls Biden move on Iran ‘smart’, DW, 16 March 2021: German and Israeli presidents discuss Middle East and the coronavirus (it is remarkable how very different the views on the Iran deal are. Here it becomes clear once more), Times of Israel, 16 March 2021: In Germany, Rivlin says he trusts Europe will ‘stand by us’ against ICC probe, Jerusalem Post, 16 March 2021: Rivlin heads for diplomatic trip to Europe, warning of Iranian danger, The National, 17 March 2021: Iran enriching uranium with new advanced machine, says UN watchdog (why not? With Trump’s termination of the Iran deal, pressured by Netanyahu, the two fools have ensured that Iran can now legitimately enrich uranium and build atomic bombs as much as it wants), Gulf News, 17 March 2021: Saudi Arabia urges extension of Iran arms embargo, The National, 19 March 2021: Hezbollah leader to Hariri: form a ‘political government’, Süddeutsche Zeitung, 19 March 2021: Israel: Below the Surface (The New York Times, 7 April 2019: Will the Israeli ‘King’ Be Recrowned?), Haaretz, 19 March 2021: A Deep Dive Into Israeli-Iranian Naval War, The National, 19 March 2021: Emmanuel Macron accuses Iran of aggravating nuclear crisis, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2021: Israel needs the B-52 and MOP in order to deter Iran – opinion (there are still some simpletons who want to set the whole region on fire, while calling Iran the aggressor. May they reap what they sow, as Israel will burn for sure as well. Before the B-52s take off, say “bye bye” to Tel Aviv and Haifa), Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2021: Iran’s Khamenei says US promises have no credibility for Tehran, Arab News, 21 March 2021: Iran should show goodwill if it wants to return to nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2021: Iran, Russia and Turkey signal growing alliance, DW, 22 March 2021: Iran: Khamenei demands US scrap sanctions, Haaretz, 22 March 2021: Much More Than 12: Israel Attacked Dozens of Tankers, Iran Lost Billions, The National, 24 March 2021: Blinken: path to diplomacy with Iran remains open, Jerusalem Post, 25 March 2021: Iran fired missile at Israeli ship in Arabian Sea – report (eligible and justified retaliation on Israeli aggressions towards Iran’s tanker fleet, which ultimately also contributed to the fact that the Israelis contaminated their own beaches with oil), Al Arabiya, 26 March 2021: ‘No to Islamic Republic’: Iran opposition seeks to unify in anti-regime campaign, Jerusalem Post, 26 March 2021: China, Iran expected to sign 25-year accord, Iranian state media says (the West had it’s chance to start re-integrating Iran in its influence sphere, but actively missed out on this possibility by massively overplaying its hand. Now it’s China’s turn. Congratulations to the two simpletons Netanyahu and Trump. The “maximum pressure” bullsh!t pays off, just not for the West), Al Arabiya, 26 March 2021: Chinese foreign minister in Iran, expected to sign 25-year accord: Iran’s state media, Arab News, 26 March 2021: China, Saudi Arabia to cooperate in new ways, The New York Times, 26 March 2021: Israel’s Shadow War With Iran Moves Out to Sea, DW, 27 March 2021: Iran, China sign ‘strategic’ deal in Tehran, France24, 27 March 2021: China and Iran sign 25-year strategic cooperation agreement, Haaretz, 27 March 2021: China, Iran Sign 25-year Cooperation Accord, The Algemeiner, 27 March 2021: Iran, China Sign Landmark 25-Year Cooperation Agreement, Haaretz, 27 March 2021: Reviving Iran Nuclear Deal Not an Issue of Who Goes First, U.S. Official Says, Times of Israel, 27 March 2021: Iran, China sign huge 25-year strategic deal; could reduce US regional influence, The New York Times, 27 March 2021: China, With $400 Billion Iran Deal, Could Deepen Influence in Mideast, Jerusalem Post, 28 March 2021: China’s Foreign Minister’s Iran visit represents shift for the region, Jerusalem Post, 28 March 2021: What is Iran saying about their agreement with China? – analysis, Arab News, 29 March 2021: Senior Iranian official: strategic deal with China expedites end of America, Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2021: China-Iran: Bad news, but it could be worse for Israel – analysis, Arab News, 30 March 2021: Iran’s militias push Middle East toward all-out war, Haaretz, 30 March 2021: Who’s Leaking About the Israel-Iran Brawl at Sea?, The Guardian, 30 March 2021: Iran: Leaders pressed to disclose details of 25-year China pact, The Algemeiner, 30 March 2021: The Iran-China Deal Is Cause for Israeli Concern, Haaretz, 30 March 2021: Trump and Netanyahu’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran Yielded Minimal Results, The Guardian, 1 April 2021: Iran nuclear deal Hopes rise of breakthrough on US return, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2021: US must rejoin Iran deal ‘as quickly as possible’ – US lawmakers (“Iran had 102 kilograms of enriched uranium when Trump took office; they have 2.5 tons of enriched uranium now.” – so, Netanyahu and Trump gave the iranian regime 2.5 tons of enriched uranium to make sure that it can built the nuclear bomb soon. The two crackheads need to to be held accountable for that), Haaretz, 1 April 2021: Iran, World Powers to Hold Talks on Friday to Discuss U.S. Return to Nuclear Deal, EU Says, Al Arabiya, 1 April 2021: Iran, world powers to hold nuclear talks on April 2 to discuss US return to deal, Arab News, 1 April 2021: Iran adds advanced machines enriching underground at Natanz: IAEA, The Washington Post, 1 April 2021: E.U. to chair meeting of world powers and Iran on U.S. rejoining nuclear deal, DW, 1 April 2021: US welcomes EU, Iran nuclear meeting, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2021: Ex-IDF intel. chief: Israel must continue covert ops in Iran, France24, 2 April 2021: US, Iran head to Vienna for indirect talks on nuclear deal, The Guardian, 2 April 2021: Iran nuclear: deal Iran and US on track to return, says Russia, France24, 3 April 2021: France calls on Iran to be ‘constructive’ at nuclear talks in Vienna, Haaretz, 3 April 2021: Iran Rejects ‘Step-by-step’ Lifting of U.S. Sanctions, State Media Reports, Times of Israel, 3 April 2021: Ahead of Vienna summit, Iran rejects ‘step-by-step’ return to nuclear accord, Al Arabiya, 3 April 2021: France urges Iran to be ‘constructive’ at Vienna’s nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 4 April 2021: Israel, in first comment, says troubled by US position ahead of Iran talks, Haaretz, 4 April 2021: Israel Watches on as U.S. and Iran Look to Revive Nuclear Deal in Vienna, The National, 4 April 2021: Will the China-Iran deal change the Middle East?, The Hill, 4 April 2021: Iran talks set up delicate dance for Biden team, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Iranian Spy Ship Hit in Red Sea, Unconfirmed Reports Say, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: Iranian ship attacked in the Red Sea – Iranian media report, The Algemeiner, 6 April 2021: Iran and US Begin Indirect Talks to Revive Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 6 April 2021: World powers, Iran, US launch indirect talks to revive nuclear deal, Haaretz, 6 April 2021: Iran Says Indirect Nuclear Talks With U.S. Were ‘Constructive,’ Next Meting on Friday, The National, 6 April 2021: Iran nuclear talks: Diplomats start ‘practical work’ towards restoring deal, Al Arabiya, 6 April 2021: Biden could strike a deal with Iran, but US law poses obstacles at home, France24, 6 April 2021: Iranians hope latest round of nuclear talks will ease economic pain, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: ‘Israel will defend itself,’ Netanyahu warns as Iran nuclear talks begin (just like the Iranian government ist protecting the country and its people against Israeli aggressions, which they will be able to do even more effectively right after they build the bomb Netanyahu is forcing them to build. This guy is the most dangerous prime minister for Israel and the region, the country ever had. – “The Israeli position was it could only happen if all weapons of mass destruction are removed from the Middle East.” okay, then they shall start with their own WMD’S, as Israel is the only country in the region armed with nuclear weapons), Politico.eu, 6 April 2021: US, Iran move closer but stay apart in nuclear talks, The Times, 6 April 2021: US scrambles to save Iran nuclear deal at Vienna talks, The New York Times, 6 April 2021: Israel-Iran Sea Skirmishes Escalate as Mine Damages Iranian Military Ship (so Netanyahu is turning the escalation screw again and at the same time will of course theatralically cry a river into the cameras of this world because Iran is supposedly so bad. In some aspects, the actions of Netanyahu’s Israel and the Iranian Ayatollahs can hardly be distinguished), The Wall Street Journal, 7 April 2021: Ship Thought to Be Spying for Iran Is Attacked in Red Sea, Times of Israel, 7 April 2021: Netanyahu: We won’t be bound by ‘Iran deal that threatens us with annihilation’ (a typical Netanyahu stunt: using the victims of the Holocaust for political propaganda and gains – disgusting), The Algemeiner, 7 April 2021: Netanyahu: Israel Will Defend Itself Against ‘Existential Threat’ Regardless of Iran Nuclear Deal, Jerusalem Post, 7 April 2021: Will Red Sea incident mobilize pro-Iran-deal Israel critics in the US?, Al Arabiya, 7 April 2021: US is prepared to lift sanctions inconsistent with Iran nuclear deal: State Dept., The Guardian, 7 April 2021: Red Sea: Iranian ship thought to be used as military base attacked, says Tehran, Jerusalem Post, 7 April 2021: Iran talks on unexplained uranium traces delayed -diplomats, Al Arabiya, 8 April 2021: Netanyahu: Israel will to not be bound by a deal enabling Iranian nuclear weapons (always fun to watch the Crime Minister and his kindergarten posters at the UN), The National, 8 April 2021: Netanyahu: Israel would reject any Iran deal enabling nuclear weapons, Haaretz, 8 April 2021: Netanyahu’s Shameful Speech: When Holocaust Remembrance Day Becomes a Campaign Event, The Algemeiner, 8 April 2021: Major Powers Meet Separately With US, Iran on Nuclear Deal, Arab News, 8 April 2021: Who has the lead role in the latest talks between the US and Iran?, France24, 8 April 2021: Iran’s Rouhani says talks in Vienna on nuclear deal open ‘new chapter’, Arab News, 8 April 2021: Biden’s new Iran Deal must rein in Tehran’s proxies (the fun part of the negotiations is that neither Israel nor the Arab Gulf States are or will be parties to the contract. At the same time, they are the loudest when it comes to telling the actual contractual partners how they should negotiate. That is of course completely absurd. It is realistic to assume that the original agreement will be fully re-activated and renegotiations on additional parts of the contract will only begin after this has happened. Smart and serious people do it that way. Since Netanyahu and Trump are whether the one nor the other, their “maximum pressure” nonsense had to fail, just as it did. Now Biden has his chance to put everything back in order in the first step and add additions to the contract in the second step. Iran can’t accept anything else because it would be negligent and therefore unjustifiable, especially since Netanyahu is threatening Iran with annihilation two to three times a week for 30 years straight. It is impossible for Iran to weaken its own defense without receiving adequate security guarantees by the US in return), The Guardian, 8 April 2021: The biggest impediment to a new nuclear deal with Iran? Domestic politics, Times of Israel, 8 April 2021: Iranian military vows response to attack on ship in Red Sea, Al Arabiya, 8 April 2021: US, Iran may meet next week for indirect talks on nuclear deal: State Department, The Guardian, 9 April 2021: Nuclear talks to continue next week after breakthrough, Al Arabiya, 9 April 2021: Parties to Iran nuclear talks see progress despite disagreement with US on sanctions, Haaretz, 9 April 2021: Iran’s Retaliation to Israel at Sea Has Been Largely Symbolic. That Could Change, Jerusalem Post, 9 April 2021: Joe Biden crawls back to the Iran nuclear drawing board – opinion, Al Arabiya, 9 April 2021: US ‘very serious’ about nuclear deal, but Iran’s position still unclear: Official, The New York Times, 10 April 2021: ‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran Has Failed, Times of Israel, 10 April 2021: US says there are ‘question marks’ about Iran’s intentions in nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 10 April 2021: US, Iran clash on sanctions; US sees possible ‘impasse’ on nuclear deal, France24, 11 April 2021: Iran says electrical problem in atomic facility is act of ‘nuclear terrorism’, BBC, 11 April 2021: Iran nuclear: ‘Terrorist act’ at underground Natanz facility, The National, 11 April 2021: Iran says incident at nuclear enrichment site is ‘sabotage’ and reserves right to respond , DW, 11 April 2021: Israel vows to work with US on any new Iran deal, Arab News, 11 April 2021: Israel says will help ensure a ‘new’ Iran deal protects interests, Haaretz, 11 April 2021: Israeli Cyberattack Caused Mysterious Accident at Iran’s Natanz, Previous Reports Indicate, The Guardian, 11 April 2021: Iran: Israel appears to confirm it carried out cyberattack on nuclear facility, Times of Israel, 11 April 2021: Intel officials say Mossad behind Natanz power cut; Iran calls it ‘terrorism’, France24, 11 April 2021: Israel says it will work closely with US on any new Iran nuclear deal, The Sunday Times, 11 April 2021: Israeli cyberattack blamed for electrical fault at Iran nuclear site, CNN, 11 April 2021: Incident at Iran’s Natanz facility a ‘terrorist action,’ nuclear chief says, Al Arabiya, 11 April 2021: Mossad behind attack on Iran’s nuclear site: Israeli radio cites intelligence sources, Arab News, 11 April 2021: Iran calls Natanz atomic site blackout ‘nuclear terrorism’, NPR, 11 April 2021: Iran Calls Natanz Atomic Site Blackout ‘Nuclear Terrorism’, The Hill, 11 April 2021: Iran says nuclear site hit by terrorism: state tv, Times of Israel, 11 April 2021: Ex-IDF intel chief after Natanz incident: Maximum pressure on Iran hasn’t worked, Al Arabiya, 12 April 2021: EU says it ‘rejects any attempts’ to undermine Iran nuclear talks, Tehran Times, 12 April 2021: Mixed reactions to Natanz incident: From denial of interference to expressing concern, Times of Israel, 12 April 2021: After Natanz incident, EU warns against attempts to ‘undermine’ nuclear talks, DW, 12 April 2021: Iran blames Israel for ‘sabotage’ at Natanz nuclear site, France24, 12 April 2021: Iran blames Israel for attack on Natanz nuclear site, BBC, 12 April 2021: Iran vows revenge for ‘Israeli’ attack on Natanz nuclear site, The Guardian, 12 April 2021: Iran: Attack on Natanz nuclear plant ‘will set back Iran’s programme by nine months’, Haaretz, 12 April 2021: Netanyahu Plays Dangerous Game With Iran and Biden. It Could Help Him Politically, The Algemeiner, 12 April 2021: German Foreign Minister Rebuked After Saying Sabotage of Iranian Nuclear Facility ‘Not a Positive Contribution’, The New York Times, 12 April 2021: After Nuclear Site Blackout, Thunder From Iran, and Silence From U.S., Al Arabiya, 13 April 2021: Iran’s supreme leader says US offers on nuclear deal ‘not worth looking at’, The Washington Post, 13 April 2021: Official: Iran to enrich uranium to 60%, highest level ever (Netanyahu’s plan to finally arm Iran with nuclear weapons and thus position it as a global player is slowly but surely paying off. At the same time he succeeds in strengthening the political hardliners in Iran and increasing power of the Revolutionary Guards. Both important partners who shall help him to fulfill his decades-old dream of finally starting an open war between the USA and Iran. You can only congratulate him and his no less incompetent friend Trump on this one), The Guardian, 13 April 2021: Natanz nuclear site attack: Iran to boost uranium enrichment levels in wake of Israeli attack, The New York Times, 13 April 2021: Iran Vows to Increase Uranium Enrichment After Attack on Nuclear Site, CNN, 13 April 2021: Tehran says it will ramp up uranium enrichment levels following apparent attack on Iranian nuclear facility, Israel Hayom, 13 April 2021: Iran’s thirst for revenge, mutual deterrence against Israel remains unquenched, Al Arabiya, 13 April 2021: US invites senior Israeli official to Washington as potential Iran deal fuels concern, Haaretz, 13 April 2021: At a Critical Moment for Netanyahu, Israel’s Iran Ambiguity Blows Up, Arab News, 13 April 2021: Israel sends message to Biden with Iran attack, The National, 13 April 2021: Iran a ‘regional menace’ seeking to develop networks inside the US, intelligence report says, The Hill, 13 April 2021: Democrats back up Biden bid to return to Iran nuclear deal, NPR, 13 April 2021: Biden’s National Security Team Lists Leading Threats, With China At The Top, Gulf Times, 13 April 2021: Iran’s Zarif warns US against sabotage, sanctions, Al Arabiya, 14 April 2021: France coordinating response after Iran begins enriching uranium at 60 percent, Haaretz, 14 April 2021: Israel Is Walking Straight Into an Iran Crisis With Eyes Wide Open, Times of Israel, 14 April 2021: Iran’s Rouhani, Turkey’s Erdogan said to discuss Israel’s ‘regional activities’, Arab News, 14 April 2021: GCC calls on world powers to include Gulf concerns in Iran nuclear talks, Haaretz, 14 April 2021: European Powers: Iran’s Enrichment Move Jeopardizes Nuclear Talks, Times of Israel, 14 April 2021: IAEA says Iran has almost completed preparations for 60% uranium enrichment, Haaretz, 14 April 2021: In Twilight of the Netanyahu Era, Israel Changes the Rules on Iran, Arab News, 14 April 2021: Blinken calls Iran’s uranium enrichment move ‘provocative’, The New York Times, 14 April 2021: Iran’s Top Leader Signals Nuclear Talks to Resume Despite Attack, The National, 15 April 2021: Biden should side with Israel, not ‘evil’ Iran, says Mike Pompeo (if he, his dumbass boss and Israel’s Crime Minister wouldn’t had caused the problem in the first place, there wouldn’t be any need to restart JCPOA at all, because it would be perfectely running as it already did right from the beginning), France24, 15 April 2021: Iran nuclear talks resume under shadow of Natanz attack, The National, 15 April 2021: European powers warn Iran over ‘dangerous’ uranium enrichment move, Times of Israel, 15 April 2021: Russia says Iran nuclear talks ‘positive’ despite enrichment, Natanz sabotage, Jerusalem Post, 15 April 2021: Iran, world powers resume nuclear talks amid enrichment, Natanz attack, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2021: Iran is violating its JCPOA obligations, pressuring US: Former US official, Haaretz, 16 April 2021: Israel-Iran Conflict: The Hand That Fanned the Flames Now Seeks to Quell Them, DW, 16 April 2021: Iran says it has enriched uranium with 60% purity, France24, 16 April 2021: Iran says it has begun enriching uranium to 60 percent, its highest level yet, Haaretz, 16 April 2021: Iran Has Successfully Enriched Uranium to 60 Percent, Parliament Speaker Says, Times of Israel, 16 April 2021: Iran enriches uranium to 60%, a short step from weapons grade levels, Arab News, 16 April 2021: Paphos summit: Israel will do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop Iran on nuclear front (in the real world, Netanyahu is the best enabler Iran ever had to develop it’s nuclear weapons), The Washington Post, 16 April 2021: Iran begins uranium enrichment at highest level yet, Israel Hayom, 16 April 2021: For Biden and the West, it’s ‘take 2’ on Turkey, Times of Israel, 17 April 2021: ‘Eye for an eye’: Iran editorial urges retaliatory attack on Dimona reactor, The Guardian, 17 April 2021: Iran: Suspect in Natanz nuclear plant attack named, BBC, 17 April 2021: Iran nuclear: State TV names suspect in Natanz attack, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2021: US pressuring Israel to stop commenting on Iran – report (for decades, Netanyahu wants to start a war with Iran. A working Iran deal would prevent him from doing so. In his own reality and universe he can’t allow this to happen), Al Arabiya, 17 April 2021: Biden says ‘premature’ to know if Iran talks will succeed, Arab News, 17 April 2021: Iran and Israel edging closer to the abyss, The Hill, 17 April 2021: Doing business with Iran will help Central Asia stabilize the region, Financial Times, 18 April 2021: Saudi and Iranian officials hold talks to patch up relations, Haaretz, 18 April 2021: Netanyahu Wakes Up Late to Find Israel Is Merely a Spectator on Iran Nuclear Talks, Haaretz, 18 April 2021: Netanyahu Can’t Be Trusted to Keep Israel Out of War With Iran, Times of Israel, 18 April 2021: IAEA: Iran enriching uranium to 60% at above-ground facility at Natanz, Haaretz, 19 April 2021: Israel’s Aggressive Acts Aren’t Hindering Iran Nuclear Talks, Arab News, 19 April 2021: US must rethink its cost-free return to Iran nuclear deal (and now image what interesting co-operation between Iran and teh rest of the world would had been possible if the two clueless baloon heads Netanyahu and Trump wouldn’t had blown up the Iran deal, while forcing Iran to actually built the bomb in order to protect and defend itself against outside forces. Should Iran ever aquire the bomb, it will be forever linked to the imcompetence and ignorance of Netanyahu and Trump. Every 3rd grader could have seen it comming, which, in return, says a lot about the intellectual capabilities of the two corruption kings), Times of Israel, 19 April 2021: Iranian enrichment is worrying, but weapons-grade uranium doesn’t a bomb make, Foreign Policy, 19 April 2021: Israel Should Support Biden’s Efforts to Revive the Iran Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 19 April 2021: Progress in US-Iran nuclear talks but resolution still ‘far away’, Arab News, 19 April 2021: Iran, IAEA start talks on unexplained uranium traces, The National, 19 April 2021: Iran and IAEA start talks on unexplained uranium traces, The New York Times, 20 April 2021: Iran Rattled as Israel Repeatedly Strikes Key Targets, Haaretz, 20 April 2021: For a Seat at Biden’s Iran Table, Israel May Need a New Prime Minister (that’s for sure. Netanyahu is absolutely not meant to sit at a high roller table. He might be allowed to sit in the next room and listen to the adults talking about some important topics), Times of Israel, 21 April 2021: Rouhani: 60%-70% of issues resolved in Vienna nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 20 April 2021: Interim Iran nuclear deal could be ready before May 21 – analysis, France24, 20 April 2021: Iran sees progress on reviving deal but US, EU says work needed, Times of Israel, 21 April 2021: UN atomic agency: Iran has installed additional advanced centrifuges at Natanz, Al Arabiya, 21 April 2021: US lays out elements of sanctions relief for Iran to revive nuclear deal: WSJ, Times of Israel, 21 April 2021: Growing suspicions, frustration between US and Israel over Iran deal — report, Times of Israel, 21 April 2021: Europe powers warn against jeopardizing Vienna talks as Iran, US make progress, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2021: Jerusalem still hopeful it can work with US against Iran – analysis, Haaretz, 22 April 2021: On Iran and America, Israel Must Now Make Fateful Strategic Choices, Times of Israel, 22 April 2021: US gave Iran examples of sanctions it’s ready to lift, says official, The New York Times, 23 April 2021: Why the Past Haunts Talks With Iran, Haaretz, 23 April 2021: As Iran Talks Gather Steam, Israel Prepares a Diplomatic Offensive, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2021: Iranian fuel tanker attacked by drone, Israel suspected, The Guardian, 24 April 2021: At least three killed as Iranian fuel tanker attacked off Syria, Jerusalem Post, 24 April 2021: White House: Israel won’t change position on Iran deal, Arab News, 24 April 2021: How Iran made itself a haven for Israeli spies, Times of Israel, 25 April 2021: White House says Israeli delegation will not change US position on Iran deal, The New York Times, 25 April 2021: Iran’s Foreign Minister, in Leaked Tape, Says Revolutionary Guards Set Policies, The Algemeiner, 25 April 2021: White House: Israeli Delegation Will Not Sway Biden Into Abandoning Iran Nuclear Deal, Foreign Affairs, 26 April 2021: Israel and Iran Are Pulling the United States Toward Conflict, Al Arabiya, 26 April 2021: Third round of US-Iran talks on nuclear deal later this week: EU, The New York Times, 26 April 2021: John Kerry denies ever having discussed Israeli strikes in Syria with Iran’s foreign minister. (and even if he had discussued it. Who cares? It was obvious for everyone anyways), Arab News, 26 April 2021: Iran plots path to nuclear weapon in background to US talks, The National, 26 April 2021: Iran’s missiles in development could be part of new nuclear deal with US, Al Arabiya, 27 April 2021: Iran aims to further bolster its nuclear arsenal, German intelligence agency finds, The Algemeiner, 27 April 2021: EU Says Iran Talks in Vienna to Resume on Tuesday, The National, 27 April 2021: Iran deal ‘flawed’ but ensures a ‘collective response’, Centcom chief says, Times of Israel, 27 April 2021: Iran’s Zarif praises ‘vital’ Iraqi efforts to broker Saudi Arabia rapprochement, Arab News, 27 April 2021: Iran seeks production of weapons of mass destruction: German Intel Agency, The National, 27 April 2021: German intelligence: Iran is seeking weapons of mass destruction, Financial Times, 28 April 2021: Saudi crown prince says he wants to mend ties with Iran (well, an option that always have to been taken into consideration in the region: Suddenly bitter enemies become understanding neighbors. At the same time, Netanyahu’s dreams of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia and forming an alliance against his self-made enemy Iran float far out into the Arabian Gulf. The resurgence of the Iran deal is getting closer. Very good news), Times of Israel, 28 April 2021: We Can Have a Better Jewish Conversation About Iran, Al Arabiya, 28 April 2021: US, Israel agree to form working group focused on Iran’s drones, ballistic missiles, Times of Israel, 29 April 2021: Israel’s ambassador to the US: We won’t be bound by Iran deal (or in other words: Israel’s state terrorism against targets in Iran and on sea will continue), Jerusalem Post, 29 April 2021: Israel’s warplanes can reach Iran, minister warns amid nuclear talks, Al Arabiya, 29 April 2021: Top US diplomat meets Israel’s Mossad spy chief for talks on Iran nuclear deal, The National, 30 April 2021: Iran ready to ‘enter a new chapter of peace’ with Saudi Arabia, Haaretz, 30 April 2021: Israel’s Chance of Influencing Biden-Iran Nuke Deal Is All but Gone, Jerusalem Post, 1 May 2021: Will Biden sacrifice Israel over Iran? – opinion, Reuters, 1 May 2021: Iran nuclear talks make progress and will resume Friday, Russia says, The Algemeiner, 1 May 2021: Russia and European Powers Differ on Task Ahead in Iran Nuclear Talks, Jerusalem Post, 1 May 2021: Biden to green-light intifada if Israel opposes Iran deal – opinion (a very fine example of typical Trumpism fake news. In the real world, everyone knows that only two people will have to take the full responsibility if Iran should ever build or aquire nuclear war heads and that are Israel’s Crimne Minister and America’s #45 who contributed massively through their totally failed “maximum pressure” bullshit bingo to Irans need to restart the nuclear enrichment programm. So if Iran actually builds nuclear weapons, then you can send Hallelujah cards and present baskets to Netanyahu and Trump . It’s now Biden’s task to clean up the mess the two self-centered and corrupt simpletons have created, In addition to the fact that the negotiations to rejoin the Iran deal are making good progress, another very positive side effect is that Saudi Arabia and Iran have also started negotiations to end the war in Yemen. The diplomatic crisis with Qatar was already resolved in early 2021. At the same time, Netanyahu’s fantasies of normalization with Saudi Arabia are ending in a dead end), Haaretz, 1 May 2021: U.S. Prepared to Lift Major Sanctions, Iran’s Nuclear Negotiator Says, Al Arabiya, 1 May 2021: Toughest issues still unresolved in Iran Nuclear JCPOA talks: Sources, Israel Hayom, 2 May 2021: The ramifications of a US return to the 2015 nuclear agreement (Israel is already in a difficult situation of its own choosing. It is not only Iran that carries out terrorist acts or has them carried out. Israel’s acts of state terrorism run through Lebanon and Syria to Iran. For this, the country will have to reckon with revenge actions, which it then will have to attribute to its own behavior. The Iran deal was and still is the best chance for peace in the region. For many years now Netanyahu wish to start a war with Iran. He can of course do that, but at least he should stop trying to blame others for it. He’s the idiot and warmonger in this game, no matter how hard he tries to distract from the facts), Al Arabiya, 2 May 2021: Iran identified as ‘primary challenger’ to US interests in Mid East: Intel report, Arab News, 2 May 2021: Fire rips through Iran chemical factory near holy city of Qom, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2021: Iran wants to use China to counter US – what are the implications?, The National, 3 May 2021: US senator: Iran has taken ‘gravely concerning steps’ to advance its nuclear programme, Israel Hayom, 3 May 2021: Was Kerry anti-Israel? Former envoys react to explosive tape (“Israel was being assured repeatedly, every week, that no backchannel, no secret negotiation was going on with Iran when, in fact, there were” – and why did the Americans do it that way? Because they didn’t trust the Israelis and rightly had to assume that the Israelis wanted to ensure a negative outcome to the negotiations. To prevent this from happening, appropriate strategies were worked out and implemented that ensured that the Israelis only received half of the information on the negotiations until they were successfully concluded. Obviously, this was exactly the right approach by then Secretary of State John Kerry and his staff), Haaretz, 4 May 2021: Senior Israeli Defense Officials Question Effectiveness of Policy of Operations Against Iran, Times of Israel, 4 May 2021: Speculation swirls of Iran deal resurrection as diplomatic activity intensifies, Al Arabiya, 4 May 2021: No US-Iran prisoner exchange agreement, nuclear deal talks separate: White House, The National, 5 May 2021: Iraq hosted Iranian-Saudi talks ‘more than once’ to defuse tension, says president, The Hill, 5 May 2021: US, Iran signal possible breakthroughs in nuke talks (due to the maximum failure of the “maximum pressure” campaign by Netanyahu and Trump and their maximum incompetence and idiocy towards Iran, the pretty unbelievable situation was created, that this time it’s not Iran that has to deliver, but the US has to, if the US wants to re-enter the Iran deal), The National, 5 May 2021: Revealed: Iran’s seven mountainside missile silos discovered in new satellite imagery, The Algemeiner, 6 May 2021: Nuclear Deal Possible Soon If Iran Takes ‘Political Decision,’ Says US Official, Haaretz, 7 May 2021: Turned Off by Biden, These Four Middle East Powers Are Getting Friendly, Times of Israel, 7 May 2021: On al-Quds Day, Iran’s Khamenei says Israel ‘is a terrorist base, not a country’, Haaretz, 7 May 2021: World Powers Agree to ‘Intensify’ Talks on Bringing U.S. Back to Iran Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2021: Saudi official confirms talks with Iran, says too early to assess outcome, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2021: Iran’s nuclear power ‘for peace but nightmare for Israel’ – Nasrallah, Times of Israel, 7 May 2021: Talks on US return to Iran nuclear deal ‘intensify’, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2021: US believes Iran is serious about nuclear deal, ‘some progress’ has been made, Politics Today, 7 May 2021: Talks between Saudis and Iranians: Facts Speak Louder than Words, Arab News, 7 May 2021: German report reveals how Iran uses proliferation to smuggle illegal goods, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2021: Lebanon’s Hezbollah backs Iran talks with US, Saudi Arabia: Nasrallah, Times of Israel, 9 May 2021: Report: Israel shared Soleimani’s phone numbers with US hours before his slaying, Jerusalem Post, 9 May 2021: Mysterious explosion on oil tanker off coast of Syria – report, The New York Times, 9 May 2021: Analysis: U.S. and Iran Want to Restore Nuclear Deal, but Disagree on How, Arab News, 10 May 2021: EU’s Borell says Iran nuclear talks moving to crucial stage, Arab News, 11 May 2021: Iran has enriched uranium to up to 63 percent purity, IAEA says, The National, 12 May 2021: Iran has enriched uranium to 63% purity, IAEA says, The Hill, 13 May 2021: Biden faces pressure from all sides on Israel, The Algemeiner, 14 May 2021: No, Israel Isn’t ‘Pulling the United States Toward Conflict’ With Iran, Politico.com, 14 May 2021: Still buddies? Mideast violence tests Biden and Netanyahu’s friendship, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2021: Iran’s Zarif cancels Austria visit after chancellery displays Israel flag, Politico.eu, 15 May 2021: Iran’s foreign minister cancels Austria visit over Israeli flag display, The Guardian, 19 May 2021: Iran nuclear deal: US and Iran aim for final round of talks on reviving nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2021: Iran nuclear deal negotiations move forward – negotiator, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2021: Progress being made in Iran nuclear talks, but deal ‘far from done’: Irish FM, Al Arabiya, 21 May 2021: Iran hails Palestinian ‘victory,’ warns of ‘deadly blows’ against Israel, The National, 21 May 2021: How Iran’s latest drones tested Israel’s Iron Dome defence system, Al Arabiya, 21 May 2021: Iran displays long-range drone, names it ‘Gaza’ in honor of Palestinians’ struggle, Al Arabiya, 22 May 2021: Three injured in explosion at oil refinery in Iran’s Ahwaz: Report, DW, 23 May 2021: Iran says UN watchdog can no longer access nuclear data, France24, 23 May 2021: Iran top lawmaker says nuclear monitoring deal with IAEA has expired, The Guardian, 23 May 2021: Nuclear deal: US-Iran pact revival at risk after delays to new inspection deal, Haaretz, 23 May 2021: Nine Wounded in Blast at Iran Factory Reportedly Producing Drones, The Guardian, 23 May 2021: Blast at Iranian complex housing drone factory injures nine, Times of Israel, 23 May 2021: Iran reports explosion at plant that reportedly produces UAVs, The Guardian, 24 May 2021: Iran: Tehran and UN nuclear watchdog agree extension to inspections, Arab News, 24 May 2021: Iran tells IAEA it is extending nuclear monitoring deal for a month, Gulf Times, 24 May 2021: Iran inspection agreement extended by one month: UN nuclear watchdog, Al Arabiya, 25 May 2021: Blinken discusses Iran, US relations with Israel’s defense minister, Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2021: Iran: Large fire reported at oil refinery, day after drone factory blast, Times of Israel, 26 May 2021: Blast at Iran petrochemical complex kills a worker and injures 2, Arab News, 26 May 2021: Iran’s hard bargaining tactics raise the stakes at Vienna nuclear negotiations, The New York Times, 28 May 2021: Iran Clears Way for Hard-line Judiciary Chief to Become President, Haaretz, 28 May 2021: Biden, Khamenei Hope to Sign Nuclear Deal Before Iran’s June 18 Presidential Election, DW, 29 May 2021: Iranian hardliners aim for total control, Times of Israel, 29 May 2021: Iran Quds Force chief: Zionists should rebuy homes in Europe before prices rise, Arab News, 29 May 2021: How a stage-managed presidential race deprives Iranians of a chance for change, Al Arabiya, 29 May 2021: Iran’s Quds Force chief says Israelis should ‘return’ to US, Europe, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2021: Iran enriched uranium stockpile 16 times over deal limit: IAEA (then Netanyahu and Trump would have achieved almost everything that they wanted to achieve with the crazy exit from the Iran deal. Another “heroic act” to add to their “success stories”. The continuation comes after the upcoming elections in Iran, from which the hardliners are expected to emerge successfully after the Iranian people have been driven into their arms as a result of the US sanctions. Iran’s further orientation towards China and Russia with a simultaneous decrease in willingness to talk to the West would be the result – and all because two nationalistic fools from Israel and the US with autocratic predispositions believe they are intelligent even though they prove the opposite every day, while at the same time posing massive security risks for their countries and the Middle East), Arab News, 31 May 2021: UN nuclear watchdog chief ‘concerned’ over undeclared Iran sites, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2021: The end of Iran’s current regime is only a ‘matter of time’: Exiled Iranian prince, The National, 31 May 2021: Iran ends IAEA pact but will record nuclear data for another month, DW, 31 May 2021: UN nuclear watchdog chides Iran over uranium enrichment, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2021: New Mossad chief hints at more assassinations, attacks against Iran, Haaretz, 1 June 2021: Netanyahu at Mossad Chief Ceremony: Israel Won’t Allow a Nuclear Iran, Even at Cost of Friction With U.S. (even now that his replacement in office is imminent, he still wants to push through his war against Iran and with it ultimately against Israel itself), Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2021: Gantz slams Netanyahu over threat that Israel will ignore US on Iran, Haaretz, 2 June 2021: Iran’s Largest Navy Ship Sinks After Catching Fire in Gulf, Times of Israel, 2 June 2021: Largest ship in Iranian navy catches fire and sinks, Arab News, 2 June 2021: 400 troops jump to safety as blazing Iranian warship sinks in Gulf of Oman, Al Arabiya, 2 June 2021: Iran’s largest navy ship sinks in Gulf of Oman after catching fire, DW, 2 June 2021: Iran: Large navy vessel sinks after catching fire in Gulf of Oman, Arab News, 2 June 2021: Iran and Central African Republic lose voting rights in UN General Assembly, Al Arabiya, 2 June 2021: Imported Iranian crude oil to US was from seized tankers: Sources, The National, 2 June 2021: Iran’s largest naval ship sinks in Gulf of Oman after being engulfed in flames, The Guardian, 4 June 2021: Supreme leader says rejected election candidates were ‘wronged’, Israel Hayom, 4 June 2021: The price of friendship with Biden’s Washington, Politico.eu, 4 June 2021: Iran nuclear talks take a break: Here are the sticking points, France24, 5 June 2021: Iran presidential hopefuls trade blame over economic woes, Jerusalem Post, 5 June 2021: Why these Iranian elections are so important – expert, The National, 5 June 2021: US monitoring Iranian ships that may be bound for Venezuela, The Algemeiner, 5 June 2021: Western Powers Avoid Resolution Against Iran at IAEA Board – Diplomats, Haaretz, 6 June 2021: Netanyahu’s Real Iran Legacy: Right Diagnosis, Failed Prognosis, Jerusalem Post, 6 June 2021: Blast at Iranian steel plant, latest in series of incidents (if you order terrorist attacks against Iranian targets and have them carried out, then you don’t need to be surprised when you get a proper and justified kick in the butt yourself at some point), Times of Israel, 7 June 2021: Blinken: Iran may cut nuclear breakout time to weeks if it keeps breaching deal, Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2021: Iran hopes Russia and China oppose US role in MidEast, Central Asia, Arab News, 7 June 2021: Report: Iran-led fake news pushing anti-Saudi, anti-Israeli rhetoric in UK, The National, 7 June 2021: Blinken: Iran deal breaches could reduce nuclear breakout time to ‘weeks’, Al Arabiya, 8 June 2021: Iran says its stance at nuclear talks not to change after presidential vote , Al Arabiya, 8 June 2021: Top US diplomat anticipates hundreds of sanctions on Iran to remain in place, Jerusalem Post, 9 June 2021: Ex-Mossad chief Tamir Pardo: Netanyahu broke policy with Iran, US, Times of Israel, 9 June 2021: Ex-IDF chief: Iran nuclear deal would allow army to focus elsewhere, Jerusalem Post, 9 June 2021: Resigned to a nuclear deal revival, Saudi Arabia, UAE engage with Iran, Al Arabiya, 9 June 2021: US: Iran nuclear talks to resume over the weekend, elections ‘complicating factor’, The National, 10 June 2021: Iran’s election is a choice between ‘extreme’ and ‘more extreme’, The Hill, 10 June 2021: Russia prepping to give Iran advanced satellite system that will boost military spying capabilities, The Washington Post, 11 June 2021: Russia is preparing to supply Iran with an advanced satellite system that will boost Tehran’s ability to surveil military targets, officials say, Times of Israel, 11 June 2021: Russia said providing Iran advanced spy satellite to surveil military targets, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2021: Ex-Mossad chief Cohen reveals details of Mossad operation in Iran, Arab News, 11 June 2021: Outgoing Mossad chief signals Israel behind Iran nuclear attacks, The National, 11 June 2021: Mossad chief hints Israel was behind attacks on Iranian nuclear targets, The Times, 11 June 2021: Israel blew up Iranian nuclear plant, hints Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, The Guardian, 11 June 2021: Ex-Mossad chief signals Israel culpability for Iran attacks, BBC, 11 June 2021: Israel ex-top spy reveals Mossad operations against Iran, CNN, 11 June 2021: Iran says its naval vessels have reached the Atlantic for the first time, Israel Hayom, 11 June 2021: In the belly of the whale: Israeli sub simulates strike, The Times, 12 June 2021: Putin tests Biden before Geneva summit with gift of spy satellite to Iran, France24, 12 June 2021: Iran candidate warns against ultraconservative election win, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: ‘Intense’ Iran Nuclear Talks Resume as Germany Calls for Rapid Progress, Times of Israel, 12 June 2021: Iran blasts ex-Mossad chief for ‘threatening our nuclear scientists’, NPR, 12 June 2021: The Complicated History Behind BLM’s Solidarity With The Pro-Palestinian Movement, The Hill, 12 June 2021: Germany urges quick action as ‘intense’ Iran talks resume, The Hill, 13 June 2021: Top nuclear watchdog: Lack of Iran deal leaves agency ‘flying blind’, Arab News, 14 June 2021: NATO summit statement: ‘We call on Iran to stop all ballistic missile activities’, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2021: Iran reaches broad agreement with US over lifting of energy sanctions, France24, 16 June 2021: Iran’s presidential race narrows as two candidates drop out on campaign’s last day, Al Arabiya, 16 June 2021: Explainer: Iran hardliners to retain hold on economy, foreign policy after election, France24, 16 June 2021: Many Iranians plan to boycott vote for a president without power, The Times, 16 June 2021: Netanyahu’s downfall will be a gift to Tehran, Al Arabiya, 16 June 2021: Iran election: Khamenei says high turnout would reduce external pressures, Arab News, 16 June 2021: GCC foreign ministers: Iran missile program should be addressed in nuclear talks, The National, 16 June 2021: Iran nuclear deal revival ‘must wait for new government’, France24, 17 June 2021: Iran election race narrows as third candidate pulls out, DW, 17 June 2021: Iran election: How will it shape Tehran’s relations with the West?, France24, 17 June 2021: It’s the economy, stupid, says Iran’s shrinking middle class ahead of vote, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2021: Iran urges voters to set aside grievances, take part in presidential election, Times of Israel, 17 June 2021: Gantz: Israel working with US to step up Iran nuclear oversight, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2021: Iran closer than before to reaching nuclear deal with US, but issues remain: Official, The National, 17 June 2021: Iran elections 2021: campaign closes with last-ditch push to engage voters, The New Yorker, 17 June 2021: Iran Moves Toward a One-Party State, France24, 18 June 2021: Economic challenges loom over Iran as it holds presidential election, The Guardian, 18 June 2021: Iran: Low election turnout could spell trouble for regime, experts say, France24, 18 June 2021: Iran extends voting in presidential poll defined by voter apathy, DW, 18 June 2021: Iran’s presidential election sees low turnout, CNN, 18 June 2021: Iranians vote in election all but guaranteed to deliver an ultra-conservative president, Times of Israel, 18 June 2021: As partial Iran vote tally gives 62% to hardliner, moderate candidate concedes, The Wall Street Journal, 18 June 2021: U.S. Military to Withdraw Hundreds of Troops, Aircraft, Antimissile Batteries From Middle East, Times of Israel, 19 June 2021: Bennett said to ramp up engagement with US over its planned return to Iran deal (after Netanyahu and Trump successfully sabotaged the Iran deal and at the same time achieved nothing with their “maximum pressure” bullsh!t, but instead gave the Iranian hardliners a clear victory (“We kept to all the agreements. Once again it is the Americans and Israelis who lied, cheated and didn’t adhere to any agreements.”), nobody in his right mind can expect Iran to pretend that nothing happened. The opposite is the case, because Iran is negotiating from a position of strength, especially since it holds the better cards. Israel and America are the protagonists here in the role of “The Emperor’s New Clothes“. Anyone who is stupid enough instead of renegotiating an existing, albeit unsatisfactory contract, terminating it without even having the slightest hint of an alternative at hand, has to confront the bitter truth of being left empty-handed, self-inflicted), Al Arabiya, 19 June 2021: US-sanctioned judge Ebrahim Raisi named new Iran president, Arab News, 19 June 2021: Amnesty accuses Iran’s newly-elected president of ‘crimes against humanity’, The National, 19 June 2021: Hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran’s presidential election in a landslide, Arab News, 19 June 2021: Ultraconservative cleric Raisi wins Iran presidential vote, NPR, 19 June 2021: Moderate Iran Candidate Concedes Win By Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi, The Hill, 19 June 2021: Hard-line Iranian cleric wins presidency, The Washington Post, 19 June 2021: Iranian hard-liner poised to win presidential election, state media report, France24, 19 June 2021: Iran’s merchants find costly workarounds to US economic sanctions, The Guardian, 19 June 2021: Iran: Ebrahim Raisi hailed as new president, The Washington Post, 19 June 2021: Iran’s new president Ebrahim Raisi consolidates hard-line grip as reformers pushed aside, BBC, 19 June 2021: Iran election: Hardliner Raisi will become president, Times of Israel, 19 June 2021: TV: Israeli officials warn ‘no choice’ but to ready attack plans after Raisi win, France24, 19 June 2021: Ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi succeeds reformist Rouhani as Iran’s president (the last big “farewell present” from Netanyahu and Trump to the world. Finally another butcher and dictator in the region. That was just missing, and that’s exactly what the two wanted), CNN, 19 June 2021: Ebrahim Raisi, ultra-conservative judiciary chief, wins Iran’s presidential vote amid historically low turnout, The Times, 19 June 2021: Raisi seals landslide victory in Iranian election, Times of Israel, 20 June 2021: Iran’s nuclear envoy: We’re closer to deal than ever, but US must make decisions, Al Arabiya, 20 June 2021: Iran, world powers adjourn talks on reviving nuclear deal, resumption date unclear, Times of Israel, 20 June 2021: US to press on with Vienna nuclear deal talks after Raisi win, DW, 20 June 2021: Who is Iran’s new President-elect Ebrahim Raisi?, Arab News, 20 June 2021: What does Ebrahim Raisi’s election victory mean for Iran and the world?, Times of Israel, 20 June 2021: US said to boost military cooperation with Israel, Mideast allies to hinder Iran, BBC, 20 June 2021: Iran nuclear deal: Israel attacks Iran as talks progress, Arab News, 20 June 2021: Decision time on Iran nuclear deal ‘approaching fast,’ says European diplomat, The National, 20 June 2021: Iran’s new president expected to reverse eight years of reformist policies, The Guardian, 20 June 2021: Nuclear deal talks resume after Raisi’s election as president, France24, 20 June 2021: EU hails ‘progress’ on talks with Iran to restore 2015 nuclear deal, The Washington Post, 20 June 2021: Preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapon is ‘paramount priority,’ national security adviser says, Politico.com, 20 June 2021: Unclear if Iran’s election will change nuclear talks, Jake Sullivan says (after Netanyahu and Trump not only gave Iran the green light for renewed uranium enrichment, the development and construction of medium-range missiles by sabotaging the Iran deal, they also succeeded in hoisting a hardliner government into office as the result of the “maximum pressure” sanctions against the Iranian people. Of course, this has further consequences for Iran, namely the further turning away from the West while at the same time turning more towards Russia and China (recently also towards Saudi Arabia). It remains to be seen whether the four years wasted without necessity by Netanyahu and Trump can still be absorbed by President Biden’s negotiating team. It is of course clear that the Iranians took a very close look at what came out of the negotiations with North Korea and drew their conclusions from it. In view of the numerous attacks against Iranian targets by Israeli forces and the accumulated threats by the Israeli military and members of the government, Iran would be ill-advised not to develop or acquire nuclear warheads, which is likely to trigger another wave of armament, especially in the Gulf states. Voters from the EU and the US has been clearly demonstrated why and out of pure self-interest, they shouldn’t vote for right-wing national parties and/or politicians. Their incompetence, which is often presented with great fervor, not only regularly causes national problems and challenges, but also considerable international entanglements, which are not only expensive, but above all very dangerous. How they’ve dealt with the Iran deal is just one example of a long line of political total losses), DW, 21 June 2021: Iran: Political constraints leave Raisi little room to maneuver, France24, 21 June 2021: Iran’s hardline president-elect rules out Biden meeting, open to mending ties with Saudi Arabia, BBC, 21 June 2021: Iran nuclear deal: President-elect Raisi issues warning over talks, CNN, 21 June 2021: Iran’s hardline president-elect Ebrahim Raisi says he will not meet with Biden, Irish Times, 21 June 2021: Iran’s Raisi not interested in meeting Biden, but says US must return to nuclear deal, Haaretz, 21 June 2021: What a ‘Hard-line’ Iranian President Really Means for the Nuclear Deal and Israel, NPR, 21 June 2021: What The Election Of A New Hard-Line President In Iran Means For The Nuclear Deal, The New York Times, 22 June 2021: The Hard-Liners Won in Iran. That’s Not All Bad News., Arab News, 22 June 2021: Saudi Arabia will judge new Iran president Raisi by ‘reality on the ground’: FM, Haaretz, 23 June 2021: Attack in Iran Damaged Factory Making Nuclear Centrifuge, Report Says, Times of Israel, 23 June 2021: Attack on Iranian nuclear site damaged centrifuge production facility – reports, The National, 23 June 2021: Iran foils ‘sabotage attack’ on atomic agency, local media reports, The New York Times, 23 June 2021: Iran Atomic Agency Says It Thwarted Attack on a Facility (after more than 20 known Israeli terrorist attacks on Iranian targets, it is only a matter of time before justified countermeasures are initiated. The subject of “state terrorism in the Middle East” is increasingly turning to the disadvantage of Israel), Arab News, 24 June 2021: Suspected Iranian nuclear production plant hit by drones, Tehran claims ‘sabotage attack’, Times of Israel, 24 June 2021: Iran nuclear site hit Wednesday was on list of targets Israel gave US – report, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2021: Iran nuclear centrifuge facility substantially damaged in attack – sources, The Algemeiner, 26 June 2021: Iran: Supreme Leader Pardons the Sentences of More than 5,000 Detainees, Times of Israel, 26 June 2021: Iran says it won’t negotiate forever, but believes nuclear deal can be saved, Arab News, 27 June 2021: The ayatollahs appointed a murderous fascist … let’s treat them accordingly, Haaretz, 27 June 2021: Iran Has Drones With Range of 7,000 Kilometers, Top Commander Says, Arab News, 27 June 2021: Israel FM tells Blinken of ‘serious reservations’ on Iran, Times of Israel, 27 June 2021: Iran: Nuclear site images won’t be given to IAEA, since inspection deal expired, Al Arabiya, 27 June 2021: Iran’s economic recovery seen as modest with return to original nuclear deal: IIF, Haaretz, 28 June 2021: Biden Vows Iran Won’t Get Nuclear Weapon on His Watch as He Meets Rivlin at White House, France24, 28 June 2021: Iraq slams ‘unacceptable’ US strikes on pro-Iran fighters, Al Arabiya, 28 June 2021: Iran-backed PMU threatens revenge after fighters killed in US airstrikes, The New York Times, 28 June 2021: Analysis: Biden Faces Intense Cross Currents in Iran Policy, Al Arabiya, 29 June 2021: UN investigator on human rights backs probe into Iran’s 1988 killings, Raisi’s role, Arab News, 29 June 2021: UN demands probe into killings ordered by ‘butcher of Tehran’, Jerusalem Post, 29 June 2021: Has Mossad done enough damage that IAEA inspection pause not a disaster?, The Atlantic, 29 June 2021: The Iran Nuclear Deal Isn’t the Problem. Iran Is., Times of Israel, 1 July 2021: German president to Rivlin: Our aim is to prevent Iranian nukes, CNN, 2 July 2021: Iran plans to keep video footage of nuclear sites from UN watchdog until a deal with US is reached, Times of Israel, 2 July 2021: Iran closest it’s ever been to nuclear bomb, former IDF chief says, Arab News, 3 July 2021: Iran restarts Bushehr nuclear power plant after overhaul, Al Arabiya, 3 July 2021: Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant resumes operations: State media, The Algemeiner, 3 July 2021: IAEA Deputy Head to Visit Iran for ‘Routine’ Matters – Iranian Envoy, Haaretz, 5 July 2021: Fire Breaks Out at Warehouse Outside Tehran, Iranian Media Reports, Arab News, 5 July 2021: What Raisi presidency will mean for Iran’s regional rivals, Haaretz, 5 July 2021: Israel Can’t Influence Iran Nuke Deal. Here’s What It Can Do, Times of Israel, 5 July 2021: German foreign minister confident deal to save JCPOA reachable ‘in coming weeks’, Fars News Agency, 5 July 2021: Minister: Iran Ups Non-Oil Exports by 50 Percent in 3 Months, Al Arabiya, 6 July 2021: ‘Death to Khamenei’: Protests erupt in Iran over power outages, The Algemeiner, 7 July 2021: US Expects Seventh Round of Iran Nuclear Talks; No Details When, Washington Times, 7 July 2021: Exiled Iranians to seek regime’s overthrow with ‘World Summit’, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2021: Iran arrests power plant workers for sabotage, causing blackouts: Fars, Haaretz, 9 July 2021: Iran Ups Its Game as U.S. Return to Nuke Deal Faces New Hurdles, Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2021: Large explosion heard in Tehran, Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2021: Iran dissidents seek Bennett’s support of democracy and counter-terrorism, Haaretz, 11 July 2021: From Lebanon to Brussels, Israel-Iran Strife Flares Up on Many Fronts, Jerusalem Post, 10 July 2021: Iran seeks oil strategy shift, sees Iran Deal as less important (surprise, surprise. As the result of Netanyahu’s and Trump’s totally failed “maximum pressure” campaign, Iran is shifting its focus. Who could have seen it comming? The second surprise: Pretty much everyone, except for the Likudniks and Republicans, of course. And the third surprise: Despite the useless sanctions against Iran, the country uped it’s non-oil exports by nearly 50%. And the fourth surprise: The sanctions mostly hit average Iranians, who then, in return, voted for the most hardline government in decades, to better tackle the US and Israeli aggressions towards Iran), Haaretz, 12 July 2021: Bennett Slams Netanyahu on Iran: Never Has Anyone Talked So Much and Done So Little, Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2021: Swiss gov’t won’t publicly condemn Iran’s Holocaust denial, terrorism, Politico.eu, 12 July 2021: Borrell: Slovenia’s Janša ‘does not represent’ EU on Iran, Haaretz, 13 July 2021: One Month In, the World Sees a Difference in Israel’s New Government, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2021: Iran says US will delist IRGC, lift sanctions on Khamenei, Raisi if nuke deal revived, Politico.eu, 15 June 2021: How Trump empowered Iran’s hardliners, Times of Israel, 15 July 2021: Gantz: We must ‘adapt our plans’ to prepare for a nuclear Iran, The New Yorker, 15 July 2021: “You’re Gonna Have a Fucking War”: Mark Milley’s Fight to Stop Trump from Striking Iran, Arab News, 16 July 2021: It is time for Biden to pull the plug on talks with Iran, Haaretz, 16 July 2021: Iranian Leaders Hail Nuke Deal’s Benefits, Signalling New Accord Is Nigh, Times of Israel, 16 July 2021: Netanyahu urged US to attack Iran after Trump’s election loss — report, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2021: Netanyahu urged Trump to strike Iran after election loss – New Yorker, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2021: Protesters storm streets of Iran over water shortages; police fire at crowds, Haaretz, 16 July 2021: Iran’s Drone Revolution Takes Off, Arab News, 17 July 2021: Iranian deputy foreign minister says Vienna talks must await Iran’s new administration, Times of Israel, 17 July 2021: Iran nuclear negotiator: Vienna talks must wait for new president to take office, Jerusalem Post, 17 July 2021: Netanyahu urged Trump to strike Iran after election loss – New Yorker, Arab News, 17 July 2021: One killed in Iran water shortage protests: state media, Al Arabiya, 18 July 2021: Iranian deputy foreign minister says Vienna talks must await Iran’s new admin, Haaretz, 18 July 2021: Netanyahu’s Dangerous Influence on Donald Trump’s Iran Policy, Arab News, 18 July 2021: US accuses Iran of trying to deflect blame for nuclear talks impasse, The Algemeiner, 21 July 2021: Water Crisis Protests Continue in Iran, With Chants in Capital: Reports, Al Arabiya, 22 July 2021: Water crisis protests persist in Iran, with chants in Tehran: Reports, Arab News, 22 July 2021: Iran looks beyond strategic strait for oil exports to evade US sanctions, Al Arabiya, 22 July 2021: Iran opens new oil export terminal bypassing Strait, Arab News, 22 July 2021: West should help Iranians fulfill their democratic dream (1988 executions of Iranian political prisoners), CNN, 22 July 2021: Iranian ships that appeared headed for Venezuela are now in Baltic Sea approaching Russia, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2021: US mulls crackdown on Chinese imports of Iranian oil, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2021: Protests in Iran’s Khuzestan continue, spread to neighboring Lorestan, Arab News, 24 July 2021: Iran’s meddling in affairs of other countries threatens regional security: GCC chief, Al Arabiya, 24 July 2021: Iran says four IRGC members killed in clash with ‘bandits’, Arab News, 24 July 2021: Iranians thirsty for change are met with gunfire and brutality, CNN, 25 July 2021: At least three people killed in protests over water shortages in Iran, Haaretz, 25 July 2021: Israeli Army’s Scaremongering on Iran Is Back. Here’s Why, Arab News, 25 July 2021: King Abdullah II to CNN: Jordan has many concerns about Iran’s activities in the region, The National, 26 July 2021: Iranians chant ‘political slogans’ at Tehran power cut protest, Times of Israel, 26 July 2021: Iran protests spread to Tehran: ‘Death to the Dictator!’, DW, 27 July 2021: Sweden charges Iranian over 1988 ‘war crimes and murder’, The Algemeiner, 29 July 2021: US Plans Sanctions Campaign to Counter Iran’s ‘Advancing’ Drone, Guided Missile Threat, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: Bennett looking to strengthen Israel as a Middle East player – analysis, Arab News, 29 July 2021: Iran regime should focus on its people, not its image abroad, The Wall Street Journal, 29 July 2021: U.S. Plans Sanctions Against Iran’s Drones and Guided Missiles, DW, 30 July 2021: Oman: 2 killed in attack on oil tanker (that’s something completely new. Israel also accuses Iran of beiing guilty for bad weather, usually to try to cover up its own terrorist attacks against Iranian targets), The Guardian, 30 July 2021: Oman: Briton among two crew killed in attack on Israeli-linked tanker, Haaretz, 30 July 2021: Israel Fears Iran’s Nuclear Progress, but Tehran Has Other Problems, Times of Israel, 30 July 2021: Lapid calls for UN action against Iran after deadly attack on ship, Palestine Chronicle, 30 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Co-founders: Nothing ‘Anti-Semitic’ about Ice Cream Embargo of Illegal Israeli Settlements, France24, 31 July 2021: Israel blames Iran for deadly attack on oil tanker off Oman, CNN, 31 July 2021: Deadly drone attack on tanker escalates Iran-Israel maritime tensions, Times of Israel, 31 July 2021: Sweden case against accused Iranian war criminal may spell trouble for Raisi, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2021: Iran is trying to draw a retaliation red line at sea against Israel, Al Arabiya, 31 July 2021: Explosive experts board attacked Israeli-managed tanker to assess damage: US Navy, Arab News, 31 July 2021: Israel pushes for UN action against Iran over deadly ship attack, DW, 1 August 2021: Israel-Iran tensions escalate over oil tanker attack, France24, 1 August 2021: US and UK join Israel in alleging Iran behind drone strike on tanker near Oman, CNN, 1 August 2021: Deadly drone attack on tanker escalates Iran-Israel maritime tensions, Times of Israel, 1 August 2021: Iran denies ‘baseless’ Israeli claim it struck ship in deadly attack, Haaretz, 1 August 2021: U.S., U.K. Join Israel in Accusing Iran, Vowing Response for Tanker Attack Off Oman, Times of Israel, 1 August 2021: US said increasingly skeptical return to Iran nuclear deal is possible, Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2021: Raisi enters office with bang as Israel tries rallying world against Iran, Al Arabiya, 1 August 2021: US is planning new sanctions on Iran to tackle drones, guided missiles manufacturing, Arab News, 1 August 2021: Israel says it has evidence linking Iran to deadly tanker attack; Tehran denies, Khaleej Times, 1 August 2021: UK joins Israel saying Iran attacked tanker; Tehran denies, Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2021: Iran has advantage in its shadow war with Israel at sea – analysis, Israel Hayom, 1 August 2021: ‘Iranian regime feels it has divine intervention helping it’, Times of Israel, 2 August 2021: UK deputy envoy says Israel ‘needs to make own considerations’ over ship attack, Haaretz, 2 August 2021: U.S. Vows ‘Collective Response’ to Iranian Attack on Israeli-managed Ship, Jerusalem Post, 2 August 2021: Israel: EU legitimizing terror by sending diplomat to Raisi inauguration (you can think what you want of the Iranian leadership, but without diplomatic wires there would be no more talks. Israel would obviously like this, but the West does not, which is why diplomatic channels are of course kept open), Al Arabiya, 2 August 2021: US vows ‘collective response’ to Iran after ship attack, Arab News, 2 August 2021: Israel free to make decisions it deems appropriate on Iran: White House, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2021: Commercial ships no longer safe after Oman attack – analysis (the author of the post is obviously a science fiction fan. So far, there have only been unsubstantiated claims that Iran may be involved in the Gulf of Oman incident. For Iran haters, however, this is apparently reason enough to continue cultivating their hatred), Times of Israel, 3 August 2021: Flattery and subservience: Israel raps EU plan to attend Iran pres. inauguration, DW, 3 August 2021: ‘Potential hijack’ incident reported in the Gulf of Oman, The Guardian, 3 August 2021: United Arab Emirates: Iranian-backed forces suspected of tanker hijacking off UAE coast, France24, 3 August 2021: Shah’s son urges West to drive ‘nail in coffin’ of Iran clerical state, Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2021: Human rights groups slam EU for sending diplomat to Raisi inauguration (for some groups of people diplomacy is obviously a foreign word. Diplomacy is of the utmost importance especially in times of crisis, but this will have to be painted on paper for these groups of people so that they can understand it), France24, 5 August 2021: New President Ibrahim Raisi takes reins as Iran faces host of challenges (the much more interesting question is how did it get to the point where Ebrahim Raisi was able to become president. Netanyahu and Trump are responsible for this with the unilateral termination of the Iran deal and the completely failed “maximum pressure” nonsense. It would have been more important for the West to shot down the headless actions of Netanyahu and Trump against Iran, so that no countermeasures in the form of a hardliner as president would have been necessary. Should Iran build the atomic bomb, that would be another consequence of the actions of the two incompetent simpletons and another part of their anyway disastrous political legacies), The Algemeiner, 5 August 2021: Israeli Officials, Human Rights Activists Condemn EU for Envoy Appearance at Iranian Presidential Ceremony Next to Terrorist Leaders, The Times, 5 August 2021: Iran could build a nuclear warhead ‘in ten weeks’, The Algemeiner, 5 August 2021: Israel’s Approach to Iran: The Netanyahu Revolution (story time for adults), Israel Hayom, 5 August 2021: Raisi’s presidency reflects escalation in Middle East, Gulf, Times of Israel, 5 August 2021: After Gantz threatens attack, Iran warns Israel: ‘Don’t test us’, Arab News, 5 August 2021: Israel ‘ready to attack Iran’ after fatal strike on ship, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2021: Time to take advantage of cracks in Tehran’s armor – opinion, Al Arabiya, 5 August 2021: US will return to Iran nuclear deal talks: State Department, Arab News, 5 August 2021: US urges Raisi to resume Iran nuclear talks in Vienna ‘soon’, The New Yorker, 5 August 2021: Iran Inaugurates a President Tied to a Massacre, The Washington Post, 5 August 2021: Shortages, sanctions, protests and pandemic: Daunting challenges await Iran’s new president, Arab News, 5 August 2021: Amnesty International denounces Iran’s ‘cruel’ secret execution of man arrested at 15, Israel Hayom, 5 August 2021: Raisi’s presidency reflects escalation in Middle East, Gulf, Times of Israel, 6 August 2021: Israel ‘would ultimately like to see regime change in Iran,’ says envoy Erdan (good luck with that one. As the international community isn’t stupid enough to fall for Erdan’s propaganda plots, Israel will try to achive its goal fully on its own), Haaretz, 6 August 2021: Hamas Leader Haniyeh Meets With Iran’s Hardline President Raisi, Jerusalem Post, 6 August 2021: Israel is taking the fight with Iran to the world, Haaretz, 6 August 2021: Iran’s Raisi Wants to Navigate the Nuclear Minefield With an Ideological Compass, Al Arabiya, 6 August 2021: G7 rebukes Iran for threatening international peace and security after ship attack, Arab News, 6 August 2021: G7 foreign ministers condemn Iran for Mercer Street attack, France24, 6 August 2021: G7 accuses Iran of deadly tanker attack off Oman, Times of Israel, 7 August 2021: Iran rejects ‘baseless’ G7 accusations over fatal attack on Mercer Street tanker, Arab News, 7 August 2021: Iran nuclear talks could resume in September: EU official, Politico.eu, 7 August 2021: EU optimistic on nuclear deal despite Iran leadership change, Times of Israel, 7 August 2021: Iran nuclear talks could resume in September, says EU official, Arab News, 7 August 2021: Fanatics in Iran and Israel goad each other toward war, Bloomberg, 9 August 2021: Biden’s Iran Nuclear Deal Ambitions Shrink as Tensions Flare, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2021: How Iran helped the European Union lose its credibility – opinion (the EU will not allow itself to get dragged into Israel’s wars and that is the right decision. It also shows why Israel in its current constitution will not and cannot become an EU member state. It would pose a big security risk for the EU. On the positive side: Unlike Israel, the EU still can lose some credibility), The Algemeiner, 9 August 2021: European Parliament Members Blast EU for Sending Diplomat to ‘Honor’ Inauguration of New Iranian President (“His presence risks giving the impression that the EU’s overwhelming concern is the nuclear agreement.” – JCPOA actually is EU’s overwhelming concern when it comes to Iran. All the rest are side shows at best. Without a working JCPOA, there will be no progress on other topics at all), Politico.com, 9 August 2021: Swedish trial raises awkward questions for Iran’s new president, Arab News, 9 August 2021: Daunting security threats facing Raisi’s Iran, Haaretz, 9 August 2021: In First Call to Western Leader, Raisi Asks Macron to Secure Iran’s Nuclear ‘Rights’, Arab News, 9 August 2021: New Tehran administration and regional maritime security, France24, 10 August 2021: Iranian ex-official ordered executions in 1988: Swedish prosecutors, Arab News, 10 August 2021: Trial over Iran 1988 mass murder begins in Sweden, The Guardian, 10 August 2021: Israel’s shadow war with Iran, The Times, 10 August 2021: Explosion on oil tanker in Syrian port after ‘Israeli revenge attack’, Haaretz, 10 August 2021: U.S. Official Says Oman Ship Attack Originated in Yemen, Warns of Further Attacks by Houthis, Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2021: Explosion reported on ship at Syrian port, fire put out (‘tit for tat’ state sponsored terrorism between Israel and Iran. Next on the show: another Israeli bound tanker will be hit by a drone or maybe the Iran’s pipeline between the United Arab Emirates and Israel), Times of Israel, 10 August 2021: Iranian official on trial in Sweden for war crimes tied to new president Raisi, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2021: The world must put an end to Iran and Hezbollah: Israeli Defense Minister Gantz (after the unsuccessful adventure in Afghanistan, the West has no interest whatsoever in the next, not to be won, but nevertheless likely to be endless war. Israel, together with its new Arab friends, will have to solve this itself if it absolutely wants a military solution. In the meantime, the West will continue to negotiate with Lebanon and Iran in order to find solutions in this way), Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2021: Fire breaks out in Iranian petrochemical factory – report, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2021: Syrian Observatory reports explosion on merchant ship anchored in Latakia’s port, Haaretz, 11 August 2021: How Israel’s Defense Minister Embarrassed NATO Over Iran, Israel Hayom, 11 August 2021: Are the Vienna negotiations doomed to fail?, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Iran’s new president Raisi names anti-Western hardliner as foreign minister, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2021: Iran’s Raisi unveils new cabinet: IRNA, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Return of a hard-line Iran raises worrying questions, The Algemeiner, 11 August 2021: New Iranian President’s Cabinet Pick Wanted by Interpol for AMIA Jewish Center Bombing, Palestine Chronicle, 11 August 2021: Germany Supplies Israel with Third Warship amid Iran Tensions, Arab News, 12 August 2021: Analyst: Iran running program of ‘kamikaze drones’, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2021: How can Mossad slow down Iran’s nuke program? – analysis, Arab News, 12 August 2021: Winners and losers in the ‘resistance game’, The Algemeiner, 13 August 2021: Bennett Seeks Common US-Israel Strategy on Iran if Nuclear Negotiations Fail: Report, Israel Hayom, 13 August 2021: What Hezbollah learned last week (that’s a weird article, but at the same time show cases, that Israel isn’t free of having extremists in its ranks either), Arab News, 13 August 2021: US Treasury imposes sanctions on alleged oil smuggler, companies linked to Iran’s Quds Force, The Algemeiner, 13 August 2021: US Sanctions Illicit Oil Smuggling Network Supplying Iranian Regime’s International Terror Force, Times of Israel, 14 August 2021: Saudi-hosted Islamic forum defangs Iran’s regional influence, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2021: IAEA reports Iranian progress on uranium metal despite Western objections, Times of Israel, 16 August 2021: IAEA: Iran producing uranium metal, which can be used in nuclear bomb, Reuters, 17 August 2021: IAEA reports Iranian progress on uranium metal despite Western objections, Times of Israel, 17 August 2021: Iran ups uranium enrichment to 60 percent, UN watchdog confirms, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2021: Nuclear talks between Iran and US, EU on hold as each rethinks strategy, The National, 17 August 2021: Iran accelerates enrichment of uranium to near weapons grade, IAEA says, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Europeans rap Iran as clock ticks on nuclear surveillance, Gulf Times, 19 August 2021: Iran stresses nuclear programme peaceful after IAEA observations, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Can Bennett pitch Israel’s Iran policy at the White House? – analysis, The Algemeiner, 20 August 2021: Taliban Triumph in Afghanistan Has Arab States and Israel Hedging Dependence on US, Times of Israel, 21 August 2021: Iran says it is expanding defense beyond borders, will continue missile program, DW, 22 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, Times of Israel, 22 August 2021: Ahead of US visit, Bennett says he’ll tell Biden Iran deal ‘no longer relevant’, The National, 22 August 2021: Iran’s Raisi calls on Japan to release frozen funds, Haaretz, 23 August 2021: Israel Sees ‘No Value’ in Return to Iran Nuclear Deal, Official Says Ahead of Bennett-Biden Meeting, Times of Israel, 23 August 2021: Bennett to present Biden with strategy for stopping Iran without nuclear deal, France24, 24 August 2021: Israel’s Bennett seeks US ‘reset’ in first White House visit, The New York Times, 24 August 2021: New Israeli Leader Backs Hard Line on Iran but Softer Tone With U.S., Khaleej Times, 25 August 2021: Iraq invites Gulf Arab states, Iran to Baghdad summit, Times of Israel, 25 August 2021: As Bennett meets Biden, IDF ramps up plans for strike on Iran’s nuke program, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2021: Israel presses Iran views ahead of Bennett-Biden meeting – analysis, Times of Israel, 25 August 2021: In the US, Bennett believes he can succeed on Iran where Netanyahu failed, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2021: Israel is accelerating operational plans to take action against Iran – IDF chief Kohavi, Times of Israel, 25 August 2021: Gantz says world needs a ‘Plan B’ to the faltering Iran nuclear deal, The National, 25 August 2021: US exit from Afghanistan ‘opens door to Iranian influence’, The Algemeiner, 25 August 2021: IDF Says Israel ‘Speeding Up’ Operational Plans Against Iran’s Nuclear Program, France24, 25 August 2021: Iran’s parliament approves president’s cabinet choices, The Algemeiner, 25 August 2021: Iran Parliament Approves Most Raisi Nominees to Hardline Cabinet, Gulf Times, 26 August 2021: Iran’s parliament approves president’s cabinet choices, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: Biden assures Bennett US ‘has options’ if Iran nuclear diplomacy fails, The Algemeiner, 27 August 2021: Biden to Israeli PM: US Has Options if Iran Nuclear Diplomacy Fails, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: Fearing Israeli attack, Iran ups air defenses around nuclear sites, France24, 27 August 2021: US has options if Iran diplomacy fails, Biden tells Israel’s Bennett, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: Israel is accelerating operational plans to take action against Iran – IDF chief Kohavi, Al Arabiya, 27 August 2021: Biden assures Israel’s PM: US has options if Iran nuclear diplomacy fails, Arab News, 27 August 2021: Biden, Bennett agree Iran should never acquire nuclear weapons in White House talks, Gulf Times, 28 August 2021: Iran says Biden demands same as Trump’s on nuclear issue, Arab News, 28 August 2021: Iran’s Khamenei says Biden has same demands as Trump on nuclear issue, Al Arabiya, 28 August 2021: Israel’s PM presented Biden with ‘death by a thousand cuts’ Iran strategy: Reports, Times of Israel, 28 August 2021: Bennett said to vow he won’t openly lobby against US return to Iran nuke deal, The Algemeiner, 29 August 2021: Germany’s ‘Antisemitism Is the Socialism of Fools’ Enters a Third Century, Haaretz, 30 August 2021: Dan Shapiro, Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Joins Biden’s Iran Team, The Algemeiner, 30 August 2021: Former US Ambassador to Israel Appointed Jewish State’s Interlocutor on Iran, Jerusalem Post, 31 August 2021: Bennett surrendered to Biden on Iran, says opposition, Times of Irael, 1 September 2021: To take on Iran, Lapid sketches out vision for a regional ‘alliance of life’, The Algemeiner, 1 September 2021: Germany Urges Iran to Return to Nuclear Talks ‘as Soon as Possible’, Al Arabiya, 4 September 2021: Raisi says Iran ready for nuclear talks, but not under Western ‘pressure’, Al Arabiya, 6 September 2021: France demands Iran answer questions about ‘undeclared nuclear material’, Times of Israel, 6 September 2021: IDF chief says Israel accelerating Iran strike plans, acting throughout Mideast, Al Arabiya, 6 September 2021: Israel’s IDF Chief: We have plans in place for when we decide to attack Iran, The Algemeiner, 6 September 2021: IDF Chief of Staff: ‘Central Goal Is to Minimize Iran’s Presence in the Middle East’, Haaretz, 7 September 2021: UN Nuclear Watchdog Slams Iran for Stockpiling Uranium, Ignoring Its Queries, Arab News, 7 September 2021: Nuclear monitoring in Iran ‘seriously undermined’: IAEA, Al Arabiya, 7 September 2021: IAEA pressures Iran as fate of talks on JCPOA hangs in balance, Arab News, 7 September 2021: Iran must end foreign meddling to garner trust: Expert, Al Arabiya, 8 September 2021: Iran warns West of IAEA move, US says time running out to save JCPOA deal , Arab News, 8 September 2021: Blinken warns US getting ‘closer’ to giving up on Iran nuclear deal, France24, 8 September 2021: Blinken warns US getting ‘closer’ to giving up on Iran nuclear deal , Arab News, 8 September 2021: US launches Mideast drone task force amid Iran tensions, Arab News, 9 September 2021: Arab countries call for inspection of all Iranian nuclear sites, Al Arabiya, 10 September 2021: Israel’s PM: Iran is ‘lying’ to world about its nuclear program, time to act is now, Times of Israel, 10 September 2021: Bennett calls for ‘rapid international action’ against Iran’s enrichment surge, The Guardian, 11 September 2021: Iran nuclear deal: Talks to resume as IAEA head returns to Tehran, Gulf Times, 11 September 2021: Iran invites IAEA chief for talks before showdown with West -diplomats, Al Arabiya, 11 September 2021: Iran says will not give IAEA access to surveillance cameras in nuclear facilities, Times of Israel, 12 September 2021: Gantz reveals Iranian drone base, says it is used to train terror groups, The Guardian, 12 September 2021: Iran: Country agrees deal with UN on monitoring of nuclear programme, DW, 12 September 2021: Iran agrees to UN inspectors’ surveillance cameras (the great advantage of dictatorships, but also of monarchies, is that they are not dependent on elections. While in the West planning and strategy developments take place from legislative period to legislative period, dictatorships can define their goals in the long term and, more importantly, can pursue these goals consistently. That is a very clear strategic advantage. Regimes, such as in Iran, Russia, China, North Korea etc., prove this time and again with a considerable degree of continuity. What could they achieve if their efforts were positive in nature), Times of Israel, 12 September 2021: IAEA chief says agreement with Iran ‘gives time for diplomacy’, Al Arabiya, 12 September 2021: IAEA chief says most pressing issue with Iran solved, Arab News, 12 September 2021: Iran backs down in standoff with UN nuclear inspectors, Jerusalem Post, 13 September 2021: Mossad may have destroyed some IAEA equipment at Iran nuclear site, DW, 14 September 2021: Germany arrests man for allegedly assisting Iran’s nuclear program, Al Arabiya, 14 September 2021: Iran replaces chief nuclear negotiator with 2015 deal critic, Jerusalem Post, 15 September 2021: Bennett: We want partners against Iran but will act either way, Times of Israel, 15 September 2021: Breaking with long-held Israeli stance, Gantz willing to ‘accept’ JCPOA revival, France24, 15 September 2021: Iran replaces top nuclear negotiator with hardliner Raisi protégé, Times of Israel, 15 September 2021: Netanyahu assails government after Gantz says open to new Iran deal (Netanyahu, the architect of a future Iranian nuclear bomb, should better shut up immediately and forever and instead visit his new “appartment” in one of Israel’s prisons), Arab News, 15 September 2021: IAEA slams reported harassment of female inspectors in Iran, Jerusalem Post, 15 September 2021: Gantz: Israel could accept return to Iran nuke deal if US has ‘plan B’, Arab News, 16 September 2021: Doubts over revived nuclear deal as Iran promotes anti-Western hawk, Haaretz, 177 September 2021: Schism Between U.S. and Israel on Iran May Grow in Coming Months, Al Arabiya, 18 September 2021: Iran nuclear chief wants to speed up conversion of Arak heavy water reactor, The New York Times, 18 September 2021: The Iranian Scientist and the A.I.-Assisted Weapon That Killed Him, Al Arabiya, 19 September 2021: Iran’s new hardline FM to make first official trip to US for nuclear deal talks, Haaretz, 20 September 2021: Israel Under Netanyahu Did Little to Hinder Iran’s Nuclear Progress, The Algemeiner, 20 September 2021: UN’s Nuclear Watchdog Conference Puts Iran Under Scrutiny, Arab News, 20 September 2021: Saudi Arabia blasts push by Iran for nuclear bomb, The Washington Post, 21 September 2021: Future of nuclear talks with Iran uncertain as Tehran expands enrichment activities, Al Arabiya, 21 September 2021: Iran says nuclear talks with world powers to resume in a few weeks, Times of Israel, 21 September 2021: Iran announces it will resume Vienna nuclear negotiations in coming weeks, The National, 21 September 2021: UNGA 2021 latest updates: UAE urges bigger role for Arab states in Iran nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 21 September 2021: Biden: ‘We are prepared to return to full compliance’ with the JCPOA if Iran does the same, Haaretz, 21 September 2021: Iran’s Raisi: U.S. Not Abiding by Nuclear Deal and Must Drop Sanctions, Arab News, 22 September 2021: King Salman tells UN: Saudi Arabia supports international efforts to stop Iran getting nuclear weapon, Times of Israel, 22 September 2021: EU says Iran ready to resume nuclear talks at ‘early date’, Al Arabiya, 23 September 2021: Iran FM expressed ‘very clear intent’ to return to nuclear talks: Ireland FM, Arab News, 24 September 2021: Saudi foreign minister meets US Special Envoy for Iran, The National, 24 September 2021: Iran says it will not be drawn on nuclear talks, Al Arabiya, 24 September 2021: Iran must ‘move quickly’ if it wants to resume nuclear deal talks: US official, Arab News, 25 September 2021: Under US sanctions, Iran and Venezuela strike oil export deal — Reuters, Times of Israel, 25 September 2021: Iran envoy apparently walks back comment that nuke talks will restart very soon, The Algemeiner, 25 September 2021: Under US Sanctions, Iran and Venezuela Strike Oil Export Deal, Al Arabiya, 26 September 2021: Iran fails to fully honor agreement on monitoring equipment: IAEA, Arab News, 26 September 2021: Why Tehran must never have a nuclear weapon, The National, 26 September 2021: Iran is not fully honouring monitor agreement, IAEA says, Haaretz, 27 September 2021: At UN, Bennett Warns Iran’s Nuke Program Has Hit a ‘Watershed Moment – and So Has Israel’s Tolerance’ (new player, same old palaver. For 30 years, Iran has allegedly “in three months at the latest the atomic bomb”. Accordingly, their number should now add up to a few thousand. In fact, Iran does not have a single atomic bomb. Instead, Israel has up to 200), Haaretz, 27 September 2021: Benjamin Netanyahu, the Man Who Brought Iran to the Nuclear Threshold, Arab News, 28 September 2021: Tehran faces UN rap over atom secrets, Arab News, 28 September 2021: Iran rejects US demand for UN inspectors’ access to nuclear site, Jerusalem Post, 1 October 2021: ‘War with Israel already started’ says Iranian FM spokesman, Politico.eu, 1 October 2021: Iran plays for time as pessimism grows over nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2021: Head of Military Intelligence: Iran not getting the bomb any time soon, The Hill, 2 October 2021: Iran asked to unfreeze $10 billion in funds to restart nuclear talks with US: official, Al Arabiya, 3 October 2021: Saudi Arabia’s FM: Talks with Iran are still in exploratory phase, Jerusalem Post, 3 October 2021: Saudi Arabia confirms first round of talks with new Iranian government, Arab News, 4 October 2021: Failure to agree new Iran deal spells trouble for Biden, France24, 4 October 2021: Iran FM spokesman on nuclear talks: ‘We are going to get back to Vienna’, Arab News, 5 October 2021: US says will pursue ‘other avenues’ if Iran diplomacy fails, Times of Israel, 5 October 2021: Israel must actively oppose US return to the JCPOA, Al Arabiya, 5 October 2021: Quest for more leverage drives Iran’s nuclear stalling tactic: Analysts, The Times, 5 October 2021: Israeli spies ‘kidnapped Iranian general in hunt for missing airman’, Arab News, 5 October 2021: Political corruption, pro-Iran militias in Iraqi voters’ sights, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2021: Iran’s cyber-espionage poses threat to Israel, countries in the region: Report, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2021: Nuclear talks with US to resume ‘soon,’ Iranian foreign minister says, DW, 6 October 2021: Iran warns Israel over ‘presence’ in Azerbaijan, The National, 8 October 2021: Plan B for Iran critical as nuclear talks face collapse, Arab News, 8 October 2021: Iran FM ‘optimistic’ on nuclear talks if US plays ball, Times of Israel, 8 October 2021: Iran says Saudi detente on right track, but more talks needed, Arab News, 10 October 2021: Iran makes more 20% enriched uranium than UN nuclear watchdog reported, Times of Israel, 10 October 2021: Iran has 120 kilograms of 20% enriched uranium, atomic chief says, France24, 10 October 2021: Iran’s power company warns of cuts due to illegal crypto mining, Times of Israel, 10 October 2021: Merkel in Jerusalem: We are in ‘decisive weeks’ for Iran nuclear talks, The Algemeiner, 10 October 2021: Coming Weeks Are Decisive for Iran Nuclear Deal, Merkel Says, Arab News, 11 October 2021: Iran: Europe must guarantee nuclear deal will be upheld, France24, 11 October 2021: Saudi and Iran signal warming ties but ‘real steps’ needed, NPR, 11 October 2021: Pro-Iran candidates are the biggest losers in Iraq’s election, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2021: Mike Pompeo: Israel might need to attack Iran due to US ‘appeasement’ (Pompeo is asking for Israel’s distruction, like always. Good luck with that one. It finally might work. And with the rest? The usual Trumpian BS bingo), Haaretz, 12 October 2021: Bennett No Longer Considers Iran Nuclear Deal ‘Historic Mistake,’ but He Can’t Say So (the biggest mistake ever was the “maximum pressure” BS bingo by Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, that pressured Iran to the closest point ever to actually build the bomb in order to defend to country. The biggest mistake ever might actually be to vote Netanyahu and Trump into offices, so that they could tirelessly work on the distruction of their home countries), Reuters, 12 October 2021: Cleric Sadr wins Iraq vote, former PM Maliki close behind -officials, The National, 12 October 2021: Iraq elections explained: when will a new government be formed?, France24, 13 October 2021: Pro-Iran parties denounce ‘scam’ after Iraq election setback, Khaleej Times, 13 October 2021: US: Blinken warns of ‘other options’ on Iran if diplomacy fails, Arab News, 13 October 2021: US envoy says possible Iran won’t return to nuclear deal, Haaretz, 13 October 2021: Tehran-Riyadh Detente Could Mark the End for Israel’s anti-Iran Coalition (The normalization agreements, the so-called Abraham Accords, came about because the Trump administration had promised the Gulf States major sales agreements for top-class US weapons technology. Now that it is becoming more and more obvious that these sales agreements are unlikely to come about, Saudi Arabia in particular is understandably losing interest in signing a normalization agreement with Israel for its part, as there is zero incentive to do so. Other countries will, of course, follow suit), Arab News, 13 October 2021: EU envoy to visit Iran amid nuclear talks push, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2021: Iran claims success for new ‘Iranian Iron Dome’ air defense system – analysis, The Algemeiner, 13 October 2021: US, EU, Israel Take Tough Stance on Iran, Mull Options (the views of Israel and partly of the US on the one hand and the views of the EU on the other hand are still light years away from each others. Especially the military option is off the table for the EU, as it is no longer willing to pay the prize for the stupidity of others (major influxes of refugees). So, if Israel want to start a war against Iran, it can of course do so, but will pay the prize for it entirely on its own), Al Arabiya, 14 October 2021: US, EU, Israel adopt tough tone on Iran, mull options, Haaretz, 14 October 2021: Iran’s Regime Will Likely Survive Sanctions, but Its People Might Not, Arab News, 15 October 2021: Saudi FM: There should be ‘quick suspension’ by Iran of activities that violate nuclear deal, The National, 15 October 2021: Iran talks ‘cordial’ but no ‘substantial progress’, Saudi foreign minister says, The Algemeiner, 15 October 2021: EU’s Borrell Says Iran Wants to Meet Officials in Brussels Over Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2021: Region is entering a dangerous phase due to Iran’s activities: Saudi FM , The Algemeiner, 15 October 2021: ‘We Are Serious:’ Saudi Foreign Minister Sounds Optimistic Note On Negotiations With Iran, Al-Monitor, 15 October 2021: Russian-Iranian competition heats up in South Caucasus, Arab News, 16 October 2021: EU: Iran not ready to resume Vienna talks, Times of Israel, 16 October 2021: EU czar agrees to discuss nuke talks with Iran, but warns clock is ticking, DW, 16 October 2021: Why Saudi-Iran relations are thawing — for now, Politico.eu, 17 October 2021: EU, US try to lure Iran back to nuclear talks as hopes fade, The Algemeiner, 17 October 2021: Iran Meeting in Brussels Thursday on Resuming Vienna Nuclear Talks, Arab News, 18 October 2021: EU says no Iran nuclear deal talks in Brussels on Thursday, Al Arabiya, 18 October 2021: EU says no nuclear talks with Iran on Thursday in Brussels, contradicting Tehran, France24, 18 October 2021: EU denies nuclear talks with Iran in Brussels, contradicting Tehran, Gulf Times, 19 October 2021: Foreign Minister meets US Special Envoy for Iran, Times of Israel, 19 October 2021: Israel said to approve $1.5 billion budget for potential strike on Iran, The Algemeiner, 19 October 2021: Iran is Cozying Up to Moderate States, and Israel Is Worried, The Washington Post, 19 October 2021: If Biden won’t fight China’s importing of Iranian oil, Congress should, The Hill, 19 October 2021: Let’s plug the sanctions gaps that enable Iran to sell oil to China and Venezuela, Arab News, 19 October 2021: IAEA: Surveillance of Iran nuclear program no longer ‘intact’, The Algemeiner, 20 October 2021: Saudi Foreign Minister, US Special Envoy to Iran Discuss Nuclear Talks, Jerusalem Post, 21 October 2021: Liberman: Conflict with Iran a matter of time, not far off (“This is a problem of the international community but first of all ours” – Benjamin Netanyahu managed to drag Bush Junior into the Iraq war with the help of lies and falsified information. He also succeeded in persuading Trump to take the completely crazy step of a unilateral exit from the Iran deal, which has resulted in Iran today being closer than ever to building a nuclear weapon. However, it is a complete misjudgment to deduce that the international community would have to compensate for the mistakes of the largely incompetent Israeli leadership. That is by no means the case. The member states of the international community are primarily committed to the security of their own populations and not to Benjamin Netanyahu’s perverse violent fantasies. For decades he has wanted to wage war against Iran and is getting closer and closer. To make this dream come true, many soldiers and civilians from the Levant, including quite a few Israelis (only to please a deeply corrupt, incompetent, Islamophobic criminal), will die, but certainly no others, because they will stay out of it. So, good luck with you war games. Enjoy), Times of Israel, 21 October 2021: IDF said to resume practicing potential strike on Iranian nuclear sites, Haaretz, 21 October 2021: Israel’s Third Option for Dealing With Iran, Arab News, 22 October 2021: Iran nuclear talks ‘on life support’ as Tehran drags feet, Al Arabiya, 23 October 2021: Iran says its needs $11 billion to develop Southwest oil fields it shares with Iraq, The Algemeiner, 24 October 2021: The US Must Stop Falling Prey to Iranian Extortion, The National, 24 October 2021: UN nuclear watchdog warns of breakdown in monitoring Iran, The Algemeiner, 24 October 2021: Will the Real US Policy on Iran Please Stand Up?, Israel Hayom, 24 October 2021: 3 plans to stop Iran’s nuclear program: Which will be chosen?, The National, 25 October 2021: Iran’s leaders use executions as ‘political tool’ to keep power, UN hears, Arab News, 25 October 2021: EU says to hold nuclear talks with Iran in Brussels ‘this week’, Israel Hayom, 25 October 2021: Iran could not care less about Joe Biden, The National, 25 October 2021: Biden’s Iran envoy hints at continued diplomacy if nuclear deal unravels, Times of Israel, 25 October 2021: IAF to start training for strike on Iran nuke program in coming months, Al Arabiya, 25 October 2021: Iran’s reasoning behind delay in nuclear deal talks ‘wearing very thin’: US envoy , Israel Hayom, 25 October 2021: Iran nuclear talks now in ‘critical phase’, US envoy says, Times of Israel, 25 October 2021: EU, Iran say they’ll hold nuclear talks in Brussels ‘this week’, The National, 26 October 2021: UK warns Iran to ‘meaningfully’ engage in nuclear talks, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: Eyeing drone threat from Iran, Israel working to boost radars, air defenses, Arab News, 26 October 2021: Iran says cyberattack behind widespread disruption at gas stations, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: Iranian gas stations hit by outage in widespread cyberattack, DW, 26 October 2021: Why Iran fears chaos in Afghanistan, The Algemeiner, 27 October 2021: Iran Ready to Hold Direct Talks With European Parties to Nuclear Deal: State Media, Haaretz, 27 October 2021: Iran Says Nuclear Talks With Six Powers Will Resume by End of November, France24, 27 October 2021: Iran agrees to restart nuclear deal talks before end of November, CNN, 27 October 2021: Iran agrees to resume nuclear talks, Times of Israel, 27 October 2021: An Israeli Pre-Emptive Strike on Iran?, The Guardian, 27 October 2021: Iran nuclear deal: Talks to resume by end of November says negotiator, The National, 27 October 2021: Iran and world powers to resume nuclear deal talks, Times of Israel, 27 October 2021: As Iran agrees to return to nuclear talks, US urges it to show ‘good faith’, Al Arabiya, 27 October 2021: US tells Iran ‘window will not remain open forever’ to revive nuclear deal, The New York Times, 27 October 2021: Iran Will Rejoin Nuclear Talks, Top Negotiator Says, The National, 29 October 2021: Iran drone programme target of latest US sanctions, Al Arabiya, 29 October 2021: US slaps sanctions on Iran’s drone program, will continue to hold Tehran accountable, Times of Israel, 29 October 2021: US slaps sanctions on Iran drone commander behind attack on Israeli-linked ship, Haaretz, 29 October 2021: Playing for Time, Iran Realizes the U.S. Is Losing Patience, Arab News, 30 October 2021: US, European leaders express ‘grave, growing concern’ over Iran, Al Arabiya, 30 October 2021: US, European leaders express ‘grave, growing concern’ over Iran, NPR, 30 October 2021: Biden, other leaders say no easing sanctions until Iran slows its nuclear development, Los Angeles Times, 30 October 2021: Biden offers to lift sanctions if Iran ‘changes course’, Politico.com, 31 October 2021: Blinken on Iran nuclear deal: ‘We still believe diplomacy is the best path forward’, Times of Israel, 31 October 2021: Biden pledges to only leave renewed Iran deal if Tehran clearly violates it, The National, 31 October 2021: Antony Blinken says US and Europe are ‘in lockstep’ on Iran talks, Arab News, 31 October 2021: With Iran’s eastward shift, nuclear talks are dead in the water, Haaretz, 31 October 2021: Israel’s Misguided War Against Iran’s Gas Stations, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2021: US will respond to Iran’s actions, ‘price’ to pay for nuclear talks failure: Biden, Haaretz, 31 October 2021: Blinken Declines to Rule Out Military Option Should Iran Nuclear Talks Fail, The National, 1 November 2021: Nuclear deal: Biden pledges US compliance if ‘Iran does the same’, Arab News, 1 November 2021: Iran rejects Western ‘concerns’ over nuclear compliance, Times of Israel, 1 November 2021: US in ‘lockstep’ with allies, looking at ‘all options’ on Iran over nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 2 November 2021: In Glasgow, world leaders seek new way forward on Iran — Israeli official, Al Arabiya, 3 November 2021: Iran says seized tanker involved in US attempt to ‘steal’ Iranian oil in Sea of Oman, Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2021: Iranian non-compliance harms revival of nuclear deal, Irish FM tells ‘Post’, The Algemeiner, 3 November 2021: Iran Nuclear Talks With World Powers to Resume Nov. 29, BBC, 3 November 2021: Iran nuclear deal: Talks to resume within weeks, Al Arabiya, 4 November 2021: Ahead of nuclear talks resumption, Iran says it doubled stock of enriched uranium, The Algemeiner, 4 November 2021: France Leaves Door Open for IAEA Action on Iran, Arab News, 5 November 2021: Iran says stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium reaches 25 kg, Haaretz, 5 November 2021: U.S. and Israel Are Split on Iran. One Thing Unites Them, Gulf Times, 7 November 2021: Iran launches military drills near strategic oil lanes, Israel Hayom, 7 November 2021: Israel must shift Iran focus from US to Europe, Al Arabiya, 7 November 2021: Iran begins annual war games ahead of nuke talks with West, DW, 12 November 2021: 100 days in, Iran’s government appears stalled, Arab News, 12 November 2021: Lack of contact from Iran govt ‘astonishing’: UN nuclear watchdog, DW, 12 November 2021: Nukes monitor says Iran hasn’t been in contact, Al Arabiya, 12 November 2021: Iran says will not discuss its nuclear program in upcoming Vienna talks, Haaretz, 14 November 2021: Opposing Nuclear Talks, Bennett Won’t Meet With U.S. Envoy on Iran, Al Arabiya, 16 November 2021: UAE working to de-escalate tensions with Iran, no interest in confrontation: Gargash, The National, 17 November 2021: Iran denies IAEA access to key nuclear sites, Al Arabiya, 17 November 2021: Iran still denying inspectors ‘essential’ access to workshop: IAEA report, Arab News, 17 November 2021: UN atomic watchdog: Iran further raising nuclear stockpile, Al Arabiya, 17 November 2021: Senior US, GCC officials meet in Riyadh to discuss Iran’s ‘dangerous policies’, The Algemeiner, 18 November 2021: Unspoken US Aim at Iran Nuclear Talks May Be Winning Chinese, Russian Support, Gulf Times, 18 November 2021: Iran has again boosted uranium stockpile: IAEA, Arab News, 19 November 2021: Time shrinking for Iran nuclear deal, US envoy warns, Al Arabiya, 19 November 2021: Time shrinking for Iran nuclear deal, US envoy warns, Haaretz, 19 November 2021: Iran’s Big Power Play: Bolstering Ties With Israel’s Partner, Arab News, 19 November 2021: The reality behind Iran’s nuclear choices — and ours, Al Arabiya, 19 November 2021: Unspoken US aim at Iran nuclear talks may be winning Chinese, Russian support, France24, 19 November 2021: Iranians gather in mass protest against water crisis caused by dried-up river, Khaleej Times, 20 November 2021: US defence chief vows to counter Iran in visit to Bahrain, The National, 20 November 2021: US will stop Iran developing nuclear weapon, says top official, Al Arabiya, 20 November 2021: Iranian navy seizes foreign ship in Gulf waters allegedly smuggling diesel: Report, The Algemeiner, 22 November 2021: US Warns Israel Attacks on Iran Nuclear Facilities ‘Counterproductive’, The National, 22 November 2021: Iran hopes for ‘constructive’ visit by IAEA chief, Arab News, 22 November 2021: GCC, US united against Iranian threats, Haaretz, 22 November 2021: U.S. Officials Warned Israel Attacks on Iranian Nuke Facilities Are Counterproductive, Report Says, Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2021: Biden pressuring Israel not to undermine nuclear negotiations – NYT, BBC, 22 November 2021: Iran nuclear programme: Threat of Israeli strike grows, Haaretz, 23 November 2021: The U.S. Is Bracing for Blows With Israel as Iran Nuclear Talks Near, Jerusalem Post, 23 November 2021: Ex-Mossad chief Pardo: Bennett has no Iran strategy, Haaretz, 23 November 2021: Israel’s Shiny, New Theme Park and Mall That Aren’t Technically in Israel, Arab News, 23 November 2021: Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s aggressive policies: Cabinet, Jerusalem Post, 23 November 2021: Bennett: Israel won’t be obligated to Iran Deal if US returns (even while Netanyahu is gone, the Israeli desire to start a war with Iran is still running high), Times of Israel, 23 November 2021: Israel digs in heels on military action, warns revived nuke deal won’t thwart Iran, France24, 23 November 2021: IAEA seeks ‘common ground’ with Iran ahead of nuclear talks, DW, 23 November 2021: UN nuclear watchdog: Talks with Iran ‘intense’, Foreign Policy, 23 November 2021: Iran Readies for a Return to the Negotiating Table, The Guardian, 24 November 2021: Iran’s nuclear programme: UN nuclear watchdog fails to reach access deal, Al Arabiya, 24 November 2021: US will not ‘sit idly’ if Iran drags out nuclear talks: Rob Malley, The Algemeiner, 24 November 2021: IAEA Chief Says Time Running Out to End Stand-Off Over Iran Workshop, Al Arabiya, 24 November 2021: IAEA chief says he ‘could not agree’ in talks with Iran, Haaretz, 24 November 2021: Biden’s Got No Leverage, Israel’s Impotent. Iran Has Nothing to Fear From Nuke Talks, The Algemeiner, 25 November 2021: US General: Iran ‘Very Close’ to Nuclear Weapon, Jerusalem Post, 25 November 2021: Israel too afraid of US and coalition friction to strike Iran – opinion, France24, 27 November 2021: Iran riot police deployed after 67 arrested in Isfahan, The New York Times, 27 November 2021: Israel and Iran Broaden Cyberwar to Attack Civilian Targets, Times of Israel, 27 November 2021: Iranian negotiator arrives in Vienna for resumption of nuclear talks, Al Arabiya, 27 November 2021: Iran negotiator arrives in Vienna for key nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 27 November 2021: Iran insists Vienna talks not on nuclear issues days before meetings with US, Arab News, 27 November 2021: US threatens escalation with Iran in nuclear row, Politico.com, 27 November 2021: Maximum fissures: Iran nuclear deal talks head toward oblivion, The Guardian, 28 November 2021: Iran: Nuclear talks to resume with world powers after five-month hiatus, France24, 28 November 2021: Israel’s top diplomat heads to Europe before Iran nuclear talks, CNN, 28 November 2021: Iran nuclear talks: US ‘prepared to use other options’ if diplomacy fails, The Algemeiner, 28 November 2021: Israel Concerned Iran Will Secure Sanctions Relief Without Rolling Back Nuclear Program, France24, 28 November 2021: Iranian, Chinese and Russian teams meet ahead of crunch nuclear talks, Arab News, 28 November 2021: Iran nuclear talks: Preparing for failure, Al Arabiya, 28 November 2021: West must ‘pay price’ to revive nuclear deal: Iran chief negotiator, The National, 28 November 2021: US warns Iran against accelerating nuclear project during Vienna talks, Arab News, 28 November 2021: Low expectations on nuclear talks as Iran creates facts on the ground, Al Arabiya, 28 November 2021: Explainer: What remains of the Iran nuclear deal as talks resume?, Israel Hayom, 28 November 2021: Is the Biden administration hopelessly deluded about Iran?, NPR, 28 November 2021: Iran nuclear talks are starting again. A lot has changed, and here’s what’s at stake, Israel Hayom, 28 November 2021: US officials allege Israel behind cyberattack on Iranian gas stations, Politico.eu, 29 November 2021: UK and Israel target Iran with trade, defense and cyber pact, The Times, 29 November 2021: Ex-nuclear chief admits Iran aimed to create bomb, The Guardian, 29 November 2021: Progress in Iran nuclear talks as Tehran agrees to discuss compliance, Arab News, 29 November 2021: Iran’s nuclear program ‘has military element,’ admits ex-atomic energy chief, The National, 29 November 2021: EU: ‘sense of urgency’ over Iran nuclear deal talks in Vienna, Al Arabiya, 29 November 2021: Iran will not hold talks with US in Vienna over nuclear deal: Iran foreign ministry, Arab News, 29 November 2021: Gloomy mood as Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna, Al Arabiya, 29 November 2021: Iran nuclear deal Iran nuclear deal talks resume in Vienna amid muted hopes, France24, 29 November 2021: Nuclear talks resume in Vienna as West asks whether Iran is serious or stalling, Jerusalem Post, 29 November 2021: There is no ‘second Europe’ coming to Iran’s rescue – analysis, France24, 29 November 2021: EU, Iran voice optimism as nuclear deal talks restart in Vienna, The Algemeiner, 29 November 2021: EU, Russia, Iran Upbeat as Nuclear Talks Resume Amid Skepticism, DW, 29 November 2021: Iran nuclear talks resume — will they yield results?, The National, 30 November 2021: Macron urges Raisi to respect nuclear obligations after Iran’s new demands, Al Arabiya, 30 November 2021: European diplomats unsure if Iran talks to resume where ended in June, Arab News, 30 November 2021: Europeans see ‘problem’ if Iran is not serious in nuclear talks this week, Al Arabiya, 30 November 2021: UAE to send delegation to Iran soon, says senior Emirati official, Times of Israel, 30 November 2021: He led IDF intel gathering on Iran, was ignored and fears Israel is now paying price, Haaretz, 30 November 2021: Stop the Hysteria: Nuclear Deal or Not, This Isn’t 1938, The New York Times, 30 November 2021: Trump’s Iran Policy Has Become a Disaster for the U.S. and Israel, Israel Hayom, 30 November 2021: Israel has ‘free rein’ to deal with Iran’s precision weapons, not its nuclear program, The National, 1 December 2021: Iran increases uranium enrichment despite Vienna nuclear deal talks, Arab News, 1 December 2021: IAEA plans to step up inspections at Iran’s Fordow plant, Times of Israel, 1 December 2021: Iran accuses Israel of lying in order to ‘poison’ Vienna nuclear talks, The Guardian, 1 December 2021: Iran: Nuclear deal talks in Vienna told of start to uranium enrichment, France24, 1 December 2021: “A deal with Iran is possible” says IAEA director general, The Atlantic, 1 December 2021: Iran Feels Conered by the Biden Administration, Arab News, 2 December 2021: 5 years after Vienna Agreement: The pain and gain are still here, Al Arabiya, 2 December 2021: Iran makes nuclear advance at Fordow despite talks to save deal, Times of Israel, 3 December 2021: War: What Israel talks about when it talks about striking Iran’s nuclear program, Al Arabiya, 3 December 2021: US hits out at Iran for not coming to Vienna with constructive proposals, Arab News, 3 December 2021: Europeans ‘disappointed’ over ‘back-tracking’ at Iran nuclear talks, Haaretz, 3 December 2021: Macron Says Iran Nuclear Talks Not ‘Successful’ as First Round Ends, Al Arabiya, 3 December 2021: Europe disappointed at Iran’s stance in nuclear talks, Haaretz, 3 December 2021: Blinken: Iran not serious about reviving nuclear deal, U.S. has other options, The Algemeiner, 4 December 2021: Iran Nuclear Talks Break, Europe, US Dismayed by Iranian Stance, Gulf Times, 4 December 2021: Iran nuclear talks on the brink of crisis, Arab News, 4 December 2021: Iran stonewalling JCPOA talks to advance nuclear program, say US officials, The National, 4 December 2021: Large blast heard over Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, Arab News, 4 December 2021: Air defence test sparks loud blast near Iran nuclear site, Al Arabiya, 4 December 2021: US hits out at Iran for not coming to Vienna with constructive proposals, Haaretz, 4 December 2021: Iran Has Drones and Missiles – but Not Enough Chicken or Meat, Jerusalem Post, 4 December 2021: US threatens Iran but still seeks JCPOA revival, Haaretz, 4 December 2021: Blinken: Iran not serious about reviving nuclear deal, The Washington Post, 4 December 2021: U.S. warns it has ‘tools’ to deal with Iran if nuclear talks fail, Politico.com, 5 December 2021: Israel urges hard line against Iran at nuclear talks, Haaretz, 5 December 2021: What AIPAC Is Telling Congress on Biden’s Iran Negotiations, Israel Hayom, 5 December 2021: Israel worried UAE playing ‘Qatari game’ by moving closer to Iran, Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2021: Israel will act against Iran alone if necessary, Herzog tells Amb. Nides, Al Arabiya, 5 December 2021: Iran’s national currency falls to record low over nuclear deal, Israel Hayom, 5 December 2021: UAE’s top security official to visit Iran on Monday, Times of Israel, 6 December 2021: Israel to urge US to act militarily against Iran amid stalled nuke talks — reports, The Algemeiner, 6 December 2021: UAE Security Official Pays Rare Visit to Iran to Discuss Ties, Regional Issues, France24, 6 December 2021: Iran slams France for selling arms to UAE, ‘destabilising’ region, Haaretz, 7 December 2021: ‘Iranian Blackmail’? Israel Knows Biden Isn’t Buying Its Threats, The Times, 7 December 2021: Israel ‘attacks weapons shipment in Syrian port’, The National, 7 December 2021: Bring realistic proposals to Vienna nuclear talks, Iran told, The Algemeiner, 7 December 2021: Israel Has Struck 75% of Iran’s Weapons in Syria: Security Sources, Arab News, 7 December 2021: Despite no advances, France expects Iran nuclear talks to resume Thursday, The National, 7 December 2021: US slaps Iran with new sanctions for ‘serious’ human rights abuses, Arab News, 7 December 2021: US sanctions target individuals, entities in Iran and Syria, Al Arabiya, 7 December 2021: Iran nuclear draft proposals ‘not a reasonable basis’ for deal: France, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: Only Israel votes at UN to oppose ME nuclear-free zone, Times of Israel, 7 December 2021: No evidence Iran has decided to weaponize nuclear program, CIA chief says, Haaretz, 7 December 2021: CIA Chief: No Evidence Iran Has Made Decision to Weaponize Nuclear Program, The National, 9 December 2021: Last-chance Iran nuclear talks in Vienna were ‘constructive’, The Times, 9 December 2021: Why America could be forced into bombing Iran, The Guardian, 9 December 2021: Iran: Nuclear deal pulled back from brink of collapse as talks resume in Vienna, DW, 9 December 2021: Iran nuclear deal talks resume in Vienna amid concerns, Haaretz, 10 December 2021: Some Voices in Iran Imagine a Different Foreign Policy, Al Arabiya, 10 December 2021: Advances in Iran nuclear talks ‘logical’, EU official says, Haaretz, 10 December 2021: An Israeli Strike on Iran Might Have Been Possible a Decade Ago. Not Today, Times of Israel, 10 December 2021: Erdan: US effectively agrees with Israel that Iran deal doesn’t block path to bomb (when Erdan says something usually quite the opposite is true. That should also be the case here), The Algemeiner, 11 December 2021: Blinken Held ‘Productive’ Talks with Europeans on Iran Nuclear Deal, Haaretz, 11 December 2021: Iran ‘Serious’ About Nuke Talks but Key Differences Remain, President Raisi Says, The Algemeiner, 11 December 2021: Report: Israel Consulted with US Before Attacking Iranian Sites, Jerusalem Post, 11 December 2021: ‘Time is running out,’ new German FM warns as Iran talks deadlocked, Arab News, 11 December 2021: US leads new crunch talks on Iranian nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 11 December 2021: Iran warns of ‘heavy price’ after report of US-Israeli military drill plans, France24, 12 December 2021: G7 urges Iran to agree nuclear deal, warns Russia against invasion of Ukraine, The National, 12 December 2021: Iran critical of European countries’ stance on nuclear deal, Arab News, 12 December 2021: Middle East in denial as solutions prove elusive, Jerusalem Post, 13 December 2021: US rejects Israeli request for tanker aircraft as Iran plans advance (so, the US isn’t activly supporting Israel’s desire to start a war with Iran. Surprise, surprise), Al Arabiya, 14 December 2021: Iran losing ‘precious time’ with nuclear stance: European diplomats, Jerusalem Post, 13 December 2021: Is containment an option regarding Iran? – opinion, Haaretz, 13 December 2021: Despite UAE Visit, Bennett Unlikely to Find Backers for Iran War, The National, 14 December 2021: Near end of road to save Iran nuclear deal, say European negotiators, Arab News, 14 December 2021: Biden team should be calling Iran’s bluff in Vienna, Times of Israel, 14 December 2021: 2015 nuclear deal no longer sufficient for reality of Iran in 2022, IAEA chief says, The National, 14 December 2021: Saudi Crown Prince stresses need to tackle Iran’s nuclear programme, Al Arabiya, 15 December 2021: Saudi Arabia seeks serious approach to Iran’s nuclear, missile programs: Crown Prince, Jerusalem Post, 15 December 2021: Iran, IAEA reach partial deal on disputed nuclear issues, The Algemeiner, 15 December 2021: European Powers Say They Are Near End of Road to Save Iran Deal, Times of Israel, 15 December 2021: Iranian mouthpiece threatens Israel with map of targets (equal rights for all. Conversely, Israel has been threatening Iran with destruction for years and has repeatedly underpinned the threats with regular terrorist attacks on targets in Iran. Was it expected that Iran would hold still?), Arab News, 15 December 2021: Iran lets UN replace nuclear site’s damaged cameras: Reports, The Algemeiner, 16 December 2021: With Vienna Talks on Cusp of Collapse, Tehran Sees Little Reason to Restore Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 16 December 2021: IAEA and Iran strike deal on new cameras for sabotaged workshop, The Algemeiner, 16 December 2021: Iran Top Negotiator Says Nuclear Talks to Pause for a Few Days, Al Arabiya, 17 December 2021: IAEA chief Grossi has doubts that Iran surveillance camera’s footage vanished, The Guardian, 17 December 2021: Iran: Efforts to save nuclear deal ‘reaching the end of the road’, Al Arabiya, 17 December 2021: Former CIA chiefs, US officials call on Biden to restore Iran’s fear of strikes, DW, 17 December 2021: EU urges Iran to salvage nucelar deal, Al Arabiya, 17 December 2021: Weeks left to rescue Iran nuclear deal, Western envoys say as talks break, The National, 17 December 2021: ‘Weeks’ left to salvage Iran nuclear deal as Vienna talks pause, Al Arabiya, 18 December 2021: Latest round of nuclear talks ‘worse than they should have been’: Senior US diplomat, The Algemeiner, 18 December 2021: Israel Reports Over 800 Virus Cases for Second Straight Day, Times of Israel, 18 December 2021: Iran’s nuclear breakout time is now ‘really short, unacceptably short’ – US official, Politico.eu, 18 December 2021: Iran nuclear talks go back to the future, Jerusalem Post, 19 December 2021: Iran’s regime posts image of seeking to engulf Israel in flames (at least creative), Haaretz, 20 December 2021: Ex-Israeli Intel Chief Admits Role in Assassination of Iran’s Qassem Soleimani, Arab News, 20 December 2021: Mystery of blast at Iran nuclear power plant, Al Arabiya, 21 December 2021: Iran’s trying to build leverage for better nuclear deal, but it won’t work: US envoy, Jerusalem Post, 22 December 2021: Israel’s incoming Air Force chief: We can attack Iran tomorrow if needed (of course, and sink yourself with it. Congrats), Haaretz, 22 December 2021: Israel, U.S. ‘Don’t See Eye to Eye’ on Iran, Official Says as Sullivan Meets Bennett (apparently, people in Israel are still under the illusion that the West will intervene to straighten out what the two simpletons Netanyahu and Trump have brought about to the region with the unilateral termination of the Iran deal. But that won’t happen. No government will sacrifice its own security interests for it. Not even the USA, which after decades in Afghanistan will certainly not start the much less predictable, even longer expedition to Iran, especially since it would not only be done with Iran, but also the dispatch of large contingents of troops to Iraq, to Syria, possibly even Lebanon. Since US interests are now clearly in the Indo-Pacific, you can count the likelihood of major military missions in the Middle East on your thumb, which points down. For Netanyahu disciples, therefore, there remain several insights that have been clear and open on the table for the rest of the world for months: a) Netanyahu betrayed them and Israel massively in order to pursue his narcissistic and short-sighted, as well as rarely stupid, ideas, which the entire region will suffer from for many years to come. b) In Israel, Netanyahu successfully tried to convince his disciples that under him the security of Israel would have been strengthened, although the exact opposite is the case. With sleepwalking certainty, he made sure that he himself became the greatest enemy of the fragile Israeli democracy and, at the same time, with the unilateral termination of the Iran deal, greatly facilitated and supported Iran’s successful preparations for the construction of an atomic bomb. It is clear in security circles that before the termination of the Iran deal, Iran was years away from successful tests. It has been months at most since the agreement was terminated. Simultaneously, the simpletons Netanyahu and Trump stand in front of the cameras and seriously claim that their “Maximum Bullsh!t Bingo” was successful. What they are hiding is that Iran was much more successful than the two together. After all, Iran has been familiar with US sanctions for decades. They certainly don’t scare the rulers in Tehran. Why should they? There are alternatives to the West, which has offended Iran for the umpteenth time. A potent partner is available in China and is already supporting the Iranian economy. c) Israel is militarily much weaker than it would like to persuade itself and others and has also been actively persuaded by Netanyahu. Only a few days ago the IDF admitted that a military option against Iran cannot be seriously considered because there is no realistic possibility for a successful operation. This would require additional, substantial gifts of arms from the USA, which the Biden administration then demonstratively pushed back so far that the successor administration will probably only decide on the actual extradition. In doing so, Biden sent several clear signals to Iran: “1. We are currently not considering a military option, 2. We will not allow anybody to drag us into a military operation and 3. We are in control of the situation. At that front we just won some time, so let’s see how we can successfully restart the Iran deal in order to save what can be saved and before it gets uncomfortable.”), The Algemeiner, 22 December 2021: US National Security Adviser Sullivan Says US, Israel Need Joint Strategy Amid Iran Diplomacy, Arab News, 22 December 2021: Israel, US officials discuss concerns over Iran, Al Arabiya, 22 December 2021: Israel can strike Iran ‘tomorrow’, Hezbollah might hit back: New Air Force chief, Haaretz, 25 December 2021: Iranian Nuclear Official Says Won’t Enrich Uranium Beyond 60 Percent Even if Talks Fail, Teheran Times, 25 December 2021: The chance for nuclear diplomacy shouldn’t be wasted, Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2021: Iran threatens nuclear explosion in Israel’s Dimona facility (all options on the table on both sides. That’s how it works), The National, 27 December 2021: Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna with Tehran considering oil sales, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2021: Iran nuclear deal in limbo may be most EU diplomats can achieve, Arab News, 27 December 2021: EU diplomat says ‘difficult’ Iran nuclear talks resume with Tehran focused on sanctions relief, Jerusalem Post, 27 December 2021: Lapid warns that Israel will act alone against Iran if needed, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2021: Iran nuclear deal Israel will act alone against Iran if needed: Foreign Minister, The Guardian, 27 December 2021: Iran nuclear deal: Eighth round of talks begins in Vienna, The Hill, 27 December 2021: Beyond sanctions and strikes: A new Iran strategy (interesting read, that leaves just one question unanswerede: who in his right mind would ever be naive enough to believe or trust in “a free and fair election, monitored by the United Nations” in Iran?), DW, 27 December 2021: What do Iranians expect from the nuclear talks in Vienna?, The New Yorker, 27 December 2021: The Looming Threat of a Nuclear Crisis with Iran, The Washington Post, 28 December 2021: Four decades of ignorance have led to this U.S.-Iran standoff, Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2021: Ignore the bluff, Israel won’t attack Iran post-deal – analysis, Times of Israel, 28 December 2021: In 2022, IDF to focus on curbing Tehran in Syria, prepping strike on Iran nuke sites, France24, 28 December 2021: Iran, Russia optimistic about nuclear talks, while Europeans stress ‘urgency’, The Algemeiner, 28 December 2021: ‘Campaign Between Wars’: Israel Struck ‘Dozens’ of Syrian Targets in 2021 to Disrupt Weapons Transfer to Iranian Proxies, The National, 28 December 2021: Weeks not months left for Iran nuclear talks, Europe warns, Arab News, 28 December 2021: Iran has not shown enough urgency in nuclear talks: US State Department, Foreign Policy, 28 December 2021: A Last-Ditch Effort to Save the Iran Deal, The National, 29 December 2021: Russia seeks co-operation with US to seal Iran deal, Al Arabiya, 29 December 2021: Iran nuclear talks: Russia’s envoy to Tehran meets with US counterpart in Vienna, Gulf Times, 29 December 2021: Raisi set to visit Russia early in new year, Arab News, 30 December 2021: King Salman says Iran’s destabilizing acts remain a ‘great concern’ for Saudi Arabia, France24, 30 December 2021: Iran launches research satellite, testing Western powers amid talks on nuclear deal, Gulf Times, 31 December 2021: Iran announces new space launch amid nuclear talks, Foreign Policy, 31 December 2021: The Biden Team Knows Its Iran Policy Is Failing, Arab News, 31 December 2021: France says Iran’s space launch hits nuclear talks as they were showing progress, Al Arabiya, 1 January 2022: Rally in Baghdad on anniversary of Iran general Qassem Soleimani’s death, The National, 1 January 2022: Thousands gather in Baghdad to remember Iranian general, Times of Israel, 1 January 2022: Hundreds trample on Israel, US flags at Baghdad rally marking Soleimani’s death, Al Arabiya, 1 January 2022: Clash in southeast of Iran kills three IRGC members, six ‘armed criminals’, Jerusalem Post, 2 January 2022: Zarif, living in past, slams Trump and Netanyahu again – analysis (well, anyways. He’s of course right. Netanyahu and Trump were the two who ruined the Iran Deal. If Iran should ever build the bomb, it will be the “success” of the two and their names will forever be associated with it), The Washington Post, 2 January 2022: Smuggled Iranian fuel and secret nighttime transfers: Seafarers recount how it’s done, The National, 3 January 2022: Iran detects new ‘realism’ from West in nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks won’t end in good result for Israel – Lapid, Politico.eu, 3 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks resume, but time is running out to strike a deal, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: JPost targeted by pro-Iranian hackers on Soleimani assassination anniversary (that would be like BILD had been hacked – no drama. If a country like Israel, ordered by the highest political level, spreads state terror in Iran, it should rather be happy about the so far moderate and cautious countermeasures – Jerusalem Post, 20 December 2021: Israel was involved in Soleimani assassination, ex-IDF intel chief says), Times of Israel, 3 January 2022: Iranian news agency launches Hebrew site to mark anniversary of Soleimani killing, DW, 4 January 2022: Canada court says Iran should compensate families in jet downing, Arab News, 4 January 2022: US hopes to build on Iran nuclear talk progress this week, Haaretz, 5 January 2022: Rockets Target U.S. Forces in Iraq, Syria, as Strikes for Soleimani Anniversary Continue, Arab News, 7 January 2022: By appeasing Iran, Biden is repeating a historic mistake (interesting read, but the battle was already lost, when Trump under pressure from Netanyahu left the Iran deal unilateral and, while doing so, gave Iran the ultimate green light to finally enrich uranium and build the bomb. Besides this grave and historic mistake, another mistake is often overlooked: As the article correctly describes, Trump put American interests first, completely neglecting the interests of the Arab Gulf States. It would have been of great importance to enable these states militarily to take measures against the Iranian nuclear program themselves. That didn’t happen. Because of it, the Arab Gulf States will with some certainty have to look for alternative suppliers for appropriate weapon systems (and have already found them in China, among others) and sooner or later begin building atomic bombs themselves in order to maintain the balance of power in the Arab (on the west side) / Persian (on the east side) Gulf. If you look at the overall chaos that Trump and Netanyahu have left behind, then there are only bad and very bad solutions for Biden and the USA. The cheapest of the bad solutions would be to stay out of the way militarily and leave it to the countries of the region to find a solution for themselves. Interestingly, the Arab Gulf States and Iran also considered this possibility and have therefore already held initial talks with each other. After all, neither side can be interested in a war that would set the entire Gulf ablaze, and it would at least avert the imminent threat of open war. What is still unsolved is how to get Iran to stop supporting various terrorist organizations and to operate only and exclusively on its own territory), The National, 7 January 2022: Can Iran and the US reach a new nuclear deal?, Al Arabiya, 9 January 2022: After Tehran sanctions Americans, US vows to deter and respond to any attack by Iran, The National, 9 January 2022: US warns Iran against revenge attacks on ‘sanctioned’ Americans, Al Arabiya, 10 January 2022: Iran minister says nuclear talks nearing ‘good agreement’, Arab News, 10 January 2022: Israel not bound by any nuclear deal with Iran, Bennett says (of course not, just as no one is bound to support Israel in its madness towards Iran), Times of Israel, 10 January 2022: Eyeing Iran, Bennett says military undergoing largest rearmament in years, Haaretz, 11 January 2022: Iran Will Forever Remain on the Verge of Nuclear Weapons, and Profit From It, Times of Israel, 12 January 2022: Shin Bet arrests 5 Jewish Israelis suspected of spying for Iran, Jerusalem Post, 13 January 2022: Bennett better than Netanyahu, still room to improve – two ex-Mossad chiefs, Foreign Policy, 13 January 2022: Biden Can No Longer Ignore Growing Iran-China Ties, Times of Israel, 14 January 2022: Top EU official: I was previously pessimistic, but nuclear deal with Iran possible, Arab News, 15 January 2022: Negotiators head home as Iran talks hit critical stage, Jerusalem Post, 15 January 2022: Nuclear negotiators head home for consultations, as Iran talks hit critical stage, Al Arabiya, 15 January 2022: Iran needs to stop interfering in Arab affairs: Jordan’s FM, Jerusalem Post, 15 January 2022: France: Iran talks moving ‘too slowly to reach a result’, The National, 16 January 2022: Why Israel will watch the US-Russia standoff anxiously, Jerusalem Post, 16 January 2022: Israel should not attack nuclear Iran alone, but should join a NATO 2.0 (or in other words: Israel wants to threaten Iran with attacks or total destruction at any point, but at the same time wants others to do the job and pay the price for it), The Algemeiner, 17 January 2022: Iran Threatens to Murder an American President, and the Media Yawns (what the article isn’t mentioning is that 2/3 of the world’s population would celebrate if Iran went ahead with its plan), Jerusalem Post, 19 January 2022: Iran sees ties with Russia as ‘new Middle East’, Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Iran says in talks with Russia to expand Islamic Republic’s sole nuclear power plant, The Times, 21 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks on brink of collapse, warn negotiators, Al Arabiya, 24 January 2022: Iran nuclear agreement unlikely without release of US prisoners: Malley, The National, 25 January 2022: Iran open to direct talks with US if chance of deal emerges, Al Arabiya, 25 January 2022: Iran’s Raisi says revival of 2015 deal possible if US lifts sanctions, Jerusalem Post, 27.01.2022: Bennett to ‘Post’: Israel will continue its strategy to stop Iran even if there’s a deal, The National, 27 January 2022: Iran poised for rapid build-up that ‘risks missile arms race’ (the legacy of Netanyahu and #45), Arab News, 28 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks pause as diplomats confer with capitals, Al Arabiya, 28 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks paused, ‘political decisions’ needed, The Algemeiner, 28 January 2022: A Failure to Explain Iran’s Threats to Israel, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: ‘Political decisions are needed’: EU says Iran nuclear talks put on pause, Politico.eu, 28 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks enter ‘final stage’, France24, 28 January 2022: Iran nuclear talks paused for ‘political decisions’, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: Former IDF chief calls US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal ‘a strategic mistake’, Al Arabiya, 30 January 2022: Macron urges need to ‘accelerate’ nuclear talks, in call with Iran leader, Al Arabiya, 1 February 2022: Only ‘handful of weeks’ left to reach Iran nuclear deal: Senior US diplomat, Times of Israel, 1 February 2022: Iran shifts centrifuge work away from site allegedly struck by Israel — UN watchdog, Arab News, 3 February 2022: New naval militia unit ‘augments Iran’s regionwide export of terrorism’, Times of Israel, 3 February 2022: US said to believe Iran’s breakout time will be well under a year if JCPOA revived (thanks to Netanyahu and #45), The National, 4 February 2022: US waives sanctions for Iran civil nuclear programme, Al Arabia, 5 February 2022: Iran wants US guarantee of reviving 2015 nuclear deal as Vienna talks near end, Arab News, 5 February 2022: US grants sanctions relief to Iran as nuclear talks remain in balance, Al Arabia, 5 February 2022: US grants sanctions relief to Iran as nuke talks in balance, Times of Israel, 5 February 2022: Iran: US waiving sanctions on Tehran’s civil atomic program is ‘good but not enough’, Al Arabiya, 7 February 2022: US says Iran nuclear deal ‘in sight’ but urgent need to finalize, The National, 8 February 2022: Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna but time running out, The Algemeiner, 8 February 2022: Israel’s Future Submarines Seen as Key Development Towards Regional Naval Ascendency, The National, 9 February 2022: Iran nuclear deal: US officials give ‘sobering and shocking’ update, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: CENTCOM nominee promotes Middle East integrated air and missile defense, Times of Israel, 10 February 2022: Raisi says Iran ‘never has hope’ in nuclear talks as country marks 1979 revolution, The Algemeiner, 11 February 2022: How America Is Helping Iran Get a Nuclear Arsenal (in real life it was Netanyahu who, with the help of outright lies and completely wrong assumptions, put massive pressure on Trump to unilaterally cancel the Iran deal, which he did. Of course, it was easy to feed nonsense to the fact-free Trump, because he is much more receptive to that than to fact-based decisions. Fact is that the two weirdos hadn’t, haven’t and never will have any alternative to the Iran deal, but still decided to free fall without a parachute and at the same time made Iran’s potential construction of a nuclear bomb possible in the first place. As a reminder, at the urging of then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose job it was to avert harm to the Israeli people, but instead, in his utterly misguided mania, chose the opposite direction. Trying to distract from this by attempting to blame President Biden for the complete failure of Netanyahu and Trump is cheapest political propaganda), Jerusalem Post, 11 February 2022: Nasrallah publicly distances Hezbollah from Iran, Israel Hayom, 11 February 2022: ‘By opposing Iran deal, Israel coming to terms with nuclear Tehran,’ Western diplomat says, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Tehran ‘in hurry’ for nuclear agreement, West should stop wasting time: Iran FM, Arab News, 15 February 2022: Saudi Arabia backs US efforts to stop Iran getting nuclear weapons, The Guardian, 16 February 2022: Iran: Tehran under pressure as nuclear deal reaches crunch point, Arab News, 16 February 2022: US in ‘very final stages’ of Iran nuclear talks, State Dept. says, France24, 17 February 2022: Iran says nuclear agreement ‘closer than ever’ as France steps up pressure, Foreign Policy, 17 February 2022: A New Iran Deal Means Old Chaos, The Times, 17 February 2022: Iran nuclear deal ‘close’ as US says talks in final stages, The National, 18 February 2022: US says nuclear deal could be imminent if Iran ‘shows seriousness’, Haaretz, 18 February 2022: Theory That Iran Is Using Nuclear Talks to Stall Has Been Proved Wrong, Politico.eu, 18 February 2022: Iran nuclear talks crash Munich Security Conference, The Algemeiner, 18 February 2022: Iran Nuclear Deal Could Be Agreed Very Soon, EU Official Says, Al Arabiya, 18 February 2022: Iran nuclear deal could be agreed very soon, EU official says, Arab News, 18 February 2022: Iran nuclear deal could be agreed very soon: EU official, Times of Israel, 19 February 2022: Germany’s Scholz: Now is ‘moment of truth’ for nuke deal, Iran must make a choice, Arab News, 19 February 2022: Germany warns Iran ‘moment of truth’ has arrived to revive nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 20 February 2022: Saudi Arabia plans for fresh round of talks with Iran: Foreign minister, The Algemeiner, 20 February 2022: Israel Expects ‘Shorter, Weaker’ Iran Nuclear Deal Soon: ‘Preparing for Day After’, Arab News, 20 February 2022: Israeli PM: Iran nuke deal will bring ‘more violent’ Mideast, Al Arabiya, 21 February 2022: Saudi FM says nuclear deal with Iran must help resolve region’s issues, Haaretz, 21 February 2022: The Iran Nuclear Deal Isn’t a Threat, and Israel Must Find a New Approach, Arab News, 21 February 2022: Saudi FM: Returning to Iran nuclear deal should be starting point for addressing regional issues, Haaretz, 21 February 2022: Israel’s Iran Policy: From 2015 to 2022, Déjà Vu All Over Again, Times of Israel, 22 February 2022: Netanyahu urges US Jews to fight Iran deal or risk nuke threat on NY, LA (Netanyahu is still fighting hard to make sure that his buddys in Iran will be able to develop the bomb. Awesome! The Israelis will love it), Jerusalem Post, 24 February 2022: How war in Ukraine increases Iran’s threat to Israel, Al Arabiya, 25 February 2022: Iran to enrich uranium to 20 percent even after sanctions lifted: Nuclear chief, Jerusalem Post, 25 February 2022: Invasion of Ukraine makes it obvious: IDF will fight its own battles, Gulf News, 26 February 2022: Progress on Iran nuclear deal, but tough issues remain — US, Times of Israel, 26 February 2022: Iran ‘seriously’ studying draft deal to restore nuclear accord, Haaretz, 26 February 2022: Iran Says Ready for ‘Immediate’ Nuclear Deal if Western Powers Show Real Will, Al Arabiya, 26 February 2022: Iran says ready for ‘immediate’ nuclear deal if Western powers show real will, The National, 27 February 2022: Iran’s nuclear negotiator returns to Vienna for talks on resolving remaining issues, The Guardian, 27 February 2022: Iran: Ambassador to UK removed from post over hijab incident, Arab News, 28 February 2022: US would walk away from Iran talks if Iran displays intransigence: State Department, The National, 28 February 2022: Iran says key issues unresolved in Vienna nuclear talks, Arab News, 28 February 2022: How Ukraine crisis might impact Iran nuclear deal talks, Al Arabiya, 2 March 2022: Clock ticks on Iran nuclear talks with sides wrangling, Gulf Times, 2 March 2022: In Israel, Germany’s Scholz says Iran deal ‘cannot be postponed’, Arab News, 2 March 2022: The Iran nuclear deal in an age of conflict, Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2022: If the West can stand up to Russia, it can stand up to Iran (first of all, it has to be said again and again that the two world champions of incompetence, Netanyahu and Trump, have ensured that the situation is as it is today. So the negotiations to revive the Iran deal are about fixing the results of the stupid things the two have done. If that succeeds, the Israelis are lucky, if not, they can visit Caesarea in Israel and/or Palm Beach in Florida to personally thank the two protagonists there. That said, if Israel wants to start a war with Iran it can do so at any given point, but shouldn’t expect the backing by the west, not least because the West has different interests than Israel. Europe has its own much larger and more powerful Iran in the neighborhood with Russia. The problems created by Putin are likely to keep Europe busy for a few years to come. Like Europe, the Middle East will also have to learn to solve its own problems, which in no small part are self-made), Times of Israel, 4 March 2022: US says Iran nuke deal close, but ‘difficult’ hurdles remain, The National, 4 March 2022: Iran nuclear talks in ‘last few metres’ but success not guaranteed, Arab News, 4 March 2022: Iranian minister ‘ready to fly to Vienna’ to sign new nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 4 March 2022: World powers, Iran near deal on staggered return to nuclear pact, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2022: IAEA, Iran agree on roadmap to resolve nuke issues, Los Angeles Times, 5 March 2022: Iran to answer U.N. nuclear questions as deal talks near end, Times of Israel, 5 March 2022: US: Sanctions on Russia for Ukraine war shouldn’t impact renewal of Iran nuke deal, Jerusalem Post, 5 March 2022: Russia says West’s sanctions create a ‘problem’ for Iran nuclear deal (no, Putin’s war on Ukraine is the problem, that forced the West to start sanctioning Russia more and more. The Solution? Putin ends his war on Ukraine so that the sanctions doesn’t have to remain in place), The Algemeiner, 5 March 2022: Russia’s Demand for US Guarantees May Harm Nuclear Talks, Iran Official Says, Al Arabiya, 5 March 2022: New Russian demands over Ukraine sanctions threaten Iran nuclear deal: Report, Politico.eu, 5 March 2022: Russia obstructs Iran nuclear deal as the Kremlin frets over its oil income, DW, 5 March 2022: Iran, UN nuclear watchdog take steps to resolve key issues, France24, 5 March 2022: Iran, UN nuclear watchdog to adopt ‘pragmatic approach’, says Grossi, Haaretz, 5 March 2022: New Russian Position Tying Iran Talks and Ukraine Sanctions Is ‘Not Constructive,’ Tehran Says, Arab News, 6 March 2022: Tehran, UN watchdog agree on approach to resolve nuclear issues, Al Arabiya, 6 March 2022: Iranian nuclear talks clouded by Russian demands, Arab News, 7 March 2022: Foreign investors unlikely to rush back to Iran, Times of Israel, 7 March 2022: US says it’s ‘getting closer’ to a revived nuclear deal with Iran, The National, 7 March 2022: Iran nuclear deal ‘reloaded’ is huge task for UN nuclear inspectors, CNN, 7 March 2022: Iran’s ally Russia may spoil nuclear talks to keep oil price high, Arab News, 7 March 2022: Iran seeks ‘creative ways’ to nuke deal after Russian demand, Al Arabiya, 7 March 2022: Iran says won’t let ‘foreign factors’ hurt its interests in nuclear talks, The National, 8 March 2022: Iran envoy leaves as EU says time to decide on nuclear talks, Arab News, 8 March 2022: Report: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launches 2nd satellite, The National, 8 March 2022: US says Russia still engaged in talks on Iran nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2022: Iran regime poses threat to Middle East beyond nuclear one – CIA chief, Times of Israel, 8 March 2022: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launches 2nd satellite, state media reports, DW, 8 March 2022: Iran says it has launched a new military satellite, Haaretz, 8 March 2022: Iran Sticks to Nuclear Talks ‘Red Lines’ as U.S. Warns Time Is Short, DW, 9 March 2022: Is Russia sabotaging the Iran nuclear deal over Ukraine sanctions?, Israel Hayom, 9 March 2022: ‘Economic warfare is the ultimate weapon’, Politico.eu, 10 March 2022: Iran nuclear talks close to collapse over Russian demands (what else would you expect from Putin’s terrorist regime?), The Hill, 11 March 2022: EU foreign policy chief says ‘pause’ needed in Iran talks, Arab News, 11 March 2022: Iran nuclear talks paused after Russian demands (so Putin has now joined the “Choir of Fools” set up by Netanyahu and Trump to ensure that Iran can build the nuclear bomb), Al Arabiya, 11 March 2022: External factors force pause in Iran nuclear talks: EU’s Borrell, Times of Israel, 11 March 2022: EU says ‘pause’ in Iran nuclear talks needed due to ‘external factors’, Haaretz, 11 March 2022: ‘Pause’ Needed in Iran Nuclear Talks but Final Text Is Ready, Says EU Top Official , The New York Times, 11 March 2022: Russian Demands to Ease Sanctions Halt Nuclear Talks With Iran, DW, 11 March 2022: EU says ‘pause’ needed in Iran nuclear deal talks, The Guardian, 11 March 2022: Iran nuclear talks on hold over last-minute Russian demands, The Times, 11 March 2022: Iran nuclear deal talks put on hold after Russia digs in its heels, Politico.eu, 12 March 2022: Iran deal could collapse on Russian demands, say France, UK, Germany, The National, 12 March 2022: European powers say Iran nuclear deal ‘could collapse’, Arab News, 12 March 2022: Don’t ‘exploit’ Iran talks, European powers warn, Haaretz, 12 March 2022: U.S. Seizing Tankers Has Failed to Stop Iran’s Oil Exports, Minister Says, The National, 13 March 2022: US says Iran fired ballistic missiles into Iraq as nuclear talks stumble, Arab News, 13 March 2022: Ballistic missiles hit Irbil, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claim responsibility, Al Arabiya, 13 March 2022: Iraq demands “clear explanation” from Iran over Erbil attack, summons ambassador, Times of Israel, 13 March 2022: IRGC claims Erbil missiles targeted ‘Zionist strategic center’ in warning to Israel, The Washington Post, 13 March 2022: After nuclear talks break down, Iran claims ballistic missile attack in Iraq, The Guardian, 13 March 2022: Iran claims responsibility for missile strike near US consulate in Iraq, The National, 14 March 2022: Iran says it foiled ‘sabotage’ at nuclear enrichment plant, Al Arabiya, 14 March 2022: UAE, Israel pressure US for Iran security guarantees, Times of Israel, 14 March 2022: Iran claims to thwart Israeli sabotage plot at nuclear facility, arrests ‘network’, Haaretz, 14 March 2022: Israel, UAE Ask U.S. for Security Guarantee if New Iran Nuclear Deal Signed, Report Says, The National, 15 March 2022: Why Israel has dropped its ‘nuclear option’ in tackling Iran, Arab News, 15 March 2022: Uncertainty grips Iran nuclear deal, The Times, 15 March 2022: Israel hit by cyberattacks hours after Iran ‘foils Mossad plot to sabotage uranium enrichment facility’, Times of Israel, 16 March 2022: Iran says 2 issues, including ‘economic guarantee,’ need solving on nuclear deal, Jerusalem Post, 17 March 2022: Lifting sanctions on Iran will finance terror against Israel – interview with Rep. Torres, Jerusalem Post, 17 March 2022: When Iran counterstrikes Mossad in secret war, Haaretz, 18 March 2022: Netanyhau’s Legacy and the Shortfalls of Any New Iran Nuke Deal, Jerusalem Post, 18 March 2022: Bennett and Lapid to US: Don’t abandon allies for promises from terrorists (no, Netanyahu’s war against Iran isn’tg a global mission. It remains to be Netanyahu’s war), Arab News, 18 March 2022: Biden needs to wake up to the menace of Iran, Al Arabiya, 18 March 2022: ‘Impossible to imagine’ nuclear deal if Iran doesn’t release Americans: Sherman, The Algemeiner, 18 March 2022: Biden’s Unconscionable Empowerment of Both Russia and Iran (there is a pretty simple solution to this: The Likudniks want to fight a war against Iran. Just do it and do it fully on your own. No one in the West, except Donald Trump, is dumb enough to join in, as it would be just another lost case in the Middle East right from the beginning. And on top: there is not a single justified reason to spill American soldier’s blood for some looney Israeli insterests), The Guardian, 18 March 2022: Iran has released two hostages, but others remain – and nuclear talks are on a knife edge, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: Syria’s Assad visits UAE in first trip to an Arab state since civil war, Jerusalem Post, 19 March 2022: US CENTCOM head concerned over Iran-Israel tensions, praises Abraham Accords, Arab News, 19 March 2022: Israel and Iran enter a phase of ‘implausible deniability’ in their clandestine war, Al Arabiya, 19 March 2022: General voices concern for US troops as Iran-Israel attacks increase, Arab News, 19 March 2022: Fears grow over possible removal of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard from US terror list, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: US ready to make ‘tough decisions’ to revive Iran nuclear deal, official says, Arab News, 20 March 2022: General: Iran, Israel missile strikes put US troops at risk, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2022: UAE ‘shocked’ as US considers removing IRGC from terrorist list, Haaretz, 21 March 2022: Israel Goes on the Offensive as World Powers, Iran Nearing a Nuclear Deal, Times of Israel, 21 March 2022: US says despite progress in talks, Iran nuclear deal ‘neither imminent nor certain’, France24, 21 March 2022: Iran nuclear talks: US says it is ready to make ‘difficult decisions’, The National, 22 March 2022: IISS issues call for Iran missile diplomacy track, Al Arabiya, 22 March 2022: US: Iran has ‘difficult’ decisions on finalizing nuclear deal, Arab News, 23 March 2022: What terrorist delisting of Iran’s IRGC would mean for US interests, allies in Middle East, Al Arabiya, 25 March 2022: EU’s Mora to meet Iran chief nuclear negotiator in Tehran on Saturday, The Hill, 26 March 2022: Biden declares Putin ‘cannot remain in power’ in fiery Warsaw remarks, Al Arabiya, 26 March 2022: Saudi Arabia’s FM discusses Iran nuclear deal with US envoy Malley, Politico.eu, 26 March 2022: EU’s Borrell says Iran nuclear deal very close, France24, 26 March 2022: EU sees Iran nuclear deal in ‘days’ as envoy due in Tehran, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: This Is What’s Behind Blinken’s Middle East Visit, The Hill, 27 March 2022: US envoy not confident Iran nuclear deal imminent, Haaretz, 27 March 2022: Israel Summit: U.S. and Mideast Allies Are Far From United on Iran, The National, 27 March 2022: Antony Blinken vows to stop Iran on eve of Negev summit, Arab News, 27 March 2022: West must not ignore Iran’s ballistic missiles: Ex-Israeli UN envoy, CNN, 27 March 2022: Blinken: ‘Deal or no deal’ US will work to deter Iran nuclear capability, The Guardian, 27 March 2022: Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons, US promises Israel, CNN, 28 March 2022: Why a terror designation is the last sticking point in Iran-US talks, Al Arabiya, 30 March 2022: US sanctions Iran ballistic missile program supplier after Saudi Aramco, Erbil attack, Arab News, 30 March 2022: US imposes sanctions on key actors in Iran’s ballistic missile program, The National, 30 March 2022: US sanctions take aim at Iran missile programme and Revolutionary Guard, Jerusalem Post, 2 April 2022: Iran and China seek closer cooperation, Al Arabiya, 3 April 2022: Iran FM says agreement in Vienna nuclear talks ‘close’, Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2022: Iran is beginning to understand the Abraham Accords, Arab News, 4 April 2022: US must make up its mind on who its real partners are, The National, 5 April 2022: US and Iran at loggerheads over nuclear deal despite claims of progress, Al Arabiya, 5 April 2022: Iran won’t stop seeking ‘punishment’ of those behind Soleimani killing: Official, The Algemeiner, 6 April 2022: Iran Moves Machines for Making Centrifuge Parts to Natanz: UN Nuclear Watchdog, The National, 6 April 2022: Iran says it gave long-sought answers to UN atomic watchdog, The Algemeiner, 6 April 2022: ‘We’re Not There’: Blinken Casts Doubt on Prospects for Renewed Iran Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 8 April 2022: US President Biden believes Iran’s Quds Force is terror group: State Department, France24, 8 April 2022: US insists key group of Iran Guards corps stay on terror list, Haaretz, 9 April 2022: Israel Hopes Nuke Talks Collapse With Biden’s Refusal to Remove Iran’s Guards From Terror List, Jerusalem Post, 9 April 2022: State Department: Biden ‘shares the view that IRGC Quds Forces are terrorists’, Times of Israel, 10 April 2022: Iran says US ‘imposing new conditions’ on issue of sanctions at nuclear talks, The National, 10 April 2022: Iran wants Biden to show goodwill by lifting sanctions prior to nuclear deal, Arab News, 11 April 2022: Iran says US ‘imposing new conditions’ in nuclear talks, Times of Israel, 12 April 2022: Khamenei says nuclear talks ‘going well,’ but shouldn’t determine the future of Iran, Haaretz, 12 April 2022: Biden’s Iran Revolutionary Guards Paradox, Al Arabiya, 12 April 2022: Hundreds of Iranian-Americans urge Biden to keep Iran’s IRGC on US terror list, The Algemeiner, 12 April 2022: Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Claims Israel Daily Threatening to Bomb Iran, Justifying Weapons Program, Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2022: IRGC commander says death of all US leaders would not avenge Soleimani killing, Al Arabiya, 13 April 2022: Iran says preliminary deal reached on frozen funds abroad, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: Iran says preliminary deal reached to release funds frozen abroad, The National, 14 April 2022: Iran agrees to install UN monitoring cameras at key nuclear sites, Jerusalem Post, 15 April 2022: Iran Guards say they have seized two ships with smuggled fuel in Gulf, Arab News, 16 April 2022: Turkish envoy attracts attention with veiled criticism of Iran in article for Israeli think tank, Arab News, 17 April 2022: Iran confirms centrifuge workshop moved to underground site, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: This Is Israel’s Only Way to Stop Iran’s Nuclear Missiles, CNN, 18 April 2022: As the Iran nuclear deal nears, Saudi Arabia is rebuilding its stake in Lebanon, DW, 18 April 2022: Iran warns Israel against hostile military action, Arab News, 19 April 2022: Ukraine war exposes how much Tehran has tilted toward Moscow, Haaretz, 20 April 2022: Iran Arrested Three Mossad Agents, Report Says, Arab News, 20 April 2022: Iran arrests three Mossad spies, does not specify their nationalities: Fars news agency, Al Arabiya, 21 April 2022: Iran’s top diplomat says Tehran won’t abandon ‘red lines’ amid stalled nuclear talks, Times of Israel, 21 April 2022: Iran says won’t abandon avenging Soleimani killing to end sanctions, Al Arabiya, 21 April 2022: Iran IRGC commander says revenge for Soleimani is ‘certain,’ not up for negotiation, Jerusalem Post, 21 April 2022: Iran rejects US offers to lift sanctions in exchange for Tehran abandoning Soleimani revenge, Forward, 22 April 2022: This time, can we skip the debates and just sign the Iran Deal?, DW, 23 April 2022: ‘Not our fight’: Why the Middle East doesn’t fully support Ukraine (Europeans support Europeans against the war criminal Putin. There is something the Middle East can learn for itself, namely to live together in (relative) peace instead of killing each other in the various crises and wars in the region for decades, sometimes for centuries), Times of Israel, 23 April 2022: Iran Revolutionary Guards general survives deadly ambush in restive region — report, Al Arabiya, 26 April 2022: US wants deal with Iran, but it does ‘nothing’ to address missile program: Blinken, Arab News, 26 April 2022: White House worried Iran could develop nuclear weapon in weeks, Al Arabiya, 28 April 2022: Iran moves centrifuge-parts workshop underground at Natanz, IAEA says, The National, 28 April 2022: Iran has set up centrifuge parts workshop underground at Natanz plant, watchdog says, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2022: Saudi-Iran talks could endanger future Abraham accords, experts say (as long as there aren’t real incentives for Saudi Arabia (the country want to buy US weaponary for years, but this is denied again and again) in joining the normalization treaty it doesn’t make sense for Riyadh to even think about), Politico.eu, 28 April 2022: Iran nuclear talks freeze amid terrorist label spat — even with deal on the table, Times of Israel, 29 April 2022: Marking al-Quds Day, Iran general vows support for anyone ‘ready to fight’ Israel (now they had two years to come up with something new but instead they just choose the same old blah blah blah), Haaretz, 29 April 2022: Nasrallah: Iran Will Attack Arab Countries if Israel Operates From Their Territory, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2022: Iran nuclear deal near death, but West not ready to pull plug, Arab News, 3 May 2022: Washington faces a moment of reckoning as Iran nuclear talks reach an impasse, Arab News, 3 May 2022: West ‘has given up hope’ of revived Iran nuclear deal, say expert analysts, Jerusalem Post, 5 May 2022: Why might Iran walk away from nuke deal with almost everything it wants?, Times of Israel, 5 May 2022: US Senate passes non-binding motion against return to original Iran nuclear deal, Haaretz, 5 May 2022: U.S. Senate Passes Non-binding Motion Barring Biden From Removing IRGC as Terror Group, The National, 5 May 2022: Sweden’s landmark war crimes trial of Hamid Nouri wraps up ahead of jury verdict, Arab News, 5 May 2022: Iranian regime under pressure to release teachers held after wage protests, Arab News, 6 May 2022: Iran’s future in a world of shifting sands, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2022: Iran says EU nuclear talks envoy to visit as bloc seeks to save deal, Times of Israel, 7 May 2022: EU suggests IRGC terror delisting compromise in attempt to save Iran nuke talks, The National, 7 May 2022: EU nuclear talks negotiator to seek ‘middle way’ with Iran, Arab News, 7 May 2022: Iran says EU nuclear talks envoy to visit as bloc seeks to save deal, DW, 8 May 2022: Syria’s Bashar Assad pays rare visit to ally Iran, France24, 8 May 2022: Syria’s Assad meets Iran’s supreme leader during Tehran visit, The New York Times, 9 May 2022: Biden Could Make the World Safer, but He’s Too Afraid of the Politics, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2022: IAEA still hopes for Iran deal but worried about nuclear activities, Haaretz, 10 May 2022: Netanyahu Urged Trump to Strike Iran, Ex-defense Chief Suggests in Censored Book, Al Arabiya, 10 May 2022: US still considers Iran’s IRGC a terrorist group: State Department official, Arab News, 10 May 2022: Iran not forthcoming on past nuclear activities, warns IAEA, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2022: Over 1,200 IDF soldiers examined after WSJ leak on naval ops against Iran, Times of Israel, 11 May 2022: UN nuclear agency ‘extremely concerned’ by Iranian silence on undeclared sites, The National, 11 May 2022: Iran nuclear deal is unrelated to IRGC terrorist designation, top US official says, Al Arabiya, 12 May 2022: CENTCOM chief hits out at Iran, says US committed to Middle East partners, Haaretz, 12 May 2022: Qatar’s Ruler Meets Iran’s President in Bid to Salvage Nuclear Deal, The National, 12 May 2022: Qatar’s Emir meets Iranian leaders during Tehran visit, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2022: More details emerge about IRGC official interrogated by Mossad, Times of Israel, 13 May 2022: Biden seen personally resisting IRGC terror delisting, dividing Democrats, DW, 13 May 2022: EU: Iran nuclear deal talks have been ‘unblocked’, The Times, 13 May 2022: EU nuclear envoy to Iran detained by German police, Politico.eu, 13 May 2022: German border police detain EU’s Iran talks negotiator, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2022: Iran official says US must accept Tehran’s demands to break nuclear talks’ deadlock, Arab News, 13 May 2022: Stalled Iran nuclear talks have been ‘reopened’: EU’s Borrell, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2022: Iranian lawmaker says one killed during protest against rising prices, Politico.eu, 16 May 2022: Iran nuclear talks may restart — but terrorist label spat still unresolved, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2022: Iran facing economic uncertainty, Times of Israel, 17 May 2022: In 1st, US refuelers to take part in major Israeli drill for strike on Iran, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2022: Ex-atomic chief Gidon Frank: Iran won’t cross nuke threshold anytime soon, Haaretz, 17 May 2022: Iran Reportedly Opens Drone Factory in Tajikistan, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2022: Israel to simulate striking Iran in massive IDF drill, Arab News, 20 May 2022: Iran holds pro-government rallies after price protests turn political, Haaretz, 20 May 2022: Israel’s Saber-rattling on Iran Lacks One Critical Element, Arab News, 20 May 2022: US defense secretary shares Saudi concerns over Iran’s destabilizing activities, Jerusalem Post, 22 May 2022: Tehran and Muscat seek to revive Iranian-Omani gas pipeline project, Arab News, 22 May 2022: Saudi deputy defense minister, Blinken discuss common vision to ‘confront Iran’s destabilizing policies’, Haaretz, 22 May 2022: Iran Revolutionary Guards Colonel Assassinated in Tehran, Arab News, 22 May 2022: Iran Revolutionary Guard colonel shot dead in Tehran, BBC, 22 May 2022: Colonel in Iran Revolutionary Guard assassinated, Times of Israel, 23 May 2022: European Parliament president to Knesset: To be antisemitic is to be anti-European, Jerusalem Post, 23 May 2022: Absence of Iran nuclear deal could spell danger for Israel, Times of Israel, 23 May 2022: Iran will ‘avenge’ killing of Revolutionary Guards colonel, president vows, Al Arabiya, 24 May 2022: Analysis: Subtle shift in US rhetoric suggests new Iran approach, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2022: Iran’s IRGC will remain on terrorist blacklist, Biden told Bennett, Arab News, 24 May 2022: Two Iranian pilots killed after F7 jet crashes – IRNA, Al Arabiya, 24 May 2022: Iranian jet crashes, two pilots killed: Report, Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2022: Russia and Iran discuss swapping supplies for oil and gas, goods logistics, Haaretz, 26 May 2022: Israel Told U.S. It Was Behind Iranian Colonel’s Tehran Assassination, NYT Reports, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2022: Iran: Zionist control of US dooms JCPOA talks, other options on table (the interesting part here is that most Iranians still want to their country to become far more Western orintated. The regime is holding them back with every kind of opression. Even more interesting is that Iranians in general are less antisemitic than those from the Arab Gulf States. Just because Netanyahu and #45 where to stupid to turn it into a “winner” situation, doesn’t mean that clever guys can’t), Haaretz, 26 May 2022: Biden’s Decision on Iran’s Guards Signals Nuclear Deal Is Off the Table. But Israel Is Still Worried, Times of Israel, 26 May 2022: Top Iran diplomat says IRGC listing not holding up nuke deal, but ‘Zionist lobby’ is, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2022: ‘Accident’ at Iranian military research center was a drone strike – NYT, Times of Israel, 27 May 2022: Suicide drones launched from inside Iran said to have hit Parchin military site, Haaretz, 27 May 2022: The U.S. Can Live Without an Iran Nuclear Deal. Can Israel?, DW, 27 May 2022: Iran says it has seized two Greek tankers in Persian Gulf, The National, 27 May 2022: Iran seizes two Greek oil tankers in Arabian Gulf, France24, 27 May 2022: Greece accuses Iran of ‘piracy’ following seizure of two oil tankers in Gulf, Al Arabiya, 27 May 2022: No Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers meeting in foreseeable future: Saudi official, CNN, 27 May 2022: Ukraine war threatens Iran’s last economic lifeline, Arab News, 27 May 2022: US sanctions Iran’s Quds Force, Hezbollah, The Guardian, 27 May 2022: Iran: Tehran seizes two Greek tankers amid rising tensions in the Gulf, Haaretz, 27 May 2022: Assassination of Iranian Colonel: A New Israeli Strategy, The National, 28 May 2022: Iran claims regional ‘drone superpower’ status with underground base, Al Arabiya, 28 May 2022: Iran shows off underground drone base, but not its location: State media, The National, 28 May 2022: Iranian police fire tear gas as protesters demand justice after building collapse, Arab News, 29 May 2022: Israeli PM Bennett says Iranian ‘immunity’ is over, Times of Israel, 29 May 2022: After killings attributed to Israel, Bennett vows ‘no immunity’ for Iranian regime (in return, of course, he gave the green light for Iran to kill Israelis as it pleases, just like the Israelis are already doing with Iranians), The Algemeiner, 30 May 2022: Iranian Media Names Five Israelis as Potential Targets Amid Warning of ‘Real Threat’ to Avenge Slain IRGC Officer, Arab News, 30 May 2022: Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile 18 times over 2015 deal limit: IAEA, Times of Israel, 30 May 2022: Report: Israel directly warns 100 of its citizens to leave Turkey due to Iran threat, The National, 30 May 2022: Israel warns citizens not to travel to Turkey following Iran assassination, France24, 30 May 2022: Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile 18 times over 2015 deal limit: IAEA, Times of Israel, 30 May 2022: Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is now 18 times 2015 deal limit, UN watchdog says, The National, 30 May 2022: Iran’s uranium stockpile is 18 times the 2015 limit, IAEA finds, Al Arabiya, 30 May 2022: Iran guards accuse ‘Zionists’ of assassinating colonel, Haaretz, 31 May 2022: Iran Cuts Internet as Protest Erupts Over Deadly Tower Collapse, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2022: Iran confirms contact with US over nuclear talks, Arab News, 1 June 2022: Iran faces rebuke by UN atomic watchdog, The Algemeiner, 1 June 2022: UN Nuclear Watchdog Urged to Rebuke Iran, a US, European Draft Shows, Arab News, 1 June 2022: Russia and Iran: What next for the world’s most-sanctioned states?, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2022: Israel simulates massive strike against Iran with hundreds of IDF aircraft, Times of Israel, 1 June 2022: Israeli Air Force simulates widescale strike on Iran nuclear facilities, Al Arabiya, 1 June 2022: Senators introduce bill banning US taxpayer funds from being spent for Iran deal, Arab News, 3 June 2022: Iran reports death of another Revolutionary Guard colonel, Haaretz, 3 June 2022: Israel ‘Reserves the Right to Act Against Iran’, Bennett Tells Nuclear Watchdog Chief, Jerusalem Post, 3 June 2022: Assassination of IRGC officer is new phase in Iran-Israel shadow war, Arab News, 3 June 2022: Israel prefers diplomacy on Iran but could act alone, Bennett tells IAEA chief(they will have to anyway. Hard to assume that someone else will be found to run the Iran war adventure. This is far too dangerous for the Gulf States, because it can quickly become a wildfire for the whole region – a long lasting one), Al Arabiya, 3 June 2022: US will join Europe to back IAEA resolution against Iran: State Department, Haaretz, 3 June 2022: Iran Reports Death of Second Revolutionary Guard Colonel in Two Weeks, Times of Israel, 4 June 2022: Top EU diplomat warns prospect of restoring Iran nuclear deal ‘is shrinking’, BBC, 4 June 2022: Iran’s Khamenei accuses ‘enemy’ of stirring up protests, Times of Israel, 4 June 2022: Israeli officials deny killing alleged spy IRGC colonel who ‘fell off roof’ – report, Haaretz, 5 June 2022: Iranian Engineer Was Intentionally Poisoned, Report Says, Haaretz, 6 June 2022: Israel’s Targeted Killings of Iranian Experts Are Pointless, Arab News, 7 June 2022: Interim Iran nuclear deal may be a face-saver for all, Al Arabiya, 7 June 2022: US says Iran’s demands to lift IRGC sanctions behind failure to revive nuclear deal, Haaretz, 7 June 2022: For a Beleaguered Bennett, Iran Offers Some Welcome Relief, France24, 8 June 2022: Iran disconnects nuclear site cameras as IAEA raises concern over uranium traces, DW, 8 June 2022: Iran: US, Germany criticize Tehran over uranium traces, The National, 8 June 2022: Iran suspected of seeking nuclear and missile materials in Germany, Haaretz, 8 June 2022: UN Nuclear Watchdog’s 35-nation Board Rebukes Iran Over Uranium Traces, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2022: Israel makes dramatic upgrades to military plans to attack Iran (good luck with this one. Israel was never closer to start a war with Iran than it is today. Netanyahu must be totally enthusiastic as his biggest dream is coming closer and closer. It remains to be seen whether Israel can actually assert itself successfully against the territorial state of Iran and how many self-inflicted deaths there will be as a result of a war in Israel that violates international law right from the start), Times of Israel, 8 June 2022: UN nuclear watchdog censures Iran for not cooperating with inspectors, Haaretz, 9 June 2022: U.S. Lawmakers Aim to Help Integrate Israel, Arab States’ Air Defenses Against Iran, Politico.eu, 9 June 2022: Iran nuclear deal nears potential ‘fatal blow’ as Tehran removes cameras, watchdog chief says, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2022: New US bill brings together Abraham Accords signatories against Iran, Times of Israel, 10 June 2022: Iran’s nuclear tactics push Biden further from elusive JCPOA revival, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2022: Iran increased efforts to obtain illicit nuclear missile technology – German intel, Haaretz, 11 June 2022: Israel Is Encouraging the West to Push Iran Into a Corner (fun fact: If you have already sanctioned a country to the maximum, then you hardly have any negotiating measures left to build up further pressure. It would have been smarter if they had thought about it beforehand. Unfortunately, the two key figures behind the sanctions in Israel and the US are anything but smart), Arab News, 11 June 2022: Hard to see a realistic endgame to Iran-Israel brinkmanship, France24, 11 June 2022: Hit by US sanctions, Iran and Venezuela sign 20-year cooperation deal, Arab News, 12 June 2022: Iran currency drops to lowest value ever amid US sanctions, Haaretz, 12 June 2022: Turkey Foiled Iranian Plot Against Israeli Targets (it would at least not be a surprise if there were counter reactions to Israel’s endless assassinations against Iranian targets), Arab News, 13 June 2022: UN nuclear watchdog urges Iran to resume stalled nuclear talks ‘now’, The National, 13 June 2022: Israelis called on to return home from Turkey after ‘Iranian threats’, Arab News, 13 June 2022: Israeli tourists in Turkey warned over attack threat from Iran, Al Arabiya, 13 June 2022: Iran says scale-backs on nuclear commitments ‘reversible’, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2022: Don’t go to Istanbul, Lapid warns as threat level raised, Arab News, 13 June 2022: Iran increasingly turning to Latin America to defy US sanctions, DW, 14 June 2022: Iran: Over 130 injured in factory gas leak, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Israelis in Turkey were saved before ‘Iran’s assassins’ could attack at hotel: Report, Jerusalem Post, 14 June 2022: Gantz calls for US-led military build-up against Iran, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Satellite images suggest Iran preparing for rocket launch, Arab News, 14 June 2022: US awaits ‘constructive’ Iranian response on nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Iran believes Israel killed two of its scientists with poison: Report, Times of Israel, 14 June 2022: Iran still hopeful for nuclear deal despite UN watchdog rebuke, Arab News, 15 June 2022: Iran set for test launch of new rocket, Al Arabiya, 15 June 2022: Iran confirms upcoming rocket launch after satellite photos show preparation, Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2022: US pressures Iran by targeting Chinese, UAE companies, Times of Israel, 17 June 2022: Iran said building vast new underground tunnels to hold nuclear enrichment facility, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: Is Israel’s new not-so-secret strategy against Iran a winner?, Arab News, 17 June 2022: US pressures Iran by targeting Chinese, UAE front companies, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2022: UAE concerned by Iran nuclear program, seeks reassurances, Times of Israel, 19 June 2022: Report: Officials concerned over Israeli travel to UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2022: Lapid to visit Turkey amid cooperation against Iranian terror threat, Times of Israel, 19 June 2022: Gantz: Israel preparing offensive options against Iran ‘if and when’ they’re needed, Al Arabiya, 19 June 2022: Israel’s foreign minister to visit Turkey amid security concerns over Iran, Haaretz, 19 June 2022: Lapid to Visit Turkey Amid Threats of Iranian Attacks on Israelis, Al Arabiya, 19 June 2022: Iran responds to UAE concerns over Tehran’s nuclear plans, Arab News, 19 June 2022: Israeli foreign minister to visit Turkey amid security jitters, Al Arabiya, 19 June 2022: Israel’s PM warns Iran: Those who send ‘terrorists’ to attack Israelis will pay price (every government in the world must respond to terrorist attacks on citizens and/or facilities by hostile powers. Perhaps Iran is planning nothing else. As the post suggests, Iran may be planning countermeasures to the Israeli terrorist attacks, and that would be perfectly legitimate. Israel’s attempts to portray itself as a potential victim can only wring a weary smile. The country has turned the escalation screw quite significantly and will sooner or later pay a price for it), Times of Israel, 20 June 2022: PM: Biden’s visit ‘vital,’ goal is to finalize joint plan against nuclear Iran, Al Arabiya, 20 June 2022: Israel building US-led ‘Middle East air defense alliance:’ Defense minister (the “NATO of the Middle East” is still in the embryonic stage. It will be years or even decades before something can come of it. Apart from that, there has been an exchange of security information between the Arab Gulf States and Israel for years, which also affects Iran), Al Arabiya, 21 June 2022: Iran prepares enrichment escalation at Fordow plant, IAEA report shows, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: China imports 2m. barrels more of Iran oil, likely for reserves, Al Arabiya, 22 June 2022: Russia’s Lavrov arrives in Iran to discuss nuclear deal, cooperation , Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: Russia’s Lavrov set to make important Iran trip, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: How China’s oil imports are helping Iran withstand sanctions, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2022: Turkey busts Iranian cell reportedly targeting Israeli tourists, Times of Israel, 23 June 2022: Iran says it’s ‘serious’ about reaching revived JCPOA, expects ‘realism’ from US, Arab News, 23 June 2022: Iranian spy chief fired over ‘Israeli sabotage’, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2022: ‘An earthquake in Iran’s intelligence community’: IRGC dismisses intelligence chief, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2022: Russia’s today can become Iran’s tomorrow, Arab News, 24 June 2022: Iran: Israeli accusation of Iranian plot to harm Israelis in Istanbul ‘ridiculous’, Times of Israel, 25 June 2022: Iran vows to press ahead with nuclear development until West ends ‘illegal behavior’, Al Arabiya, 25 June 2022: Iran replaces commander of IRGC unit in charge of protecting supreme leader, Jerusalem Post, 25 June 2022: Iran nuclear talks with US to resume soon, Tehran and EU say, Al Arabiya, 25 June 2022: Iran nuclear talks to resume in days, says EU’s Borrell, Haaretz, 25 June 2022: Iran Nuclear Talks With U.S. to Resume Soon, Tehran and EU Say, Politico.eu, 25 June 2022: Borrell, in Tehran, says Iran nuclear talks will resume soon, DW, 26 June 2022: Iraqi prime minister visits Tehran to push for Iran-Saudi talks, Times of Israel, 26 June 2022: Lapid slams EU foreign policy chief for trip to Iran to push reumption of nuke talks, Politico.eu, 26 June 2022: Israeli foreign minister slams EU’s Borrell over Iran outreach, Al Arabiya, 26 June 2022: G7 leaders to discuss prospect of reviving Iran nuclear talks, Times of Israel, 26 June 2022: Israeli defense chief said to talk anti-Iran alliance with Saudi counterpart, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2022: Iran launches rocket into space as nuclear talks set to resume, Al Arabiya, 26 June 2022: Iran tests Zuljanah satellite launcher for second time, in a move likely to irk US, Times of Israel, 27 June 2022: Gantz: Israel is building a Middle East air defense alliance against Iran, Al Arabiya, 29 June 2022: Tehran says indirect talks between Iran, US continue in Qatar, Haaretz, 29 June 2022: Israel’s ‘Relentless Campaign’ Against Iran Culminated With Discharge of Powerful Intel Chief, NYT Reports, Al Arabiya, 29 June 2022: US slams Iran for not responding positively to EU efforts on nuclear deal, Israel Hayom, 30 June 2022: EU worried Iran nuclear talks ‘will not make it over the finishing line’, The Algemeiner, 30 June 2022: EU Says It May Not Be Possible to Cross Finish Line on Iran Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 30 June 2022: Odds of reviving Iran nuclear deal worse after Doha talks: US official, The Guardian, 30 June 2022: Iran: Tehran accused of making ‘maximalist demands’ in nuclear deal talks, Al Arabiya, 30 June 2022: Contrary to US, Iran says nuclear talks in Doha were ‘positive’, Israel Hayom, 1 July 2022: Iran’s nuclear aspirations cannot be legitimized, Foreign Policy, 1 July 2022: Why Iran Is Downplaying Israel Assassinating Its Officials, Times of Israel, 1 July 2022: US and Iran likely to try reviving nuke talks after Biden Mideast trip, Al Arabiya, 1 July 2022: Iran nuclear talks likely to resume after Biden’s Gulf trip, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: Israel Says Iranian Warships in Red Sea Present a Global Threat (nice try, but apparently the Israeli government still hasn’t understood that nobody in the West has an interest in going to war with Iran. Even the constant pounding by members of the Knesset will not change that), Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2022: Gantz reveals ‘unusual’ Iranian military activity in the Red Sea, Times of Israel, 5 July 2022: In Paris, Lapid urges response to Iranian nuclear violations, warns Hezbollah, The National, 5 July 2022: US envoy says Iran has enough enriched uranium to develop nuclear bomb, Al Arabiya, 5 July 2022: Iran can make a nuclear bomb within ‘matter of weeks,’ US envoy Malley warns, Arab News, 5 July 2022: Iran adds demands in nuclear talks, enrichment levels ‘alarming’: US envoy, The Algemeiner, 5 July 2022: Lapid Presses Macron to Take Tougher Line in Faltering Iran Nuclear Talks, France24, 5 July 2022: New Israel PM Lapid urges Macron to revisit Iran deal proposal on Paris trip, Jerusalem Post, 6 July 2022: Iran’s former FM Zarif reveals Iran deal intrigue, anti-Israel views (interesting. Not a single word on the absolutely disastrous actions and decisions of Netanyahu and Trump in this opinion piece. The charlatanry has become clearly visible here on both sides), Arab News, 6 July 2022: US targets Iranian oil and petrochemical trade network, Arab News, 9 July 2022: Iran escalates enrichment with adaptable machines at Fordow, IAEA reports, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2022: Does Iran take Israel-Gulf air defense cooperation seriously?, Times of Israel, 11 July 2022: Israel to update Biden on progress toward regional anti-Iran military alliance, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2022: Iran preparing to supply Russia with drones – White House, The National, 11 July 2022: Iran preparing to send hundreds of drones to Russia, US says, Arab News, 11 July 2022: White House: Iran set to deliver armed drones to Russia, The New York Times, 11 July 2022: Russia is seeking hundreds of surveillance drones from Iran, including those capable of firing missiles, a top Biden aide said., Arab News, 11 July 2022: A Saudi Arabia-Iran road map for the future, Al Arabiya, 12 July 2022: France FM says window to revive Iran nuclear deal closing soon, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: Putin to Meet Erdogan, Raisi in Tehran Next Week, Kremlin Says, Arab News, 12 July 2022: How containing Iran has become the common denominator for Biden’s first Middle East visit, Al Arabiya, 12 July 2022: Presidents of Russia, Iran, Turkey to meet in Tehran next week: Kremlin, The Times, 12 July 2022: Iran ‘offers to arm Russia with drones’, The New York Times, 12 July 2022: Live Updates: Russia Reaches Out to Iran for Help in Countering West, Arab News, 12 July 2022: Biden’s Israel, Saudi Arabia trip draws attention to looming threat of a nuclear Iran, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: In Israel, Biden to Commit ‘Iran Will Never Get Nuclear Weapons’, Arab News, 12 July 2022: New US-Israel agreement to prevent Iranian nuclear bomb (this is sure to impress Iran (or not). Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the country has been subject to US embargoes and sanctions more or less continuously. That hasn’t changed anything, on the contrary. Since then, the country has continued to expand its dominance, demonstrating remarkable continuity and resilience. In the past 43 years, the country has seen eight US presidents, all of whom have made big promises or threats, but ultimately failed to carry them through. Recently, Netanyahu and Trump’s “maximum pressure” nonsense failed with a bang. Iran has instead turned to Russia and China, creating an alternative that allows the regime in Tehran to pursue its own agenda while the US, Israel and the Arab Gulf States struggle to find a solution or alternative to the Trump unilateral one to find the canceled Iran deal. Any attempt to weaken the Iranian regime has ultimately always led to its strengthening. The regime was weakest when international relations improved), The National, 13 July 2022: Joe Biden’s Middle East visit latest: US president wants to revive Iran nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: US President Joe Biden says still committed to restoring Iran nuclear deal, Arab News, 13 July 2022: Biden should heed Arab concerns over the danger from Iran, Haaretz, 13 July 2022: How Israel and Saudi Arabia Plan to Down Iranian Drones Together, The Algemeiner, 13 July 2022: Biden Says He Would Use Force as ‘Last Resort’ to Keep Iran From Nuclear Weapons, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: Russia’s deepening ties with Iran represents a ‘profound threat’: NSA Sullivan, Haaretz, 13 July 2022: The New Mideast Strategic Alliance Worries Iran and Russia, Al Arabiya, 14 July 2022: US, Israel to sign joint pledge on denying nuclear weapon to Iran, Arab News, 14 July 2022: Biden vows to keep IRGC on terror list, says using force against Iran is possible: Israeli TV, France24, 14 July 2022: Biden, Lapid sign US-Israel promise to deny Iran nuclear weapons, The National, 14 July 2022: Joe Biden’s Middle East visit latest: US president signs security pledge with Israel, The New York Times, 14 July 2022: Live Updates: Biden’s Talks With Israeli Leader Highlight a Split Over Iran, Al Arabiya, 14 July 2022: US, Israel jointly sign ‘Jerusalem Declaration’ to deny Iran nuclear arms, CNN, 14 July 2022: Biden says diplomacy is still the best way to keep Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, despite Israeli skepticism, The National, 14 July 2022: Is Biden’s hardened Iran stance enough to assuage US allies’ concerns?, Arab News, 14 July 2022: Biden says US will use all ‘national power’ to stop Iran atomic bomb, The Algemeiner, 15 July 2022: United Arab Emirates Breaks Ranks on Iran as US President Biden Arrives in Saudi Arabia, CNN, 15 July 2022: A ‘Middle East NATO’? Why Iran is closely watching Biden’s regional trip, Haaretz, 16 July 2022: Iran Sanctions Pompeo, 60 Other U.S. Officials as Nuke Talks Stall, The National, 16 July 2022: Iran sanctions Mike Pompeo, Rudy Giuliani and John Bolton as nuclear talks stall, CNN, 16 July 2022: Russians have visited Iran at least twice in last month to examine weapons-capable drones, NPR, 16 July 2022: The White House says Russian officials visited Iran to view drones for use in Ukraine, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2022: Iran imposes sanctions on 61 Americans as nuclear talks hit impasse, Times of Israel, 17 July 2022: Top aide to Khamenei boasts Iran has technical ability to manufacture nuclear bomb, France24, 17 July 2022: Khamenei adviser says Iran ‘capable of building nuclear bomb’, Arab News, 17 July 2022: Iran imposes sanctions on 61 Americans, Times of Israel, 17 July 2022: Lapid: Israel, US don’t ‘necessarily agree’ on need for military threat against Iran, Al Arabiya, 17 July 2022: US used ‘Iranophobia’ to stoke regional tension in Biden visit: Iran foreign ministry, Israel Hayom, 18 July 2022: The disgraceful disruption of the Abraham Accords, The Times, 18 July 2022: Putin flies to Iran to cement new anti-West alliance, The New York Times, 19 July 2022: Putin Visits Tehran, as Isolation From West Brings Russia and Iran Closer, The National, 19 July 2022: Putin visits Iran for trilateral summit under shadow of Ukraine war, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Jerusalem warily eyes Putin’s Tehran visit, Al Arabiya, 19 July 2022: Explainer: What Putin wants from Iran and why Tehran might be cautious, BBC, 19 July 2022: Ukraine war: Putin visits Iran in rare international trip, The Times, 19 July 2022: Putin flies to Iran to cement new anti-West alliance, CNN, 19 July 2022: Putin arrives in Iran for first trip outside former Soviet Union since his invasion of Ukraine, Arab News, 19 July 2022: Putin, Raisi and Erdogan have less in common than it appears, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Putin Meets With Raisi and Erdogan: ‘Stability Must Be Achieved in Syria’, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2022: Putin’s Iran trip shows how isolated Russia has become: White House, DW, 20 July 2022: Russia-Iran-Turkey talks strong on symbolism, short on substance, Times of Israel, 20 July 2022: Iran says fatwa against building nuclear weapons unchanged after ‘bomb’ comment, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: How Putin Lost the Drone War – and How Iran Can Help Him in Ukraine, CNN, 20 July 2022: Iran and Russia’s friendship is more complicated than it seems, Israel Hayom, 20 July 2022: ‘Iran’s claim of being nuclear threshold state should be believed,’ experts say, The Algemeiner, 20 July 2022: Iran Doesn’t Appear to Want a Nuclear Deal, British Spy Chief Says, Jerusalem Post, 21 July 2022: Another IRGC official interrogated by Mossad in Iran, Haaretz, 21 July 2022: Putin Goes to Tehran and Finds Barely a Consolation Prize, Politico.eu, 21 July 2022: Iran: Time for a plan B, Arab News, 21 July 2022: Iran should take the chance to build a partnership with the Gulf, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: Tehran’s Unity Summit Won’t Make Biden Sweat, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2022: Israeli spy network caught in Iran, local media claim, Times of Israel, 23 July 2022: Iran claims to bust network of Israeli spies planning ‘sabotage, terrorist ops’, Haaretz, 23 July 2022: Iran Claims It Detained Group With Ties to Israel’s Mossad, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2022: J’lem, Washington discuss tighter defense ties in face of nuke threat, The Algemeiner, 23 July 2022: Iran Says it Detains Israel-Linked Network Planning Sabotage, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2022: Iran says it detains Israel-linked network planning ‘terrorist operations’, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: France’s Macron says Iran nuclear deal ‘still possible’, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2022: Iran claims Mossad agents were caught trying to blow up ‘sensitive site’, The National, 24 July 2022: Jordan’s King Abdullah II says Tehran should stop interfering in region, Al Arabiya, 24 July 2022: Macron says Iran nuclear deal ‘still possible’, Times of Israel, 25 July 2022: Iran nuke chief vows UN watchdog’s cameras will remain off until deal revived, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: Military Action Won’t Stop a Nuclear Iran, Former Israeli PM Barak Says, Foreign Policy, 25 July 2022: Iran Stands to Lose the Most if the Nuclear Deal Isn’t Revived, Time Magazine, 25 July 2022: Ehud Barak: Iran Can Transform Itself into a Nuclear Power—And It’s Too Late to Stop It By Surgical Attack, Arab News, 25 July 2022: What lies behind Iran’s drones deal with Russia?, Al Arabiya, 25 July 2022: Iran says will keep IAEA cameras turned off until nuclear deal is restored, Times of Israel, 26 July 2022: Gantz declares Israel can ‘seriously harm and delay’ Iranian nuclear program (that’s exactly what the country has been doing for years. Where did it lead? Netanyahu and Trump have given Iran the legitimacy to develop Iran’s nuclear program even faster than expected. In the end, Iran is expected to have the bomb and can thank Netanyahu and Trump for it), Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: Ehud Barak: It is too late to stop Iran’s nuclear program with military action, Times of Israel, 26 July 2022: EU foreign policy chief says Iran deal now on table is best one possible, The National, 26 July 2022: UK and Israel agree to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons, Arab News, 26 July 2022: Predatory birds of a feather plotting mayhem together, Jerusalem Post, 27 July 2022: Iran building new nuclear research reactor in Isfahan – IAEO, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: US says it has not seen any signs of Russia buying drones from Iran, Jerusalem Post, 27 July 2022: EU Foreign Minister: Iran talks have been ‘exhausted,’ need a decision now, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Senior US official admits Iran nuclear deal ‘highly unlikely’: Report, Times of Israel, 28 July 2022: For 2nd time in a week, Iran announces arrest of alleged Israeli spy network, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2022: Integrated Mideast defense system still only an idea, says US official, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: Iran’s Friends Don’t Have to Be Israel’s Enemies, The Algemeiner, 31 July 2022: Iran Says It Responded to EU Proposal Aimed at Salvaging 2015 Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 31 July 2022: Iran says it responded to EU proposal aimed at salvaging 2015 nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: Israel holds Red Sea navy drill, after warning Iran’s maritime activity is growing, The National, 1 August 2022: US slaps fresh oil sanctions on Iran as nuclear talks stall, Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: After new EU draft of nuclear deal, Iran says it is ‘optimistic’ about talks, The Algemeiner, 3 August 2022: Iran, US Top Negotiators to Travel to Vienna for Nuclear Pact Talks, France24, 3 August 2022: US, EU and Iranian envoys head to Vienna for surprise nuclear talks, Al Arabiya, 3 August 2022: Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator to travel to Vienna to resume 2015 nuclear deal talks, Politico.eu, 3 August 2022: Iran nuclear talks to resume Thursday, Al Arabiya, 3 August 2022: Iran, US, EU to send envoys to Vienna for nuclear talks, Arab News, 3 August 2022: IAEA chief: Iran’s increasingly sophisticated nuclear program moving ‘ahead and sideways’, DW, 3 August 2022: Iran: Nuclear negotiators headed to Vienna for talks to revive 2015 deal, Times of Israel, 4 August 2022: Senior Biden official: ‘We’ve lost nothing by keeping door open to deal with Iran’, Times of Israel, 5 August 2022: Top EU official notes progress in renewed Iran talks after securing US assurances, The National, 5 August 2022: European countries urge Iran not to make ‘unrealistic demands’ at nuclear talks, Arab News, 5 August 2022: Europeans urge Iran ‘not to make unrealistic demands’ in nuclear talks, The Algemeiner, 6 August 2022: Iran Urges ‘Realistic’ US Response to Revive Nuclear Deal, France24, 7 August 2022: Iran says UN nuclear watchdog should resolve outstanding issues, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2022: Iran says UN nuclear watchdog should resolve outstanding issues , DW, 8 August 2022: Iran nuclear talks end as EU submits ‘final text’, Haaretz, 8 August 2022: Top U.S. General Warned Netanyahu: ‘You’re Gonna Have a Fucking War’ With Iran, The Algemeiner, 8 August 2022: EU Lays Down ‘Final’ Text to Resurrect Iran Nuclear Deal, France24, 8 August 2022: Iran says it is examining EU’s ‘final’ text aimed at restoring 2015 nuclear deal, Politico.com, 8 August 2022: Agreement on nuclear deal within reach but obstacles remain, The Guardian, 8 August 2022: Iran nuclear deal: EU team submit ‘final text’ at talks to salvage 2015 agreement, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2022: Iran examining EU’s ‘final text’ at nuclear talks: State media, Arab News, 8 August 2022: EU submits ‘final text’ at Iran nuclear talks, Tehran examining document, The National, 8 August 2022: US and Iran face deadline on final draft nuclear accord as talks end, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2022: US, Iran face a deadline after nuclear talks end without agreement, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2022: What we know about the Iran nuclear deal – and what we don’t, France24, 9 August 2022: Russia launches Iranian satellite amid Ukraine war concerns, The Algemeiner, 9 August 2022: ‘It’s Yes or No’: EU Calls Time on Negotiations for Revived Iran Nuclear Deal, Al Arabiya, 9 August 2022: Russia launches Iranian rocket into orbit, amid Western concerns, BBC, 10 August 2022: John Bolton: Iranian man charged in US over alleged assassination plot, France24, 10 August 2022: US uncovers Iran ‘plot’ to kill ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton, CNN, 10 August 2022: Trump’s shadow looms over last ditch effort to revive Iran nuclear deal, Arab News, 10 August 2022: US uncovers Iran ‘plot’ to kill ex-White House official John Bolton, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: How significant was Yair Lapid’s nuclear threat to Iran?, France24, 11 August 2022: Iran rejects US claim of plot to kill ex-national security advisor John Bolton, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2022: Iran says EU proposal to revive nuclear deal could be ‘acceptable’, Times of Israel, 12 August 2022: State media: Iran to accept nuclear deal compromise if it gets sanctions assurances, Politico.eu, 12 August 2022: EU proposes lifting pressure on Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to revive nuclear deal, Arab News, 13 August 2022: Background of Rushdie attacker sheds light on Khomeini sympathizers in US, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2022: Social media accounts of Rushdie attacker indicate support for Iran’s IRGC: Report, Times of Israel, 13 August 2022: US upped security at federal buildings in hours after Soleimani killing — WSJ, Arab News, 13 August 2022: Iran conservative media hail Salman Rushdie attacker, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2022: Iran lawmaker says attack on Rushdie was ‘warning’ to ‘killers’ of Qassem Soleimani, Politico.com, 15 August 2022: Iran delivers deadline response to draft nuclear deal, Arab News, 15 August 2022: US: Only way to return to nuclear deal is for Tehran to abandon extraneous demands, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2022: Iran must abandon ‘extraneous’ demands in nuclear talks: US, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: Iran Responds to EU Nuke Deal ‘Final’ Draft, Seeks U.S. Flexibility, DW, 16 August 2022: Iran submits ‘written response’ to EU nuclear deal draft, Times of Israel, 16 August 2022: EU says it’s studying Iran’s response to ‘final text’ of nuclear agreement, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: Iran Views the Nuclear File Through the Eyes of North Korea, The National, 16 August 2022: US needs ‘time’ to study Iran’s response to nuclear deal but talks are in ‘final stage’, Times of Israel, 17 August 2022: Iran is preparing its public for return to nuclear deal, says Israeli official, The National, 17 August 2022: The West might not be ready for a new Iran deal, Haaretz, 17 August 2022: Iran Setting the Ground for Signing Nuclear Deal Despite Unresolved Issues, Israeli Officials Say, The Algemeiner, 18 August 2022: Israel Concerned by Reported EU Concessions to Iran in Negotiations to Revive Nuclear Deal; Lapid Warns US, Al Arabiya, 18 August 2022: Israeli PM speaks to Germany’s Scholz on Iran nuclear deal, Arab News, 18 August 2022: Former CIA station chief urges Biden to block Iran leader from attending UN General Assembly, Al Arabiya, 18 August 2022: US denies making new concessions to Iran in bid to revive 2015 nuclear deal, Times of Israel, 19 August 2022: With nuclear deal tantalizingly close, Iran murder plots pose new hurdles for US, Politico.eu, 20 August 2022: Iran drops ‘red line’ IRGC demand for nuclear deal: Report, Times of Israel, 20 August 2022: US officials said seeking to calm Israeli fears, insisting Iran deal ‘not imminent’, Arab News, 21 August 2022: UAE ambassador to Iran to resume duties in the coming days, Al Arabiya, 21 August 2022: UAE ambassador to Iran to resume his duties in the coming days: Ministry, The Algemeiner, 22 August 2022: EU’s Borrell Hopes for US Response on Iran Nuclear Deal Proposal This Week, France24, 22 August 2022: US says it is not delaying Iran nuclear talks, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: Iran must answer to IAEA probe, US says, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2022: EU says Iran nuclear deal meeting possible ‘this week’, The National, 22 August 2022: Iran deal: what are the implications for the oil market?, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2022: US says gaps remain in Iran nuclear deal but pact closer than before, Arab News, 22 August 2022: New Iran nuclear deal ‘days away’: EU foreign policy chief, The Algemeiner, 23 August 2022: As Europeans Pressure US to Respond on Nuclear Deal, Iran Attacks IAEA Chief for Contacts With ‘Zionist Regime’, France24, 23 August 2022: US says Iran eased demands for nuclear deal, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2022: Republican lawmakers slam Biden administration after Iran nuclear deal progress, The Algemeiner, 23 August 2022: Most Countries Part of Nuclear Talks With Iran Agree With EU Proposal – Borrell, CNN, 23 August 2022: Iran drops another key demand as prospects for revived nuclear deal increase, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2022: Iran to launch mass military drone drills, Times of Israel, 23 August 2022: Gantz heads to US, vowing Israel will do ‘everything it can’ to sway Iran deal, Haaretz, 23 August 2022: Israel Pushes to Halt Iran Nuclear Deal as Tehran Reportedly Drops Some Demands in Talks, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2022: Biden administration defends potential Iran nuclear deal as Israel hits out, The National, 23 August 2022: US and Iran move closer to nuclear deal but hurdles remain). It appears to be time to take countermeasures against Netanyahu’s Israel and Trump’s US to get compensation for the damage caused by the two countries in the EU, and of course to make it clear that the EU will not allow the two hasardeurs and parvenus Netanyahu and Trump to endager the EU’s very own interests and security. If Netanyahu had actually assumed that the EU would allow to be drawn into his shabby game, then he has once again made a serious mistake. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that Israel’s membership in the EU is ruled out, since the goals are completely opposite and there remains very little common basis of values, especially as the already fragile Israeli democracy collapses further and further through measures taken by the Likud. Israel, however, adapting more and more to the customs in neighboring countries, which of course is an unequivocal statement itself. It will be interesting to see how this renewed escapade of the two protagonists will additionally negatively affect foreign direct investment in the USA and Israel.), Hawala, Remittance, Economy of Iran, Germany–Iran relations and Iran–European Union relations).

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It should as well be kept in mind that the first nuclear enrichment plant (Mordechai Vanunu) in Israel in Dimona was a Franco-German joint project (supplied by France, paid by Germany). This is in line, e.g., with the nuclear first-strike weapon systems (Dolphin-class submarines) giftet (several times it was objected, that Israel had “bought” the submarines. In the official language, this is true, but on the other hand, there is not a single position in the federal budget stating that Israel has ever paid for the weapon systems handed over to it during the past decades) to Israel by Germany. In retrospect, it emerged that the Israeli government isn’t even able to finance the operation and maintenance of the weapon systems on its own. Actually, this shouldn’t be news, especially since the Israeli state budget is notoriously underfunded, so that in addition to official funds also unofficial funds from the German state budget (including through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the detour via Brussels) are partially funding the Israeli state budget, making Germany the second largest donor nation to Israel after the US since decades. Recently, the Federal Ministry of Defence has become creative by concluding a billion-dollar leasing agreement about drones from Israel, their operation and maintenance. The Heron drones (which are European drone anyways, because without European advanced technology they would never have been started once), their operation and maintenance actually cost only a part of the agreed sum, so that the excess amount can be used, e.g., for the maintenance and operation of the gifted submarines. To donate these submarines has had negative impacts on the German economy, as e.g. Australia wanted to buy theses vessels, but stepped back from the deal after finding out, that Germany is gifting them away (DW, 11 February 2019: Australia signs major submarine deal with France, DefenseNews, 12 July 2019: France and Australia are working on the same sub, but they’ll be powered differently, The Guardian, 19 July 2019: Defence ordered to hand over documents on $50bn submarine deal with French, ABC News Australia, 7 October 2019: Have the French accidentally tweeted Australia’s yet-to-be-announced submarine plans?).


Iran and Israel
Both Iran and Israel claim supremacy in the Middle East, even when both countries are only regional powers whose governments has apparently succumbed to megalomania. Iran is self-financing due to large natural resources (China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil), while Israel would be hopelessly inferior in the Middle East conflict without the US’s protective and guarantee power (which is why the Iranian leadership speaks of the “small (Israel) and big (USA) devel”). How a “leadership claim” can derive from these starting points remains the secret of the two governments. In any case, the basic requirements for this aren’t given on any side when considered objectively (The New York Times, 4 September 2019: The Secret History of the Push to Strike Iran, Haaretz, 4 September 2019: ‘Bibi-sitting’ and Drones Out of Azerbaijan: Report Reveals How Close Israel Came to Striking Iran, Die Zeit, 06 September 2019: “If Someone Rises Up To Kill You, Kill Him First”).

The relationship between what was then Persia and Israel was good at the time of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, but has dramatically deteriorated after the Iranian Revolution (Iran-Israel relations). Basically, the current dispute between Iran and Israel stands out from the usual Middle East conflicts because Iranians are Persians and not Arabs. Currently, the governments of the two countries agree on in their clamorous, mutual extermination fantasies, with Iran actually having greater chances of survival here due to the size of the country, than it would be the case for Israel. In addition, with 82 million inhabitants Iran has 10 times the population of Israel (and is home to the third-largest Jewish community in Western Asia, after Israel and Palestine, due to UN Resolution 2334) and 2.5 times as much inhabitants as Saudi Arabia with around 34 Millionen inhabitants. Israel is (still) far superior to Iran in terms of nuclear armament. In view of the successful attempt by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sabotage and destroy the Iran Deal and thus allow Iran access to the atomic bomb (the irony of history: It was the United States that launched the Iranian nuclear program from 1959 on and supported Iran accordingly for decades. So if Iran should be a “terrorist state”, as Trump advocates, then it is significantly funded by the US), it can’t be ruled out that Iran will change the basis in its favor. From a military point of view, there is another aspect given: Iran doesn’t need fully-fledged nuclear weapons in order to be able to do equivalent damage to Israel in relation to what fully functioning Israeli nuclear warheads could do to Iran. Due to the size or smallness of Israel, dirty bombs would suffice. However, as Israel has the US Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow missiles, and Arrow 3 from a strategic point of view, it would need larger, multi-stage missile attack waves. Since the Iranian air force can at best be described as “undersized”, this would be the only conceivable strategy with relatively good chances of success. Chances of success, which would follow the motto “whoever shoots first, dies second!” – both countries would have to pay too high a price for this option to be considered by rational strategists. Unfortunately, both sides aren’t always rational. It is rational that both countries deal militarily in Syria, especially as neither the Iranian nor the Israeli territory is included in this way. However, it is still questionable whether this will suffice for the governments of both countries or that the conflict shall be escalated – although, of course, both sides emphasize that they are not interested in the latter. Actons speaks louder than words and in this case in a very different and much clearer language.

Of course, with all the commotion, one has to take into account the fact that the people in the region are exposed to extensive sunshine, which apparently doesn’t lead to party mood of all participants, but rather the very opposite outbursts of emotion. For the governments of both countries obviously the latter applies. The theater is somehow entertaining, thrilling and fascinating (at least for the local audience), especially for the international audience it isn’t, especially since both countries can’t be interested in a military episode anyway. In addition to the expected substantial civilian casualties, it would mean the beginning of a regime change for the Iranian government. It is impossible to predict the consequences of a war for Israel. As the country is small, major war damage in Tel Aviv (the economical, cultural and social center) and/or Jerusalem (the religious and administrative center) would involve severe economic and political setbacks if not full destruction (Jerusalem Post, 11 April 2019: How Iran can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is closer to his great and decades-old dream and desire to finally be at open war with Iran than ever before. It is unlikely that he will allow this possibility, which he sees as an “opportunity”, to pass: Newsweek, 31 May 2018: Israel planned to attack Iran and start a war, former spy chief says, Geopolitical Futures, 8 May 2018: Israel and Iran Prepare for Conflict, Bloomberg, 3 May 2018: Israel and Iran on Path to War as Mideast Tinderbox Awaits Spark, Times of Israel, 23 July 2018: Israel rejects Russian offer to keep Iran 100 km from Syrian border, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2018: Russia working to move Iranians 100 km from Israel’s Golan Heights border and Haaretz, 7 January 2019: Does Iran Really Want to Destroy Israel?. More than 120 air strikes on Iranian posts in Syria speak a very clear language. With regard to the topic of “time of colonization”, there is a highly emotional as well as often fact-free discussion. Among other things, refers to a King David, for whose existence there is not a single scientifically viable proof, but shall serve as a proof that Jews/Israelites would have ostensible lived for thousands of years in the region. Based on this non-factual claims, modern Israelis shall be entitled to live in all of what was once called the Holy Land/Palestine. In real life and reality, this only counts for a very, very small part of the land area and a nomadic-like tribe, which then lets the emotions boil up even more. If one would take this argumentation seriously, Europe, Canada, the USA and parts of the Levant would have to be renamed “Viking Land“, because unlike the above mentioned, the migratory movements of the Vikings can be scientifically proven very well).

The Iranian religious leader Ali Khamenei recently brought up the in general very interesting idea of a Middle East referendum to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the matter has a considerable snag: The referendum should only be open to those Christians, Jews and Muslims whose ancestors have demonstrably been living in the region for at least 100 years. Most of today’s Israelis would thus be excluded from the referendum, because the major waves of immigration from Europe began in the late 1920s. Regardless of that, it would of course be interesting to know how people in the Levant and the Gulf States actually think about the conflict and where they see solutions (the region’s loudspeakers and extremists aren’t the only ones who have views and opinions). If a referendum would be held in Israel at the same time and afterwards the results would be combined, it would certainly bring a few surprises to light. It would also be interesting to find out first which questions shall be asked, especially since such a complex topic can not be met with few “yes/no” questions without risking new conflicts (i24NEWS, 11 June 2018: Iran’s Khamenei wants referendum to solve Israeli-Palestinian conflict).

Due to the seemingly endless sanctions against Iran, the country has such a high demand that the resulting growth potential in both Saudi Arabia and Israel triggers fears. Assuming that all sanctions would be eliminated, the country would be able to become the most powerful economic nation in the region within a few years. This is another reason why Saudi Arabia and Israel are pushing for permanent sanctions to be maintained, especially since foreign direct investment sums would otherwise flow into Iran, which in turn would lead to reduced capital flows to Saudi Arabia and Israel – what both countries can’t afford permanently.

In addition to the numerous emotional-irrational-hysterical aspects (every year on the last Friday of the month of Ramadan (in the West mostly on the following Saturday), demonstrations on the International Quds Day take place in many countries. In Iran it is even a public holiday) on both sides, there is also a rational aspect: The Shia Crescent (Iran calls itself a “Muslim power” rather than “Shiite power” (which is why it is called “Islamic Republic” and “Islamic Revolution” – Times of Israel, 1 February 2018: Crowds chant ‘death to Israel’ as Iran marks 40 years since Islamic Revolution. On the occasion of the festivities, Minister of State Niels Annen of course visited the embassy of Iran in Berlin (Jerusalem Post, 13 February 2019: German Foreign Ministy celebrates Iran’s Islamic Revolution in Berlin). Federal President and former Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has sent a congratulatory telegram in accordance with diplomatic practices between states (Times of Israel, 25 February 2019: German president under fire after congratulating Iran on revolution anniversary). In the face of Netanyahu’s heightened desire to finally wage war against Iran and the US President’s supportive measures, the expectable reactions came from these directions (even from the Central Council of Jews), which can be noted with a shrug, especially since the actual background of these reactions are already known. It is particularly surprising that the BILD newspaper, the medium for the underclass and the precariat, was consistently selected to launch the critiques, in order to try to influence the public opinion and therefore discredit themselves altogether) to gain influence in the region.), which scares not only Israel, but the Gulf States as well, especially Saudi Arabia. The countries are currently forming a very unusual coalition, which can have a very favorable effect on all those involved, but at the end of the day could also include the topic “War on Iran on several fronts”. Iran could only lose, which in turn would mean the continuation of seemingly endless terrorism in the region. Iran has great influence in the region. The country supports Hezbollah in Lebanon (which is part of the government there – Times of Israel, 19 December 2019: German parliament passes measure urging government to outlaw Hezbollah activity) and Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Harakat Sabireen in the Gaza Strip. By participating in the civil war in Syria on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, the already large influence in Syria is still growing, making the Shia Crescent between the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea a reality (Haaretz, 29 August 2018: Iran, Russia Prepare to Battle Each Other Over Control of Post-war Syria, Times of Israel, 30 November 2018: Iran, facing off against Israel in Syria, now sending arms directly to Lebanon, Haaretz, 2 December 2018: Battle Between Israel and Iran Shifting From Syria to Lebanon, Reuters, 2 December 2018: Iran says it will continue missile tests after U.S. allegation, The Guardian, 4 December 2018: Israel begins operation to expose Hezbollah ‘attack tunnels’ on Lebanon border, The New York Times, 4 December 2018: Israel Begins Anti-Tunnel Effort Along Its Border With Lebanon and Times of Israel, 19 December 2018: Trump pullout from Syria leaves Israel alone to battle Iran’s likely resurgence). After Netanyahu had managed to persuade the US president of the completely senseless and unilateral termination of the Iran deal, he now once again faces the shambles of his actions. By putting everything on the Trump card, he again maneuvered himself offside. Of course one can take note of this with great malicious joy, after all, he has been warned beforehand from all sides. It will be a problem at the point where it will now be possible for Iran (after the successful political and in parts economical implementation of the Shia Crescent – at least in the northern part. The southern part, the encirclement of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, will not succeed soon) to get the chance to accomplish the military implementation of the Shia Crescent (Washington Post, 8 December 2004: Iraq, Jordan See Threat To Election From Iran, The Guardian, 26 January 2007: Fear of a Shia full moon, Haaretz, 13 June 2008: The Myth of the Shia Crescent, openDemocracy, 3 April 2015: Shia crescent: self-fulfilling prophecy, The National, 17 March 2015: Yemen talks underscore Iran’s ‘Shia crescent’ plan, The Wall Street Journal, 29 September 2016: After Islamic State, Fears of a ‘Shiite Crescent’ in Mideast, Foreign Policy Blogs, 31 January 2017: The ‘Shia Crescent’ and Middle East Geopolitics, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2017: Is an increasingly powerful Iran trying to make Northern Iraq part of its ‘Shi’a Crescent’?, The Daily Beast, 14 April 2017: The Age-Old Sunni-Shia War Is Sucking America In, The New Yorker, 9 June 2017: Iran Extends Its Reach in Syria, Jewish Policy Center, 27 June 2017: Looking the Wrong Way on Iran, The Economist, 16 September 2017: Trump’s Muddle East: America’s strategy for countering Iran makes no sense, Times of Israel, 18 September 2017: Hezbollah fighters filmed near Israeli border raring for battle, The Wshington Institute, 13 January 2018: Middle East FAQs Volume 1: What is the Shia Crescent?, Independent, 21 November 2018: Blaming Saudi Arabia for the war in Yemen is doing nothing to achieve peace – we need to understand Iran’s key role in the conflict, Middle East Eye, 1 April 2019: Asked about Trump’s Golan decision, top US lawmaker cites ‘Shia crescent’) and thus to attack Israel directly from both Syria and Lebanon. It will take some time before it actually can happen, but the signs are unmistakable.

In order to get a basic understanding of Iranian security needs, one need to understand the outcome of the Iraq-Iran War, during which Iraq used chemical weapons and ended with more than 500,000 dead on the Iranian side. From this time results the still valid and understandable slogan “Never again!” (what the Israelis should actually understand very well, especially with regards to the unconditional right of self-defense. There are further aspects: Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Mohammad Mossadegh, 1953 Iranian coup d’état and Iran–Contra affair). Since then, the Iranian leaders have been supporting any group that ensures that Iranian territory can only be attacked with great difficulty by setting up buffer zones and securing them militarily (in Iran, this is called “forward defense”. For the Israelis, the Gaza Strip and its further border (desert and bare mountains) with Egypt to Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba on the one hand and the illegal Jewish settlements in Palestine and the Syrian Golan Heights, as well as the border with Jordan (desert and bare mountains), on the other (1967 borders), are buffer zones as well, allowing IDF sufficient time to mobilize if the national territory were to be attacked. There is no such buffer in the direction of Lebanon, so that Southern Lebanon and Northern Israel (as far as the NahariyaSafed line) are potential focal battlefields, even though Israel (or at least Netanyahu, according to his multiple announcements in recent years) prefers attacking the million-strong metropolis of Beirut for maximum civilian casualties and destruction). The fight against the Sunni terrorist organization ISIL in Syria and Iraq, Shiite Iran understood and still understands as an existential fight for survival. On that basis, the missile program, that is very important for Iran, can be seen, because the country doesn’t have a significant air force. Rockets are therefore the only solution to defend national borders and, if possible, to ward off attacks on the territory in one of the buffer zones. This is, of course, more than understandable. It becomes problematic when the security interests of other states in the region (especially Saudi Arabia and Israel) are endangered. This is currently the case. Added to this are domestic political challenges. The current government seems to like the expansion policy in the region well, while the people expect and demand to improve the situation in the country itself at first. This poses some threats to the stability of the country and thus to the entire region.

Recently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that the already given reach of 2,000 km of the Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missile, which can be launched from mobile launch ramps, could technically be expanded far beyond the actual reach, but that this step isn’t planned yet. As of today, all destinations between Iran and the Levantine Sea as well as large parts of Romania, Bulgaria and Greece can be reached. This are good news for the largest part of the European Union, but also make clear why Romania, Bulgaria and Greece insist on participating in the US Missile Defense project (Ground-Based Midcourse Defense) as the threat emanating from the Iranian missiles, unlike the Kreml want to make believe (who, incidentally, has repeatedly been invited to participate in the project but has refused), is a real threat. At the same time, the Revolutionary Guards make it clear where they see their “red line” in terms of military self-protection and self-defense by medium-range missiles, namely right at this point. A result and knowledge gain with which one can live and work (The New York Times, 12 May 2003: Khatami Arrives in Lebanon to Crowds, Chants and Cheers, Der Spiegel, 2 June 2003: “We are supposed to be the scapegoat”, Der Spiegel, 10 November 2003: Fresh Blood in the Theocracy, Haaretz, 31 May 2018: Ex-Mossad Chief Says He Questioned Legality of Netanyahu’s Order to Prepare Iran Strike, The Times of Israel, 27 August 2018: Defense Ministry inks deal with Israeli firm for new precision rockets and Jericho missile).

A replacement for the unilateral cancellation of the Iran deal by #45, forced by Benjamin Netanyahu, is still not in sight. This will only be negotiated when in Israel and Washington, D.C. trustworthy, law- and contract-abiding heads of state will sit. Until that happens, it can take many more years to come. On the other hand, Benjamin Netanyahu went “all in” for years to sabotage and destroy the Iran deal. The result is now obvious: He has lost and achieved the exact opposite of what he purportedly wanted to achieve, because Iran can now enrich uranium and build atomic bombs at will (and write on self-developed nuclear warheads in large letters “♥ ⚘ SPONSORED BY BENJAMIN NETANYAHU AND DONALD TRUMP ♥ ⚘”, framed by numerous hearts and flowers), even explicitly referring to the outrageous stupidity of Netanyahu and #45, both too naive to even suggest or bargain for alternative solutions and now facing the shambles of their own incompetence. So, if the two in the future once again complain about the allegedly “evil and terrorist Iran”, you can laugh at them or to use a modified quote of the unique Sarah Palin, who argues on the same intellectual level as Netanjahu and #45: “How’s that Iran deal destroying thing working out for ya?” Another aspect is that Netanyahu has apparently assumed that if he destroys the Iran deal, and weakening Europe’s security by doing so, Europeans would surely support his “shitshow” towards Iran. Assumptions that can not be surpassed in naivety, misjudgments, or both, especially since Europeans, of course, will not work against their very own fundamental (security) interests.

In the course of the reinstatement and tightening of US sanctions, especially with regard to the for Iran vital oil and gas exports, war rhetoric on both sides is intensifying. As a countermeasure, Iran, for its part, now threatens to seal off the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, effectively closing the world’s most important strait for the transport of oil. The country wouldn’t even need to set naval units permanently into action. It would be sufficient to mine the straits at various depths to block the passage for over- and underwater vehicles (Reuters, 1 August 2018: Israel warns Iran of military response if it closed key Red Sea strait and Bloomberg, 11 August 2018: U.S.-Iran Sanctions Give China Lead in World’s Biggest Gas Field).

Above all, something else is quite interesting. While Iran is portrayed by Israel and the US as an “enemy of Israel” and an “anti-Semitic regime”, with just over 50%, Iran has by far the lowest percentage of anti-Semitic residents in the Middle East, while “America’s allies among the Gulf States” account for 70% or more.

At present, Iran’s support for rebel and terrorist groups in the Levant remains as a concrete starting point for upcoming negotiations (especially Hamas (Al-Qassam Brigades), Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Harakat Sabireen, Hezbollah and others – Note: From the Jewish underground and terrorist organizations Irgun, Hagana and others later emerged the Israeli army, which pride itself as the “most moral army in the world” (which can at least be doubted). Under what circumstances shouldn’t Hamas and the Islamic Jihad be in the position to establish another “most moral army” in the region after signing a peace treaty and the recognition of the state of Palestine by Israel and the West, as they are already much better equipped and trained than their Jewish counterparts were? This apart from the fact that the fighters need an adequate task anyway after a peace agreement will be given) as this behavior is unacceptable, especially as it can’t be justified as self-protection or military self-defense (Arab News, 31 October 2019: Ordinary citizens have turned against Iranian proxies, France24, 1 November 2019: Iran ‘anxious’ as popular movements threaten its influence in Iraq and Lebanon, NPR, 29 November 2019: ‘My Iran’ — A Show Of Photography And Video By 6 Women — Contrasts Memory And Reality, France24, 19 July 2020: Iran suspends execution of three men linked to protests, lawyer says, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Return of a hard-line Iran raises worrying questions, The Algemeiner, 11 August 2021: New Iranian President’s Cabinet Pick Wanted by Interpol for AMIA Jewish Center Bombing, BBC, 12 August 2021: UK and Russia ambassadors anger Iran by restaging WWII image, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Iran, Arab News, 17 January 2022: Senior European politicians call for UN probe into 1988 Iran massacres, Al Arabiya, 23 January 2022: South Korea pays Iran’s UN dues with frozen assets, Haaretz, 23 January 2022: South Korea Pays UN With Frozen Iranian Funds to Restore Tehran’s Voting Rights, Al Arabiya, 24 January 2022: Iran gas flow to Turkey cut by technical failure: Officials, Jerusalem Post, 18 February 2022: Iran regime plans to enrich itself by seizing Baha’i properties, says NGO (Bahá’í Faith), The Algemeiner, 18 March 2022: At Least 280 People Executed in Iran in 2021, UN Expert Says, Arab News, 13 June 2022: Iran increasingly turning to Latin America to defy US sanctions, Arab News, 18 July 2022: Raisi faces new challenge as Sweden sets crucial precedent, Times of Israel, 19 July 2022: Iranian politician says Israel ‘freely runs its operations’ in Tehran, Politico.eu, 21 July 2022: Iran: Time for a plan B, The National, 23 July 2022: Iran sends rescuers after two earthquakes shake southern province, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2022: Earthquake strikes southern Iran, tremors felt by Dubai residents, Arab News, 24 July 2022: Jordanian king condemns border attacks by ‘Iran-tied militias’, Jerusalem Post, 27 July 2022: Iran’s Khamenei says Western enemies stoking anti-hijab protests, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: Iran’s Friends Don’t Have to Be Israel’s Enemies, Times of Israel, 30 July 2022: Iran says Swede who previously visited Israel arrested as alleged spy, Haaretz, 30 July 2022: Iran Arrests Swedish Citizen on Suspicion of Spying for Israel, The National, 30 July 2022: Iran arrests Swedish citizen on espionage charges, Arab News, 30 July 2022: Iran arrests a Swedish citizen on espionage charges -IRNA, DW, 30 July 2022: Iran says Swedish national arrested over alleged espionage, France24, 1 August 2022: Man with loaded AK-47 arrested outside Iranian journalist’s New York home, Al Arabiya, 3 August 2022: IRGC fighter jet crashes in Iran due to ‘technical failure,’ pilots survive, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2022: Russia’s space agency to launch Iranian satellite into orbit, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2022: Top US diplomat for Middle East says China providing Iranian proxies with drones, France24, 9 August 2022: Russia launches Iranian satellite amid Ukraine war concerns, Al Arabiya, 9 August 2022: Russia launches Iranian rocket into orbit, amid Western concerns, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: Amid Drone Deal, Revolutionary Guards-linked Flights to Russia Surge, Times of Israel, 11 August 2022: Tehran unveils Western art masterpieces hidden for decades after Islamic Revolution, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: Iran begins training Russians to use its drones – US, Haaretz, 13 August 2022: Iran Plans to Order More Russian Satellites After Successful Launch, Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: Kuwait names first ambassador to Iran in over six years, Al Arabiya, 14 August 2022: Kuwait appoints its first ambassador to Iran since 2016, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: From a Safe House in Brooklyn, Masih Alinejad Leads One of the Largest Protests in Iran, Times of Israel, 23 August 2022: Iran to launch country-wide military drill showcasing its drone power, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2022: Iran to launch mass military drone drills).


Lebanon
Before the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), the country experienced a period of relative calm and renowned prosperity, driven by tourism, agriculture, commerce, and banking. Because of its financial power and diversity in its heyday, Lebanon was referred to as the “Switzerland of the East” during the 1960s, and its capital, Beirut, attracted so many tourists that it was known as “the Paris of the Middle East“. At the end of the war, there were extensive efforts to revive the economy and rebuild national infrastructure. In spite of these troubles, Lebanon has the highest Human Development Index and GDP per capita in the Arab world, to the exclusion of the oil-rich economies of the Persian Gulf.

In 1920, following WWI, the area of the Mutasarrifate, plus some surrounding areas which were predominantly Shia and Sunni, became a part of the state of Greater Lebanon under the French Mandate of Syria and Lebanon. Around 100,000 people in Beirut and Mount Lebanon died of starvation during World War I. In the first half of 1920, Lebanese territory was claimed as part of the Arab Kingdom of Syria, but shortly the Franco-Syrian War resulted in Arab defeat and capitulation of the Hashemites. On 1 September 1920, France reestablished Greater Lebanon after the Moutasarrifiya rule removed several regions belonging to the Principality of Lebanon and gave them to Syria. Lebanon was a largely Christian country (mainly Maronite territory with some Greek Orthodox enclaves) but it also included areas containing many Muslims and Druze. On 1 September 1926, France formed the Lebanese Republic. A constitution was adopted on 25 May 1926 establishing a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government.

Lebanon gained a measure of independence while France was occupied by Germany. General Henri Dentz, the Vichy High Commissioner for Syria and Lebanon, played a major role in the independence of the nation. The Vichy authorities in 1941 allowed Germany to move aircraft and supplies through Syria to Iraq where they were used against British forces. The United Kingdom, fearing that Nazi Germany would gain full control of Lebanon and Syria by pressure on the weak Vichy government, sent its army into Syria and Lebanon. After the fighting ended in Lebanon, General Charles de Gaulle visited the area. Under political pressure from both inside and outside Lebanon, de Gaulle recognized the independence of Lebanon. On 26 November 1941 General Georges Catroux announced that Lebanon would become independent under the authority of the Free French government. Elections were held in 1943 and on 8 November 1943 the new Lebanese government unilaterally abolished the mandate. The French reacted by imprisoning the new government. In the face of international pressure, the French released the government officials on 22 November 1943. The allies occupied the region until the end of World War II. Following the end of World War II in Europe the French mandate may be said to have been terminated without any formal action on the part of the League of Nations or its successor the United Nations. The mandate was ended by the declaration of the mandatory power, and of the new states themselves, of their independence, followed by a process of piecemeal unconditional recognition by other powers, culminating in formal admission to the United Nations. Article 78 of the UN Charter ended the status of tutelage for any member state: “The trusteeship system shall not apply to territories which have become Members of the United Nations, relationship among which shall be based on respect for the principle of sovereign equality.” So when the UN officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, after ratification of the United Nations Charter by the five permanent members, as both Syria and Lebanon were founding member states, the French mandate for both was legally terminated on that date and full independence attained. The last French troops withdrew in December 1946. Lebanon’s unwritten National Pact of 1943 required that its president be Maronite Christian, its speaker of the parliament to be a Shiite Muslim, its prime minister be Sunni Muslim, and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Prime Minister be Greek Orthodox. Lebanon’s history since independence has been marked by alternating periods of political stability and turmoil interspersed with prosperity built on Beirut‘s position as a regional center for finance and trade. In May 1948, Lebanon supported neighbouring Arab countries in a war against Israel. While some irregular forces crossed the border and carried out minor skirmishes against Israel, it was without the support of the Lebanese government, and Lebanese troops did not officially invade. Lebanon agreed to support the forces with covering artillery fire, armored cars, volunteers and logistical support. On 5–6 June 1948, the Lebanese army – led by the then Minister of National Defence, Emir Majid Arslan – captured Al-Malkiyya. This was Lebanon’s only success in the war. 100,000 Palestinians fled to Lebanon because of the war. Israel did not permit their return after the cease-fire. Today, more than 400,000 refugees remain in Lebanon, about half in camps. In 1958, during the last months of President Camille Chamoun‘s term, an insurrection broke out, instigated by Lebanese Muslims who wanted to make Lebanon a member of the United Arab Republic. Chamoun requested assistance, and 5,000 United States Marines were briefly dispatched to Beirut on 15 July. After the crisis, a new government was formed, led by the popular former general Fuad Chehab. With the defeat of the PLO in Jordan, many Palestinian militants relocated to Lebanon, increasing their armed campaign against Israel. The relocation of Palestinian bases also led to increasing sectarian tensions between Palestinians versus the Maronites and other Lebanese factions.

In 1975, following increasing sectarian tensions, a full-scale civil war broke out in Lebanon. The Lebanese Civil War pitted a coalition of Christian groups against the joint forces of the PLO, left-wing Druze and Muslim militias. In June 1976 Lebanese President Elias Sarkis asked for the Syrian Army to intervene on the side of the Christians and help restore peace. In October 1976 the Arab League agreed to establish a predominantly Syrian Arab Deterrent Force, which was charged with restoring calm. In 1982, the PLO attacks from Lebanon on Israel led to an Israeli invasion. A multinational force of American, French and Italian contingents (joined in 1983 by a British contingent) were deployed in Beirut after the Israeli siege of the city, to supervise the evacuation of the PLO. It returned in September 1982 after the assassination of Bashir Gemayel and subsequent fighting. During this time a number of massacres occurred, such as in Sabra and Shatila, and in several refugee camps. The multinational force was withdrawn in the spring of 1984, following a devastating bombing attack during the previous year. In September 1988, the Parliament failed to elect a successor to President Gemayel as a result of differences between the Christians, Muslims, and Syrians. The Arab League Summit of May 1989 led to the formation of a Saudi-Moroccan-Algerian committee to solve the crisis. On 16 September 1989 the committee issued a peace plan which was accepted by all. A ceasefire was established, the ports and airports were re-opened and refugees began to return. In the same month, the Lebanese Parliament agreed to the Taif Agreement, which included an outline timetable for Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon and a formula for the de-confessionalisation of the Lebanese political system. The war ended at the end of 1990 after sixteen years, resulting in massive loss of human life and property, while devastating the country’s economy. It is estimated that 150,000 people were killed and another 200,000 wounded. Nearly a million civilians were displaced by the war, and some never returned. Parts of Lebanon were left in ruins. The Taif Agreement has still not been implemented in full and Lebanon’s political system continues to be divided along sectarian lines.

The internal political situation in Lebanon significantly changed in the early 2000s. After the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the death of Hafez Al-Assad in 2000, the Syrian military presence faced criticism and resistance from the Lebanese population. On 14 February 2005, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated in a car bomb explosion. Leaders of the March 14 Alliance accused Syria of the attack, while the March 8 Alliance and Syrian officials claimed that the Mossad was behind the assassination. The Hariri assassination marked the beginning of a series of assassinations that resulted in the death of many prominent Lebanese figures. The assassination triggered the Cedar Revolution, a series of demonstrations which demanded the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and the establishment of an international commission to investigate the assassination. Under pressure from the West, Syria began withdrawing, and by 26 April 2005 all Syrian soldiers had returned to Syria. The UNSC Resolution 1595 called for an investigation into the assassination. The UN International Independent Investigation Commission published its preliminary findings on 20 October 2005 in the Mehlis report, which cited indications that the assassination was organized by Syrian and Lebanese intelligence services. On 12 July 2006, Hezbollah launched a series of rocket attacks and raids into Israeli territory, where they killed three Israeli soldiers and captured a further two. Israel responded with airstrikes and artillery fire on targets in Lebanon, and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, resulting in the 2006 Lebanon War. The conflict was officially ended by the UNSC Resolution 1701 on 14 August 2006, which ordered a ceasefire (Times of Israel, 26 April 2019: Report: UNIFIL instructed to boost, expand patrols in south Lebanon, Times of Israel, 23 April 2019: Lebanon ‘ready’ to demarcate maritime border with Israel under UN supervision, The National, 16 August 2019: Lebanon’s Hariri : We are open to move to a ceasefire with Israel). Some 1,191 Lebanese and 160 Israelis were killed in the conflict. Beirut’s southern suburb was heavily damaged by Israeli airstrikes. In 2007, the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp became the center of the 2007 Lebanon conflict between the Lebanese Army and Fatah al-Islam. At least 169 soldiers, 287 insurgents and 47 civilians were killed in the battle. Funds for the reconstruction of the area have been slow to materialize. Between 2006 and 2008, a series of protests led by groups opposed to the pro-Western Prime Minister Fouad Siniora demanded the creation of a national unity government, over which the mostly Shia opposition groups would have veto power. When Émile Lahoud‘s presidential term ended in October 2007, the opposition refused to vote for a successor unless a power-sharing deal was reached, leaving Lebanon without a president. On 9 May 2008, Hezbollah and Amal forces, sparked by a government declaration that Hezbollah‘s communications network was illegal, seized western Beirut, leading to the 2008 conflict in Lebanon. The Lebanese government denounced the violence as a coup attempt. At least 62 people died in the resulting clashes between pro-government and opposition militias. On 21 May 2008, the signing of the Doha Agreement ended the fighting. As part of the accord, which ended 18 months of political paralysis, Michel Suleiman became president and a national unity government was established, granting a veto to the opposition. The agreement was a victory for opposition forces, as the government caved in to all their main demands. In early January 2011, the national unity government collapsed due to growing tensions stemming from the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was expected to indict Hezbollah members for the Hariri assassination. The parliament elected Najib Mikati, the candidate for the Hezbollah-led March 8 Alliance, Prime Minister of Lebanon, making him responsible for forming a new government. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah insists that Israel was responsible for the assassination of Hariri. A report leaked by the Al-Akhbar newspaper in November 2010 stated that Hezbollah has drafted plans for a takeover of the country in the event that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon issues an indictment against its members. In 2012, the Syrian civil war threatened to spill over in Lebanon, causing more incidents of sectarian violence and armed clashes between Sunnis and Alawites in Tripoli. As of 6 August 2013, more than 677,702 Syrian refugees are in Lebanon. As the number of Syrian refugees increases, the Lebanese Forces Party, the Kataeb Party, and the Free Patriotic Movement fear the country’s sectarian based political system is being undermined. More recently, for very practical reasons, there have been rapprochements between the two governments, which have notorious budget problems (additionally, Lebanon has taken in a large number of Syrian war refugees), and want to tackle the problem by exploiting off-shore gas fields. Since both countries have been at war since Israel was founded, there are no recognized borders on land or in the water. Before gas production can begin, this point needs to be clarified, which is why both sides have started negotiations. In addition, the Lebanese Prime Minister has brought a ceasefire agreement as a preliminary stage for a peace agreement into the conversation. The latter, however, not quite unselfish, because two ministers of the Lebanese government are members of Hezbollah. The US has begun to sanction Hezbollah members. Apparently, Beirut is now afraid that the sanctions could be extended to the entire government or even the entire country, which would have serious economic consequences, especially with regard to much-needed foreign aid (Times of Israel, 10 February 2019: Iran foreign minister visits Lebanon, offers support for new government, Times of Israel, 22 March 2019: Pompeo in Lebanon to talk Hezbollah amid Golan condemnation, France24, 22 March 2019: Pressure on Iran, Hezbollah is working, Pompeo says on visit to Lebanon, Reuters, 27 May 2019: Israel open to U.S.-mediated talks with Lebanon on sea border, The Times, 10 June 2019: Gas deal opens door to Israeli talks with Lebanon, Times of Israel, 15 June 2019: Israel and Lebanon expected to open maritime border talks in July — report, Times of Israel, 15 June 2019: Lebanon says Russia, Europe eye investment in oil and gas, Tamar gas field, The National, 8 July 2019: Lebanon’s lost allure in the Gulf, Al Arabiya, 24 August 2019: Credit ratings underscore need for Lebanon reforms: Finance minister, Gulf Times, 16 September 2019: Qatar, Lebanon vow to strengthen business relations, The National, 1 October 2019: Lebanon’s credit rating under review by Moody’s for downgrade, Haaretz, 6 October 2019: How Lebanon Stopped Being a Country – and Turned Into a Bankrupt Corporation, Arab News, 18 October 2019: Lebanese PM gives government 72 hours to back his reforms as protests escalate, Gulf Times, 19 October 2019: Lebanon army cracks down on protests as government bickers, The National, 19 October 2019: Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah says new taxes will lead to ‘popular uprising’ in Lebanon, Times of Israel, 19 October 2019: Amid protests, Hezbollah chief says he opposes Lebanese government’s resignation, Al Arabiya, 19 October 2019: Hundreds gather in Lebanon for third day of protests, France24, 19 October 2019: Thousands gather in Lebanon for third day of unrest as protests sweep country, Times of Israel, 20 October 2019: Party quits Lebanon government after third day of protests, France24, 21 October 2019: Lebanon’s Hariri announces economic reforms in response to days of protests, Al Arabiya, 23 October 2019: ‘I feel deceived’: Shia citizens challenging Hezbollah, Amal in Lebanon, Saudi Gazette, 23 October 2019: Can protests in Lebanon destroy Hezbollah state?, Israel Hayom, 23 October 2019: Intensifying chaos in Lebanon leaves little hope for actual change, France24, 25 October 2019: Demonstrations in Lebanon are ‘a moment of truth for Hezbollah’, Arab News, 25 October 2019: Lebanon’s 9th day of protests witness rise in violence, France24, 25 October 2019: Anti-government protests in Lebanon also break out in Hezbollah’s heartland, France24, 25 October 2019: Hezbollah leader rejects calls for Lebanese govt to resign, warns of ‘chaos and collapse’, Times of Israel, 25 October 2019: Hezbollah chief warns of civil war, says Israel exploiting Lebanon protests, Gulf Times, 26 October 2019: Tensions rattle Lebanon anti-graft agitation, The National, 25 October 2019: Lebanon: Nasrallah backs government as supporters clash at protest, The New York Times, 25 October 2019: Lebanon Battles to Be Born at Last, Arab News, 26 October 2019: Lebanese police drag protesters, remove roadblocks in Beirut, The National, 26 October 2019: Lebanon must strategise and turn these peaceful protests into a win in the long run, Gulf Times, 26 October 2019: Tensions rattle Lebanon anti-graft agitation, Times of Israel, 26 October 2019: Defying Hezbollah, Lebanese take to the streets for 10th day, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2019: Lebanon protests enter 10th day with no end in sight, army tries to open roads, The Guardian, 27 October 2019: Protesters form human chain across Lebanon, Israel Hayom, 27 October 2019: When it comes to Israel and Jordan, cold peace has its advantages, The National, 27 October 2019: The best moments from 10 days of protests in Lebanon, Arab News, 28 October 2019: Lebanon’s closed banks pledge to pay out salaries, The National, 28 October 2019: Lebanon needs quick fix to ward off economic collapse, warns central bank chief, Gulf News, 28 October 2019: In pictures: Lebanese form a human chain to support protests, Saudi Gazette, 28 October 2019: Lebanon protesters block roads to keep revolt alive, The Guardian, 29 October 2019: Lebanon’s PM Saad Hariri resigns as protesters come under attack, France24, 29 October 2019: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri offers his resignation after weeks of protest, The New York Times, 29 October 2019: The Arab Spring Rekindled in Beirut, Times of Israel, 29 October 2019: Lebanon’s PM resigns amid massive protests, says he’s reached ‘dead end’, Arab News, 29 October 2019: Saad Hariri resigns as Lebanon prime minister amid widespread protests, The National, 29 October 2019: Lebanon’s Saad Hariri to resign amid attacks on protesters, Times of Israel, 29 October 2019: Hezbollah supporters break up Beirut protest camp, burning and dismantling tents, The National, 30 October 2019: Lebanon: President Michel Aoun accepts Saad Hariri’s resignation, Arab News, 31 October 2019: Iran’s theory on events in Iraq, Lebanon, The National, 31 October 2019: Saad Hariri wins sympathy in Tripoli after quitting, Arab News, 31 October 2019: Hezbollah: Hariri resignation wastes time, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2019: Lebanon is a basket case run by a terror group: don’t fund it, The National, 31 October 2019: Anti-aircraft missile fired from Lebanon at Israeli drone, Israel Hayom, 31 October 2019: Lebanon’s protesters turn on their leaders, breaking taboos, The National, 1 November 2019: Hezbollah leader urges Lebanese government to be ‘transparent and honest’, Haaretz, 1 November 2019: After Israeli plea, US cutting $105 million in military aid to Lebanon — report, France24, 2 November 2019: ‘Shia are being treated like traitors’: Lebanon protesters angry with Hezbollah, CNN, 2 November 2019: Protests toppled two governments in three days, but the fight is only beginning, Arab News, 3 November 2019: Aoun tells thousands of supporters Lebanon must unite behind reforms, The National, 3 November 2019: Hezbollah will go to great lengths to protect the power it has won over decades, Gulf Times, 3 November 2019: Thousands rally to support Lebanon president. Overall, the weeklong protests in Iraq and Lebanon are about economic and social concerns, but also Iran’s influence by its proxies in the region. Iraq has large oil reserves, making it one of the richer countries in the world. However, the population can not benefit from this wealth at all (little to no investment in infrastructure, education, health care, general government programs, state aid and support programs, etc.), so the majority is completely impoverished and has little chances for the future, while the leadership clans are massive profiting from it, while being the pillars of far-reaching corruption in the country at the same time. The situation is now so precarious and hopeless for the population that it prefers to get hurt or killed by state organs during the protests because it has nothing left to lose. Iraq is ranked 168 out of 180 countries in the 2018 corruption index. Lebanon, once a thriving cultural and economic superpower of the Levant, also because of the then large Christian population, has since been worn down by civil wars and wars with Israel. Added to this, as in Iraq, is the enormous corruption triggered by the country’s leading clans, as the population becomes more and more impoverished and the country’s economy threatens to implode. To pacify the country, it was once decided that political offices in the country should be evenly distributed to members of Christian and Muslim communities. What initially turned out to be a good idea has meanwhile turned into the opposite and instead actively promotes nepotism and corruption in the country massively. In addition, Hezbollah, a proxy of Iran, not only controls large parts of the country, but is now also part of the government. The Lebanese people are now resisting the protests against both, the one and the other. Lebanon ranks 138th out of 180 countries in the 2018 corruption index. The role of Iran in all of this isn’t very uplifting. Instead of supporting the populations and in doing even finding additional supporters for its own causes, violence against the protesters is demanded and promoted. In Lebanon, therefore, Hezbollah violently attacks the civilian population. In Iran, it is now speculated that the “small and great Satan” (Israel and the USA) are behind the protests. After the US sanctions against Iran would have no effect (after all, the country has been well acquainted with US sanctions and their circumvention for decades), insurgents would now be paid to cause damages in areas indirectly controlled by Iran. Followed by the usual curses and tirades of all kinds, not reproducible here, finished with the promise of the “great final victory against the enemies of Allah and Iran” (ie the annihilation of the West and of Israel). Well, the later is probably a bit over-optimistic and therefore a unrealistic point of view. Overall, however, Iran seems to be profiting from the protests, but it still has to be shown to what extent this will be the case, or whether the results are turning against Iran in the end. Things are a bit different in Algeria, where protesters once again point out that they have not forgotten the demands of the Arab Spring and that the rulers of the country should better not forget them, too (Jerusalem Post, 3 November 2019: EU Parliament members: Support Israel in fight against Hezbollah and Iran (as long as the Crime Minister is in charge, pretty much nothing will change. Nobody with brains for 10 cents want to be photographed or even mentioned in the same sentence with him or with one of his cabinet members, many of whom are expected to face indictments as well. This can change quickly if Benny Gantz or another reputable, law-abiding and trustworthy person becomes prime minister and removes Netanyahu’s network from authorities and institutions, but the EU parliament can not influence if it will happen that way and therefore can only watch and wait what happens in Israel), Times of Israel, 4 November 2019: As Iraq and Lebanon protests flare, Iran clings to hard-earned sway, The National, 5 November 2019: Moody’s downgrades Lebanon deeper into junk status as pressure mounts, Arab News, 7 November 2019: No sign of new cabinet as Lebanese leaders meet, bank curbs continue, Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2019: Regional upheavals leave Iran’s ‘Shi’ite Crescent’ on shaky ground, Arab News, 13 November 2019: Lebanon slips deeper into turmoil, bank staff strike to continue, The National, 13 November 2019: Lebanon protesters tell the president: ‘it’s time for father of all to leave’, Arab News, 15 November 2019: Lebanon protesters react angrily to finance minister’s appointment as new PM, The National, 16 November 2019: Lebanon’s sovereign rating downgraded by S&P, The National, 16 November 2019: Lebanon has become an arena for the Iranian regime’s battle for influence and survival, Arab News, 17 November 2019: Former Lebanese finance minister Mohammed Safadi withdraws candidacy for prime minister, The National, 17 November 2019: Lebanon protests one month in: Demonstrators score electoral win but politicians still deadlocked, Arab News, 17 November 2019: Hariri and Aoun trade blame as PM candidate’s withdrawal plunges Lebanon further into crisis, The National, 17 November 2019: Watch: Nadine Labaki breaks down as she tells Lebanese expats to ‘come home’, Frane24, 18 November 2019: Crisis in Lebanon deepens after Safadi withdrawal, Arab News, 19 November 2019: Protests force Lebanese parliament to postpone session, banks reopen, France24, 20 November 2019: ‘It’s your right to arrest us’: Beirut protesters vow to keep up the pressure, Palestine Chronicle, 21 November 2019: Lebanon’s October Revolution: Resistance and the (Re-)production of Popular Culture, France24, 22 November 2019: Lebanon’s leaders attend Independence Day military parade as protesters plan separate event, The National, 23 November 2019: Hezbollah accuses US of meddling in Lebanon’s crisis, France24, 23 November 2019: Lebanon’s youth united in push for sweeping change, The National, 24 November 2019: Lebanese protesters denounce foreign interference outside US embassy in Beirut, The National, 25 November 2019: Lebanon investigates clashes between protesters and Hezbollah supporters, Jerusalem Post, 26 November 2019: UN condemns increased Israeli aerial violations over Lebanon, France24, 26 November 2019: Lebanese clashes threaten to reopen sectarian divisions, Arab News, 26 November 2019: Lebanon’s Hariri says does not want to be PM, says decision is ‘decisive’, France24, 26 November 2019: Lebanon’s Hariri says he will not head next government, Jerusalem Post, 26 November 2019: Lebanon’s PM Hariri wishes to quit, President Aoun searches replacement, France24, 26 November 2019: UN experts, Amnesty urge Lebanon authorities to protect protesters, Arab News, 28 November 2019: Lebanese parliamentary panel to approve 2020 budget this year, committee head says, The National, 28 November 2019: Germany could ban the entirety of Hezbollah next week, Israel Hayom, 29 November 2019: Germany reportedly poised to outlaw Hezbollah next week (somewhat shortsighted to throw diplomacy under the bus, just to please a few irrelevant, mostly foreign anti-EU weirdos and their crude political agendas. With such and similar actions, Germany is becoming the Trojan Horse for pathologic EU haters from the US and Israel (Israel Hayom, 15 December 2019: Israel needs a bottom-up approach to diplomacy), what seems to be at least overlooked – Jerusalem Post, 14 December 2019: Four German parties call for ban of Hezbollah activities), Times of Israel, 28 November 2019: Germany to outlaw all of Hezbollah next week — report, Haaretz, 2 December 2019: Trump Administration Quietly Releases Long-delayed Lebanon Military Aid, Arab News, 2 December 2019: US’ Lebanon policy should not be guided by Israeli perspective, Arab News, 11 December 2019: Diplomats in Paris discuss aid for battered Lebanese economy, Arab News, 14 December 2019: Lebanese security forces and Hezbollah supporters clash in central Beirut, The National, 14 December 2019: Lebanon turns to World Bank and IMF as country faces economic meltdown, The Guardian, 15 December 2019: Political party offices in Lebanon set alight after crackdown on protests, CNN, 15 December 2019: Violent protests erupt on streets of Beirut, France24, 15 December 2019: Dozens wounded as intense clashes flare up in Beirut, Arab News, 15 December 2019: Lebanese burn ruling parties’ offices after night of clashes, The National, 15 December 2019: Lebanon protesters angry at selective police violence after Beirut clashes, France24, 15 December 2019: Clashes rock Beirut protest for second night, The National, 16 December 2019: Beirut sees another night of tear gas ahead of talks for new prime minister, France24, 16 December 2019: UN urges probe into ‘excessive force’ against Lebanon protesters, Al Arabiya, 16 December 2019: Potential IMF, World Bank help for Lebanon is credit positive: Moody’s, Haaretz, 18 December 2019: Lebanon’s Protest Have Only One Solution, and It’s Nowhere in Sight, Times of Israel, 18 December 2019: As violence spreads, Lebanese caretaker PM rules out staying in post, France24, 19 December 2019: Lebanon President Michel Aoun designates Hassam Diab as prime minister, Al Arabiya, 20 December 2019: Lebanon’s new PM designate says govt will be formed within a six-week period, The National, 20 December 2019: Who is Hassan Diab, Lebanon’s next prime minister?, Al Arabiya, 20 December 2019: Senior US official urges Lebanese politicians to implement economic reforms, Arab News, 20 December 2019: Lebanon’s new PM says he plans a government of experts, France24, 21 December 2019: New clashes erupt after Lebanon names new prime minister, Arab News, 21 December 2019: Lebanon PM-designate begins tough talks to form government, Al Arabiya, 22 December 2019: Lebanon’s food importers face challenges paying for goods, Al Arabiya, 22 December 2019: Bankrupt and exposed, Hezbollah has no answers for Lebanese, Arab News, 23 December 2019: Anti-corruption protest leaders snub talks with Lebanon’s new prime minister, The National, 24 December 2019: Lebanon set for white Christmas with winter storm bringing snow, The Guardian, 25 December 2019: Lebanon heads for meltdown as protesters keep returning to streets, The National, 25 December 2019: Saad Hariri: I won’t work with a sectarian and racist Gibran Bassil, Arab News, 25 December 2019: Hezbollah-designated prime minister a recipe for increased unrest , Haaretz, 26 December 2019: In Next Phase of Demonstrations, Lebanon Protesters Are Wielding the Ultimate Weapon, The Observers, 27 December 2019: Lebanon’s ‘wall of shame’ built to keep protesters away from parliament, Arab News, 28 December 2019: Lebanese protesters turn their ire on banks, The National, 5 January 2020: A six-point plan to rebuild Lebanon’s economy, Foreign Policy, 8 January 2020: Hezbollah’s Moment of Truth, Foreign Policy, 10 January 2020: Iran’s Proxy Threat Is the Real Problem Now, Foreign Affairs, 14 January 2020: Hezbollah Has Prepared for This Moment for Decades, Gulf Times, 15 January 2020: UN official blames politicians for Lebanon “chaos”, protesters target banks, The National, 16 January 2020: Lebanon protests push politicians towards forming government, France24, 17 January 2020: Lebanese block roads as revived protests enter fourth month, Arab News, 18 January 2020: UK adds entire Hezbollah group to terror blacklist, The Guardian, 19 January 2020: Hundreds injured in Lebanon as violence flares in ‘week of anger’, Arab News, 19 January 2020: Violence erupts for second night in Beirut after hundreds injured, The National, 19 January 2020: Timeline: the Lebanese uprising as it unfolded, Gulf Times, 19 January 2020: More than 300 people wounded in Beirut protest clashes, Al Arabiya, 19 January 2020: Lebanon’s ‘week of rage’ ends in violent clashes and 2019–20 Lebanese protests, Times of Israel, 19 January 2020: IDF begins installing tunnel-detecting sensors along Lebanese border, Arab News, 20 January 2020: Lebanon president to chair crisis talks over weekend violence, Arab News, 20 January 2020: Lebanon needs international help to fight corruption, The National, 21 January 2020: Rage in Lebanon comes with protesters at breaking point, Times of Israel, 22 January 2020: Protests in Lebanon continue as new government fails to assuage anger, Arab News, 22 January 2020: Lebanon forms a new government amid financial crisis and mass protests, France24, 22 January 2020: Lebanon’s new cabinet holds first meeting amid protests and economic ‘catastrophe’, Times of Israel, 22 January 2020: Lebanon’s new defense minister is first woman in Arab world to hold post, The National, 24 January 2020: Lebanon protests: After 100 days, mood is dark but hopes are undimmed, France24, 25 January 2020: Lebanese protesters rally in Beirut to mark 100 days of demonstrations, Arab News, 6 February 2020: New Lebanese Cabinet approves economic policy blueprint, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2020: Hezbollah’s popularity seen waning as Lebanese protests continue, France24, 11 February 2020: Lebanese govt wins no confidence vote despite protests, Al Arabiya, 21 February 2020: Iran makes empty promises to Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 21 February 2020: Lebanon’s potential default, haircut, restructuring, and refinancing: Explained, Arab News, 22 February 2020: ‘Who controls Lebanon’s destiny?’ asks former president, The National, 22 February 2020: Lebanon hit by double rating downgrades as likely debt restructuring looms, Arab News, 24 February 2020: If Lebanon needs financial aid, France will be there: Finance Minister Le Maire, Al Arabiya, 24 February 2020: France will back Lebanon, including an IMF plan: Finance minister, Al Arabiya, 25 February 2020: Hezbollah opposes IMF management of Lebanon’s crisis: Report, The National, 27 February 2020: Lebanon crisis: the Maronite church is at odds with the state, Arab News, 28 February 2020: Lebanese loyalty should be to state, not Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 28 February 2020: Lebanon needs early elections to regain legitimacy, Al Arabiya, 1 March 2020: Lebanon’s financial crisis forces Tripoli traders to shut up shop, The National, 4 March 2020: Lebanon’s business conditions continue to deteriorate as March 9 deadline looms, Al Arabiya, 4 March 2020: To pay or not to pay: The debate over Lebanon’s eurobond continues, Al Arabiya, 4 March 2020: Lebanese parliament rejects payment of Eurobonds: Speaker, The National, 7 March 2020: Lebanon expected to say it is unable to repay $1.2 billion debt due Monday, Al Arabiya, 7 March 2020: Lebanon set for debt default as government decides not to pay, DW, 7 March 2020: Lebanon to default on debt amid financial unrest, Al Arabiya, 9 March 2020: Lebanon’s Eurobond default: Here’s what happens next, The National, 9 March 2020: Beirut on the brink: Eurobonds are just the tip of the iceberg, Al Arabiya, 9 March 2020: Lebanon waiting to see if creditors will cooperate or ‘go legal’: Minister, Al Arabiya, 10 March 2020: Lebanon’s wealth destroyed as country defaults on Eurobond, France24, 12 March 2020: IMF urges Lebanon to ‘quickly’ implement economic reforms, Arab News, 12 March 2020: Lebanon needs its friends as state disintegrates, Arab News, 14 March 2020: Lebanon to declare emergency after a severe storm, France24, 15 March 2020: Lebanon announces two-week lockdown over coronavirus, Al Arabiya, 17 March 2020: Hezbollah fears IMF conditions could reignite Lebanon’s uprising, Times of Israel, 17 March 2020: Lebanese judge orders retrial of American who served in Israel-backed militia, Arab News, 29 March 2020: Lebanon faces virus peak within days, doctors warn, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2020: Hezbollah’s coronavirus public relations act won’t save Lebanon, Arab News, 15 April 2020: Israeli drone strike targets top Hezbollah security official, Times of Israel, 15 April 2020: Israel said to hit Hezbollah vehicle carrying arms in Syria, near Lebanon border, Gulf Times, 22 April 2020: First virus case in Lebanon Palestinian refugee camp: UN, Al Arabiya, 23 April 2020: Recent killing in Lebanon sheds light on honor killings in the country, Al Arabiya, 23 April 2020: ‘Hunger worse than coronavirus’ protesters near Lebanon’s Central Bank say, France24, 28 April 2020: Clashes in Lebanon over price hikes turn deadly, CNN, 28 April 2020: 75% of Lebanon needs aid after coronavirus, and hungry protesters are back on the streets, Gulf Times, 28 April 2020: Protester killed in unrest in Lebanon’s Tripoli, Al Arabiya, 29 April 2020: Hezbollah’s growing internal challenges result in security breaches, Al Arabiya, 29 April 2020: Hezbollah’s coronavirus spending leaves its fighters without medical, food support, France24, 30 April 2020: Lebanon approves long-awaited economic rescue plan after months of unrest, Haaretz, 30 April 2020: After U.S., Israeli Pressure, Germany Bans Hezbollah Activity, Raids Mosques (no other European country should follow this alarmingly disgraceful and ill-led step of the German government – pressured by racist, right-wing and serial criminal Israeli and American “governments” (and to a small extent by the Saudis as well), which, according to the Democracy Index, are not even democratic, is an extremely embarrassing move, especially since the whole credibility of the “decision” is taken away as it is a result of successful blackmail attempts. That could and should have been solved much better because self-initiative should have been in the foreground. There are triumphant reports in the Israeli, US and Saudi press about who blackmailed the federal government and how they did it. Another important question is how the Federal Government wants to achieve positive negotiation results with the Lebanese government in the future, although Hezbollah is part of it), Times of Israel, 30 April 2020: Germany outlaws all Hezbollah activities, including by political wing, Arab News, 30 April 2020: Saudi Arabia welcomes Germany’s decision to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, The National, 30 April 2020: Germany outlaws Hezbollah with dawn raids on ‘terror group’, France24, 30 April 2020: Germany designates Hezbollah as terrorist group, conducts raids on suspects, CNN, 30 April 2020: Germany bans Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and raids mosques and homes, Politico, 30 April 2020: Germany announces total ban on Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 30 April 2020: Lebanese emergency agriculture plan leaves questions unanswered, France24, 1 May 2020: Iran says Germany to face consequences over Hezbollah ban, Al Arabiya, 1 May 2020: Prices soar as Lebanon’s economic crisis worsens, Times of Isreal, 1 May 2020: Iran: Germany will face consequences for caving to Israel, US with Hezbollah ban, Al Arabiya, 1 May 2020: Lebanese protest despite government’s economic rescue plan, The Guardian, 1 May 2020: ‘You think we care about masks?’: anger and poverty grip Lebanese city, France24, 1 May 2020: Lebanese protest against rescue plan as government seeks IMF help, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2020: US intelligence director urges France to ban Hezbollah (having to read the absolute nonsense these pathological Germany and EU hating self-serving nutjobs are spewing is pretty hard, but then: we are living in a democracy where even conspiracy theorists are allowed to speak out while they’re probably wearing shapely tinfoil hats. That’s the prize we have to pay), Times of Israel, 2 May 2020: Mossad gave Berlin intel on Hezbollah ops on German soil ahead of ban — report, CNN, 2 May 2020: ‘If your child is hungry, you will eat your rulers to feed your children’, Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2020: ‘Merkel worse than Hitler, envoy Israeli spy,’ says antisemitic Iran paper (“Israel’s security interests are part of Germany’s security interests and Israel’s national security is “non-negotiable” for her government” – right, it is about the security of the State of Israel, but not about to please the wet dreams of some islamphobes, conspiracy theorists and/or nutjobs from thr right-wing (extremist) Netanyahu camp), Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2020: Mossad makes inroads with Israeli diplomacy in EU – analysis, Arab News, 5 May 2020: Lebanese — and banks — have ‘haircuts’ after weeks of quarantine, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Lebanon, Times of Israel, 4 May 2020: Hezbollah chief lashes out at Israel, US over ban by Germany, Jerusalem Post, 5 May 2020: Lebanon summons German ambassador over Hezbollah ban, Al Arabiya, 5 May 2020: Now is the time for the EU to put all of Hezbollah on its terror list, The National, 6 May 2020: What Hariri’s turn from Mr Reform to intransigent opposition means for Lebanon’s rescue plan, Arab News, 6 May 2020: Lebanon plan based on flexible exchange rate in ‘coming period’- Finance Minister, The National, 6 May 2020: What Hariri’s turn from Mr Reform to intransigent opposition means for Lebanon’s rescue plan, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2020: Guterres calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament ahead of UNSC debate, France24, 14 May 2020: Lebanon brings back lockdown for four days as IMF mulls $10 billion aid package, The National, 15 May 2020: Banks and luxury stores in Beirut hunker down behind steel walls, France24, 17 May 2020: Lebanon on track to end lockdown despite virus uptick: PM, France24, 19 May 2020: Lebanon plunges toward mass poverty amid virus crisis, Times of Israel, 21 May 2020: 20 years after Lebanon pullout, IDF faces a stronger Hezbollah – in Syria too, Arab News, 24 May 2020: Lebanon reforms lacking despite PM Hassan Diab’s positivity, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2020: Nasrallah: Gantz is experienced with disappointment in Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2020: The IMF should not give Lebanon funding without deep governance reforms: Petition, Al Arabiya, 5 June 2020: Expecting the collapse: Meet Lebanon’s young political party ready to take power, DW, 6 June 2020: Violence erupts as rival protesters flood Beirut, Arab News, 8 June 2020: Hezbollah dragging Lebanon closer to new civil war, Al Arabiya, 8 June 2020: We banned Hezbollah activities in Germany. Now it’s the EU’s turn., Gulf Times, 8 June 2020: Lebanon’s president urges unity after night of violence, Al Arabiya, 10 June 2020: The Lebanese-Syrian borders and Hezbollah’s priorities, Al Arabiya, 11 June 2020: Protests erupt across Lebanon as currency tumbles to new low, Al Arabiya, 12 June 2020: Lebanon to try to strengthen collapsing currency: Speaker Berri, France24, 13 June 2020: Lebanon rocked by second night of unrest amid currency plunge, Al Arabiya, 13 June 2020: Lebanese PM alleges ‘coup attempt’ on his government failed, France24, 13 June 2020: Fresh Lebanon protests over spiralling economic crisis, Al Arabiya, 16 June 2020: Hezbollah claims China ready to help Lebanon, calls for breaking free from US rule, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2020: Lebanese MPs to Nasrallah: We don’t want to be cut off from the West, DW, 24 June 2020: Where are Lebanon’s reforms?, Al Arabiya, 25 June 2020: Hezbollah and burned bridges with Gulf have hurt Lebanon, says Gargash, Al Arabiya, 28 June 2020: Lebanon summons US Ambassador Shea in ongoing row over Hezbollah criticism, Arab News, 28 June 2020: US ambassador appears on Lebanese TV despite court-imposed ban, The National, 28 June 2020: Attempting to silence Lebanese media ‘pathetic,’ says US ambassador, The Washington Post, 28 June 2020: Lebanese judge bans media from interviewing U.S. ambassador after anti-Hezbollah comments, The National, 29 June 2020: Lebanon finance ministry official quits in protest over handling of economic crisis, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2020: Black market dollar trading forces Lebanese shops to close, Al Arabiya, 3 July 2020: At least two dead as Lebanon’s economic crisis continues to take its toll, The National, 4 July 2020: To halt Lebanon’s meltdown its imperative to reform now, Al Arabiya, 6 July 2020: Lebanon central bank sets new exchange rate for essential food industries, The National, 7 July 2020: ‘There is no future’: scores of Lebanese flee economic crisis, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2020: Nasrallah slams Israel’s annexation, threatens US ambassador to Lebanon, The National, 7 July 2020: ‘There is no future’: scores of Lebanese flee economic crisis, Arab News, 7 July 2020: Lebanon is weak because Hezbollah is strong, The National, 7 July 2020: Lebanon under ‘financial siege’ from international powers, Bassil says, Al Arabiya, 7 July 2020: Top US general to visit Beirut on July 8, Arab News, 9 July 2020: Lebanon must turn on Hezbollah to save its economy, DW, 10 July 2020: Lebanon faces its worst crisis since the civil war, France24, 10 July 2020: Lebanon’s neo-liberal wheels sped to a dream future, but the past applies the brakes, Haaretz, 12 July 2020: Nasrallah Is Running a Country in Crisis With No Solutions in Sight, The National, 13 July 2020: IMF urges Lebanese authorities to ‘unite’ around government rescue plan, France24, 14 July 2020: Special edition: Lebanon grapples with worst economic meltdown in years, Al Arabiya, 17 July 2020: Lebanon’s advisers to work on compromise on financial plan for IMF, sources say, Arab News, 18 July 2020: Tearful Beirut university staff join protests after mass job cull, France24, 18 July 2020: ‘We’ve got nothing’: Millions in Lebanon struggle with cost of living amid economic collapse, The National, 19 July 2020: Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab insists he will not resign, Al Arabiya, 19 July 2020: Lebanon’s identity is under threat from the ‘Axis of Resistance’ – it needs support, The Washington Post, 19 July 2020: The lights go out on Lebanon’s economy as financial collapse accelerates, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2020: Lebanese court orders seizure of central bank governor Riad Salameh’s assets, Arab News, 22 July 2020: US to put ‘severe economic pressure’ on Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 22 July 2020: Hezbollah’s historical repression of Lebanese neutrality may be coming to an end, France24, 23 July 2020: French foreign minister Le Drian begins Lebanon visit amid economic crisis, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2020: How might Hezbollah retaliate against Israel?, Times of Israel, 23 July 2020: IDF sends reinforcements to north amid threat of Hezbollah attack, Palestine Chronicle, 23 July 2020: Israel Sends Military Reinforcements to Lebanon Border after Hezbollah Warnings, Arab News, 23 July 2020: ‘Help us help you’: French envoy’s plea to Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2020: Lebanese central bank chief Salameh inflated assets as liabilities grew: audit report, DW, 24 July 2020: Lebanon swings between humor and tragedy as economy crumbles, France24, 24 July 2020: France pledges €15 million to Lebanese schools crippled by crisis, Haaretz, 25 July 2020: ‘Lebanon Crisis Is So Deep, Nasrallah Has No Time for Iran’, Al Arabiya, 25 July 2020: As Lebanon enters hyperinflation, the black market currency exchange has many faces, Haaretz, 26 July 2020: Israeli Drone Crashes in Lebanon, Military Says, France24, 27 July 2020: Netanyahu says Hezbollah ‘playing with fire,’ but Shiite group denies role in border clash (in real life, Hezbollah was launching a counter-attack against Israeli attacks), Haaretz, 28 July 2020: Lebanon’s PM: Israeli Action Against Hezbollah Was ‘Dangerous Military Escalation’, Times of Israel, 28 July 2020: IDF stays on high alert as Lebanese PM accuses Israel of ‘dangerous escalation’, Haaretz, 28 July 2020: Israel-Lebanon Border Incident Ended With a Tie. It May Not Be Enough for Hezbollah, Jerusalem Post, 28 July 2020: Was Mount Dov incident another Hollywood show for Hezbollah?, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2020: Iran, Hezbollah are unable to fully respond to increase in Israeli attacks: Experts, Arab News, 29 July 2020: Lebanon reinstates lockdown measures after virus rebound, Times of Israel, 29 July 2020: To avoid another attack, Israel tries hard not to embarrass Hezbollah, Haaretz, 30 July 2020: Hezbollah Is Caught in a Dilemma. Israel Is Caught in a Guessing Game, Arab News, 30 July 2020: Proposed US legislation targets Lebanese government over Hezbollah ties, Al Arabiya, 30 July 2020: Hezbollah border incursions into Israel show neutrality is not an option for Lebanon, The National, 31 July 2020: How to save Lebanon from looming hyperinflation, Haaretz, 2 August 2020: A Crumbling Lebanon Demands a Lifeline, Not War, and Hezbollah May Have to Change Course, Israel Hayom, 2 August 2020: Lebanon’s economic ship is sinking, taking Hezbollah with it, Arab News, 3 August 2020: Chinese and Iranian vultures circling over Beirut, France24, 4 August 2020: Deadly Beirut blasts were caused by 2750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, says president Aoun, DW, 4 August 2020: Powerful explosion rocks Lebanon’s capital Beirut, dozens killed, thousands injured, CNN, 4 August 2020: Lebanese capital rocked by huge explosion, France24, 4 August 2020: Offers of assistance pour in for Lebanon after deadly Beirut explosions, BBC, 4 August 2020: Beirut blast: Dozens dead and thousands injured, health minister says, Politico.eu, 4 August 2020: EU countries offer support after Beirut blast, NPR, 4 August 2020: Enormous Explosion Rocks Beirut, Killing Dozens And Wounding Thousands, The New York Times, 4 August 2020: Powerful Explosion Kills at Least 78 and Injures Thousands in Beirut, Haaretz, 4 August 2020: Dozens Dead, Thousands Wounded in Massive Blast at Beirut Port, Times of Israel, 4 August 2020: As Beirut death toll rises, Lebanese PM vows to punish those behind huge blast, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2020: Trump says Beirut blast was the result of ‘an attack’ and ‘bomb of some kind’, Arab News, 5 August 2020: Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries express solidarity with Lebanon over Beirut explosion, France24, 4 August 2020: Offers of assistance pour in for Lebanon after deadly Beirut explosions, The National, 4 August 2020: Beirut live: Police and protesters clash as disaster sparks anger, DW, 5 August 2020: Beirut deadly blast: What makes ammonium nitrate so dangerous?, The New York Times, 5 August 2020: Anger Rises After Beirut Blast and Evidence Officials Knew of Risks, France24, 5 August 2020: Chemical linked to Beirut blast caused past explosions in Texas, Toulouse, The Wall Street Journal, 5 August 2020: The Beirut Explosion in Photos, France24, 5 August 2020: Beirut residents awake to scenes of devastation after deadly port explosion, NPR, 5 August 2020: Satellite Images Show Aftermath Of Beirut Blast, France24, 5 August 2020: ‘An earthquake’: Beirut blasts heap further misery on crisis-wracked Lebanon, The Washington Post, 5 August 2020: After the blast: Satellite images show destruction in Beirut, The New York Times, 5 August 2020: What Footage of the Beirut Explosion Tells Us, Al Arabiya, 5 August 2020: Without dismantling Hezbollah’s arsenal, Lebanon will always be at risk, BBC, 6 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Angry residents demand answers after blast, France24, 6 August 2020: Lebanese diaspora mobilises after deadly Beirut blast, DW, 6 August 2020: 44,000 sign petition for France to take control of Lebanon, France24, 6 August 2020: Lebanese investigators focus on negligence in Beirut blast, BBC, 6 August 2020: Beirut explosion: What we know so far, France24, 6 August 2020: ‘Beirut is destroyed, my heart is broken’: Locals in despair over Lebanon blast, CNN, 6 August 2020: A Russian ship’s cargo of dangerous ammonium nitrate was stranded in Beirut port for years, France24, 6 August 2020: On Beirut visit, Macron says aid to go ‘directly to the people’, relief groups, Politico.eu, 6 August 2020: Macron offers Lebanon’s elite a carrot and a deadline, France24, 6 August 2020: ‘If reforms are not made, Lebanon will continue to suffer,’ says Macron in Beirut, Haaretz, 6 August 2020: Israel Is in Shock, in a Sickening Show of Hypocrisy (there is not a single reason why Lebanese would trust Israeli governments. For years, Netanyahu or one of his right-wing Likudniks has threatened the complete destruction of Beirut at least once a week), France24, 6 August 2020: Israel’s Tel Aviv lights up with Lebanon flag, Times of Israel, 6 August 2020: Rebuffed by Lebanon, Israelis seek workarounds to get help to Beirut, The Guardian, 6 August 2020: Beirut explosion: death toll rises to 137 as army takes control of site, DW, 6 August 2020: Lebanese open homes to people displaced by Beirut blast, The Guardian, 6 August 2020: No lights, no glass, no money: Beirutis hamstrung in efforts to rebuild, BBC, 6 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Macron calls for ‘deep change’ in Lebanon after blast, BBC, 6 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Before-and-after images, Arab News, 6 August 2020: Lebanese clean up after blast in solidarity and rage, The Guardian, 6 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Security forces confront protesters near parliament, The New York Times, 6 August 2020: As French President Visits Beirut, Lebanese Ask Where Their Leaders Are, Arab News, 6 August 2020: Macron calls aid conference for blast-hit Lebanon ‘in coming days’, Arab News, 7 August 2020: Who is to blame for Lebanon’s mess?, The National, 7 August 2020: EU releases €33m of emergency aid for Beirut, Arab News, 7 August 2020: French President Macron’s visit touches a chord in shellshocked Beirut, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Lebanon’s police fire tear gas at anti-government protestors, DW, 7 August 2020: Lebanon faces ‘grim’ prospect of food, medical and housing shortages, France24, 7 August 2020: Lebanese police tear gas anti-government protesters in wake of devastating blast, DW, 7 August 2020: Germany warns against political destabilization in Lebanon, France24, 7 August 2020: Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader ‘categorically denies’ storing arms at Beirut blast site, BBC, 7 August 2020: Anti-government protests break out in city, France24, 7 August 2020: The strange history of the chemical cargo that caused the Beirut blast, BBC, 7 August 2020: US jobs growth slows in July as pandemic takes toll, France24, 7 August 2020: Rescuers comb through rubble of Beirut blast site as first arrests made, CNN, 7 August 2020: How judges responded to warnings about ammonium nitrate stored at the Beirut port, BBC, 7 August 2020: Beirut explosion: UN warns of Lebanon humanitarian crisis, NPR, 7 August 2020: Beirut Explosion Looks Like An Accident — And A Sign Of The Country’s Collapse, The Guardian, 7 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Former port worker says fireworks stored in hangar, DW, 7 August 2020: Beirut: Popular spots reduced to rubble in Lebanese capital, CNN, 7 August 2020: Ammonium nitrate that exploded in Beirut bought for mining, Mozambican firm says, The Guardian, 7 August 2020: Beirut blast Police fire teargas at protesters demanding justice over explosion, Al Arabiya, 7 August 2020: Beirut explosion will hasten Lebanon’s meltdown, DW, 8 August 2020: Lebanon’s worst enemy is its own government, Times of Israel, 8 August 2020: Israel TV: Hezbollah apparently wanted Beirut’s ammonium nitrate for Israel war (when looking at the incident from the other side, it make sense as well. For years, Likud members, including the Crime Minister himself, have threatened the complete destruction of Beirut. With this explosion they would have already lived up to half of their promise), DW, 8 August 2020: Lebanon: Protesters take over ministries after deadly blast, France24, 8 August 2020: Lebanese protesters storm ministry buildings as anger over Beirut explosion grows, Arab News, 8 August 2020: More than 60 still missing after Beirut mega-blast: ministry, The National, 8 August 2020: Beirut live: Protesters begin to gather in the streets as fury mounts, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2020: Beirut explosion death toll rises to 158, over 6,000 injured: Health ministry, NPR, 8 August 2020: Police Fire Tear Gas As Thousands Express Outrage Over Beirut Explosion, BBC, 8 August 2020: Footage from a church mid-explosion brings hope to Beirutis, Arab News, 8 August 2020: Third Saudi aid plane arrives in Beirut, Politico.eu, 8 August 2020: Charles Michel visits Beirut as Lebanese protestors vent fury over port blast, BBC, 8 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Angry protesters storm government ministries, CNN, 8 August 2020: Lebanon protesters storm ministries as violent protests grip Beirut, Arab News, 8 August 2020: Why Europe has a duty to help its stricken neighbor, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2020: Beirut blast is the most tragic: 6 explosions, fires around the world within 72 hours, The National, 9 August 2020: Beirut blast protests descend into riots as the enraged Lebanese demand justice, Al Arabiya, 9 August 2020: Beirut would be ‘erased’ had full chemical load exploded, bulk likely stolen: Expert, Israel Hayom, 9 August 2020: Former defense minister: Hezbollah responsible for Beirut blast, DW, 9 August 2020: Beirut blast: Donors push for reforms in return for pledged money, France24, 9 August 2020: Macron urges donors to ‘act quickly’ at UN virtual conference on aid for Lebanon, Israel Hayom, 9 August 2020: Is France helping Lebanon, or trying to reconquer it? (for Lebanon and the surrounding countries a “French solution” would even be desirable, because that would mean that other EU countries would also get involved. With the exception of Hezbollah on the one hand and Israel on the other, this should please all the other parties involved pretty well, because it would ultimately create stability in the medium and long term and thus a basic requirement for the country’s recovery), The Guardian, 9 August 2020: Beirut explosion: protests outside parliament call for fall of government, DW, 9 August 2020: In pictures: Beirut blast aftermath — destruction, chaos and protests, France24, 9 August 2020: Beirut protestors call for fall of government on second day of demonstrations, BBC, 9 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Donors pledge aid for Lebanon but want reform, Politico.eu, 9 August 2020: World leaders pledge €250M in Lebanon donor conference, The Washington Post, 9 August 2020: How the Beirut blast compared with similar explosions in Texas, China and France, France24, 10 August 2020: ‘I can’t sleep, I can’t even cry’: NGO worker on rebuilding Beirut after blast, DW, 10 August 2020: Germany’s Foreign Minister Maas to travel to Beirut, demand reform, France24, 10 August 2020: Lebanese PM announces government’s resignation over Beirut blast, DW, 10 August 2020: Lebanon’s government resigns over deadly Beirut port blast, Times of Israel, 10 August 2020: Lebanese blogger goes viral slamming Nasrallah as ‘worse than Israel’, France24, 10 August 2020: Beirut blast destroyed landmark 19th-century palace after painstaking restoration, BBC, 10 August 2020: Lebanon’s government resigns as public anger mounts, Arab News, 10 August 2020: UN chief calls for independent inquiry into Beirut explosion, The National, 10 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Legendary Palestinian banker envisaged silos that shielded his adopted city from more destruction, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2020: Hezbollah softens stance on Israel maritime border dispute after Lebanese rage, The National, 10 August 2020: Hangar 12: fireworks were stored next to ammonium nitrate in Beirut warehouse, former workers say, Arab News, 10 August 2020: ‘Balance of terror’ drives Israel’s approach to Lebanon, The National, 10 August 2020: Beirut explosion to deepen Lebanon’s economic contraction to 24%, IIF says, Arab News, 10 August 2020: Lebanese need world’s help to weed out corruption, The National, 11 August 2020: Beirut live: Lebanon government resigns amid mounting anger, The Guardian, 11 August 2020: If ever there was a moment for change in Lebanon, this must surely be it, France24, 11 August 2020: Beirut pauses to remember the dead one week after catastrophic explosion, The Guardian, 11 August 2020: Lebanon’s political corruption can be rooted out – if its international donors insist, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2020: French MP demands that France designate Hezbollah a terror organization (one can only hope, that the French MPs aren’t as dumb as some of Germany’s actually are, stopping to distinct between the armed and political branches of Hezbollah, chosing to do so on the basis of US and Israeli misinformation. The last time European powers fell for US and Israeli nonsense and lies resulted in the Iraq war and a conflagration in the Middle East and North Africa), The New York Times, 11 August 2020: After the Beirut Blast, Lebanon’s Whole Cabinet Quit. Now What?, The National, 11 August 2020: Beirut’s suffering is a direct result of a failed political system in need of overhaul, Arab News, 11 August 2020: A week on from catastrophe, Lebanon remembers Beirut victims, The Guardian, 11 August 2020: Beirut explosion: what is the mood like in the country?, The National, 12 August 2020: Beirut live: 14 UN agencies working to bring immediate aid to capital, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2020: Lebanon’s people are calling out the disease of corruption, but say cure out of reach, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Six sources explain details, shine light on Hezbollah link, DW, 12 August 2020: German Foreign Minister Maas arrives in Lebanon, brings aid, calls for reform, The National, 12 August 2020: Germany warns Lebanon must fight corruption to receive aid, DW, 12 August 2020: Will protests after Beirut blast bring reform to Lebanon?, Arab News, 12 August 2020: Over half of Beirut health facilities ‘non-functional’: WHO, France24, 12 August 2020: Lebanese protesters call for downfall of president and political elite over Beirut blast, NPR, 12 August 2020: ‘Lots Of Destruction, But This Is The Future’: Photos Inside The Homes Of Beirut, Times of Israel, 12 August 2020: US threatening to veto UN peacekeeper mandate in southern Lebanon — report, The New York Times, 12 August 2020: Could the Beirut Explosion Be a Turning Point for Lebanon?, Der Spiegel, 13 August 2020: Deeply Wounded City: A Portrait of Beirut After the Explosion, DW, 13 August 2020: UN human rights experts demand probe into Beirut explosion, Arab News, 13 August 2020: ‘Dubai will be my new Beirut,’ say grieving Lebanese workers, The National, 13 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Germany’s Siemens to help plug massive electricity shortages in Lebanese capital, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: Lebanon’s sinking economy set to plunge further after Beirut port explosion: Report, CNN, 13 August 2020: Beirut’s once-thriving cultural community was already at breaking point. Then the blast hit, Der Spiegel, 14 August 2020: Deeply Wounded City: A Portrait of Beirut After the Explosion, DW, 14 August 2020: Beirut’s cultural scene damaged by explosion, Arab News, 15 August 2020: Why Beirut may be the catalyst for a new wind of change, The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: Hezbollah faces toughest challenge yet in aftermath of Beirut blast, DW, 16 August 2020: Assassination verdict complicates Beirut blast fallout, CNN, 16 August 2020: Lebanese President says it’s ‘impossible’ for him to resign following Beirut’s deadly blast, Arab News, 16 August 2020: To save Lebanon, break the Aoun-Nasrallah unholy alliance, The National, 16 August 2020: Will Iran succeed in completely taking over Lebanon?, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2020: Beirut explosion: Lebanon’s President Aoun calls blast probe ‘complex’, France24, 18 August 2020: Lebanon is still reeling, two weeks after deadly Beirut blasts, DW, 18 August 2020: Lebanon tribunal finds Hezbollah defendant guilty in ex-PM Hariri assassination case, France24, 18 August 2020: Lebanon tribunal convicts Hezbollah member in 2005 Hariri murder but exonerates group’s leadership, Arab News, 18 August 2020: Lebanon tribunal convicts Hezbollah member Salim Jamil Ayyash for Hariri assassination, The Guardian, 18 August 2020: Hezbollah member found guilty over killing of Rafik Hariri, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: ‘Impossible’ Beirut Port blast was caused by Hezbollah arms – president, Arab News, 18 August 2020: There is no role for Hezbollah in Lebanon’s future, The National, 18 August 2020: Rafik Hariri killing: son ‘will not rest’ until punishment is carried out as Hezbollah member is convicted, Arab News, 18 August 2020: Saad Hariri says he holds Hezbollah responsible for father’s murder, Al Arabiya, 18 August 2020: Hariri calls on Hezbollah to turn in mastermind behind father’s assassination, The National, 18 August 2020: Unesco, the Louvre and international organisations pledge ‘cultural first aid’ to Beirut, Al Arabiya, 18 August 2020: International community welcomes ruling on Rafik Hariri killing at UN-backed tribunal, Arab News, 19 August 2020: Shattered Lebanon finds little peace in Hariri verdict, Foreign Policy, 19 August 2020: The World Is Planning to Rescue the Lebanese, Not Lebanon, The National, 19 August 2020: Volunteers in Abu Dhabi pack thousands of donated items for families affected by Beirut blast, Arab News, 19 August 2020: Lebanon has hit ‘rock bottom,’ must reform for long-term aid: US, The National, 19 August 2020: No bailout for Lebanon without serious reforms, senior US official warns, France24, 19 August 2020: Special edition: Could the Beirut blast be one tragedy too many for Lebanon?, The National, 19 August 2020: Rise from the ashes: Zuhair Murad sells T-shirt to raise money for Beirut disaster relief, The Washington Post, 20 August 2020: Beirut needs billions of dollars it doesn’t have to rebuild after massive blast, Israel Hayom, 20 August 2020: Hezbollah rose to power but lost Lebanon, The National, 21 August 2020: Will Lebanon finally gather the strength to oust Hezbollah?, Der Spiegel, 21 August 2020: Shipowner Linked to Hezbollah’s Bank? Questions Swirl around the Cargo that Destroyed Beirut, Arab News, 21 August 2020: Lebanon starts two-week coronavirus lockdown, The Washington Post, 21 August 2020: After Beirut, ports around the world searched for a dangerous chemicals. Some didn’t like what they found., The National, 23 August 2020: Kuwait ready to rebuild Beirut port’s shattered wheat silos,Arab News, 23 August 2020: Lebanon’s new start needs to be locally led, The National, 23 August 2020: The world’s great powers will soon face off in Lebanon, CNN, 23 August 2020: The pain of loving Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: After explosion, Lebanese say ‘Beirut is not for sale’ to corrupt developers, The National, 24 August 2020: After Beirut blast, Tripoli hopes for a long-awaited economic boost, Arab News, 25 August 2020: Lebanese businesses rebel against lockdown, The Guardian, 25 August 2020: Beirut’s devastating blast has not shaken the ruling class’s grip on Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 25 August 2020: Lebanon’s new cabinet awaits international deal while the country is in agony, Palestine Chronicle, 26 August 2020: Israel Strikes Hezbollah Posts in Southern Lebanon, Israel Hayom, 26 August 2020: Lebanon may be broken beyond repair, Al Arabiya, 27 August 2020: After explosion, UNESCO in massive fundraising drive for Beirut, Haaretz, 27 August 2020: Despite Its Troubles in Lebanon, Hezbollah Is Still Bent on Revenge on Israel, Jerusalem Post, 27 August 2020: As deadline nears, US, Israel urge UNSC to expand UNIFIL’s mandate, France24, 27 August 2020: Lebanon at ‘risk of disappearing’, French minister says, pushing govt to adopt reforms, Arab News, 27 August 2020: France presses Lebanon to reform and avoid ‘risk of disappearing’, Al Arabiya, 27 August 2020: Two killed in clashes between Hezbollah supporters, local clan south of Beirut, Haaretz, 28 August 2020: UN Approves Resolution Reducing Lebanon Peacekeeping Force, Boost Scrutiny Amid U.S., Israeli Criticism, The National, 28 August 2020: France’s Macron warns Lebanon risks ‘civil war’ if not helped, France24, 28 August 2020: Lebanese presidency to convene consultations on Monday to pick new PM, Times of Israel, 29 August 2020: UN resolution calls for peacekeeper access to Lebanon border tunnels, The National, 29 August 2020: UN extends Lebanon peace mission by one year, Arab News, 29 August 2020: Deadly firefight in Lebanon sparks warnings of more sectarian trouble, France24, 30 August 2020: Lebanon president calls for proclamation of ‘secular state’, Haaretz, 30 August 2020: Ambassador Poised to Be Designated Lebanon’s New Prime Minister as President Calls for Reform, France24, 30 August 2020: Hezbollah ‘open’ to French proposal for new political order in Lebanon, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2020: Nasrallah: Hezbollah open to discussing new political order in Lebanon, Arab News, 30 August 2020: How Lebanon can avert threat of new civil war, Al Arabiya, 30 August 2020: Lebanese people criticize Hezbollah after Beirut blast, The Guardian, 31 August 2020: Beirut blast: ambassador firms as Lebanon’s next PM ahead of Macron visit, Politico.eu, 31 August 2020: Emmanuel Macron’s big Beirut challenge, France24, 1 September 2020: French President Macron says Lebanon has promised to form cabinet within two weeks, Haaretz, 2 September 2020: Macron to Lebanese Leaders: Reform Now or Face Sanctions, France24, 4 September 2020: One month on from massive port explosion, ‘Beirut needs us’, Haaretz, 7 September 2020: The Real Reasons Israel Showed Solidarity With Lebanon After the Beirut Blast, The National, 8 September 2020: Italy adds to European calls for change in Lebanon amid crisis, The New York Times, 9 September 2020: How a Massive Bomb Came Together in Beirut’s Port, Al Arabiya, 10 September 2020: In Lebanon, Beirut’s port needs rebuilding, but no one has yet stepped up, The Guardian, 10 September 2020: Panic again at Beirut port as huge fire breaks out, CNN, 10 September 2020: Beirut port ablaze, weeks after massive blast, BBC, 10 September 2020: Beirut fire: Large blaze erupts in port a month after explosion, France24, 10 September 2020: Huge fire breaks out at Beirut port one month after fatal explosion, Al Arabiya, 10 September 2020: Major fire in Beirut port triggers ‘fear and panic’ among already distressed citizens, The Washington Post, 10 September 2020: New port fire burns in battered Beirut one month after deadly blast, France24, 11 September 2020: New fire at Beirut port causes panic among citizens already reeling from blasts, France24, 21 September 2020: Lebanese president proposes ending sectarian quotas to break govt deadlock, Haaretz, 22 September 2020: Powerful Blast Rocks Hezbollah Stronghold in Southern Lebanon (reminds a lot of the presumably Israeli attacks on various facilities in Iran (Iran neither directly accuses Israel, nor does Israel officially deny it)), Times of Israel, 22 September 2020: Explosion rocks alleged Hezbollah arms cache in Lebanon, casualties reported, Arab News, 23 September 2020: Lebanon’s Aoun asks world’s help ‘trying to rise from its rubble’ at UN General Assembly meeting, Al Arabiya, 23 September 2020: Prospects for Lebanon’s future dim as the worst is yet to come, Arab News, 25 September 2020: Adib presents government proposal to Aoun as Hezbollah pressure grows, DW, 26 September 2020: Prime Minister-designate Mustapha Adib resigns, France24, 26 September 2020: Lebanon’s PM-designate resigns amid political impasse over govt formation, Haaretz, 26 September 2020: Lebanese PM-designate Resigns After Failing to Form Cabinet, Arab News, 26 September 2020: Lebanon crisis deepens as prime minister-designate Adib quits after a month, The National, 26 September 2020: Lebanese prime minister-designate steps aside over deadlock, BBC, 26 September 2020: Lebanon’s PM-designate Adib fails to form new government after blast, The Times, 26 September 2020: Nation in meltdown: why Lebanon’s poor are the new boat people of the Med, Politico.eu, 26 September 2020: Lebanon’s prime minister-designate quits after failing to form a government, Jerusalem Post, 27 September 2020: Has Hezbollah defeated France in Lebanon?, Arab News, 27 September 2020: Macron accuses Lebanon leaders of betrayal over government failure, The National, 27 September 2020: French President Emmanuel Macron points finger at Hezbollah as political crisis deepens in Lebanon, France24, 29 September 2020: Hezbollah chief backs French initiative despite ‘condescending’ tone, Haaretz, 1 October 2020: Wanted: A Candidate for Prime Minister of Lebanon. And It Better Be Soon, France24, 1 October 2020: ‘United for Lebanon’ charity concert in Paris to air live on FRANCE 24, DW, 1 October 2020: Lebanon, Israel to hold talks over disputed border, France24, 1 October 2020: Lebanon, Israel to hold first direct talks in decades on disputed borders, Haaretz, 1 October 2020: In First Direct Talks in 30 Years, Israel, Lebanon Agree to Negotiate Maritime Border, Times of Israel, 1 October 2020: Lebanon and Israel confirm talks this month over disputed maritime border, Arab News, 1 October 2020: Lebanon, Israel to hold maritime border talks, The National, 1 October 2020: Lebanon Speaker announces framework for indirect talks with Israel, DW, 2 October 2020: Lebanon-Israel talks unlikely to yield ‘historic’ US policy win, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2020: IDF reveals additional intelligence on Hezbollah sites in Beirut, Al Arabiya, 2 October 2020: Lebanon will benefit from fixing its maritime border with Israel, Arab News, 4 October 2020: Saad Hariri could lead Lebanese government again, The National, 4 October 2020: Lebanon-Israel talks will mark another win for Donald Trump, Arab News, 9 October 2020: How Lebanon should be reborn post-Hezbollah, France24, 9 October 2020: Lebanon’s ex-PM Hariri says candidate to head next government, Al Arabiya, 9 October 2020: Hezbollah is buying time with farcical Lebanese-Israeli maritime border talks, France24, 17 October 2020: Lebanon’s protest movement marks first anniversary, but demands remain unfulfilled, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2020: Lebanon ‘heavily relies’ on US to mediate maritime border talks, Arab News, 17 October 2020: Lebanon’s inept elite risk descent into chaos, Al Arabiya, 17 October 2020: One year since the October 17 movement in Lebanon, what has changed?, Arab News, 21 October 2020: Hariri in line to lead next Lebanese government, DW, 22 October 2020: Saad Hariri named new Lebanese prime minister amid growing crisis, France24, 22 October 2020: Former PM Hariri to head new government in crisis-hit Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 22 October 2020: Lebanese criticize Saad Hariri as new Prime Minister-designate amid low vote-count, Arab News, 22 October 2020: A “Saad” day for Lebanon: Hariri’s fourth term as PM met with skepticism, Al Arabiya, 23 October 2020: US vows to starve Hezbollah of funds, support on anniversary of 1983 Beirut bombing, Times of Israel, 26 October 2020: Daughter of Lebanese president says open to peace with Israel, under conditions, Haaretz, 29 October 2020: Israel, Lebanon Agree to Further Talks on Maritime Border in November, Arab News, 30 October 2020: Security forces keep radical protesters away from French Embassy in Beirut, The Atlantic, 1 November 2020: America’s Future Might Be Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 5 November 2020: Forming Lebanon’s new cabinet is like mission impossible, The National, 6 November 2020: Lebanon to demolish blast-hit silos over safety fears, BBC, 6 November 2020: Lebanon’s Gebran Bassil hit by US sanctions ‘for corruption’, Arab News, 6 November 2020: US hits ‘corrupt’ Lebanese political leader Gibran Bassil with sanctions, Jerusalem Post, 6 November 2020: Hezbollah: US sanctions on Lebanon’s Bassil are blatant interference, The National, 7 November 2020: Why US sanctions on Lebanon’s Gebran Bassil ‘won’t make a difference’, Al Arabiya, 10 November 2020: Coronavirus: Lebanon to enter full lockdown as COVID-19 cases spike, Arab News, 11 November 2020: Lebanon reinstates lockdown amid economic crisis, Haaretz, 16 November 2020: New Sanctions on Hezbollah Put U.S. Between Rock and a Hard Place, Arab News, 25 November 2020: End the political deadlock, support group tells Beirut, The National, 1 December 2020: Lebanon in a ‘deliberate depression’ and faces dire consequences, World Bank says, France24, 2 December 2020: France hosts aid meeting in effort to break Lebanon’s political gridlock, Times of Israel, 2 December 2020: Lebanese president keen to solve Israel maritime border dispute, Arab News, 2 December 2020: Berating political class, Macron vows more urgent aid for Lebanese people, The National, 2 December 2020: Cash-strapped Lebanon to spend $55m on US Humvees, Al Arabiya, 2 December 2020: Lebanon indicts eight retired military figures over ‘illicit enrichment’, Al Arabiya, 2 December 2020: As Lebanon’s central bank audit crumbles, the worst is yet to come, The National, 4 December 2020: World Bank: ‘irreversible’ damage awaits if Lebanon does not reform, Al Arabiya, 4 December 2020: Lebanese businessman detained in Beirut over alleged Sarkozy-Gaddafi corruption, Arab News, 5 December 2020: Lebanon’s ‘hunger heroes’ bring food to people in need, Al Arabiya, 5 December 2020: Beirut Blast: Mystery over murder of two customs colonels killed three years apart, Arab News, 5 December 2020: Lebanon health crisis looms with drug stocks under threat, Al Arabiya, 5 December 2020: Beirut experiences a historical hailstorm, leaving a white blanket for hours, Al Arabiya, 7 December 2020: Explosion at Hezbollah base in southern Lebanon: Report, Arab News, 8 December 2020: Lebanese journalist, family attacked in home, issued with death threats, Arab News, 8 December 2020: Lebanese creative fashions traditional tableware from Beirut blast’s broken glass, France24, 11 December 2020: Beirut port blast: Lebanon’s army to the rescue, Jerusalem Post, 11 December 2020: Charges in Beirut blast investigation hit political pushback, Arab News, 11 December 2020: Lebanese President Aoun counters Hariri’s Cabinet proposal, The New York Times, 11 December 2020: Hezbollah Member Sentenced in Absentia Over Lebanese Ex-Premier’s Death, France24, 11 December 2020: Hezbollah militant sentenced to life in Lebanon’s Hariri assassination case, The Washington Post, 11 December 2020: Lebanon tribunal gives Hezbollah member five life sentences for 2005 assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri, Jerusalem Post, 11 December 2020: Hezbollah man convicted in 2005 Hariri bombing sentenced to five life terms in prison, Arab News, 11 December 2020: Hezbollah man convicted in 2005 Hariri bombing sentenced to five life terms in prison, Al Arabiya, 11 December 2020: Lebanon recruitment agencies benefit from sponsorship system, lobby against reforms, Arab News, 12 December 2020: Beirut beware: Your ‘savior’ is running out of patience, Arab News, 12 December 2020: Secular Lebanese student groups see political success amid national crisis, Arab News, 13 December 2020: Lebanon’s collapse is like the Titanic’s sinking, only without the music — Le Drian, Arab News, 14 December 2020: Lebanon jails activist Kinda Al-Khatib for ‘collaborating’ with Israel, The National, 14 December 2020: Secret Paris meeting lifted the lid on Hezbollah’s global criminal empire, The National, 15 December 2020: Revealed: $100m hunt for Hezbollah funds after Bulgarian bus bombing, Al Arabiya, 18 December 2020: US, Iran dampen France’s plan for Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 19 December 2020: Lebanon police clash with AUB students protesting tuition hikes, Al Arabiya, 19 December 2020: Watch: Beirut neighborhood damaged by explosion opens Christmas village, Al Arabiya, 19 December 2020: Lebanon’s rule of law proves arbitrary as Beirut port explosion probe stalls, Al Arabiya, 19 December 2020: Why Hezbollah is losing the support of Lebanon’s Shia community, DW, 25 December 2020: Syria accuses Israel of airstrike in western province, The National, 25 December 2020: Israeli missiles scream over Lebanon to kill six fighters in Syria, Al Arabiya, 25 December 2020: Lebanon celebrates Christmas with trees commemorating Beirut port explosion victims, Jerusalem Post, 27 December 2020: Hezbollah’s Nasrallah claims Saudi-US-Israel plot to assassinate him, The Guardian, 27 December 2020: Lebanon: Syrian refugees flee camp after tents set on fire, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2020: Syrian refugee camp in Northern Lebanon set on fire following fight with local family, The National, 27 December 2020: Rockets, ruins, and revenge: Clan violence spirals in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, The National, 29 December 2020: Beirut port blast ’caused by only 500 tonnes of fertiliser’, says PM, The National, 29 December 2020: Hezbollah lender hit by hackers exposing hundreds of accounts, The National, 30 December 2020: Clashes as Beirut police push back student protests over exchange-rate increase, The National, 2 January 2021: Why Lebanon’s student protests are crucial to the country’s future, Al Arabiya, 3 January 2021: Lebanese decry Hezbollah’s erection of Soleimani posters, monuments in Beirut suburbs, Arab News, 4 January 2021: Lebanon bridles at Iranian air chief’s remarks on missiles and sovereignty , Gulf News, 5 January 2021: Lebanon orders three-week lockdown to fight virus spread, Arab News, 9 January 2021: ‘People are begging for help,’ says tearful Lebanese doctor, Arab News, 10 January 2021: Lebanon Christian leader rules out joining Hariri government, Times of Israel, 10 January 2021: Israeli jets said to fly low over Beirut, scaring residents, Times of Israel, 12 January 2021: Lebanon to file urgent complaint to UN over Israeli breaches of airspace, Al Arabiya, 13 January 2021: World Bank approves $246 mln project to support vulnerable Lebanese households, France24, 15 January 2021: Lebanon imposes strict new lockdown to combat post-holiday Covid-19 spike, The Guardian, 15 January 2021: Beirut explosion: Businessmen with ties to Assad linked to blast cargo, Arab News, 15 January 2021: Fearful Lebanese stay home as COVID-19 cases hit new high, Al Arabiya, 21 January 2021: The American University of Beirut’s battle for survival, Arab News, 22 January 2021: Dispute between Aoun and Hariri escalates in Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 22 January 2021: UK MPs call for investigation into British company with possible link to Beirut blast, Arab News, 25 January 2021: Hezbollah should have no role in Lebanon’s future, says Bahaa Hariri, son of Rafik Hariri, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2021: F-35s caught by Hezbollah TV over Lebanon in rare operational flight, Al Arabiya, 27 January 2021: Clashes between protesters, security forces for third night in Lebanon, Arab News, 27 January 2021: Violent lockdown protests wound dozens in northern Lebanon, The National, 28 January 2021: Lebanon’s Tripoli protests reach new levels of violence, Al Arabiya, 28 January 2021: The road to nowhere; tackling Lebanon’s smuggling operation, France24, 29 January 2021: Clashes over lockdowns, inequality escalate in Lebanon’s Tripoli after protester’s death, Times of Israel, 30 January 2021: What’s fueling Lebanon’s lockdown protests?, Arab News, 30 January 2021: Lebanon PM threatens mass arrests over deadly clashes, Arab News, 2 February 2021: Lebanon hits Daesh terror cell in border town, Israel Hayom, 5 February 2021: Lebanese critic of Hezbollah found fatally shot, DW, 6 February 2021: Coronavirus lockdown weighs heavy on a country in crisis, Arab News, 9 February 2021: Lebanon must be freed from Iranian tyranny, Israel Hayom, 9 February 2021: Ganz: Lebanon will be held responsible for any escalation in north, Arab News, 10 February 2021: Hariri looks to France’s Macron for help in forming new govt, repairing Arab ties, The National, 12 February 2021: Hariri says no progress on new Lebanon government after meeting president, Al Arabiya, 12 February 2021: Getting through Lebanon’s COVID-19 lockdown amid a digital divide, DW, 13 February 2021: Beirut blast investigation slow to find answers, Al Arabiya, 16 February 2021: Coronavirus deaths among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon much higher than others, France24, 18 February 2021: Lebanese court removes judge from Beirut blast probe, activists slam ‘mockery of justice’, Jerusalem Post, 18 February 2021: Gantz: Ground in Lebanon will shake in future war with Israel, Al Arabiya, 19 February 2021: Beirut blast victims’ families protest after lead investigator removed from role, Gulf News, 24 February 2021: In bankrupt Lebanon, thieves go for manhole covers, Haaretz, 25 February 2021: Lebanon’s Catastrophe: Political Paralysis and a Vaccine Mafia, Al Arabiya, 25 February 2021: Fighting the spread of Lebanon’s silent pandemic: Domestic abuse, Arab News, 26 February 2021: UN court to try Hezbollah member for Lebanon attacks, The National, 26 February 2021: Oil spill threatens to be ecological disaster for Lebanon coast, The National, 28 February 2021: Volunteers clean Lebanon beach as oil spill threatens nature – in pictures, Al Arabiya, 28 February 2021: Lebanon COVID-19 vaccine scandal exposes risk of working with a corrupt government, Al Arabiya, 2 March 2021: Lebanese take to streets to protest economic collapse as currency hits all-time low, Al Arabiya, 3 March 2021: Another battle to fight: Lebanon’s environmental disaster, Irish Times, 6 March 2021: Protestors block Beirut streets as Lebanese currency slips to record lows, Arab News, 6 March 2021: A Lebanese solution today or regional conflict tomorrow, The National, 6 March 2021: Resigned Lebanese Prime Minister threatens to ‘withdraw’ as government formation stumbles, Arab News, 7 March 2021: Lebanon summons Iranian ambassador over media report on Maronite leader, Al Arabiya, 7 March 2021: Jordan’s PM to reshuffle cabinet to help accelerate IMF-guided reforms, Arab News, 8 March 2021: Pope Francis promises to visit Lebanon, Arab News, 9 March 2021: Lebanon crackdown on black market money-changers fails to stem dollar crisis, Gulf Times, 9 March 2021: Lebanon’s collapse piles strain on army, economy, Al Arabiya, 10 March 2021: Lebanon’s caretaker interior minister says security forces reached ‘rock bottom’, Arab News, 11 March 2021: Lebanon must be empowered to sail toward success, The Wall Street Journal, 12 March 2021: Israeli Strikes Target Iranian Oil Bound for Syria (Israel is bombing Iranian tankers and as a result has now oil on its beaches. Thank you for nothing, incompetent Crime Minister Netanyahu), Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: US officials say Israel has hit many ships taking Iran oil, arms to Syria: WSJ, Jewish News Syndicate, 12 March 2021: Report: Israel has carried out multiple attacks on Syrian-bound Iranian ships, The Guardian, 12 March 2021: Israel Country ‘bombed a dozen ships carrying Iranian oil or weapons in past two years’, Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: Storm brings more tar to Israel’s Mediterranean coast following major oil spill, The National, 12 March 2021: Beirut blast: payment hold-up delays removal of chemicals from port, The Atlantic, 12 March 2021: After the Blast, The Times, 13 March 2021: Israel ‘secretly attacked Iranian oil tankers and weapons carriers’, Haartz, 13 March 2021: Israel’s Reported Attacks on Iranian Tankers Expose It to Greater Risks, Arab News, 13 March 2021: Protests around Lebanon as local currency continues to slide, Gulf Times, 13 March 2021: Thousands rally in central Beirut, call for new govt, Times of Israel, 15 March 2021: With gas alliance moored to Turkey tensions, Israel tacks toward energy security, Arab News, 16 March 2021: Lebanese erupt in rage as currency hits new low, The National, 16 March 2021: Lebanese pound crashes to 15,000 against dollar as protests continue, Gulf Times, 16 March 2021: Free-falling Lebanon currency hits new low, Arab News, 17 March 2021: ‘We have no bread’: Beirut protesters’ plea to minister, The National, 17 March 2021: Lebanese shoppers hoard bread as currency crisis worsens, France24, 18 March 2021: Lebanon: Closed supermarkets and empty shelves as crisis hits food supplies, France24, 18 March 2021: Lebanon’s political class ‘squabbling over a field of ruins’ as economic crisis rages, The National, 19 March 2021: France considers sanctions against Lebanese politicians, Arab News, 21 March 2021: Failed state or battered state — the narratives dividing Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 22 March 2021: Lebanon crisis escalates after President, PM-designate fail to agree on government, Al Arabiya, 22 March 2021: Feeding the hungry in Lebanon: FoodBlessed tackles food insecurity, Al Arabiya, 23 March 2021: Saudi Arabia calls on Lebanon officials to accelerate formation of a new government, The National, 25 March 2021: Lebanon declared ‘hunger hotspot’ by humanitarian organisations, The National, 26 March 2021: Lebanon announces six-month extension of general mobilisation period, The National, 26 March 2021: Lebanon leads UN drive for vaccine sharing, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2021: Lebanon PM warns of ‘dangerous nuclear chemicals’ in oil facility, The National, 28 March 2021: With Lebanon on Biden’s radar now, what will his next step be?, Gulf News, 28 March 2021: Food in Lebanon is most expensive in Mideast region, Gulf News, 29 March 2021: Lebanon could sink like Titanic, says parliamentary speaker Berri, DW, 31 March 2021: Will Lebanese banks crash Middle East finances?, Arab News, 1 April 2021: The Lebanese people can send strong message to Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2021: Germany to propose Beirut port reconstruction with strings attached: Reuters sources, The Algemeiner, 2 April 2021: Does a Third Lebanon-Israel War Lie Ahead?, The Algemeiner, 3 April 2021: UK Crime Agency Considers Investigating Lebanon Corruption Report, Sources Say, Al Arabiya, 4 April 2021: Half of Lebanon’s citizens are below the poverty line: World Bank, Arab News, 5 April 2021: Time to offer Lebanon’s political elite an escape route, Al Arabiya, 8 April 2021: France, EU studying travel bans and asset freezes on Lebanon politicians, The National, 9 April 2021: German firms unveil $7.2bn proposal to revamp Beirut port, The National, 9 April 2021: Hezbollah critics report threats on Clubhouse app, The National, 13 April 2021: Lebanon’s annual inflation soars to 155.4% in February, Arab News, 15 April 2021: Lebanon’s economic crisis takes Ramadan sweets off the table, France24, 16 April 2021: In crisis-hit Lebanon, Hezbollah opens supermarkets for eligible shoppers, Al Arabiya, 16 April 2021: Lebanon’s Hezbollah braces for the worst in economic crisis, collapse, France24, 16 April 2021: Lebanon-Syria: Smuggling and sanctions, the new front line, Times of Israel, 17 April 2021: Hezbollah said making preparations for Lebanon’s possible collapse, Al Arabiya, 19 April 2021: Top Christian cleric in Lebanon slams Hezbollah’s arms, demands international help, Al Arabiya, 20 April 2021: Lebanon envoy says peace with Israel farfetched, solution is Arab Peace Initiative, Haaretz, 23 April 2021: Naval Conflict With Iran Sheds Lights on a Critical Israeli Weak Spot, Al Arabiya, 25 April 2021: UAE says it supports Saudi Arabia’s ban on fruit, vegetable imports from Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 27 April 2021: Israel intercepts a ‘Hezbollah drone’ that crossed from Lebanon, Arab News, 29 April 2021: World should not overlook Hezbollah’s illegal activities, Arab News, 2 May 2021: Explained: How Hezbollah built a drug empire via its ‘narcoterrorist strategy’, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2021: Israel, Lebanon to return to maritime border talks on Tuesday, The National, 3 May 2021: Ship carrying dangerous chemicals to leave Beirut on Tuesday, The Algemeiner, 4 May 2021: Lebanon, Israel Resume Talks on Disputed Maritime Border: Source, Naval News, 4 May 2021: TKMS Hand Over Second SA’AR 6 Corvette to the Israeli Navy (Sa’ar 6-class corvette), Defense Brief, 4 May 2021: Germany’s TKMS hands over second SA’AR 6 corvette INS Oz to Israel, Al Arabiya, 4 May 2021: Lebanon rules out preconditions as sea border talks with Israel resume, Arab News, 4 May 2021: Lebanon request satellite images for site of Beirut blast, The National, 4 May 2021: Beirut blast investigators determined to press ahead to conclusion, despite pressures, Al Arabiya, 5 May 2021: Ahead of Beirut visit, French minister threatens Lebanese politicians, Arab News, 7 May 2021: Lebanese opposition needs to stand up to Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2021: Lebanon’s Hezbollah backs Iran talks with US, Saudi Arabia: Nasrallah, Times of Israel, 10 May 2021: Drowning in crises, Lebanon now galvanized to solve offshore gas row with Israel, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: Turkey’s Karpowership shutting down electricity generation to Lebanon: Statement, Arab News, 17 May 2021: Lebanon urged to initiate reforms and restart negotiations with IMF, Al Arabiya, 18 May 2021: UAE expresses strong disapproval of ‘disgraceful, racist’ statements of Lebanese FM, France24, 18 May 2021: Saudi furious over ‘insulting’ remarks by Lebanese minister, Al Arabiya, 18 May 2021: Saudi Arabia summons Lebanese ambassador over FM’s ‘shameful comments’, Arab News, 19 May 2021: Lebanese foreign minister quits over Gulf remark controversy, Al Arabiya, 21 May 2021: US announces $120 mln in military aid to Lebanon, looking for more ways to help army, Al Arabiya, 22 May 2021: Investigation underway after fire erupts in Lebanon’s Beirut port: Security sources, Arab News, 25 May 2021: UN tribunal for Lebanon runs out of funds as Beirut’s crisis spills over, Al Arabiya, 26 May 2021: In France, Lebanon’s army chief pleads for help as economic crisis worsens: Sources, Jerusalem Post, 26 May 2021: In France, Lebanese army chief pleads for help as economic crisis worsens, Al Arabiya, 26 May 2021: Lebanon will never regain sovereignty with Hezbollah’s current status: David Hale, CNN, 28 May 2021: ‘Mafias’ and ‘militias’ have brought Lebanon to its knees, activists say, The National, 29 May 2021: Thousands take part in Lebanon’s ‘vaccination marathon’, The National, 31 May 2021: Petrol stations in south Lebanon close as shortages fuel violence, Arab News, 1 June 2021: Pentagon official warns of Hezbollah threat to Lebanon’s stability amid financial crisis, France24, 3 June 2021: Lebanon central bank chief faces corruption allegations in France, Al Arabiya, 5 June 2021: PM-designate Hariri asks Lebanon’s government to pay dues to Special Tribunal , Arab News, 5 June 2021: Why Lebanon’s Rafik Hariri tribunal must be funded until it completes its mandate, DW, 5 June 2021: Young activists fight for a new Lebanon, France24, 6 June 2021: France opens probe into personal wealth of Lebanon’s central bank chief, Al Arabiya, 6 June 2021: France opens investigation into personal wealth of Lebanon’s Riad Salameh, France24, 6 June 2021: French foreign minister takes firm stand against corruption, political deadlock in Lebanon visit, Arab News, 6 June 2021: France probes Lebanese central bank chief’s wealth, Arab News, 8 June 2021: France to host mid-June meeting to gather support for Lebanese army, Al Arabiya, 9 June 2021: Hezbollah’s Nasrallah says it will import Iran fuel if Lebanon’s shortages persist, Arab News, 11 June 2021: Palestinian-designed, self-build homes seen as key to Gaza’s recovery, The National, 11 June 2021: Lebanon fuel shortages spark fights and long queues at the pump, Arab News, 12 June 2021: Lebanon’s Sunni leaders renew support for Hariri, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2021: Lebanon currency drops to new low as financial meltdown deepens, Arab News, 16 June 2021: Hezbollah’s multipurpose drug trade, Arab News, 16 June 2021: Lebanon govt hopes collapse amid heated exchanges, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2021: Lebanon Army Chief: Economic situation will lead to collapse of military, Arab News, 17 June 2021: Lebanese banks swallow at least $250m in UN aid, Al Arabiya, 19 June 2021: EU threatens Lebanese politicians with sanctions over Cabinet delays, crisis, Arab News, 19 June 2021: EU’s Borrell plans Beirut talks as economic crisis fears deepen, Al Arabiya, 20 June 2021: Lebanon’s crisis caused by feud over power, says EU envoy, France24, 18 June 2021: Lebanon petrol shortage sparks hours-long queues, armed clashes, Arab News, 22 June 2021: Lebanon again raises price of bread amid crippling crisis, Al Arabiya, 24 June 2021: Lebanon’s migrants working at petrol stations feel the pain of fuel shortages, Arab News, 24 June 2021: Violence seeps into Lebanese life due to economic crisis, The Hill, 27 June 2021: Lebanese troops deploy around Tripoli following protests amid economic crisis, Arab News, 27 June 2021: Lebanon rejects claim that it is planning Iran oil imports, Al Arabiya, 28 June 2021: Protests erupt in Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike, severe power shortages, Al Arabiya, 29 June 2021: US, France, Saudi Arabia push jointly for Lebanon action on the sidelines of G20, Arab News, 2 July 2021: Lebanese judge takes aim at top politicians, officials over Beirut port blast, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2021: Judge investigating Beirut port blast targets top officials in Lebanon, Arab News, 3 July 2021: Lebanese leaders can’t halt the oncoming electoral tsunami, Arab News, 4 July 2021: Choosing the right leader crucial for Lebanon’s recovery, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2021: Lebanon has entered a cycle of unending crisis – analysis, CNN, 6 July 2021: Lebanon is days away from a ‘social explosion,’ prime minister warns, Arab News, 6 July 2021: Lebanon’s PM Diab warns country is a few days away from social explosion, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2021: Israel’s Lapid vs. Poland’s Holocaust restitution law – analysis, Al Arabiya, 7 July 2021: French, US envoys to Lebanon to visit Saudi Arabia in bid to stem major crisis, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2021: Lebanese media react to an unprecedented crisis – analysis, Times of Israel, 8 July 2021: With Lebanon in dire straits, Hezbollah seeks to cast Iran as country’s savior, Arab News, 8 July 2021: How Hezbollah has permeated the Lebanese state, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2021: Lebanon’s top Christian cleric hopes for better ties with Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 8 July 2021: Amid Lebanon’s drastic fuel shortages, the rare site of a woman petrol station attendant brings hope, Times of Israel, 8 July 2021: With Lebanon in dire straits, Hezbollah seeks to cast Iran as country’s savior, Haaretz, 9 July 2021: The Economic Crises on Israel’s Borders Are Cause for Concern, Arab News, 10 July 2021: Hezbollah offers a bright future in drugs, crime and terror, Al Arabiya, 10 July 2021: Lebanon power station to restart after fuel delivery, Arab News, 10 July 2021: Israel foils arms smuggling from Lebanon, calls it the ‘largest in years’, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2021: Families of Beirut blast victims call for justice, Al Arabiya, 12 July 2021: France says EU has decided to pressure Lebanon’s leaders with sanctions, France24, 12 July 2021: EU to impose sanctions on Lebanese leaders by end of July, Arab News, 13 July 2021: French official: Lebanon’s ruling elite ‘not committed to reforms’, Haaretz, 14 July 2021: Israel Believes War With Hezbollah Unlikely as Lebanon’s Economy Suffers, Arab News, 15 July 2021: Lebanese entitled to ask ‘What about tomorrow?’, Jerusalem Post, 15 July 2021: Lebanon is dying a slow death, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2021: Intl conference on Lebanon’s crisis set for August 4: France, France24, 16 July 2021: France announces aid conference for Lebanon as Hariri abandons bid to form govt, CNN, 16 July 2021: Lebanon’s Gordian knot could strangle it, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2021: US urged to allow Egypt, Jordan gas deal with Lebanon via Arab Gas Pipeline, The National, 16 July 2021: French judges probe Lebanon ex-central banker over money laundering, Times of Israel, 17 July 2021: Lebanon in freefall as France announces aid conference on port blast anniversary, The Times, 17 July 2021: Lebanon running out of food and medicines as economy collapses, Al Arabiya, 17 July 2021: Fire breaks out on ship docked in Beirut port: Reports, The Algemeiner, 18 July 2021: With Rising Influence, Hezbollah Stands Ready to Exploit Chaos in Lebanon, France24, 18 July 2021: Two bears head for US from from crisis-hit Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 19 July 2021: US officials in Beirut as new sanctions await Lebanon’s politicians and Iran, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2021: Biden slams Iran’s support for Hezbollah; US extends national emergency for Lebanon, Times of Israel, 21 July 2021: Iran, terror concerns are changing France’s ties with Israel, say visiting MPs, Arab News, 21 July 2021: Report: Lebanon could turn into ‘Venezuela of the Mediterranean’, The Algemeiner, 22 July 2021: Is Lebanon on the Verge of a Military Coup?, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2021: The IDF cannot let Lebanon become like Gaza – analysis, Al Arabiya, 22 July 2021: UN hits out at Lebanon’s ‘leaders’ during hearing on Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire, Arab News, 22 July 2021: UN envoy: Lebanon’s salvation lies in the hands of its leaders, CNN, 23 July 2021: Lebanon’s water system on brink of total collapse, says UN, Haaretz, 23 July 2021: As Lebanon Crumbles, So Could Israel’s Deterrence, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2021: UNICEF: 71% of Lebanon’s population risks losing access to safe water, Arab News, 24 July 2021: Tragedy of Beirut, last bastion of the true Levant, Al Arabiya, 24 July 2021: Lebanon, Cyprus discuss bilateral relations, agree to cooperate on oil and gas, Arab News, 24 July 2021: Lebanon signs deal to sell Iraqi fuel in move to ease crisis, Al Arabiya, 25 July 2021: Former Lebanese prime ministers choose ex-PM Mikati as candidate to form new gov’t, Arab News, 25 July 2021: Lebanon’s Sunni Muslim leaders endorse ex-PM Najib Mikati as choice to form new government, DW, 26 July 2021: Lebanon: Severe fuel shortage deepens economic crisis, France24, 26 July 2021: Lebanese billionaire Najib Mikati picked as new PM-designate, The Guardian, 26 July 2021: Lebanon Billionaire tycoon named as PM as economic crisis bites, DW, 26 July 2021: Lebanon names Najib Mikati as new prime minister, Al Arabiya, 26 July 2021: Out with the old, in with the old: Lebanon’s ‘new’ prime minister, Al Arabiya, 29 July 2021: Wildfires rage in Lebanon despite warnings, lack of proper governance, France24, 30 July 2021: One year after deadly blast, Beirut struggles with ‘trauma after trauma’, Reuters, 30 July 2021: FBI probe shows amount of chemicals in Beirut blast was a fraction of original shipment, France24, 30 July 2021: Beirut’s historic Sursock museum still recovering from wounds of the blast, France24, 30 July 2021: EU adopts framework for sanctions on Lebanon to aid formation of a government, France24, 31 July 2021: ‘They have to pay for what they did’: Families of Beirut blast victims fight for justice, Jerusalem Post, 1 August 2021: Hezbollah member assassinated at wedding, funeral attacked, France24, 1 August 2021: Lebanon’s middle class joins mass exodus – or finds creative ways to survive at home, Al Arabiya, 1 August 2021: Three killed in ambush during a Hezbollah’s militant funeral south of Beirut, Arab News, 1 August 2021: Lebanese killed as violence erupts at Hezbollah funeral, France24, 2 August 2021: Beirut blast propels activist from street protests to political action, Haaretz, 2 August 2021: Beirut Port Blast and Economic Crisis Cloud Mental Wellbeing of Lebanese, Al Arabiya, 2 August 2021: France, UN target $357 mln for Lebanon in aid conference, DW, 3 August 2021: Beirut blast: Key officials ‘criminally negligent,’ HRW says, Arab News, 3 August 2021: ‘Our protests will become fiercer’ say families of Beirut blast victims, Haaretz, 3 August 2021: Why Lebanon Is Beyond Saving, France24, 4 August 2021: Beirut explosion, one year on: ‘We will never forget, we will never forgive’, DW, 4 August 2021: Rockets from Lebanon trigger air raid sirens in Israel, France24, 4 August 2021: Lebanon marks Beirut blast anniversary with fears of crackdowns in days to come, BBC, 4 August 2021: Beirut blast: ‘The day our city exploded’, France24, 4 August 2021: International donor conference raises $370 million in aid for Lebanon, Arab News, 4 August 2021: Lebanon stuck on intensive care ward without any power, CNN, 4 August 2021: What we still don’t know about Beirut’s port explosion, France24, 4 August 2021: Beirut explosion, one year on: ‘Collectively, we will come through’, Arab News, 4 August 2021: Thousands demand justice on anniversary of port blast in Lebanon, Times of Israel, 4 August 2021: Macron says Lebanon leaders ‘owe their people the truth’ about Beirut blast, Haaretz, 4 August 2021: Did Hezbollah Know About Rocket Fire at Israel? Either Answer Is a Cause for Concern, France24, 4 August 2021: Thousands of Lebanese protesters demand justice one year on from Beirut blast, Arab News, 4 August 2021: International conference on Lebanon raises over $357 million, Haaretz, 4 August 2021: On Beirut Blast Anniversary, Jordan Warns Lebanon Crisis ‘Could Spill Over Beyond Its Borders’, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2021: “Iran out:” Anti-Hezbollah protesters march in Lebanon on Beirut blast anniversary, The National, 4 August 2021: From silence to violence: Beirut blast anniversary ends in tear gas, Times of Israel, 4 August 2021: 3 rockets fired from Lebanon at Israel; IDF responds with 3 rounds of shelling, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2021: Hezbollah’s insistence on control is major cause of Lebanon’s problems: Saudi FM, NPR, 4 August 2021: A Year After The Beirut Explosion, Victims’ Families Continue To Push For Justice, Arab News, 4 August 2021: Saudi FM: Hezbollah’s power is the main cause of Lebanon’s crisis, The National, 4 August 2021: The Blast Episode 1: how the ammonium nitrate that blew up Beirut got to Lebanon, The National, 4 August 2021: The Blast Episode 2: Who left dangerous explosives in Beirut port for six years?, The National, 4 August 2021: The Blast Episode 3: the day Beirut exploded, The Guardian, 5 August 2021: Israel: Military launches airstrikes in Lebanon in response to rockets, France24, 5 August 2021: Israel strikes sites in southern Lebanon in response to rocket attacks, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2021: Israeli airstrikes against Lebanon are a dramatic shift in policy – analysis, Arab News, 6 August 2021: Hezbollah rocket attack on Israel draws retaliation, Haaretz, 6 August 2021: Hezbollah Is Testing Bennett, but Is Playing With Fire, Al Arabiya, 6 August 2021: Hezbollah, Israel exchange fire across southern Lebanon border, Arab News, 6 August 2021: Hezbollah drags Lebanon to the brink of war, Haaretz, 7 August 2021: Nasrallah Says Crisis in Lebanon Won’t Stop Hezbollah From Responding to Israeli Actions, Arab News, 7 August 2021: Beirut blast survivors lose hope as Lebanon lurches from one crisis to another, The National, 7 August 2021: Tensions between Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Druze near boiling point, Arab News, 7 August 2021: Fanatics in Iran and Israel goad each other toward war, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2021: Hezbollah’s Nasrallah plays innocent, says Beirut blast probe is politically biased, Israel Hayom, 8 August 2021: Lebanese Druze detain Hezbollah fighters who fired rockets at Israel, The Algemeiner, 8 August 2021: PM Naftali Bennett Declares, ‘We Will Not Accept Rocket Fire From Lebanon’ (well, that’s how it is in war. There is shooting from both sides. There is no rule of war that says that one side must hold still so that the other can hit better), Haaretz, 8 August 2021: Bennett Says Lebanon Responsible for Rocket Fire at Israel – Whether Hezbollah Involved or Not, Arab News, 8 August 2021: Now the Lebanese are standing up to Hezbollah, Times of Israel, 8 August 2021: Bennett, after flare-up on northern border: Lebanon ‘must take responsibility’, Arab News, 8 August 2021: Support to Hezbollah dented after rocket attack on Israel, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2021: Three Lebanese killed in fights related to fuel shortages, The Algemeiner, 10 August 2021: Hezbollah Militants Who Fired Rocket Barrage on Israel Released, Says Lebanese Army in Report, Arab News, 10 August 2021: President’s ‘greed for power’ maintains Lebanese stalemate, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2021: Allowing Lebanon’s army to collapse will only benefit Hezbollah: US official, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Saudi Arabia reiterates solidarity with the Lebanese people, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2021: Saudi Arabia says any support to Lebanon depends on carrying out serious reform, Arab News, 11 August 2021: The ‘ghosts’ helping Iran flex its muscles in Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2021: Lebanese parties to boycott parliament session aimed to derail Beirut blast probe, Israel Hayom, 11 August 2021: The road to Natanz runs through Beirut, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2021: Spain seizes Lebanese hash cannabis worth $470 mln in Atlantic Ocean: Irish Times, DW, 12 August 2021: Lebanon: Central bank decision to end fuel subsidy sparks new political row, Al Arabiya, 12 August 2021: Israel says it downed Hezbollah drone that crossed from Lebanon, Arab News, 12 August 2021: Winners and losers in the ‘resistance game’, DW, 12 August 2021: Libanon-Krise: Wer Zugang zu Dollars hat, ist privilegiert, The Algmeiner, 13 August 2021: Lebanon and the Geography of Arab Change, France24, 13 August 2021: Lebanon’s leaders at loggerheads as fuel crisis worsens, Israel Hayom, 13 August 2021: What Hezbollah learned last week (that’s a weird article, but at the same time show cases, that Israel isn’t free of having extremists in its ranks either), Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2021: As Lebanon crumbles, Hezbollah becomes even more emboldened, DW, 13 August 2021: Lebanon: Dollars shield some from hyperinflation crisis, Arab News, 13 August 2021: Lebanon’s state facilities to suspend operations as fuel crisis worsens, Khaleej Times, 14 August 2021: Life grinds to a halt in Lebanon’s blackouts, France24, 14 August 2021: Beirut Explosion: Lebanese mark explosion with marches, demands for justice, Al Arabiya, 14 August 2021: Lebanese army raids closed gas stations hiding fuel as crisis worsens , Haaretz, 14 August 2021: ‘Nobody’s Running Lebanon’: Central Bank Boss Hits Back After Government Criticism, France24, 14 August 2021: Lebanese troops deploy at gas stations after bank chief halts fuel subsidies, Times of Israel, 14 August 2021: Saudi-hosted Islamic forum defangs Iran’s regional influence, Al Arabiya, 14 August 2021: Life comes to a halt in Lebanon as blackouts sweep the nation, Arab News, 14 August 2021: Lebanese livid over fuel shortages and power outages as Hezbollah leaders face the heat, The Guardian, 15 August 2021: Lebanon: At least 20 killed in fuel truck explosion, France24, 15 August 2021: Lebanon fuel tanker explosion kills at least 20, Arab News, 15 August 2021: Lebanon fuel tank explosion kills 28, overwhelms hospitals, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2021: Christian Lebanese party: Prepare for conflict to bring down Lebanon gov’t, Arab News, 16 August 2021: Lebanon’s economy and basic services have reached ‘precipice of collapse,’ warns US ambassador, Al Arabiya, 17 August 2021: Explosion in Beirut electricity grid, authorities call for evacuation of nearby homes, Arab News, 19 August 2021: Lebanon’s crises show the worst and best of humanity, Al Arabiya, 19 August 2021: Iranian fuel shipments to Lebanon purchased by Lebanese Shia businessmen: Nournews, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2021: Nasrallah: First ship of Iranian oil to head to Lebanon in next few hours, Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Climate Change Could Teach Middle East Leaders How to Be Friends, Al Arabiya, 19 August 2021: US talking to Egypt, Jordan to help Lebanon’s fuel, energy needs: Senior US diplomat, France24, 19 August 2021: Iranian fuel tanker heads for crisis-hit Lebanon, says Hezbollah, Haaretz, 20 August 2021: Iranian Oil Shipment to Lebanon Poses New Challenge for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2021: Hassan Nasrallah’s schadenfreude – opinion, Times of Israel, 21 August 2021: ‘Hell on earth’: Lebanon unlivable as economic, fuel crises deepen, Al Arabiya, 21 August 2021: Lebanon’s government, central bank return to partially subsidizing fuel, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2021: UNICEF: More than 4 million Lebanese face water shortages, Al Arabiya, 21 August 2021: Lebanon president Aoun says treasury to bear cost of fuel subsidies, Haaretz, 21 August 2021: Lebanese Fuel Prices Set to Rise as New Exchange Rate Set, Arab News, 21 August 2021: Nasrallah gloats over US defeat while turning Lebanon into Afghanistan, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2021: As deadline nears, Israel urges UNSC to expand UNIFIL’s mandate (as UNIFIL is a dead horse for years, the UN should get off the horse and suspend the mission all together. The efforts and costs aren’t worth it anyways, as there are no measurable results or successes given), DW, 22 August 2021: Lebanon: Fuel price skyrockets 66% after subsidy cut, Haaretz, 22 August 2021: Hezbollah Says Iranian Fuel on Its Way to Lebanon, Insists Not Trying to Replace the State, DW, 22 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2021: Nasrallah suggests bringing Iranians to drill for oil off Lebanese coast, The National, 22 August 2021: Lebanon: death toll from Akkar explosion rises to 31, Arab News, 22 August 2021: Prices at pump soar in Lebanon after new subsidy cut, The Hill, 22 August 2021: Fuel prices in Lebanon to rise 66 percent to alleviate shortages, Arab News, 22 August 2021: Prices at pump soar in Lebanon after new subsidy cut, The National, 23 August 2021: Lebanon’s medical workers granted priority at petrol stations, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2021: Lebanon’s hospitals at breaking point amid crippling shortages of fuel, supplies, Arab News, 25 August 2021: No end in sight: Lebanon’s government crisis rages on as country on its knees, The Algemeiner, 25 August 2021: Iran: Ready to Ship More Fuel to Lebanon, Despite US Sanctions on Exports, Jerusalem Post, 27 August 2021: Hezbollah accepts third shipment of Iranian fuel to Lebanon, Arab News, 27 August 2021: Cultural life in Lebanon on hold but very much alive, Jerusalem Post, 27 August 2021: Lebanon sentences four people to prison for ties with Jews or Israel, Arab News, 27 August 2021: Lebanon’s Mikati says he still faces big hurdles to forming cabinet, Saudi Gazette, 28 August 2021: EU envoy urges Lebanese leaders to form government, Haaretz, 28 August 2021: Hezbollah Agrees to Third Shipment of Iranian Fuel to Lebanon, Arab News, 28 August 2021: Clock ticking for Lebanese cancer patients as shortages bite, Jerusalem Post, 28 August 2021: Hezbollah looks to take over Lebanon’s energy needs, Al Arabiya, 30 August 2021: Security Council renews mandate of UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon for another year, Al Arabiya, 30 August 2021: Explosion in Beirut suburb leaves four dead, at least two injured, Al Arabiya, 31 August 2021: Lebanon crisis: Indicators warn of a ‘third mass exodus’ from Lebanon: AUB Crisis Observatory, Arab News, 1 September 2021: US Senate delegation says Hezbollah is ‘cancer spreading in Lebanon’, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: Iranian Fuel Will Be Delivered by Truck to Lebanon via Syria, Sources Say, Jerusalem Post, 2 September 2021: Iranian fuel ship enters Syrian waters to help Hezbollah – report, Arab News, 2 September 2021: Cautious optimism about a possible Lebanese government this week, Al Arabiya, 4 September 2021: High-ranking Lebanon officials in Syria for talks on much-needed energy imports, France24, 5 September 2021: Syria agrees to transit gas and electricity to crisis-hit Lebanon, Jerusalem Post, 5 September 2021: Damascus positions itself as energy mafia for Lebanon, Arab News, 7 September 2021: Jordan foils Daesh terror plot against security agencies, Al Arabiya, 7 September 2021: US President Biden announces close to $50 mln in aid for Lebanon’s army, Arab News, 7 September 2021: Lebanon faces ‘more chaos’ with no government, Al Arabiya, 7 September 2021: As Lebanon’s economy unravels, US dollar bills and connections pay off, Times of Israel, 10 September 2021: Lebanon breaks deadlock for new government, first since 2020 port blast, DW, 10 September 2021: Lebanon unveils new government after 13-month impasse, Al Arabiya, 10 September 2021: How bad is the crisis in Lebanon?, Times of Israel, 10 September 2021: New Lebanese PM: We’ll work with any country, ‘except Israel, of course’, Khaleej Times, 10 September 2021: Lebanon cabinet formed after 13-month wait: official, Al Arabiya, 10 September 2021: Who’s who in Lebanon’s new government?, The National, 10 September 2021: Who is in the new Lebanese Cabinet?, Al Arabiya, 10 September 2021: Lebanon’s new PM Mikati says will ask for Gulf countries’ help, seek talks with IMF, The Guardian, 10 September 2021: Lebanon: New government formed ending 13-month standoff, France24, 10 September 2021: Lebanese leaders form government after 13-month stalemate, The National, 10 September 2021: EU calls on Lebanon’s new Cabinet to act quickly to solve economic crisis, Arab News, 11 September 2021: New Lebanon government aiming to ‘send positive signals abroad’, The Times, 11 September 2021: Few believe Lebanon’s new government can halt the country’s descent into poverty and hunger, Arab News, 14 September 2021: Hezbollah illegally bringing Iranian oil to Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 15 September 2021: Lebanon to resume IMF negotiations, begin reforms: Draft policy statement, France24, 16 September 2021: Hezbollah brings Iranian fuel into crisis-hit Lebanon, DW, 17 September 2021: Lebanon resumes forensic central bank audit amid obstructionism, The National, 17 September 2021: What reforms does Lebanon need to win international support?, Times of Israel, 17 September 2021: The dangerous impotence of UNIFIL’s mission in Lebanon, DW, 17 September 2021: US issues fresh sanctions on Hezbollah, Iran-linked firms, Arab News, 18 September 2021: Lebanon’s soaring inflation led by 250 percent jump in fuel costs amid currency slump, The National, 19 September 2021: ‘No country in a crisis like Lebanon,’ says WHO’s Tedros in Beirut, Arab News, 19 September 2021: TankerTrackers says third tanker carrying fuel to Lebanon underway, Khaleej Times, 20 September 2021: Lebanon’s Cabinet wins confidence vote after power cut delay, Arab News, 20 September 2021: Lebanon government wins confidence vote as parliament hit by power cut, Al Arabiya, 20 September 2021: Lebanon’s Cabinet wins confidence vote after power cut delay, Times of Israel, 20 September 2021: Lebanon’s new PM vows to take back land it sees as occupied by Israel, The Algemeiner, 20 September 2021: EU Parliament Condemns Iran and Hezbollah for Lebanon’s Economic, Political Morass, DW, 21 September 2021: Lebanon: Influencers join together to fight hate speech, The National, 21 September 2021: Libya parliament withdraws support for unity government, Arab News, 21 September 2021: Libya’s eastern parliament pulls confidence from unity government, Al Arabiya, 21 September 2021: EU urges reforms after Lebanon government confirmed, Arab News, 22 September 2021: Lebanon’s self-serving elite unable to stop freefall, The National, 24 September 2021: The National, 24 September 2021: Macron insists on urgent reforms after meeting Lebanese PM Mikati, Haaretz, 24 September 2021: The Illegal Settler Outpost Has Running Water. Its Palestinian Neighbors Don’t. This Is Apartheid at Its Starkest, Al Arabiya, 27 September 2021: Lebanon crisis: In apparent reference to Hezbollah, UN calls on Lebanon to commit to disassociation, Jerusalem Post, 27 September 2021: Beirut blast probe faces derailment for second time, Arab News, 27 September 2021: Suspension of judge in Beirut port blast brings investigations back to square one, Al Arabiya, 27 September 2021: Beirut port blast probe faces derailment for second time, Arab News, 27 September 2021: ‘Leave us alone to heal,’ Libyan envoy tells foreign powers, Arab News, 29 September 2021: Families of Beirut blast victims protest against suspension of probe, Arab News, 2 October 2021: Cancer of corruption is destroying Lebanon’s soul, Al Arabiya, 3 October 2021: Lebanon patriarch calls for end to meddling in judiciary after blast probe stalls, Arab News, 4 October 2021: Lebanese judiciary resists Hezbollah threats and political pressure, Jerusalem Post, 5 October 2021: Lebanon is ‘pushing the lines’ in maritime border dispute with Israel – minister, Arab News, 6 October 2021: As Lebanese got poorer, politicians stowed wealth abroad, Times of Israel, 6 October 2021: 3rd tanker of Hezbollah-run Iranian oil reaches Syria en route to Lebanon, Arab News, 7 October 2021: In facing Hezbollah, the Lebanese can count only on themselves, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2021: Hezbollah playing ‘public relations game’ by importing fuel from Iran to Lebanon: US, The Algemeiner, 8 October 2021: Iran Says it Aims to Continue Fuel Product Shipments to Lebanon Despite Sanctions, France24, 9 October 2021: Lebanon left without electricity as main power stations run out of fuel, Khaleej Times, 9 October 2021: Lebanon’s two main state power plants shut down, out of fuel, Arab News, 9 October 2021: Hezbollah’s role in the global drugs trade — the West Africa connection, The National, 9 October 2021: Total blackout in Lebanon as power plants run out of fuel, Arab News, 9 October 2021: Demand jumps for renewable energy as Lebanon plunged into darkness, Times of Israel, 9 October 2021: Lebanon left without power for days after state-run grid collapses, Haaretz, 9 October 2021: Lebanon’s Two Largest Power Stations Out of Fuel, and Shutdown Might Last Days, CNN, 9 October 2021: Most of Lebanon loses electricity after power stations run out of fuel, France24, 9 October 2021: Lebanon left without electricity as main power stations run out of fuel, The National, 10 October 2021: Cost of power ‘unsustainable’ in Lebanon as state grid collapses, Arab News, 10 October 2021: Lebanon electricity back online after army supplies fuel, BBC, 10 October 2021: Power returns to Lebanon after 24-hour blackout, France24, 10 October 2021: Power partially restored in Lebanon after nationwide blackout, Gulf Times, 11 October 2021: Fourth Qatari foodstuffs shipment arrives in Beirut, Khaleej Times, 11 October 2021: Lebanon: Firefighters put out fire at Zahrani fuel facility, Arab News, 11 October 2021: Firefighters contain fire at southern Lebanon fuel storage facility, Al Arabiya, 11 October 2021: Lebanese firefighters put out fire at fuel facility, Arab News, 12 October 2021: Can Arab Gas Pipeline plan enable Lebanon to keep the lights on?, Gulf Times, 12 October 2021: Beirut blast judge issues arrest warrant for ex finance minister Khalil, Arab News, 12 October 2021: Beirut blast judge issues arrest warrant for former finance minister Khalil, Jerusalem Post, 12 October 2021: Hamas is increasing its activity in Lebanon and angering Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 13 October 2021: Tension over Beirut blast probe nudges Lebanon into new crisis, Arab News, 13 October 2021: Lebanon political crisis brews over fate of blast judge, The National, 14 October 2021: The Beirut blast was not sectarian, but efforts to cover it up are, Arab News, 14 October 2021: Lebanon president says people behind violence will be held accountable, PM announces day of mourning, The National, 14 October 2021: Six killed and scores injured at protest against blast judge, Arab News, 14 October 2021: Six killed in Beirut clashes as tensions soar over port blast investigation, Al Arabiya, 14 October 2021: Snipers on roofs fired at protesters in Beirut, aimed at their heads: Statement, The National, 14 October 2021: US boosts support to Lebanese army as Beirut violence overshadows diplomat’s visit, Al Arabiya, 14 October 2021: Kuwait calls on all citizens to leave Lebanon after deadly clashes, CNN, 14 October 2021: Heavy gunfire ongoing as Beirut sees worst violence in 10 years, The Guardian, 14 October 2021: Lebanon: Six dead in violence at Beirut protest against port blast inquiry, CNN, 14 October 2021: Lebanon’s Interior Minister told reporters snipers and gunmen ‘shot people in the head’, BBC, 14 October 2021: Bloodshed in Beirut as gunfire erupts at protest, France24, 14 October 2021: Deadly clashes erupt over judge investigating Beirut blast, The Washington Post, 14 October 2021: Day-long firefight racks Beirut, evoking memories of Lebanon’s civil war, The New York Times, 14 October 2021: Deadly Clashes in Beirut Escalate Fears Over Lebanon’s Dysfunction, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2021: Saudi Arabia expresses hope for stability in Lebanon following violent clashes, Foreign Policy, 15 October 2021: Lebanon Is Europe’s Most Urgent Challenge, The National, 15 October 2021: Beirut shooting leaves residents feeling hopeless as tensions brew, Gulf Times, 15 October 2021: Lebanon on edge after deadly sectarian flare-up, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2021: Lebanon needs ‘serious change,’ political leaders solely responsible: Prince Faisal, Arab News, 16 October 2021: Is Lebanon on the verge of another civil war?, The National, 16 October 2021: Beirut violence harks back to Lebanon’s civil war demons, analysts say, France24, 16 October 2021: Beirut port blast activist resigns amid pressure over judge ouster, Arab News, 16 October 2021: Lebanese Christian group denies Hezbollah claim it planned Beirut bloodshed, Al Arabiya, 16 October 2021: Lebanese Supreme Judicial Council to meet with Beirut blast judge on Tuesday: Report, Times of Israel, 16 October 2021: Beirut street battles may spell even darker times, Haaretz, 16 October 2021: Shockwaves From Beirut Port Blast Threaten to Shatter Lebanon, The National, 17 October 2021: The Beirut blast probe needs to go on – and the world can help, France24, 17 October 2021: Two years after October 17 protests, Lebanon’s economic crisis worse than ever, Arab News, 17 October 2021: Lebanon MPs hide in fear of Hezbollah assassins, The Sunday Times, 17 October 2021: Rival factions are ripping Lebanon apart. Even golf is in their crosshairs, France24, 17 October 2021: Lebanon marks two years since the start of its popular uprising, Al Arabiya, 18 October 2021: Saudi Arabia bans its citizens from traveling to Lebanon due to security concerns, France24, 18 October 2021: Lebanon’s Hezbollah chief claims militant group has 100,000 ‘trained’ fighters, Al Arabiya, 18 October 2021: Lebanon tensions test alliance between Shia Hezbollah, Christian Aoun, Arab News, 19 October 2021: Lebanon and the Lebanese gripped by fear, Al Arabiya, 19 October 2021: Top US official in Lebanon to discuss energy crisis, border dispute with Israel, Arab News, 19 October 2021: Lebanese parliament confirms March polls amid efforts to secure IMF rescue, France24, 19 October 2021: Hezbollah’s campaign against Beirut blast judge paralyses Lebanon’s government, Arab News, 20 October 2021: Those who want to stop Beirut port blast probe are involved in the crime, say activists, France24, 20 October 2021: Beirut port explosion: Investigation sparks violent demonstrations, Gulf Times, 20 October 2021: Crisis-hit Lebanon hikes fuel prices in de facto end to subsidies, The National, 21 October 2021: Lebanon ‘to have 10 hours of daily electricity within weeks’, Arab News, 21 October 2021: Lebanese have to undermine Hezbollah without provoking it, The Atlantic, 21 October 2021: What the Loss of Freedom Feels Like, Arab News, 22 October 2021: Lebanon’s Hezbollah warns Israel against drilling in disputed maritime border area, Al Arabiya, 22 October 2021: Lebanon’s Hezbollah warns Israel against drilling in disputed maritime border area , Gulf Times, 23 October 2021: Lebanon eyes IMF progress despite new turmoil, says economy minister, Al Arabiya, 26 October 2021: The judge leading Lebanon’s Beirut blast probe: Discreet and defiant, Arab News, 26 October 2021: Lebanon top politicians agree solution to political tensions, cleric says, Khaleej Times, 27 October 2021: UAE summons Lebanese envoy to protest minister’s statements, Al Arabiya, 27 October 2021: Bahrain summons Lebanon’s ambassador to protest Kordahi comments on Saudi Arabia, UAE, Khaleej Times, 27 October 2021: Saudi Arabia classifies Lebanese association as terrorist entity, Al Arabiya, 27 October 2021: Saudi Arabia designates Lebanon’s Al-Qard al-Hassan terrorist entity, freezes assets, The National, 28 October 2021: US sanctions Lebanese MP and two businessmen over corruption, Arab News, 28 October 2021: US sanctions two Lebanese businessmen and a member of parliament, Al Arabiya, 28 October 2021: US sanctions Hezbollah-backed MP, two Lebanese businessmen over corruption, The National, 29 October 2021: Saudi Arabia expels Lebanese ambassador over Yemen war remarks, Arab News, 29 October 2021: Saudi Arabia orders Lebanon envoy to leave, recalls its ambassador to country, Al Arabiya, 29 October 2021: Saudi Arabia expels Lebanese ambassador to Riyadh, recalls ambassador from Beirut, The Algemeiner, 29 October 2021: Saudi Expels Lebanese Ambassador, Bans All Imports From Lebanon, Khaleej Times, 30 October 2021: UAE withdraws its diplomats, advises citizens not to travel to Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 30 October 2021: Kuwait gives Lebanese charge d’affaires 48 hours to leave country, The Algemeiner, 31 October 2021: Crisis with Lebanon Rooted in Hezbollah Dominance – Saudi Minister, Khaleej Times, 31 October 2021: UAE asks citizens in Lebanon to return, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2021: Israel’s army launches week-long simulation of full-scale war with Hezbollah, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2021: Drill for 2,000 rockets a day and internal strife: IDF preps for war, Arab News, 31 October 2021: Saudi foreign minister: Hezbollah dominance of political system is Lebanon’s real problem, Times of Israel, 31 October 2021: Saudi Arabia: Dealing with Hezbollah-dominated Lebanon is ‘pointless’, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2021: Saudi FM: No crisis with Lebanon, but rather crisis in Lebanon due to Iran’s proxies, Jerusalem Post, 1 November 2021: EU refuses to outlaw the entire Hezbollah terrorist entity, Arab News, 2 November 2021: Bahrain urges its citizens to leave Lebanon amid row, Al Arabiya, 2 November 2021: How the Beirut blast led a Bahraini doctor to launch a Lebanon mental health lifeline, Arab News, 2 November 2021: How the Lebanese prime minister lost everything, Israel Hayom, 2 November 2021: Lebanese journalist: Peace with Israel will benefit Lebanon’s economy, Al Arabiya, 3 November 2021: As Lebanese pound loses 90 pct of value, citizens carry ‘worthless’ stacks of cash, The National, 4 November 2021: Lebanon’s prime minister moves to end diplomatic row with Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 4 November 2021: Lebanon cannot be saved while it is controlled by Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 4 November 2021: Hezbollah claims Saudi Arabia ‘waging war’ on Lebanon over Kordahi comments, France24, 4 November 2021: Beirut port blast investigator forced to suspend probe for third time, Arab News, 6 November 2021: Lebanese expats angry with Beirut over potential internet collapse, Arab News, 7 November 2021: Amputating Lebanon from the Arab world grants victory to Iran, Al Arabiya, 14 November 2021: Saudi Arabia sees no purpose in engaging Lebanon at this time: FM, France24, 19 November 2021: Expats mobilize: Lebanon’s 2022 election, the needed ‘seed of change’, Arab News, 20 November 2021: Lebanon needs to show that Hezbollah can change behavior, Bahrain minister says, Al Arabiya, 20 November 2021: Lebanon needs to show that Hezbollah can change behavior: Bahrain FM, Jerusalem Post, 20 November 2021: As COVID infection rises, Bennett to evaluate holding Hanukkah events, Al Arabiya, 22 November 2021: Beirut explosion: Lebanon receives Beirut blast satellite images from Russia, Al Arabiya, 22 November 2021: US Secretary Blinken wishes Lebanon’s people well, not government officials, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2021: Lebanon’s interior minister: Crisis with Gulf could worsen, Al Arabiya, 24 November 2021: Lebanese pound sinks to new low, trading at 24,000 against US dollar, The National, 25 November 2021: Smuggler’s paradise: Captagon production thrives in Lebanon’s lawless Bekaa valley, Arab News, 25 November 2021: Hezbollah experiencing political confusion, says political analyst, Arab News, 28 November 2021: Lebanon judiciary stands firm despite Hezbollah allegations, CNN, 29 November 2021: Lebanese protesters block roads, Al Arabiya, 29 November 2021: Lebanese protesters block roads over economic meltdown, Arab News, 30 November 2021: Lebanese protesters block roads over economic meltdown, The National, 30 November 2021: Lebanon to request $600m loan for regional energy deal, minister says, Al Arabiya, 1 December 2021: More UN Security Council meetings needed on Lebanon, Iran: US envoy, Israel Hayom, 1 December 2021: ‘Postponing elections would condemn Lebanon to slow death’, The National, 3 December 2021: Lebanese minister George Kordahi resigns after row with Gulf states, Arab News, 3 December 2021: Information minister resigns from Lebanon government, Al Arabiya, 3 December 2021: Lebanon’s information minister resigns after Saudi Arabia comments, France24, 3 December 2021: Lebanese minister who criticised Saudi role in Yemen resigns to end spat with Riyadh, Haaretz, 4 December 2021: ‘I Showed Palestinians the Footage That Israel Looted. They Started to Cry’, Khaleej Times, 4 December 2021: Macron announces Saudi-French initiative to solve crisis with Lebanon, France24, 4 December 2021: Macron announces Saudi-French initiative to solve diplomatic crisis with Lebanon, The National, 4 December 2021: Macron says Saudi Arabia committed to supporting Lebanon, Arab News, 4 December 2021: Crops at Beirut port silos to be composted, burned after insect infestation found, Arab News, 6 December 2021: Lebanese president, PM and parliament speaker express satisfaction with Saudi-French agreement, Al Arabiya, 7 December 2021: Explainer: Why are Lebanon’s politicians fighting the Beirut blast investigation?, The National, 8 December 2021: Palestinian refugees in Lebanon granted limited access to job market, Arab News, 9 December 2021: Egypt to supply Lebanon with gas to alleviate power crisis, Al Arabiya, 9 December 2021: Lebanon’s public sector falls further into chaos and corruption, Arab News, 10 December 2021: Anger in Lebanon as Palestinian refugees granted work rights, The National, 14 December 2021: Arrest warrant issued for MP over Beirut port blast, The Times, 14 December 2021: A generation is losing its childhood as Lebanon collapses around them, France24, 15 December 2021: Battling Lebanon’s talent exodus with remote work for global companies, The National, 15 December 2021: Lebanon orders deportation of non-Lebanese members of Bahraini opposition party, Arab News, 17 December 2021: UN fears for Lebanon’s children amid poverty and violence, Arab News, 18 December 2021: Lebanon imposes curfew for unvaccinated to prevent new holiday outbreak, Arab News, 19 December 2021: UN leader on solidarity visit to crisis-hit Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 20 December 2021: UN chief lays wreath at Beirut port, urges accountability for blast , Arab News, 20 December 2021: Request to silence Lebanese alternative media fails, Gulf Times, 21 December 2021: Lebanon needs up to $15bn to kickstart recovery, says central bank governor, Arab News, 21 December 2021: Lebanon needs $12-15 bn to kickstart recovery: central bank chief, The National, 22 December 2021: ‘Ponzi scheme’ crashed Lebanon’s finances, says UN chief Guterres, Al Arabiya, 22 December 2021: UN chief says ‘Ponzi scheme’ crashed Lebanon’s finances: Video, Jerusalem Post, 23 December 2021: Lebanon’s top Christian party signals possible end of Hezbollah alliance, France24, 24 December 2021: Lebanon’s economic crisis threatens to make Christmas celebrations bleak for many, The National, 25 December 2021: Lebanon’s top Christian cleric issues election plea, Foreign Policy, 26 December 2021: In 2021, Lebanon Suffered While the World Looked On, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2021: Lebanon’s president calls for dialogue to reach understanding on defense, economy, Haaretz, 27 December 2021: While Most Lebanese Can’t Afford to Live It Up, Some Can’t Even Afford to Die, BBC, 28 December 2021: Fight in Jordan’s parliament caught on live stream, The National, 29 December 2021: Jordan parliament brawl draws attention to MPs’ code of conduct, Arab News, 29 December 2021: Lebanon seizes Captagon shipment in fake oranges, Arab News, 31 December 2021: Lebanese bid farewell to 2021 amid health and security alerts, Al Arabiya, 2 January 2022: Lebanese Christian leader Gebran Bassil says alliance with Hezbollah imperiled, Arab News, 2 January 2022: Lebanon’s Bassil hits out at Hezbollah amid country’s political paralysis, Jerusalem Post, 2 January 2022: Lebanon ‘failed state’ under Hezbollah leadership, says party’s ally, Arab News, 3 January 2022: Lebanese president criticized over ‘marketing and populist’ motives, Al Arabiya, 3 January 2022: In rare instance, Lebanese government rebukes Hezbollah and its leader, Arab News, 5 January 2022: Lebanese leaders denounce Hezbollah chief’s anti-Saudi speech, Arab News, 6 January 2022: Lebanon’s arsonist-in-chief aims to set the region alight, Arab News, 7 January 2022: General Labor Union president warns against ‘certain catastrophe’ in Lebanon amid economic crises, DW, 8 January 2022: Lebanon’s PM to Hezbollah: ‘For God’s sake, have mercy’, The National, 8 January 2022: Lebanon power company says protesters behind national blackout, Arab News, 8 January 2022: Lebanon power company says protesters behind national blackout, Al Arabiya, 8 January 2022: Lebanon power company says protesters behind national blackout, Arab News, 9 January 2022: Lebanon goes dark after bungling protesters disable key power plant, The National, 11 January 2022: Lebanese judge imposes travel ban on central bank governor amid probe, Al Arabiya, 11 January 2022: Lebanon’s currency plummets again amid financial crisis and political deadlock, Al Arabiya, 14 January 2022: US tells Lebanon not to fear sanctions over energy supply plans, PM’s office says, Arab News, 15 January 2022: Hezbollah, Amal end boycott of Lebanon’s cabinet amid economic crisis, Arab News, 17 January 2022: Protest by families of Beirut blast victims brings Palace of Justice to standstill, Al Arabiya, 17 January 2022: Faltering Beirut port blast probe faces risk of new obstruction, Arab News, 17 January 2022: Lebanon: Hezbollah trolls harass critical Black news anchor with racist tweets, Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2022: On This Day: 1,500 Palestinians slain in Karantina massacre 46 years ago, Arab News, 18 January 2022: Lebanese judge freezes assets of central bank governor, Arab News, 18 January 2022: Time to end Hezbollah’s hold over Lebanon, Jerusalem Post, 19 January 2022: Jordan to sign deal to supply Lebanon with electricity – energy minister, Al Arabiya, 21 January 2022: Lebanon draft budget applies range of FX rates: Official source, Al Arabiya, 22 January 2022: Lebanon to start virtual talks with IMF on Jan. 24, Arab News, 23 January 2022: Lebanon has too many dictators to be a democracy, Gulf News, 24 January 2022: Hariri says he is withdrawing from political life, The National, 24 January 2022: Lebanon’s Saad Hariri withdraws from politics, Arab News, 24 January 2022: Lebanon’s Hariri suspends role in politics, won’t run in vote, The National, 25 January 2022: Lebanon’s economic contraction among worst since 1850s, World Bank says, Arab News, 26 January 2022: Aoun condemns fresh attack on UN forces in Lebanon, announces probe, Al Arabiya, 26 January 2022: US ‘very concerned’ about Lebanon energy crisis, Al Arabiya, 28 January 2022: Lebanon’s Bahaa Rafik Hariri says he will follow father into politics , Arab News, 29 January 2022: US plans to reroute $67 million in aid toward Lebanon’s armed forces, Saudi Gazette, 29 January 2022: Half of Lebanon’s population at risk of food insecurity: minister, Jerusalem Post, 31 January 2022: Lebanon catches Israeli spy ring operating throughout country – report, Arab News, 4 February 2022: Lebanon shocked by violent crimewave against medical staff, Al Arabia, 5 February 2022: UN Security Council issues veiled criticism of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Arab News, 5 February 2022: Lebanese letter to UN raises pressure on Israel to demarcate maritime borders, The National, 8 February 2022: Lebanon central bank governor Riad Salameh under more pressure from Europe, Arab News, 9 February 2022: US urges Lebanon to resolve maritime border issue with Israel, Times of Israel, 9 February 2022: US envoy calls on Lebanon to end maritime border dispute with Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 February 2022: Nasrallah publicly distances Hezbollah from Iran, Al Arabiya, 11 February 2022: IMF to continue working with crisis-ravaged Lebanon on reform program, The National, 15 February 2022: Lebanon’s Central Bank head Riad Salameh ‘on the run’ after police raid, Al Arabiya, 15 February 2022: Lebanon approves $18 million to hold May election, Arab News, 16 February 2022: Lebanese trust army — not Hezbollah — to secure stability, poll shows, Al Arabiya, 16 February 2022: Hezbollah has started producing drones, can create precision missiles: Nasrallah, Arab News, 16 February 2022: Lebanese judge sues police chief over central bank governor, Arab News, 19 February 2022: Tensions tail off in Lebanon after Hezbollah-Israel drone stand-off, The Algemeiner, 19 February 2022: Lebanon Needs to Step Up on Reform, Says Saudi Foreign Minister, Arab News, 20 February 2022: How political dysfunction precipitated Lebanon’s healthcare collapse, Arab News, 20 February 2022: Islamists receive big blow in Jordan’s Engineers Association elections, Arab News, 23 February 2022: Lebanon foils Daesh plan to carry out suicide attacks in Beirut, Al Arabiya, 24 February 2022: IMF’s tough terms deepen doubts over quick Lebanon bailout: Sources, Al Arabiya, 24 February 2022: Protecting Lebanon’s woodland: Regeneration of forests underway, Al Arabiya, 25 February 2022: Russia says it is surprised by Lebanon’s condemnation of invasion, Arab News, 26 February 2022: Lebanese PM: ‘We insist on neutrality in Arab conflicts’, Arab News, 27 February 2022: New Beirut art museum to ‘resist ignorance and commit to change’, Arab News, 1 March 2022: US officials target corruption, terror funding in Beirut talks, Al Arabiya, 2 March 2022: Lebanon’s political, economic elite ‘abusing’ country’s banking system: US Treasury, Arab News, 3 March 2022: Lebanon’s ruling parties announce candidates for parliamentary elections, Arab News, 4 March 2022: How the opposition can solve Lebanon’s election conundrum, Arab News, 4 March 2022: State losing stature, crime rising as economic gloom envelops Lebanon, Israel Hayom, 6 March 2022: ‘Nasrallah can be deterred, it’s not the time to eliminate him’, Al Arabiya, 7 March 2022: Hezbollah supporters attack protester chanting: ‘Free Beirut, Iran out’, Arab News, 14 March 2022: EU cannot afford for Lebanon to collapse (the interesting thing is that the EU has gotten a lot better at protecting its borders. In principle, economic refugees from the Middle East are not granted refugee status in the EU. Just ask the international guests of the Belarusian dictator Lukashenko. Instead, it would be a good idea for the Gulf States to take care of their Muslim brothers and sisters), The National, 14 March 2022: Lebanese judge freezes assets of five banks during investigation, Haaretz, 14 March 2022: ‘This Country Is F**ked Up:’ Meet Lebanon’s First All-female Metal Band, The National, 16 March 2022: Lebanon faces food crisis with ‘no wheat orders since Ukraine war began’, Al Arabiya, 18 March 2022: Hezbollah denies sending fighters to Ukraine in support of Russian invasion (that’s better for them. If they should mess with the West, that would be their complete end, for then they will be hunted down until there are none of them left – especially in their homes), Arab News, 18 March 2022: Lebanon PM Najib Mikati says some judges stoking tension within country, The National, 18 March 2022: Lebanon judge to press charges against central bank governor on Monday, Al Arabiya, 18 March 2022: Lebanon’s upcoming elections: Hezbollah opponents vow to end its ‘domination’, Al Arabiya, 19 March 2022: Lebanese PM sees judicial ‘shortcomings,’ denies interference, Jerusalem Post, 20 March 2022: The Saudi plan to contain Hezbollah, free it from Iranian influence, DW, 21 March 2022: Lebanon charges central bank chief with corruption, Arab News, 23 March 2022: Lebanese president sparks Christian anger by defending Hezbollah at the Vatican, Arab News, 24 March 2022: Lebanon needs a truly Lebanese leader, Al Arabiya, 24 March 2022: Distraught Lebanese depositors fight for their life savings, Arab News, 25 March 2022: Lebanon optimistic about resumption of relations with Gulf states, Arab News, 25 March 2022: Concern in Lebanon over judicial decisions targeting opponents of Hezbollah, Free Patriotic Movement, Arab News, 25 March 2022: British embassy in Lebanon ‘deeply concerned’ at bank account closures, Al Arabiya, 28 March 2022: EU says $132 million in Lebanese assets frozen over money laundering concerns, Arab News, 28 March 2022: 120 million euros frozen in Lebanese laundering probe, France24, 29 March 2022: France, Germany and Luxembourg seize assets of Lebanon’s central bank chief, Al Arabiya, 31 March 2022: US hostage envoy in Beirut to discuss missing Americans in Syria: Sources, Palestine Chronicle, 1 April 2022: In Beirut’s Mar Elias Camp, Palestinian Cause is Not Losing Relevance, Arab News, 1 April 2022: Pope Francis to visit crisis-hit Lebanon in June, Al Arabiya, 6 April 2022: US lawmakers call on Biden admin to help ensure Lebanon elections held on time, Al Arabiya, 7 April 2022: Lebanon, IMF reach deal worth up to $3 billion: Statement, The National, 7 April 2022: Lebanon: PM says government will work on reforms to unlock IMF deal, analysts skeptical, Arab News, 7 April 2022: 200 European observers to monitor Lebanese elections; Aoun warns of low voter turnout, Al Arabiya, 7 April 2022: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait sending their withdrawn ambassadors back to Lebanon, Arab News, 7 April 2022: Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry announces return of Kingdom’s ambassador to Lebanon, The National, 8 April 2022: Lebanon’s ‘scapegoated’ governor welcomes conditional IMF deal but says $15bn is goal, Arab News, 8 April 2022: Optimism prevails as Saudi, Kuwaiti ambassadors return to Lebanon, Arab News, 10 April 2022: Amid tough Ramadan conditions, Lebanese will pray in mosques by candlelight, Arab News, 11 April 2022: Lebanon’s grand mufti welcomes return of Saudi ambassador to Beirut, Arab News, 11 April 2022: Extremists seek electoral victory in Paris and Beirut, Al Arabiya, 12 April 2022: At least one killed, seven injured in explosion near Lebanon’s Sidon: Officials, Arab News, 12 April 2022: Lebanon disburses funds to temporarily avert bread crisis, Al Arabiya, 13 April 2022: Fearing civil war amnesia, activists fight to preserve Beirut port silos, Arab News, 13 April 2022: Saudi Arabia expresses support for humanitarian aid mechanism for Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 14 April 2022: Lebanon cabinet approves demolition of silos damaged in Beirut port blast, Arab News, 14 April 2022: Lebanon to demolish blast-hit Beirut silos, Arab News, 14 April 2022: Lebanese Cabinet to review draft legislation on bank secrecy, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2022: Fierce race in Lebanon elections expected with record number of women standing, Arab News, 15 April 2022: Lebanon ready to work with Cyprus on potential offshore gas, Arab News, 15 April 2022: Lebanese female candidates stand up to Hezbollah, are disowned by families, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2022: Hezbollah MP says only $9 billion needed to destroy Israel, Arab News, 18 April 2022: Lebanese celebrate Easter amid election campaign, Al Arabiya, 18 April 2022: US ambassador blasts ‘terrorist’ Hezbollah on anniversary of Beirut bombing, The Algemeiner, 18 April 2022: Hamas: ‘Southern Lebanon Front’ Will Join Any New Conflict With Israel, Arab News, 20 April 2022: Lebanon’s parliament session halted as dispute over capital control bill widens, Jerusalem Post, 21 April 2022: Beirut port blast suspect to face extradition hearing in Madrid, Arab News, 21 April 2022: Lebanon desperately needs a new political system, Arab News, 22 April 2022: Sudden exchange rate turmoil angers Lebanese ahead of parliamentary elections, Arab News, 24 April 2022: Lebanon banking group rejects latest draft of financial recovery plan, Arab News, 24 April 2022: Boat carrying 60 migrants capsizes off north Lebanon, Times of Israel, 25 April 2022: IDF shells targets in Lebanon after rocket fired into Israel, Jerusalem Post, 25 April 2022: IDF artillery targets southern Lebanon after rocket fire, Jerusalem Post, 25 April 2022: The road to al-Quds does not pass through Beirut, DW, 26 April 2022: The war in Ukraine is driving hunger in Lebanon, Times of Israel, 27 April 2022: Can Lebanon be neutral on the Arab-Israeli conflict?, Al Arabiya, 27 April 2022: Fears grow over negative impact of Hezbollah victory in Lebanon elections, Arab News, 28 April 2022: LebElon? After Musk’s Twitter takeover, Lebanese plead with him to buy their country, Times of Israel, 28 April 2022: At Lebanon multi-religious conference, calls to repeal ban on contacts with Israelis, Arab News, 28 April 2022: Lebanese security forces warn of rise in kidnappings for ransom, Arab News, 30 April 2022: Lebanon tells UNHCR that it can no longer tolerate the burden of Syrian refugees, Arab News, 5 May 2022: Mikati urges Lebanese expats to have their voices heard in elections, Arab News, 5 May 2022: Lebanese must seek drastic change to rein in Hezbollah, Al Arabiya, 6 May 2022: Lebanon needs ‘new blood’: Diaspora gears up for 2022 parliamentary election in UAE, Arab News, 6 May 2022: Lebanese abroad cast votes in parliamentary election, Arab News, 7 May 2022: Lebanese parliamentary elections: Second phase of expat voting scheduled for Sunday, The National, 9 May 2022: Lebanese elections 2022: everything you need to know, Haaretz, 9 May 2022: Saudis Say Former Lebanese PM ‘Surrendered to Hezbollah’ in Election Withdrawal, Arab News, 9 May 2022: Nearly 60% Lebanese diaspora voter turnout for parliamentary elections, Arab News, 10 May 2022: Can Lebanon buck the Middle East’s trend of futile elections?, Al Arabiya, 11 May 2022: Lebanon elections: No hope for short-term fix as diaspora looks for a brighter future, Arab News, 11 May 2022: Lebanese poll hopefuls ‘buying their way to power’ with cash bribes, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2022: A stable Lebanon is in Israel’s interests, DW, 13 May 2022: Lebanon: Voters cling to hopes election can deliver change, CNN, 13 May 2022: Lebanese take their fight with a century-old political order to the ballot box, The National, 14 May 2022: Lebanese President Michel Aoun: ‘do not waste’ opportunity to vote, Times of Israel, 14 May 2022: Hezbollah’s weapons divide Lebanon as it holds parliamentary elections Sunday, The National, 14 May 2022: The Lebanese election through the eyes of a first-time voter, Times of Israel, 15 May 2022: Lebanese hope for new faces in parliamentary election as crises mount, The National, 15 May 2022: Lebanese elections marred by hundreds of rule breaks, observer warns, France24, 15 May 2022: Lebanon votes in first election since Beirut blast, economic crisis, The National, 15 May 2022: Hezbollah dominates south Lebanon vote day but opposition hold out hope, Arab News, 15 May 2022: Lebanon holds first parliament election since financial collapse, Beirut port blast, The National, 15 May 2022: Lebanon elections 2022: anger, apathy and cynicism in Tripoli, Jerusalem Post, 15 May 2022: Elections in Lebanon: Hezbollah set to lose majority in parliament, The National, 15 May 2022: Lebanon’s next parliament will be ‘Lebanese Forces-Hezbollah face off’, Times of Israel, 16 May 2022: Lebanon elections weaken Hezbollah, strengthen reformists, provisional results show, Haaretz, 17 May 2022: Hezbollah and Allies Lose Majority in Lebanese Parliament, Times of Israel, 17 May 2022: Despite Lebanon election setbacks, Hezbollah remains a growing threat to Israel, Al Arabiya, 17 May 2022: Lebanon’s Hezbollah, allies lose parliament majority: Results, The National, 17 May 2022: Hezbollah and allies lose parliamentary majority in Lebanese elections, Al Arabiya, 17 May 2022: US holding up energy deal between Egypt and Lebanon: Ambassador, The National, 18 May 2022: Nearly half of registered voters took part in Lebanon’s 2022 election, Times of Israel, 18 May 2022: Hamas wins landslide victory in student elections at flagship Birzeit University, The National, 18 May 2022: Lebanon elections 2022: when will parliament get to work and what happens next?, Al Arabiya, 18 May 2022: Lebanon recovery hopes hinge on IMF bailout as Ukraine war, inflation bite: Economist, Arab News, 18 May 2022: Lebanon reformists weigh choices after election surge, Al Arabiya, 18 May 2022: Lebanon’s new parliamentary line-up a ‘double-edged sword’ for economy: Expert, France24, 19 May 2022: The ‘untouchable’ parliamentary speaker at the heart of Lebanon’s next political storm, Arab News, 19 May 2022: ‘Elections did not undermine Hezbollah but gives Lebanon chance to reorganize’ says spokesman for the American Task Force on Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2022: US announces new Hezbollah-related sanctions on Lebanese businessmen, companies, Israel Hayom, 19 May 2022: For Saudis, Hezbollah’s setback is rare good news from Lebanon, Arab News, 19 May 2022: Election losses unlikely to loosen Hezbollah’s grip on power, Al Arabiya, 20 May 2022: State Department calls on Lebanese leaders to work with ‘urgency’ to rescue economy, Arab News, 20 May 2022: Lebanon cabinet passes financial recovery plan: Ministerial sources, DW, 20 May 2022: Lebanon: Challenges for reformists ‘difficult to master’, Arab News, 20 May 2022: Why Beirut Museum of Art project is a beacon of hope in crisis-plagued Lebanon, Arab News, 21 May 2022: Lebanese government goes into caretaker mode amid calls to expedite economic recovery plan, Arab News, 23 May 2022: Lebanon’s victorious MPs must resist Hezbollah’s divide-and-conquer playbook, The National, 24 May 2022: Exclusive: Lebanon to lead hostage mediation between US and Syria, Beirut’s spy chief says, Arab News, 24 May 2022: Lebanon crippled by electricity, water outages, Al Arabiya, 26 May 2022: Lebanon’s election sees political vote buying and intimidation, The National, 27 May 2022: Lebanon braces for a drawn-out battle for the presidency after elections, Al Arabiya, 27 May 2022: Lebanon’s exit from default still tough after inconclusive election, Fitch says, Arab News, 27 May 2022: US sanctions Iran’s Quds Force, Hezbollah, The National, 31 May 2022: Lebanon needs credible reforms to avoid destruction of economy, World Bank says, Arab News, 1 June 2022: ‘Major confrontation’ with Hezbollah ahead, says Lebanon Christian politician, Al Arabiya, 3 June 2022: Lebanon cenbank governor, brother sue state over ‘mistakes’ in embezzlement probe , Haaretz, 3 June 2022: Another Lebanon War? Israel’s War Games Leave More Questions Than Answers, Al Arabiya, 4 June 2022: Lebanon-based hackers linked to Iran’s government targeted Israeli groups: Microsoft, Jerusalem Post, 7 June 2022: US mediator to visit Beirut to discuss maritime border with Israel – Lebanese parliament, Arab News, 10 June 2022: Lebanese civilians ‘suffer harm’ from flights by Israeli spy planes and drones, Arab News, 10 June 2022: Hezbollah, Iran should have no say on Lebanon’s border disputes, Times of Israel, 11 June 2022: US envoy heading to Beirut to mediate Israel-Lebanon maritime gas dispute, The Algemeiner, 11 June 2022: US Envoy to Visit Lebanon, Discuss Israel Maritime Talks – State Dept, Arab News, 11 June 2022: Lebanon’s middle class thins out as skilled professionals head for the exits, Times of Israel, 11 June 2022: Lebanese rally near Israeli border against gas extraction in area claimed by Beirut, Jerusalem Post, 12 June 2022: Israel flew in Lebanese airspace over 22,000 times in last 15 years – study, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: US diplomat upbeat after maritime border talks with Lebanon, will head to Israel, Foreign Policy, 16 June 2022: Syrian Refugees Find Little Hope in Lebanon’s Election, Arab News, 17 June 2022: Lebanon’s corrupt elite are running out of options, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: Hezbollah causes ‘unprecedented chaos’ in Lebanon – Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2022: Saudi Arabia welcomes verdict against Hezbollah members over Hariri assassination, Arab News, 18 June 2022: UN chief calls on Lebanon to respect Hague court’s verdict on Hariri killing, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2022: Lebanese Maronite patriarch calls for ‘final solution’ for Palestinian refugees, Arab News, 21 June 2022: Lebanon, Egypt sign agreement to supply Beirut with gas, Al Arabiya, 22 June 2022: Some Lebanon banks disagree with ABL letter objecting IMF plan, Arab News, 22 June 2022: Lebanon’s parliamentary blocs divided over PM designation, Arab News, 23 June 2022: Lebanon’s anti-Hezbollah parties should unite in any way they can, Arab News, 23 June 2022: Lebanon’s Mikati named PM, faces tough path to cabinet, The National, 24 June 2022: France to share results of central bank governor inquiry with Lebanon, Arab News, 24 June 2022: Mikati urges Lebanese to unite and put country on path to recovery, Al Arabiya, 1 July 2022: Over 30 governments gather to discuss Hezbollah’s ‘ongoing global terrorist’ plots, France24, 2 July 2022: Hezbollah launches unarmed drones towards Israeli gas rig in disputed waters, Arab News, 2 July 2022: Arab foreign ministers pledge support for Lebanon’s IMF negotiations and reform process, Haaretz, 5 July 2022: Macron Tells Lapid ‘We’ll Do Everything to Ensure Israel, Lebanon Reach a Deal’, Arab News, 6 July 2022: Lebanon must reclaim its sovereignty from Hezbollah, The National, 7 July 2022: Lebanon averts nationwide blackout by paying part of debt, Al Arabiya, 7 July 2022: UN Security Council calls for swift formation of government in Lebanon, DW, 13 July 2022: Lebanon’s dollarization of university tuition worsens students’ lives, Arab News, 14 July 2022: Nasrallah speech prompts Lebanese fears of Israel escalation amid maritime border row, The Algemeiner, 15 July 2022: US Welcomes Lebanon, Israel Maritime Boundary Efforts, The National, 15 July 2022: US lawsuit for Lebanon port explosion victims ‘to move quickly’, Arab News, 18 July 2022: US delegation urges Lebanon to speed up government formation, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Hezbollah’s actions can lead the entire region to war – Lapid, Arab News, 20 July 2022: Lebanon archbishop’s arrest sparks Christian anger, Al Arabiya, 22 July 2022: US approves new funds to help Lebanon’s ailing security agencies, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2022: Lebanon gas deal creates strangest of connections, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: Israel Watches Hezbollah’s Calculated Gamble With Wary Eyes, Arab News, 23 July 2022: Lebanon bids to please striking public sector employees with pay rise, social assistance, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2022: Mossad reveals secret Hezbollah cell executed Argentina’s terrorist attacks in 1990s, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: In Fight Over Lebanon’s Future, Bishop’s Detention After Israel Visit Crosses a Red Line, Arab News, 24 July 2022: Angry gatherings at Sunday mass protest against arrest of Lebanon archbishop, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: Would Nasrallah really risk war with Israel over the Karish gas rig?, Al Arabiya, 26 July 2022: Beirut port silo risks collapse amid fire, Arab News, 26 July 2022: Lebanon’s Parliament resorts to makeshift solutions to prevent collapse, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: US support for Lebanese army proves effective, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Tunisia approves new constitution in vote with low turnout, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Protesters storm bakeries, pastry shops as Lebanon’s food crisis deepens, Arab News, 28 July 2022: Syrian ship carrying ‘stolen Ukrainian barley, flour’ docks in Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2022: US State Department confirms new funds for Lebanon’s army, police, Arab News, 28 July 2022: Angry protesters storm Lebanon’s Ministry of Energy to protest power cuts, Times of Israel, 30 July 2022: Hezbollah hints it’s ready for a war over gas — but knows Lebanon can’t afford one, Arab News, 30 July 2022: UNHCR warns of rising tensions between Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees, Al Arabiya, 30 July 2022: Congress calls on EU to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist group, Arab News, 30 July 2022: Lebanon parliament speaker says no presidential vote without IMF laws, Al Arabiya, 30 July 2022: Lebanon seizes vessel carrying ‘stolen’ Ukrainian grain, Arab News, 30 July 2022: Lebanon judge orders seizure of cargo ship with flour ‘stolen from Ukraine’, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2022: Lebanese cleric demands state stop calling Lebanese citizens in Israel ‘agents’, The National, 31 July 2022: Ruins of Beirut port silos collapse as three-week fire continues to burn, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2022: Damaged grain silos at Beirut Port partially collapse, France24, 31 July 2022: Part of Beirut’s blast-damaged port silos collapses, BBC, 31 July 2022: Beirut: The moment part of the port grain silos collapsed caught on camera, The Guardian, 31 July 2022: Lebanon: Silos damaged in 2020 Beirut port explosion partly collapse after fire, Al Arabiya, 31 July 2022: Part of Beirut port silos, damaged in 2020 blast, collapses, Arab News, 31 July 2022: Part of Beirut silo complex collapses as port blast anniversary nears, The National, 1 August 2022: Fall of Beirut port silos causes distress for those who wanted memorial, The National, 1 August 2022: Ukraine’s first grain shipment since war began heads for Lebanon, The National, 2 August 2022: First Ukraine grain ship passes Turkish inspection and continues trip to Lebanon, France24, 3 August 2022: Live: First Ukrainian grain shipment en route to Lebanon, CNN, 3 August 2022: Beirut’s port blast two years on: An open wound festers as authorities try to close the case, Arab News, 3 August 2022: Beirut port explosion investigation remains shackled two years on, The National, 3 August 2022: Pope Francis: truth over Beirut blast ‘can never be hidden’, Arab News, 3 August 2022: Lebanese Christian parties set demands for next president, DW, 3 August 2022: Two years on, hope for justice in Beirut port blast fading, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2022: Two grain silos collapse on Beirut Port explosion anniversary, The Algemeiner, 4 August 2022: On Beirut Blast Anniversary, Christian Patriarch Condemns Government Inaction, The National, 4 August 2022: More Beirut silos collapse as Lebanon marks second anniversary of port explosion, Arab News, 4 August 2022: Parts of damaged Beirut grain silos collapse on blast anniversary, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2022: The ongoing battle to save Lebanon’s heritage damaged by the 2020 Beirut Port blast, The Economist, 4 August 2022: Beirut marks an awful anniversary with more disaster, France24, 4 August 2022: Two years after deadly Beirut port blast, victims continue fight for justice, Arab News, 4 August 2022: Holding Hezbollah accountable more important than left or right, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2022: Beirut Port Blast survivor still living with severe PTSD, moved to Dubai to feel safe, Arab News, 6 August 2022: Lebanon awaits fallout of Israel’s Gaza attack, The Algemeiner, 7 August 2022: ‘Shameful’ Delay in Cabinet Formation Causing Lebanon’s Decay, Top Christian Cleric Says, Arab News, 8 August 2022: Was Lebanon the world’s biggest Ponzi scheme?, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: In Photos: Beirut Explosion Then and Now, Arab News, 9 August 2022: Hezbollah warns Israel against targeting Palestinian militants in Lebanon, The National, 9 August 2022: Hezbollah warns Israel against strikes on Palestinian officials in Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2022: Order to seize Hezbollah-allied Lebanon MPs’ property over port blast, CNN, 11 August 2022: Armed man takes hostages at Beirut bank demanding return of frozen funds, The National, 11 August 2022: Lebanon Federal Bank staff hostage drama in Hamra ends with support for perpetrator, Arab News, 11 August 2022: Failure to probe 2020 disaster adds to Lebanon’s isolation, The Guardian, 11 August 2022: Lebanon: Man who took hostages demanding his own money becomes public hero, Arab News, 11 August 2022: Lebanese bank hostage situation ends after partial payout, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2022: Lebanese bank hostage situation ends after partial funds payout, Politico.com, 13 August 2022: Raising Lebanon from the ashes, Arab News, 14 August 2022: People from Rushdie attacker’s hometown in Lebanon condemn attack, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2022: Rushdie attacker returned to US as ‘religious zealot’ after 2018 Lebanon trip: Mother, Arab News, 15 August 2022: Lebanon denounces the use of its airspace to bomb Syria, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2022: Rushdie suspect’s Lebanese village say incident has little to do with them, NPR, 16 August 2022: A man who held up a bank demanding his own money becomes an unlikely hero, Arab News, 16 August 2022: Lebanon is not resilient, it is traumatized, DW, 17 August 2022: Lebanon turns to solar power to address acute energy crisis, Arab News, 18 August 2022: Kidnapped by Hezbollah, Lebanese suffer from Stockholm syndrome, Arab News, 22 August 2022: Why Lebanese citizens are joining the migrant tide out of the Middle East, Arab News, 22 August 2022: Ancient glass shattered in Beirut blast restored, on display in London, France24, 23 August 2022: More grain silos collapse at Beirut port, damaged by devastating 2020 blast.

Israel Hayom, 3 December 2019: Israel’s Leviathan to begin supplying gas by end of month, Times of Israel, 11 January 2020: The Leviathan Effect, Jerusalem Post, 29 June 2020: Lebanon on edge as Israel considers natural gas near disputed waters (on the brink of war with the Palestinians because of further annexation of parts of Palestine, now angering Lebanon. Netanyahu clearly has a run), Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: Gas company reports high prices, massive debt; no benefit for the state in sight, Times of Israel, 19 September 2020: US said to redouble efforts for Israel-Lebanon maritime talks after Beirut blast, Jerusalem Post, 25 September 2020: Israel, Lebanon agree to hold maritime border negotiations, Times of Israel, 26 September 2020: Israel and Lebanon to launch direct maritime border talks, report says, Times of Israel, 13 October 2020: Israel lowers expectations ahead of ‘historic’ maritime talks with Lebanon, Gulf Times, 14 October 2020: Lebanon, Israel start talks on disputed maritime border: UN source, Times of Israel, 15 October 2020: PM: Successful Lebanon maritime talks could be first step to ‘true peace’, The National, 15 October 2020: Lebanon is being forced to relive its traumas, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2020: Lebanon-Israel maritime talks do not have to stop at the border, Haaretz, 27 October 2020: Israel, Lebanon to Resume U.S.-mediated Talks Over Disputed Maritime Border, Times of Israel, 27 October 2020: Israel and Lebanon to meet twice this week for maritime talks — ministry, The National, 11 November 2020: Israel and Lebanon resume productive talks on disputed maritime border, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: Steinitz asks Lebanese president for direct maritime border talks, The National, 23 November 2020: Israeli minister invites Lebanon’s president to meet for border talks, Al Arabiya, 2 December 2020: Israel receives its most advanced warship as tensions with Iran rise, Haaretz, 11 December 2020: Why Israel-Lebanon Maritime Talks Have Hit an Impasse, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2021: The EastMed Pipeline is a win-win for Israel, Cyprus and Greece, Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2021: Lebanon Pres.: Maritime claim in with dispute Israel needs gov’t approval, Arab News, 13 April 2021: Lebanon’s president says new maritime claim needs government approval, Times of Israel, 15 April 2021: Lebanon demands Israel halt gas search after expanding claims in disputed area, Leviathan gas field, Israeli–Lebanese conflict and Israel–Lebanon relations, Israel Hayom, 16 April 2021: For Biden and the West, it’s ‘take 2’ on Turkey, Times of Israel, 6 October 2021: Tamar gas field discoverer: Israel’s security demands gas reserve for 40 years, The Algemeiner, 21 October 2021: US Mediator Hochstein Says Lebanon-Israel Maritime Talks Must ‘Move Quickly’, Arab News, 6 December 2021: Will Lebanon’s energy crisis be solved by Israeli gas?, Jerusalem Post, 26 December 2021: Israel turns to UN over Lebanese tender for drilling in its maritime waters, Al Arabiya, 29 December 2021: US adviser on energy security to travel to Lebanon, Israel for border talks, The Algemeiner, 16 January 2022: Report: Israel to Supply Natural Gas to Lebanon, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2022: US denies Syria-Lebanon-Israel gas deal; was it ever going to happen?, The National, 26 January 2022: Lebanon-Israel maritime talks to resume next week, Jerusalem Post, 26 January 2022: Israel, Lebanon say they’re ready to resume maritime border talks, Al Arabiya, 11 June 2022: Lebanese protest Israel vessel at disputed gas field, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Lebanon preparing to offer compromise on maritime spat with Israel, officials say, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2022: Gas and the Israel-Lebanon maritime border dispute, Jerusalem Post, 18 June 2022: Gas and the Israel-Lebanon maritime border dispute, The Algemeiner, 19 June 2022: Will Hezbollah Prevent Compromise on The Lebanon-Israel Maritime Dispute?, Arab News, 21 June 2022: Lebanon, Israel close to fighting over Mediterranean gas, Arab News, 22 June 2022: A Lebanese-Israeli border deal could be an example for all, Al Arabiya, 25 June 2022: Israeli negotiators meet US envoy on maritime dispute with Lebanon, Times of Israel, 2 July 2022: IDF shoots down 3 Hezbollah drones heading for Karish gas field, Haaretz, 2 July 2022: Israel Downs Unarmed Hezbollah Drones Believed to Be Heading for Gas Rig, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2022: Watch: Israel intercepts Hezbollah drones aimed at gas rig in Mediterranean, The National, 2 July 2022: Hezbollah drones launched at Mediterranean gas field ‘intercepted’ by Israeli military, BBC, 2 July 2022: Israel shoots down Hezbollah drones heading for gas rig, Jerusalem Post, 3 July 2022: Hezbollah drones weren’t explosive, but the message was clear, Arab News, 3 July 2022: Israel shoots down Hezbollah drones over Mediterranean, Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2022: Hezbollah opposes maritime border deal that would save Lebanon from bankruptcy, Al Arabiya, 4 July 2022: Lebanon PM criticizes unofficial moves in Israel row after Hezbollah sent drones, Arab News, 4 July 2022: Lebanon-Israel maritime border dispute returns to the fore, Times of Israel, 4 July 2022: Lebanese leaders slam Hezbollah for flying drones at Israeli gas rig, Al Arabiya, 23 July 2022: US energy advisor expected in Beirut for Lebanon-Israel maritime talks, Times of Israel, 27 July 2022: Israel has sent ‘strong warnings’ to Hezbollah amid threats to gas field, The Algemeiner, 29 July 2022: Lebanon Optimistic on Reaching Maritime Border Deal With Israel, Times of Israel, 31 July 2022: US envoy said to bring Lebanon new Israeli proposal to settle maritime border row, Haaretz, 31 July 2022: Israeli Official: Breakthrough in Maritime Border Talks With Lebanon Could Happen Soon, The Algemeiner, 31 July 2022: Hezbollah Threatens Gas Field Off Israeli Coast as US Envoy Arrives in Beirut, Al Arabiya, 31 July 2022: Hezbollah airs video of Israeli barges in disputed gas field, Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: US envoy ‘optimistic’ that Lebanon and Israel can settle maritime dispute, Haaretz, 1 August 2022: Lebanon-Israel Border Dispute: Hezbollah Is Calling the Shots, Israeli Expert Says, The National, 1 August 2022: US energy envoy ‘optimistic’ deal can be reached in Lebanon-Israel maritime dispute, Times of Israel, 3 August 2022: Security officials said to warn of Hezbollah escalation if no Lebanon gas deal, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: To Preempt Hezbollah Attack, Israel Aims for Lebanon Maritime Deal by Next Month, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: Israel rejects Lebanese proposal on maritime border demarcation, The Algemeiner, 21 August 2022: Israel, Lebanon Close to Deal on Maritime Border: Report, The Algemeiner, 22 August 2022: Hezbollah Attack on Israel Gas Field May Spark War With Lebanon, Israel’s Defense Head Warns (it may be meant as a warning, but it is more likely to be understood by Hezbolla as encouragement and motivation), Haaretz, 22 August 2022: Hezbollah Is Signaling It Might Risk War With Israel Ahead of Conclusion of Maritime Border Talks).


Israel and Syria
In 1516, the Ottoman Empire invaded the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt, conquering Syria, and incorporating it into its empire. The Ottoman system was not burdensome to Syrians because the Turks respected Arabic as the language of the Quran, and accepted the mantle of defenders of the faith. Damascus was made the major entrepot for Mecca, and as such it acquired a holy character to Muslims, because of the beneficial results of the countless pilgrims who passed through on the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Ottoman administration followed a system that led to peaceful coexistence. Each ethno-religious minority – Arab Shia Muslim, Arab Sunni Muslim, ArameanSyriac Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Maronite Christians, Assyrian Christians, Armenians, Kurds and Jews – constituted a millet. The religious heads of each community administered all personal status laws and performed certain civil functions as well. In 1831, Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt renounced his loyalty to the Empire and overran Ottoman Syria, capturing Damascus. His short-term rule over the domain attempted to change the demographics and social structure of the region: he brought thousands of Egyptian villagers to populate the plains of Southern Syria, rebuilt Jaffa and settled it with veteran Egyptian soldiers aiming to turn it into a regional capital, and he crushed peasant and Druze rebellions and deported non-loyal tribesmen. By 1840, however, he had to surrender the area back to the Ottomans. From 1864, Tanzimat reforms were applied on Ottoman Syria, carving out the provinces (vilayets) of Aleppo, Zor, Beirut and Damascus Vilayet; Mutasarrifate of Mount Lebanon was created, as well, and soon after the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem was given a separate status. During World War I, the Ottoman Empire entered the conflict on the side of Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It ultimately suffered defeat and loss of control of the entire Near East to the British Empire and French Empire. During the conflict, genocide against indigenous Christian peoples was carried out by the Ottomans and their allies in the form of the Armenian Genocide and Assyrian Genocide, of which Deir ez-Zor, in Ottoman Syria, was the final destination of these death marches. In the midst of World War I, two Allied diplomats (Frenchman François Georges-Picot and Briton Mark Sykes) secretly agreed on the post-war division of the Ottoman Empire into respective zones of influence in the Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916. Initially, the two territories were separated by a border that ran in an almost straight line from Jordan to Iran. However, the discovery of oil in the region of Mosul just before the end of the war led to yet another negotiation with France in 1918 to cede this region to ‘Zone B’, or the British zone of influence. This border was later recognized internationally when Syria became a League of Nations mandate in 1920 and has not changed to date.

In 1920, a short-lived independent Kingdom of Syria was established under Faisal I of the Hashemite family. However, his rule over Syria ended after only a few months, following the Battle of Maysalun. French troops occupied Syria later that year after the San Remo conference proposed that the League of Nations put Syria under a French mandate. General Gouraud had according to his secretary de Caix two options: “Either build a Syrian nation that does not exist… by smoothing the rifts which still divide it” or “cultivate and maintain all the phenomena, which require our abitration that these divisions give”. De Caix added “I must say only the second option interests me”. This is what Gouraud did. In 1925, Sultan al-Atrash led a revolt that broke out in the Druze Mountain and spread to engulf the whole of Syria and parts of Lebanon. Al-Atrash won several battles against the French, notably the Battle of al-Kafr on 21 July 1925, the Battle of al-Mazraa on 2–3 August 1925, and the battles of Salkhad, al-Musayfirah and Suwayda. France sent thousands of troops from Morocco and Senegal, leading the French to regain many cities, although resistance lasted until the spring of 1927. The French sentenced Sultan al-Atrash to death, but he had escaped with the rebels to Transjordan and was eventually pardoned. He returned to Syria in 1937 after the signing of the Syrian-French Treaty. Syria and France negotiated a treaty of independence in September 1936, and Hashim al-Atassi was the first president to be elected under the first incarnation of the modern republic of Syria. However, the treaty never came into force because the French Legislature refused to ratify it. With the fall of France in 1940 during World War II, Syria came under the control of Vichy France until the British and Free French occupied the country in the Syria-Lebanon campaign in July 1941. Continuing pressure from Syrian nationalists and the British forced the French to evacuate their troops in April 1946, leaving the country in the hands of a republican government that had been formed during the mandate (French Mandate for Syria and Lebanon and Mandatory Syrian Republic).

Upheaval dominated Syrian politics from independence through the late 1960s. In May 1948, Syrian forces invaded Palestine, together with other Arab states, and immediately attacked Jewish settlements. Their president Shukri al-Quwwatli instructed his troops in the front, “to destroy the Zionists”. The Invasion purpose was prevention of the establishment of the State of Israel. Defeat in this war was one of several trigger factors for the March 1949 Syrian coup d’état by Col. Husni al-Za’im, described as the first military overthrow of the Arab World since the start of the Second World War. This was soon followed by another overthrow, by Col. Sami al-Hinnawi, who was himself quickly deposed by Col. Adib Shishakli, all within the same year. Shishakli eventually abolished multipartyism altogether, but was himself overthrown in a 1954 coup and the parliamentary system was restored. However, by this time, power was increasingly concentrated in the military and security establishment. The weakness of Parliamentary institutions and the mismanagement of the economy led to unrest and the influence of Nasserism and other ideologies. There was fertile ground for various Arab nationalist, Syrian nationalist, and socialist movements, which represented disaffected elements of society. Notably included were religious minorities, who demanded radical reform. In November 1956, as a direct result of the Suez Crisis, Syria signed a pact with the Soviet Union. This gave a foothold for Communist influence within the government in exchange for military equipment. Turkey then became worried about this increase in the strength of Syrian military technology, as it seemed feasible that Syria might attempt to retake İskenderun. Only heated debates in the United Nations lessened the threat of war. On 1 February 1958, Syrian President Shukri al-Quwatli and Egypt’s Nasser announced the merging of Egypt and Syria, creating the United Arab Republic, and all Syrian political parties, as well as the communists therein, ceased overt activities. Meanwhile, a group of Syrian Ba’athist officers, alarmed by the party’s poor position and the increasing fragility of the union, decided to form a secret Military Committee; its initial members were Lieutenant-Colonel Muhammad Umran, Major Salah Jadid and Captain Hafez al-Assad. Syria seceded from the union with Egypt on 28 September 1961, after a coup (Syrian Republic (1946–63), United Arab Republic, and 1963 Syrian coup d’état).

The ensuing instability, following the 1961 coup culminated in the 8 March 1963 Ba’athist coup. The takeover was engineered by members of the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party, led by Michel Aflaq and Salah al-Din al-Bitar. The new Syrian cabinet was dominated by Ba’ath members. On 23 February 1966, the Military Committee carried out an intra-party overthrow, imprisoned President Amin Hafiz and designated a regionalist, civilian Ba’ath government on 1 March. Although Nureddin al-Atassi became the formal head of state, Salah Jadid was Syria’s effective ruler from 1966 until November 1970, when he was deposed by Hafez al-Assad, who at the time was Minister of Defense. The coup led to a split within the original pan-Arab Ba’ath Party: one Iraqi-led ba’ath movement (ruled Iraq from 1968 to 2003) and one Syrian-led ba’ath movement was established. In the first half of 1967, a low-key state of war existed between Syria and Israel. Conflict over Israeli cultivation of land in the Demilitarized Zone led to 7 April pre-war aerial clashes between Israel and Syria. When the Six-Day War broke out between Egypt and Israel, Syria joined the war and attacked Israel as well. In the final days of the war, Israel turned its attention to Syria, capturing two-thirds of the Golan Heights in under 48 hours. The defeat caused a split between Jadid and Assad over what steps to take next. Disagreement developed between Jadid, who controlled the party apparatus, and Assad, who controlled the military. The 1970 retreat of Syrian forces sent to aid the PLO during the “Black September” hostilities with Jordan reflected this disagreement. The power struggle culminated in the November 1970 Syrian Corrective Revolution, a bloodless military overthrow that installed Hafez al-Assad as the strongman of the government. On 6 October 1973, Syria and Egypt initiated the Yom Kippur War against Israel. The Israel Defense Forces reversed the initial Syrian gains and pushed deeper into Syrian territory. In early 1976, Syria entered Lebanon, beginning the thirty-year Syrian military occupation. Over the following 15 years of civil war, Syria fought for control over Lebanon. Syria then remained in Lebanon until 2005. In the late 1970s, an Islamist uprising by the Muslim Brotherhood was aimed against the government. Islamists attacked civilians and off-duty military personnel, leading security forces to also kill civilians in retaliatory strikes. The uprising had reached its climax in the 1982 Hama massacre, when some 10,000 – 40,000 people were killed by regular Syrian Army troops. In a major shift in relations with both other Arab states and the Western world, Syria participated in the US-led Gulf War against Saddam Hussein. Syria participated in the multilateral Madrid Conference of 1991, and during the 1990s engaged in negotiations with Israel. These negotiations failed, and there have been no further direct Syrian-Israeli talks since President Hafez al-Assad‘s meeting with then President Bill Clinton in Geneva in March 2000. Hafez al-Assad died on 10 June 2000. His son, Bashar al-Assad, was elected President in an election in which he ran unopposed. His election saw the birth of the Damascus Spring and hopes of reform, but by autumn 2001, the authorities had suppressed the movement, imprisoning some of its leading intellectuals. Instead, reforms have been limited to some market reforms. On 5 October 2003, Israel bombed a site near Damascus, claiming it was a terrorist training facility for members of Islamic Jihad. In March 2004, Syrian Kurds and Arabs clashed in the northeastern city of al-Qamishli. Signs of rioting were seen in the cities of Qamishli and Hasakeh. In 2005, Syria ended its occupation of Lebanon. On 6 September 2007, foreign jet fighters, suspected as Israeli, reportedly carried out Operation Orchard against a suspected nuclear reactor under construction by North Korean technicians.

The ongoing Syrian Civil War was inspired by the Arab Spring revolutions. It began in 2011 as a chain of peaceful protests, followed by a crackdown by the Syrian Army. In July 2011, Army defectors declared the formation of the Free Syrian Army and began forming fighting units. The opposition is dominated by Sunni Muslims, whereas the leading government figures are generally associated with Alawites. According to various sources, including the United Nations, up to 100,000 people had been killed by June 2013, including 11,000 children. To escape the violence, 4.9 million Syrian refugees have fled to neighboring countries of Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey. An estimated 450,000 Syrian Christians have fled their homes. By October 2017, an estimated 400,000 people had been killed in the war according to the UN (The Guardian, 23 March 2019: Isis defeated, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces announce, The New York Times, 23 March 2019: Last ISIS Village in Syria Falls, and a Caliphate Crumbles, and The Washington Post, 23 March 2019: The Islamic State’s caliphate has been defeated, U.S.-backed forces say ).

Since the beginning of the civil war, the Israeli government has ordered more than 300 air and missile strikes against targets in Syria (France24, 21 January 2019: Israel says strikes launched against Iranian targets in Syria, The Guardian, 21 January 2019: Israeli military strikes Iranian targets inside Syria, Times of Israel, 23 January 2019: Russia says Israel must halt its ‘arbitrary’ airstrikes in Syria, Times of Israel, 23 January 2019: Netanyahu threatens Gaza, Iran after flareups on two fronts, Haaretz, 24 July 2019: Israel Strikes Strategic Targets in Southern Syria, Report Says, Times of Israel, 24 July 2019: Syrian media says Israel carried out airstrikes in country’s south), but at the same time claims to be totally uninvolved in the fightings (in other parts of the world, such a statement would lead to the diagnosis “schizophrenia“). Since 1948, Israel and Syria have been more or less in a state of war. There has never been a peace treaty between the two countries, but several half-hearted attempts: Israel–Syria relations and Iran–Israel proxy conflict. One of the linchpins is the Israeli occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights, which at no time has been legitimized by the international community, and the illegal Israeli settlements spreading there. Interesting is the reporting about it. The Israeli government and the Israeli media are presenting the status as if the Syrian Golan Heights would belong to Israel, which of course is not the case. All attempts by Syria to liberate the Golan Heights from the Israeli occupation are portrayed as attacks on Israel. In real life, it’s the other way round. Syria is perfectly legitimate against continued Israeli aggression (illegal land grabbing, construction of illegal settlements, etc.). Both, Trump’s recognition of West Jerusalem as an Israeli capital forced by Netanyahu and the recognition of the Syrian Golan Heights as belonging to Israel, have only one consequence, namely that the entire international community has developed the exact opposite point of view, after Netanyahu had forced the member states of the international community to clearly define their own points of view on the two topics. By doing so, Netanyahu ensures the further isolation of Israel. After Netanyahu has already gotten a black eye in the total misjudgment that Trump’s announcement to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and thus sets the world community on the same course, he will also succeed in doing so with regard to the Syrian Golan Heights: Haaretz, 21 March 2019: Trump: Time for U.S. to Recognize Israel’s Sovereignty Over Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 21 March 2019: Trump says time has come for US to ‘recognize Israel’s sovereignty’ over Golan, The New York Times, 21 March 2019: In Golan Heights, Trump Bolsters Israel’s Netanyahu but Risks Roiling Middle East, The Washington Post, 21 March 2019: Trump endorses Israeli control of the disputed Golan Heights, France24, 21 March 2019: Trump says US recognises Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, The Guardian, 22 March 2019: Trump provokes global anger by recognising Israel’s claim to Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 22 March 2019: Trump tweet does little for Golan, but much for Netanyahu, critics charge, Reuters, 22 March 2019: EU holds position on Golan Heights despite Trump: Tusk, France24, 22 March 2019: France says Israeli sovereignty over Golan breaks international law, Jerusalem Post, 22 March 2019: UNHRC voted 26-16 against Israel’s ‘occupation’ of the Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 22 March 2019: EU says it will not follow Trump in recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Golan, France24, 24 March 2019: Netanyahu in Washington with Golan Heights recognition on tap, France24, 25 March 2019: Trump signs US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 25 March 2019: Alongside PM, Trump signs proclamation recognizing Israeli sovereignty on Golan, France, 26 March 2019: Trump’s Golan move unites Gulf States and Iran in condemnation, The New York Times, 26 March 2019: Golan Heights Recognition by U.S. Sets Precedent for Annexation, Netanyahu Says, Times of Israel, 26 March 2019: Israel says US Golan recognition helps pave way for keeping other captured lands, The Hill, 26 March 2019: Trump’s Golan Heights announcement will backfire for Netanyahu — and US, The Guardian, 27 March 2019: Trump’s Golan Heights proclamation is a cynical, dangerous move, Times of Israel, 27 March 2019: All EU countries say no to recognition of Israeli Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 27 March 2019: European envoys said sent to White House, State Department to protest Golan move, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2019: All 28 EU member states reject Israeli souvereignty over Golan, Haaretz, 27 March 2019: Two-state Solution: U.S. Jews Won’t Budge. Will It Cost Them Their Relationship With Israel?, Haaretz, 27 March 2019: Why Golan Recognition Can’t Pave Way for Israel to Annex West Bank, Haaretz, 27 March 2019: EU States Unanimously Announce: We Do Not Recognize Israeli Sovereignty Over Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 28 March 2019: US slammed at UN Security Council for recognizing Golan as Israeli (at least the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force could finally be ended), Times of Israel, 29 March 2019: Iran to ‘resist’ Trump decision on Golan Heights, (United States Deputy Secretary of Energy, Dan Brouillette, has said, that the decisions to recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the Golan Heights as part of Israel were made, because the US itself is producing so much oil and natural gas that its dependency (United States energy independence) on the Gulf States is no longer given. Of course, one can try to talk nicely about breaking international law), Times of Israel, 27 March 2019: Israel and Hamas prepare to square off on anniversary of ‘March of Return’, Times of Israel, 28 March 2019: Hamas and Israel risk another Gaza war in deadly game of chicken, France24, 29 March 2019: Gaza, Israel brace for mass border demos, The Washington Post, 29 March 2019: Gazans have paid in blood for a year of protests. Now many wonder what it was for., The Guardian, 30 March 2019: Border protests: Palestinian killed by Israeli fire, officials say, The Washington Post, 30 March 2019: Clashes erupt as Gazans mark anniversary of bloody border protests, Haaretz, 30 March 2019: Tens of Thousands of Palestinians Gather in Gaza for March of Return Anniversary, Haaretz, 30 March 2019: Israel-Egypt Treaty, 40 Years Later: When Israel Made Peace a Priority, The Guardian, 30 March 2019: Israeli fire kills three Palestinians, says Gaza health ministry.

The Syrian Civil War will continue for quite some time, and has cost more than 500,000 lives to date, also as a result of grave war crimes by the Assad regime and its allies. At the same time, more than 11.6 million Syrians are internally (6.3 million) and outside Syria displaced. Russia and Iran, in particular, have supported the Assad regime with the utmost violence and severity, which makes a soon end of the war at least unlikely. At the same time, a proxy war developed between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Turkey and Israel are active parts in the fights, while the US and the International Alliance have largely withdrawn from combat. Due to the intensity and duration of the conflict, it will take years for the country to calm down again. The biggest obstacle is dictator Bashar al-Assad himself. Nevertheless, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the international community to fund the reconstruction of Syria with billions in aid, to which the respondents have largely reacted in a negative way. Commentators from the West are already talking about “Russia’s second Afghanistan. Countries that want to be major powers, need to bear the consequences of their actions.” The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley (CNN, 31 July 2019: Kelly Craft confirmed to be next US ambassador to the UN, BBC, 1 August 2019: Kelly Craft: Congress confirms UN ambassador pick), known for her dubious remarks, accidentally chose the right words here when she told Putin, “You break it, you own it!” (The New York Times, 19 December 2018: Trump Considering Full Withdrawal of U.S. Troops From Syria, The Washington Post, 19 December 2018: Trump administration plans to pull U.S. troops from Syria immediately, defense official says, The New York Times, 20 December 2018: A Strategy of Retreat in Syria, With Echoes of Obama, The New York Times, 20 December 2018: Putin Welcomes Trump’s Syria Withdrawal: ‘Donald’s Right’, The Washington Post, 20 December 2018: In a single tweet, Trump destroys U.S. policy in the Middle East, The Guardian, 20 December 2018: Trump shocks allies and advisers with plan to pull US troops out of Syria, The Guardian, 20 December 2018: US Syria pullout draws Kurdish condemnation and Putin’s praise, Haaretz, 20 December 2018: After U.S. Announces Syria Pullout, Netanyahu Says Israel Will Increase Actions Against Iran With Full U.S. Support, Haaretz, 20 December 2018: Despite the Blow to Its National Security, Israel Will Bow to Trump’s Syria Withdrawal, Haaretz, 20 December 2018: Trump’s Pullout Leaves Russia Holding the Cards in Syria, to Israel’s Bitter Disappointment, Haaretz, 20 December 2018: Donald Trump’s Big Lie on Syria Will Come Back to Haunt America, The New York Times, 20 December 2018: Jim Mattis, Defense Secretary, Resigns in Rebuke of Trump’s Worldview, The New York Times, 21 December 2018: With the Generals Gone, Trump’s ‘America First’ Could Fully Emerge, The Washington Post, 21 December 2018: Mattis endured a lot. Here’s why this was the last straw., The Guardian, 21 December 2018: Mattis resignation triggered by phone call between Trump and Erdoğan, The Washington Post, 21 December 2018: It’s official. We lost the Cold War., The Guardian, 22 December 2018: Trump’s Syria withdrawal has handed a huge gift to Islamic State, The Guardian, 23 December 2018: Chaos at home, fear abroad: Trump unleashed puts western world on edge, The New York Times, 26 December 2018: Trump Makes Surprise Visit to American Troops in Iraq, The New York Times, 27 December 2018: Donald Trump Is Bad for Israel, Times of Israel, 27 December 2018: Trump: We give Israel billions, it can defend itself in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2018: U.S. Military: Withdrawl from Syria could take several month, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2019: Is Saudi visit to Eastern Syria prelude to greater U.S, Saudi role?, #StandWithTheKurds #KurdsBetrayedByTrump #StopErdogan France24, 7 October 2019: US withdraws troops from northeast Syria, clearing way for Turkish offensive, BBC, 7 October 2019: Turkey-Syria border: Kurds bitter as US troops withdraw, The Guardian, 7 October 2019: US to let Turkish forces move into Syria, dumping Kurdish allies, Politico.com, 7 October 2019: ‘Disaster in the making’: Graham torches Trump’s Syria policy, The New York Times, 7 October 2019: Trump Endorses Turkish Military Operation in Syria, Shifting U.S. Policy, NPR, 7 October 2019: In Major Policy Shift, U.S. Will Stand Aside As Turkish Forces Extend Reach In Syria, Politico.eu, 7 October 2019: Trump slams ‘ridiculous Endless Wars’ as he defends dramatic shift in Syria policy, Arab News, 7 October 2019: US to step aside for Turkish assault on Kurds in Syria, Al Arabiya, 7 October 2019: US forces will not be involved in Turkish operations in northern Syria, The National, 7 October 2019: Donald Trump endorses Turkish operation into north Syria, Haaretz, 7 October 2019: ‘Stinks of Betrayal’ – Trump Slammed for Allowing Turkey to Attack Kurdish Allies in Syria, Israel Hayom, 7 October 2019: Trump: It costs too much to support Kurds against ISIS in Syria, Times of Israel, 7 October 2019: As American troops withdraw in Syria, Trump says Kurds are on their own, Jerusalem Post, 7 October 2019: Netanyahu says cooperation with Russia ‘criticial’ with U.S. to leave Syria, Haaretz, 7 October 2019: ‘Biggest Lie by This Admin’ Lindsey Graham Slams Trump for Syria Withdrawal, CNN, 7 October 2019: Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Turkey’s economy if they do anything ‘off limits’ with ISIS, France24, 7 October 2019: France warns of IS group resurgence amid US plans to withdraw from north Syria, Reuters, 7 October 2019: Turkish lira slips to one-month low over Syria concerns, Trump warning, BBC, 7 October 2019: Turkey-Syria border: Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Turkish economy, Politico.com, 7 October 2019: ‘POTUS went rogue’: Trump’s Syria move blindsides national security leaders, Reuters, 7 October 2019: U.S. Republicans join Democrats to blast Trump’s Syria withdrawal, The Guardian, 7 October 2019: ‘There will be chaos once again’: Kurds respond to Trump’s Syria decision, Politico.com, 7 October 2019: Republicans unload on Trump for Syria shift when he needs them most, Haaretz, 7 October 2019: Israel Was Surprised by Trump’s Decision to Withdraw From Syria, Allow Turkey to Start Operation, Times of Israel, 7 October 2019: Trump ally: US pullout from Syria will put Israel at risk, Israel Hayom, 7 October 2019: Turkey set to redraw map of Syrian war once more, Jerusalem Post, 7 October 2019: After Trump abandons Kurds, Israel knows it can’t rely on anyone, BBC, 8 October 2019: Turkey-Syria border: Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Turkish economy, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2019: UK deeply concerned about Turkish plans for Syria military action: PM’s office, The Guardian, 8 October 2019: Trump’s shock Syria retreat reverberates as Turkish troops mass, Haaretz, 8 October 2019: Trump’s Decision to Abandon Syria’s Kurds Is Bad News for All U.S. Regional Allies, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2019: Turkish lira weakens further against dollar on Syria worries, Haaretz, 8 October 2019: As Far as Trump Is Concerned, the Kurds Have Done Their Job and Now Can Go to Hell, Times of Israel, 8 October 2019: Turkey says won’t bow to Trump threat on Syria plan, army ready to assault Kurds, BBC, 8 October 2019: Turkey ‘ready for operation’ in Syria as Trump defends US pullout, The Guardian, 8 October 2019: Turkey vows to press ahead with attack on Kurdish-led forces in Syria, The Washington Post, 8 October 2019: Trump’s dam might be about to burst, France24, 8 October 2019: Turkey dismisses US threats, amasses troops on Syrian border, NPR, 8 October 2019: Former Trump Envoy: Syria Withdrawal Is ‘Haphazard’ And ‘Almost Unprecedented’, The Washington Post, 8 October 2019: Furor over pulling troops from northeast Syria began with troubling Trump phone call and White House statement, The New York Times, 8 October 2019: Israelis Watch U.S. Abandon Kurds, and Worry: Who’s Next?, Arab News, 9 October 2019: Turkey to start Syria offensive ‘shortly,’ Erdogan’s aide says, France24, 9 October 2019: Turkey launches operation against Kurds in northern Syria, Erdogan says, BBC, 9 October 2019: Turkish troops launch offensive in northern Syria, says Erdogan, CNN, 9 October 2019: Turkey begins military offensive in Syria, days after Trump announced pullback of US troops, Jerusalem Post, 9 October 2019: They fought alongside the US for five years to be bombed by US Nato ally, The National, 9 October 2019: Turkey’s Syria offensive has begun, says President Erdogan, Times of Israel, 9 October 2019: Trump defends Syria move: For us, ‘the stupid, endless Mideast wars are ending!’, Politico.com, 9 October 2019: Trump’s Republican allies condemn president after ‘sickening’ Turkish incursion, The Guardian, 9 October 2019: Trump defends Syria decision by saying Kurds ‘didn’t help us with Normandy’ (the outside effects of Trump’s decisions will be devastating: “The most powerful army in the world surrendered to the Taliban, IS and Turkey, while sacrificing Kurdish allies.” The negative effect from this will last for a long time, Even if it is understandable on the one hand to end warfare as quickly as possible, on the other hand, above all, a well-thought-out exit strategy is needed. But this is exactly what is missing here completely, so that ultimately the old saying “to tear down with the butt, what was previously built up with hard work” comes to fruition in full. Trump marginalizes his country now also militarily on the international stage, after he has already done so politically anyway and it is only a question of time until this will succeed economically too.), France24, 10 October 2019: Trump: Syrian Kurds ‘didn’t help us in Normandy’, CNN, 10 October 2019: Republican anger grows as Trump disavows Kurds by saying they didn’t help during WWII, Politico.eu, 10 October 2019: Pompeo: US didn’t give Turkey a ‘green light’ to invade Syria, BBC, 10 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: Heavy fighting on second day of assault, The Guardian, 10 October 2019: Turkish president threatens to send 3.6m refugees to Europe (a not particularly clever trick of the sultan to try to disguise his invasion of Syria on television. That does not work. On the other hand: He is a follower of the Muslim Brotherhood. That given, it was almost an intellectual masterpiece), The National, 10 October 2019: Turkish offensive against the Kurds in Syria: live updates, Times of Israel, 10 October 2019: Netanyahu condemns Turkish invasion of Syrian Kurdistan, offers aid, CNN, 10 October 2019: Turkey launches military offensive in Syria, The New York Times, 10 October 2019: Shells Fired Into Turkey as Syria Offensive Continues for 2nd Day, Arab News, 10 October 2019: Saudi Arabia and UAE condemn ‘Turkish aggression’ in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2019: Turkey shells prison holding ISI foreign fighters – report, Foreign Policy, 10 October 2019: ‘Some of the Most Noble People I’d Ever Met’ (the Turkish attacks on the Kurds and the planned ethnic cleansing in northern Syria must have a as painful as possible price for Turkey. At the same time, it is good to know that the Kurds are not completely defenseless against the excesses of violence by the sultan’s henchmen), France24, 10 October 2019: Europe ‘lacks leverage’ over Turkey amid Erdogan migrant threat, BBC, 10 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: Tens of thousands flee homes, The Guardian, 10 October 2019: ‘Betrayal leaves a bitter taste’: spurned Kurds flee Turkish onslaught, Reuters, 10 October 2019: Israel uneasy over Trump’s refusal to stand by Kurds, Haaretz, 10 October 2019: Trump Is Complicit in Erdogan’s Ethnic Cleansing, Israel Hayom, 11 October 2019: US troop withdrawal from northern Syria affects all US allies in region, The Guardian, 11 October 2019: Trump abandoning Kurds could cost support of evangelical Christians, Haaretz, 11 October 2019: Trump’s Syria Withdrawal Is a Strategic Disaster for Netanyahu, Israel Hayom, 11 October 2019: Turkish move into Syria gives Putin a chance to ramp up Middle East role, BBC, 11 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: 100,000 flee homes as assault continues, CNN, 11 October 2019: ‘Americans sold us out,’ Kurds guarding US base in Syria say, The National, 11 October 2019: Putin: Turkey’s Syria campaign could lead to ISIS resurgence, Arab News, 11 October 2019: EU cannot accept Turkish ‘blackmail,’ says Italian PM, The Guardian, 11 October 2019: Trump’s Ukraine call could get him impeached – but his Syria betrayal is worse, The Washington Post, 11 October 2019: Turkey’s invasion of Syria puts Islamic State fight on hold at a critical time, The New York Times, 11 October 2019: Goodbye, America. Goodbye, Freedom Man., Arab News, 11 October 2019: Deaths rise, 100,000 displaced as Turkish forces push deeper into Syria, Al Arabiya, 11 October 2019: Netherlands to freeze weapons exports to Turkey, Saudi Gazette, 11 October 2019: Turkey pounds Syrian border towns, sparking exodus, The National, 11 October 2019: Donald Tusk tells Turkey: don’t ‘weaponise’ refugees, Reuters, 11 October 2019: Turkey intensifies Syria campaign as Islamic State strikes Kurds, Al Arabiya, 11 October 2019: Turkish artillery hits US outpost in Syria’s Kobani, no injuries reported, The National, 11 October 2019: US base comes under fire in Syria as Turkish operation intensifies, Arab News, 11 October 2019: Trump’s Syria surprise merely a reversion to form, Times of Israel, 12 October 2019: Turkey’s Syria offensive could displace over a million Kurds, top analyst warns, France24, 12 October 2019: Turkey ramps up Syria assault on Kurdish forces, US troops come under fire, CNN, 12 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: US builds pressure to halt incursion against Kurds, The Guardian, 12 October 2019: US troops in Syria come under fire from Turkish positions, Pentagon says, France24, 12 October 2019: Thousands protest in Europe against Turkey’s Syria offensive, BBC, 12 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: Fierce battle rages in Ras al-Ain, France24, 12 October 2019: Betrayal on the border: Kurds fear future as Turkish assault intensifies, The National, 12 October 2019: Iran ‘ready’ for talks with Saudi Arabia, France24, 12 October 2019: Turkey says key Syrian border town captured in offensive against Kurdish militia, CNN, 12 October 2019: Exclusive: Military leader of Syrian Kurds tells US ‘you are leaving us to be slaughtered’, The Guardian, 12 October 2019: Erdogan has managed the unthinkable: uniting all the other Middle East rivals, Arab News, 12 October 2019: Turkey’s Syria offensive ‘invasion’ of Arab land: Arab League chief, Jerusalem Post, 12 October 2019: Iran offers to mediate between Syrian Kurds, Turkey, The National, 12 October 2019: Security the ‘prime concern’ in Middle East, says Prince Turki Al Faisal, Haaretz, 12 October 2019: Trump Didn’t Think He Could Ever Lose the Evangelical Vote — but Then He Abandoned the Kurds, Times of Israel, 12 October 2019: France, Germany halt arms exports to Turkey as Arab League demands UN action, Politico.eu, 12 October 2019: Germany, France to curb arms sales to Turkey over Syria operation, France24, 13 October 2019: France ‘worried’ after nearly 800 IS group relatives escape Syrian camp (no wonder. Eventually, ISIS buddy Erdogan attacks the Kurds to liberate his Daesh friends and business partners – Can Dündar, 2014 National Intelligence Organisation scandal in Turkey), Haaretz, 13 October 2019: ISIS Supporters Escape Syria Camp, U.S. Troops Pull Out as Turkish Forces Advance, The Guardian, 13 October 2019: At least 750 Isis affiliates escape Syria camp after Turkish shelling, CNN, 13 October 2019: Exclusive: Pro-Turkish forces cut off main road to Kurdish city of Kobani, BBC, 13 October 2019: Turkey-Syria offensive: ‘Hundreds’ of IS relatives escape camp, France24, 13 October 2019: Turkish air raid in Syria kills several civilians, at least one journalist, CNN, 13 October 2019: Defense secretary says Trump ordered near total withdrawal of troops from northern Syria, Reuters, 13 October 2019: U.S. set to pull remaining troops from north Syria after Turkish incursion, Arab News, 13 October 2019: Turkey’s invasion a trigger for ruinous regional war, The New York Times, 13 October 2019: Hundreds of ISIS Supporters Flee Detention Amid Turkish Airstrikes, The Washington Post, 13 October 2019: Chaos in northeast Syria as Turkish troops advance and U.S. troops withdraw, NPR, 13 October 2019: Endangered By Turkish Offensive, U.S. Troops Prepare To Evacuate From Syria, Arab News, 13 October 2019: Turkish attack in Syria condemned as ‘invasion of an Arab state’s land’, The National, 13 October 2019: ‘The end of the Kurdish people’: Kurds fear the worst as Turkish onslaught continues, The National, 13 October 2019: Syria live: Kurds reach deal with Damascus amid escalating Turkish offensive, The Guardian, 14 October 2019: Trump and Syria: the worst week for US foreign policy since the Iraq invasion?, BBC, 14 October 2019: Turkey-Syria offensive: Syrian army heads north after Kurdish deal, The National, 14 October 2019: Saudi ambassador to the UK warns of disaster in Syria fighting, Haaretz, 14 October 2019: Assad Forces, Now Allied With Kurds, Push Into Northeastern Syria as Turkey Vows to Press On, Times of Israel, 14 October 2019: Trump claims Kurds may be freeing IS prisoners to keep US engaged in Syria, CNN, 14 October 2019: Kurdish forces backed by US strike deal with Syria’s Assad, in major shift in 8-year war, The Guardian, 14 October 2019: Syrian troops enter Kurdish fight against Turkish forces, The National, 14 October 2019: European ministers warn of ISIS threat amid Turkish incursion, CNN, 14 October 2019: Fact checking Trump’s claim that Kurds are releasing ISIS prisoners on purpose, BBC, 14 October 2019: Turkey-Syria offensive: Assad’s army ‘enters Manbij’, The Guardian, 14 October 2019: Russian shadow falls over Syria as Kurds open door for Assad, The New York Times, 14 October 2019: Trump Just Created a Moral and Strategic Disaster, France, 15 October 2019: Warning Turkey, Trump authorizes sanctions and slaps steel tariffs, BBC, 15 October 2019: Turkey-Syria offensive: Russia vows to prevent clashes with Assad forces, CNN, 15 October 2019: Turkey’s assault in Syria is a boon for Erdogan. Here’s why, The New York Times, 15 October 2019: 4 Big Questions About Syria’s Future, The Guardian, 15 October 2019: Erdogan’s calamitous Syrian blunder has finally broken his spell over Turkey, France, 15 October 2019: US: No ‘major’ breakout of Islamic State militants in Syria, Arab News, 15 October 2019: Syrian and Russian troops sweep into Manbij as US withdraws, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2019: Erdogan: Refugees to be moved to safe zone in Syria, Haaretz, 15 October 2019: Trump’s Retreat From Syria Is Already Changing the Mideast for Worse, and Israel Should Beware, Israel Hayom, 15 October 2019: What the developments in Syria mean for Israel, BBC, 16 October 2019: Turkey-Syria offensive: Not our problem, says Donald Trump, CNN, 16 October 2019: Trump claims Turkish incursion into Syria ‘has nothing to do with us’ and Kurds are ‘not angels’, The Guardian, 16 October 2019: Trump claims Kurds are ‘much safer’ as US troops leave Syria, Arab News, 16 October 2019: Trump officials rush to Turkey as Moscow fills Syria void from US retreat, BBC, 17 October 2019: Turkey’s Erdogan ‘threw Trump’s Syria letter in bin’, The Washington Post, 17 October 2019: Pence arrives in Turkey as U.S. seeks to halt Erdogan’s Syria offensive, France24, 17 October 2019: Kurds accuse Turkey of using napalm and white phosphorus, CNN, 17 October 2019: Pence and Pompeo to meet with Erdogan after Trump undermines their effort, Arab News, 17 October 2019: Pence meets Erdogan to urge halt to Turkey’s Syria offensive, The National, 17 October 2019: US and Turkey reach deal to suspend Syria incursion for five days to allow Kurdish withdrawal, Haaretz, 17 October 2019: Live Updates: Pence Announces Temporary Syria Cease-fire After Marathon Meeting With Erdogan, Israel Hayom, 17 October 2019: Gulf Arab states worry after US Syria pullout, BBC, 18 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: Mitch McConnell attacks Trump, The New York Times, 18 October 2019: Trump’s Gut, and the Gutting of American Credibility, Politico.com, 19 October 2019: Pentagon sees few options for preventing new ISIS safe haven in Syria, Times of Israel, 19 October 2019: Tensions between Germany’s Turks and Kurds boil over with Syria offensive, Arab News, 19 October 2019: Macron slams Turkey’s aggression in Syria as ‘madness’, bewails NATO inaction, CNN, 20 October 2019: US is out of the picture in Syria-Turkey crisis. Putin now owns this mess, The Guardian, 20 October 2019: Kurdish fighters leave Syrian border town, giving Turkey control, The Guardian, 21 October 2019: ‘Don’t be a dick, OK?’ Hillary Clinton tweets parody of Trump Erdogan letter, France24, 21 October 2019: Turkey’s Erdogan accuses West of ‘standing by terrorists’ in Syria, Times of Israel, 21 October 2019: Trump says some US troops staying in Syria after requests from Israel, Jordan, DW, 21 October 2019: German defense chief recommends international security zone in Syria, Reuters, 21 October 2019: Germany proposes security zone for northern Syria, France24, 22 October 2019: Putin, Erdogan to meet ahead of Syria deadline, Politico.eu, 22 October 2019: German defense minister pushes for international ‘security zone’ in Syria, Stars and Stripes, 22 October 2019: Europe, Russia should set up security zone in Syria, German defense minister says, Arab News, 22 October 2019: Russia, Turkey reach ‘historic’ deal on Syria border, BBC, 22 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: Erdogan and Putin strike deal over Kurds, The Washington Post, 22 October 2019: Russia, Turkey agree to jointly remove Kurdish fighters along Turkey’s border in northern Syria, The New York Times, 22 October 2019: Putin and Erdogan Announce Plan for Northeast Syria, Bolstering Russian Influence, NPR, 22 October 2019: Turkey, Russia Reach Deal To Control Syrian Areas Once Patrolled By The U.S., CNN, 22 October 2019: Putin and Erdogan just did a deal on Syria. The US is the biggest loser., Arab News, 22 October 2019: Ankara accuses Tehran of betrayal: Is the alliance of convenience collapsing?, Jerusalem Post, 23 October 2019: Donald Trump will recognize a sovereign Kurdish state, France24, 23 October 2019: Trump lifts sanctions on Turkey, calls Syrian border ceasefire ‘big success’, BBC, 23 October 2019: Turkey Syria offensive: Trump lifts Turkey sanctions after deal, CNN, 23 October 2019: Putin’s dreams have just come true, The New York Times, 23 October 2019: Trump Claims Credit for a Syria Cease-Fire to Be Enforced by Turkey and Russia, Jerusalem Post, 23 October 2019: U.S. ignores the 300,000 refugees its Syria withdrawal created, Arab News, 23 October 2019: US troops from Syria to leave Iraq in 4 weeks, The National, 23 October 2019: Donald Trump: US will lift all sanctions on Turkey, Haaretz, 23 October 2019: Syria Says Turkish-led Forces Attacked Its Troops as Turks Claim Five Wounded in Kurdish Strike, Newsweek, 23 October 2019: Exclusive: U.S. has plan to send tanks and troops to ‘secure’ Syria oily fields amid withdrawal, Israel Hayom, 23 October 2019: What Trump gets wrong about war against ISIS, France24, 24 October 2019: Kurdish forces pull back from Syrian-Turkish border, Politico.com, 24 October 2019: Evangelicals have stuck by Trump. But polls hint at trouble ahead., Haaretz, 24 October 2019: U.S. Out, Russia In: Can Israel Stand Up to the New Sheriff in Town?, Arab News, 25 October 2019: Defense chief Esper: US troops, armored vehicles going to Syria oil fields, Politico.eu, 25 October 2019: German minister’s Syria plan falls flat (now, finally, there is again a discussion about Europe’s security and mutual cooperation to face the challenges in the neighborhood and what is the SPD doing? She withdraws anxiously and makes the situation even worse. They just do not learn it anymore. It seems as if the SPD need another refugee crisis in Europe, before they wake up. However, it is not “the others” who are at fault, but all the parties who have not taken appropriate countermeasures on site when there was still time to do so), France24, 26 October 2019: After abandoning Kurds, US to send troops to Syria oil fields, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2019: How Nato empowerd Turkey’s Arab proxies to commit human rights abuses, CNN, 26 October 2019: Trump says US doing ‘very well’ in Syria as allies hint military plans might change, Arab News, 26 October 2019: Erdogan should be prosecuted over Syrian offensive: former UN investigator, Politico.eu, 26 October 2019: Turkish minister: Germany’s Syria proposal ‘unrealistic’, Haaretz, 26 October 2019: U.S. to Send Troops to Syrian Oil Fields; Russia Blasts Move as ‘State Banditry’, The New York Times, 26 October 2019: ‘Keep the Oil’: Trump Revives Charged Slogan for New Syria Troop Mission, Der Spiegel, 28 October 2019: Wolfgang Ischinger on Northern Syria: German Defense Minister’s Proposal ‘Deserves Recognition’, The Guardian, 29 October 2019: Germany charges two Syrians with crimes against humanity, The National, 30 October 2019: US: Syria constitutional committee presents ‘opening’ to political process, NPR, 30 October 2019: If U.S. Takes Syrian Oil, It May Violate International Laws Against Pillage, The New York Times, 30 October 2019: How the New Syria Took Shape, Politico.com, 31 October 2019: Trump’s Syria pullout that isn’t, Arab News, 31 October 2019: Car blast kills 8 in northwest Syria as US redeploys near Turkish border, DW, 1 November 2019: Syria: What does Turkey’s ‘resettlement’ plan mean?, France24, 2 November 2019: Turkey to send home foreign IS group fighters captured in Syria, France24, 2 November 2019: Deadly car bomb strikes Turkish-held Syria border town, Haaretz, 3 November 2019: Putin Wants to Save Syria’s Jews — to Keep Trump From Coming Back, The New York Times, 7 November 2019: U.S. Envoy in Syria Says Not Enough Was Done to Avert Turkish Attack, The National, 9 November 2019: Syria: heavy clashes between regime troops and Turkish-backed forces, The Guardian, 11 November 2019: British founder of White Helmets found dead in Istanbul, France24, 15 November 2019: US and its European allies clash over the fate of jihadists held in Syria, Arab News, 15 November 2019: Israel finds itself in a precarious position as it loses allies in Syria, The Guardian, 21 November 2019: Syrian regime targets hospital and refugee camp, killing at least 22, Gulf Times, 21 November 2019: Israeli strikes in Syria kill 24, Israel Hayom, 21 November 2019: Syria strikes are Israel’s way of sending Iran a very clear message, The New York Times, 25 November 2019: U.S. Resumes Large-Scale Operations Against ISIS in Northern Syria, Jerusalem Post, 9 December 2019: Russian Su-35 jets scrambled to stop Israel over Syria – reports, Times of Israel, 17 December 2019: Russia to modernize Syria port, build railway across Syria to Persian Gulf, Al Arabiya, 18 December 2019: Syrian leader’s uncle, on trial for fraud, hospitalized in Paris: Son, Al Arabiya, 22 December 2019: Erdogan says Turkey cannot handle a new migrant wave from Syria, BBC, 23 December 2019: Syria war: Turkey can’t handle new ‘refugee wave’, says Erdogan, Al Arabiya, 23 December 2019: Syrian state media says Israel is firing missiles into Syria, The National, 23 December 2019: Erdogan: Turkey cannot handle latest wave of Syrian migrants, Arab News, 23 December 2019: 80,000 flee new Assad onslaught in Idlib, The National, 24 December 2019: The international community has failed Syrians, BBC, 27 December 2019: More than 235,000 people flee rebel-held Idlib region, The Guardian, 27 December 2019: More than 235,000 people have fled Idlib region in Syria, says UN, Arab News, 27 December 2019: More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up: UN, France24, 7 January 2020: Putin makes rare visit to Syria, meets Assad, DW, 3 February 2020: Turkey targets Syria troops in deadly counterattack, Arab News, 7 February 2020: Russians headed to Turkey for talks on Syrian offensive in Idlib, Al Arabiya, 7 February 2020: Russia and Turkey’s strained relations in Syria, Libya, Reuters, 8 February 2020: Iran says it is ready to mediate between Turkey and Syria, France24, 10 February 2020: Syrian army shelling kills five Turkish soldiers in Idlib, Arab News, 11 February 2020: Turkey-backed rebels shoot down Syrian regime helicopter amid fierce clashes in Idlib, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2020: Syria’s air defenses down missiles from Israel, Times of Israel, 14 February 2020: Syria says airstrikes hit targets near Damascus, Arab News, 16 February 2020: Russia, Turkey and Iran scramble for supremacy amid Idlib bloodbath, France24, 16 February 2020: Turkey denies flouting agreement with Russia in Syria, Politico.eu, 17 February 2020: Top EU general: Libya mission is key test, France24, 17 February 2020: ‘A horrifying new level’: UN says 900,000 displaced in northwest Syria since December, Gulf Times, 18 February 2020: UN rights chief demands safe corridors for Syrian civilians, France24, 19 February 2020: Turkish offensive on Syria’s Idlib ‘only a matter of time’, warns Erdogan, Jerusalem Post, 19 February 2020: Russia, Turkey, Iran reassert glory of past empires in today’s Middle East, France24, 20 February 2020: Merkel, Macron seek Syria talks with Putin and Erdogan, The National, 22 February 2020: Erdogan admits sending Syrian militias to Libya battlefield, NPR, 25 February 2020: U.N.: Humanitarian Crisis In Syria Reaches ‘Horrifying New Level’, Gulf Times, 26 February 2020: Erdogan rules out ‘smallest step back’ in Syria’s Idlib, DW, 27 February 2020: Syrian airstrikes kill dozens of Turkish troops in Idlib, The Guardian, 28 February 2020: Dozens of Turkish soldiers killed in strike in Idlib in Syria, France24, 28 February 2020: NATO offers Turkey solidarity but no pledges after Syria troop losses, CNN, 28 February 2020: Alarm after 33 Turkish soldiers killed in attack in Idlib, The Guardian, 28 February 2020: Refugees head towards Greece as Turkey opens borders over Syria crisis, Politico.eu, 28 February 2020: EU diplomats fear escalation in Syria more than refugee surge, CNN, 28 February 2020: At least 33 Turkish soldiers killed in an air attack by Syrian regime, Turkish governor says, The Guardian, 28 February 2020: If Idlib falls to Assad, it will not just be Syrians who pay the price, The Guardian, 28 February 2020: Russia and Turkey’s next moves will define the Syrian war’s end, Politico.eu, 29 February 2020: Russia pledges to reduce tensions following Turkey talks, BBC, 29 February 2020: Turkey says thousands of migrants have crossed to EU, Politico.eu, 29 February 2020: Ischinger slams EU for ‘helpless’ efforts on Syria conflict, Arab News, 29 February 2020: Turkey raises migrant pressure on EU over Syria conflict, Arab News, 2 March 2020: UN probe highlights Russia, Turkey roles in Syria ‘war crimes’, The National, 2 March 2020: Is Turkey creating another European migrant crisis?, The Guardian, 3 March 2020: Russia committed war crimes in Syria, finds UN report, France24, 5 March 2020: Syria says it intercepted Israeli missile attack near Golan Heights, DW, 5 March 2020: Idlib crisis: The high stakes for Turkey and Russia, The National, 6 March 2020: German Foreign Minister calls for humanitarian zone to be established in Idlib, Arab News, 6 March 2020: Another moment of truth looms for Turkey and Russia in Syria, Politico.eu, 6 March 2020: No-fly zone flop undermines EU’s grand ambitions, Al Arabiya, 6 March 2020: Hezbollah and the killing fields of Idlib, The National, 7 March 2020: Senior IRGC commander killed in Syria, Arab News, 7 March 2020: Senior member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards killed in Syria, The Guardian, 7 March 2020: This shoddy Idlib ceasefire won’t end the war – or the suffering of Syrians, Haaretz, 10 April 2020: Syrian Air Force Behind Chemical Attacks, Investigation Team Finds, France24, 12 April 2020: ‘Our lives go from danger to danger’: displaced Syrians begin returning to Idlib, The New York Times, 23 April 2020: Germany Takes Rare Step in Putting Syrian Officers on Trial in Torture Case, The Washington Post, 23 April 2020: German court case is first to try Syrian regime for war crimes,BBC, 25 February 2020: Strikes on Idlib ‘target schools and hospitals’, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2020: 7 killed in 2nd alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria in a week, Haaretz, 1 May 2020: Israel Strikes Syria Twice in 24 Hours, Says War Monitor, Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2020: Misinformation and leaks: The love-hate Russia-Iran relationship in Syria, Haaretz, 8 May 2020: Russia Wants a Lucrative Diplomatic Victory in Syria. Iran and Assad Are in Its Way, France24, 10 May 2020: ‘We’re afraid of tomorrow’: Syrian refugees face hunger, poverty amid Covid-19 downturns, DW, 11 May 2020: Damascus, Moscow accused of ‘war crimes’ in northwestern Syria (Human rights violations during the Syrian Civil War), The National, 11 May 2020: Syria and Russia accused of war crimes in Idlib by Amnesty, Arab News, 1 June 2020: The decline of Europe’s strategic Middle Eastern role, Times of Israel, 4 June 2020: Israeli aircraft said to bomb weapons facility in Syria, killing 9, Haaretz, 5 June 2020: Elite Israeli Troops Went on a Rogue Op Inside Syria. The Result Was Deadly, France24, 17 June 2020: French court sentences Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of Syrian president, to four years in prison, Arab News, 17 June 2020: US hits Syria with toughest sanctions yet to push Assad to end war, The Guardian, 17 June 2020: US imposes sanctions on Syrian president’s wife under Caesar Act, France24, 17 June 2020: US imposes new sanctions on Assad entourage, vows ‘sustained campaign’ against Syrian regime, Arab News, 18 June 2020: Syrian war strangles regional economic growth says World Bank, Arab News, 23 June 2020: 2 Syrian soldiers killed in Israeli strikes: military source, Arab News, 26 June 2020: El-Sisi sends sharp, clear message to Turkey on Libya, Arab News, 26 June 2020: EU, NATO have key roles to play in easing tensions between France and Turkey, Arab News, 29 June 2020: Europe will continue to support the Syrian people, Jerusalem Post, 2 July 2020: Russia, Turkey and Iran coordinate anti-US Syria policy, slamming Israel, DW, 11 July 2020: UN approves extension of cross-border aid to Syria, France24, 12 July 2020: UN restarts cross-border aid to Syria in reduced form: diplomats, France24, 12 July 2020: ‘Lives will be lost,’ warn aid groups as UN resolution leaves single Syria border crossing open, DW, 17 July 2020: Europe and the US have completely failed Syria, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2020: Israeli air strikes hit regime and Iran-backed militias in Syria, The National, 24 July 2020: The hunters chasing down Syrian war criminals in Europe, Al Arabiya, 24 July 2020: Israel’s war between wars against Iran escalates in Syria, Haaretz, 25 July 2020: Israel strikes Syrian army targets in retaliation for attack on Golan Heights (as the Golan Heights are actually Syrian land, there couldn’t be a “Syrian attack” in the first place. The attacker is Israel), Haaretz, 25 July 2020: The War in Syria Is Moving to Libya, With New Players and Shuffled Alliances, Times of Israel, 3 August 2020: IDF strikes Syrian military targets in response to attempted border attack (the Syrians can secure their territory on the Golan Heights against attackers when ever and how ever they like), The Guardian, 3 August 2020: Israel Jets strike Syrian military targets after Golan Heights attack, Haaretz, 3 August 2020: Israel Strikes Syrian Military Positions in Response to Attempted Border Attack, DW, 3 August 2020: Israel launches airstrikes on Syrian posts, hours after ‘border attack’, France24, 4 August 2020: Israeli jets strike targets in Syria in retaliation for Golan Heights attack, France24, 24 August 2020: Gas pipeline explosion leads to blackout across Syria, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2020: Assad: Return of Golan Heights is precondition to Israel-Syria peace, Arab News, 2 December 2020: More than 900 Syrian fighters return home from Karabakh, Times of Israel, 8 December 2020: Iran president vows to help Syria confront Israel ‘until Golan liberated’, DW, 25 December 2020: Syria accuses Israel of airstrike in western province, The National, 25 December 2020: Israeli missiles scream over Lebanon to kill six fighters in Syria, The Guardian, 13 January 2021: Deadliest Israeli airstrikes in years kill 57, say observers, Times of Israel, 13 January 2021: US official: Israel carried out Syria strikes using American intelligence, Arab News, 16 February 2021: Biden cannot afford to ignore the Syrian crisis, France24, 19 February 2021: Israel and Syria exchange prisoners in Russia-brokered agreement, Times of Israel, 19 February 2021: Israel agreed to more than just a prisoner exchange to get woman back from Syria, Haaretz, 20 February 2021: Netanyahu’s vaccine deal with Syria’s Assad will haunt him in dealings with Hamas, Arab News, 21 February 2021: Putin considers slamming the door on Iran and opening a window for Israel, CNN, 24 February 2021: In world first, Germany convicts Syrian regime officer of crimes against humanity, DW, 24 February 2021: German court hands down historic Syrian torture verdict, The Guardian, 24 February 2021: Syria: Germany convicts former Assad regime agent in historic torture verdict, The National, 24 February 2021: Germany convicts Syrian intelligence officer in world’s first prosecution over Assad regime torture, DW, 24 February 2021: How a Syrian torture victim found justice in Germany, The Washington Post, 24 February 2021: German court convicts Syrian ex-intelligence officer in historic torture trial, Al Arabiya, 1 March 2021: Syria intercepts Israeli missiles over Damascus: State media, The National, 4 March 2021: ‘It’s not easy but my job is to bring the destruction of Syria into the art studio’, The Guardian, 7 March 2021: Ten grim lessons the world has learned from a decade of war in Syria, DW, 8 March 2021: Syria’s hospitals face systematic attacks: report, The National, 10 March 2021: Syrian atrocities are ‘greatest crimes’ this century, UN chief says, The Algemeiner, 12 March 2021: On 10th Anniversary of Syrian Uprising, US Holocaust Museum Calls Out International ‘Failure’ to Apply ‘Never Again’ Principle, DW, 14 March 2021: Germany grapples with its identity crisis on Syria, Arab News, 14 March 2021: Anticipating a new decade of Syrian conflict, The National, 14 March 2021: A decade of war in Syria killed over 388,000, says British human rights group, France24, 15 March 2021: War in Syria: a decade-long conflict in 10 dates, DW, 15 March 2021: Justice is elusive as Syria marks 10 years of war, France24, 15 March 2021: NGOs file landmark legal case against Russian mercenaries in Syria over torture, The Guardian, 15 March 2021: ‘A crime on top of a crime’: Assad regime reburies Aleppo’s war dead, Haaretz, 15 March 2021: For the Druze in the Golan Heights, the Syrian Civil War Opened a New Door to Israel, The National, 15 March 2021: ‘Don’t be fooled’ by Syria’s elections, US tells UN after a decade of war, France24, 16 March 2021: From protests to civil war: Understanding Syria’s decade of horror (it’s very simple: ask Putin, who bombed the region to rubble and ashes, to quickly rebuild the region. He had war crimes ordered in Syria. Perhaps, as a result of the reconstruction, the ICC’s judgments will later be a little less harsh), Times of Israel, 16 March 2021: Alleged Israeli airstrikes said to hit targets near Damascus airport, Der Spiegel, 17 March 2021: Ten Years of War: Looking Back at a Decade of Violence in Syria, Al Arabiya, 25 March 2021: Hezbollah, Iran’s control of Syrian areas helps them transport weapons: Tlass, The Guardian, 28 March 2021: Syria: Kurdish forces enter refugee camp to eliminate Isis cells, CNN, 29 March 2021: Blinken calls on UN Security Council to increase humanitarian access to Syria, France24, 29 March 2021: Impassioned Blinken demands more crossings for Syria aid, Al Arabiya, 30 March 2021: US stance on Syria remains, no reconstruction aid before political solution: Official, France24, 31 March 2021: UN raises $6.4 billion for Syrians, falls short of $10 billion aid goal, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2021: Syria’s civil war can only end with separation, Arab News, 7 April 2021: Syria: Israeli strikes near capital Damascus wound 4 troops, Newslines Magazine, 7 April 2021: Assad: The Shebaa Farms Are Syrian, Whatever Hezbollah Claims (that could have become a massive game-changer, but it takes statesmen to set such a plan in action, so that it was unlikely to happen anyway), The Algemeiner, 7 April 2021: Former US Envoy to Syria: Assad Was Willing to Break With Iran and Hezbollah, Broker Israel-Lebanon Peace Treaty in Exchange for Golan Heights, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2021: 4 Syrian soldiers injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, Israel Hayom, 16 April 2021: For Biden and the West, it’s ‘take 2’ on Turkey, Times of Israel, 22 April 2021: IDF: Syrian anti-aircraft fire during Israeli airstrike triggered Dimona siren, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2021: Missile launched toward Israel from Syria, IDF responds with airstrikes, Arab News, 22 April 2021: Israel strikes targets in Syria after missile attack near Dimona nuclear site, Times of Israel, 5 May 2021: Israel said to carry out airstrikes in Syria for second straight night, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2021: IDF carries out attacks on Hezbollah outposts – Syrian reports, France24, 25 May 2021: US, Europeans warn Syria vote neither ‘free nor fair’, NPR, 26 May 2021: Syrian Election Shows The Extent Of Assad’s Power, France24, 26 May 2021: Assad set to extend grip on power as Syrians head to polls after years of war, Arab News, 27 May 2021: Security Council denounces Syrian election as a ‘charade’ and ‘grotesque joke’, Forbes, 27 May 2021: Russian Bombers In Syria Are A Threat 40 Years In The Making (later, the simpletons from the Kremlin will try again to claim that “NATO is threatening Russia”. Of course, only right-wing and left-wing extremists will believe it), Arab News, 28 May 2021: Syria’s Assad wins a fourth term in a predictable landslide, The Atlantic, 29 May 2021: When Justice Is Out of Reach, Haaretz, 8 June 2021: Syria Reports Israeli Strike in Damascus, Arab News, 8 June 2021: Syria’s defenses intercept Israeli missile strike over Damascus -state news agency, Times of Israel, 9 June 2021: Israel reported to strike several sites across Syria, France24, 9 June 2021: Israeli air strikes on Damascus kill Syrian pro-government fighters, says rights group, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2021: Top EU official says aid access to Syrians through border crossing must stay open, DW, 9 July 2021: UN extends Syria aid operation mandate, France24, 9 July 2021: US strikes deal with Russia to continue United Nations aid access into Syria, The Guardian, 17 July 2021: Syria: President Assad sworn in for fourth term with 95% of vote, Turkish occupation of northern Syria, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, Iranian involvement in the Syrian Civil War, Israeli involvement in the Syrian Civil War, Turkish involvement in the Syrian Civil War and American-led intervention in the Syrian Civil War, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Syria, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2021: Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli attack over Aleppo, Times of Israel, 21 July 2021: Russia says its air defense systems in Syria intercepted Israeli missiles, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2021: Iranian-backed militias in Syria are buying up real estate – report, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: Reports of clashes in Southern Syria near Israel’s Golan (it’s still the Syrian Golan, as Israel doesn’t have sovereignty over any part of the Golan Heights), The Guardian, 29 July 2021: Syria Assad shells former opposition stronghold Deraa, DW, 4 August 2021: Germany arrests alleged Syrian war criminal, The National, 19 August 2021: Air defences respond to Israeli strikes near Syrian capital, Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Israel Strikes Near Damascus, Syrian State Media Report, Arab News, 19 August 2021: Syrian air defenses intercept hostile targets in the sky of Damascus: State TV, The New Yorker, 19 August 2021: Will the Next American War Be with China? (one have to see things from the opposite direction: Why should the US President orient himself to the requests from the Middle East when they do what they want without taking US interests into account? That was and is of course particularly true of the Israeli governments. It is not a new development that the US Democrats are thoroughly annoyed by being asked to provide unconditional aid and in return they are tricked over and over again. That won’t go well for much longer. By far the most important mission of Biden is to reconcile America with itself. The US withdrawal from the Middle East, as it began under Obama, is part of the mission to enable the US to turn towards China. America wants to remain a world power and therefore cannot get tangled up in the small-small conflicts of the Middle East, while China is making rapid gains. What applies to the Middle East, of course, also applies to the EU. A lot of states now will have to learn to swim quickly on their own if they want to stay in the game. Israel and Netanyahu tried to torpedo the revival of the Iran deal, with the support of the Gulf states. To complain now that the deal isn’t back yet is pretty flimsy and a self-made problem), Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Climate Change Could Teach Middle East Leaders How to Be Friends, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2021: Israeli airstrike targets Syria – report, Al Arabiya, 20 August 2021: Israel conducts air strikes on targets in Syria through Lebanon’s airspace , Arab News, 20 August 2021: Coping with Syria fallout: Turkey, Jordan show value of cooperation, Times of Israel, 20 August 2021: Explosions rock Syria in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah arms depots, Arab News, 20 August 2021: Israeli strikes on Syria kill 4 pro-Iran fighters: monitor, DW, 22 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, Haaretz, 22 August 2021: U.S.-led Coalition Shot Down Drone Over Syria That Was Deemed a Threat, The National, 22 August 2021: US coalition shoots down drone over Syria, Al Arabiya, 30 August 2021: Hezbollah expands its influence in Syria by buying land on Lebanon’s border, The Times, 30 August 2021: Syrian oil spill spreading across the Mediterranean, Times of Israel, 31 August 2021: Syrian oil spill spreads into Mediterranean, may reach Cyprus, Al Arabiya, 1 September 2021: Syria army steps up offensive on rebel redoubt in southwestern city of Deraa, Times of Israel, 3 September 2021: Israeli strikes said to target Syria, blasts heard near Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Post, 3 September 2021: Syrian defense systems target Israel missiles over Damascus – SANA, The National, 6 September 2021: Syrian regime agents ‘tortured, abused and killed returning refugees’, Arab News, 7 September 2021: Syria refugees suffered abuse, torture upon return: Amnesty, France24, 7 September 2021: Syrian refugees tortured, raped and missing after returning home, Amnesty says, Arab News, 29 September 2021: UN launches initiative to repatriate citizens from Iraq and Syria, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2021: US President Biden singles out Turkey for undermining fight against ISIS in Syria, Haaretz, 8 October 2021: Israel Strikes Targets in Homs, Syrian Reports Say, Times of Israel, 8 October 2021: Israeli planes said to strike Syrian airbase near Homs, wounding 6, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2021: Bennett: Iran aspires to build an army on Israel’s Golan border (even more illegal Israeli settlements and terrorists on Syrian soil. Within a decade or so, half of Israel will be built on stolen land. That will be the last nail in the coffin for what once should become a democracy), The National, 11 October 2021: Israel will keep Golan Heights, says Bennett, The Algemeiner, 11 October 2021: Bennett Says Israel Will Keep Golan as Assad’s Fortunes, US Views Shift, Times of Israel, 14 October 2021: Opposition-linked Syrian war monitor says nine killed in Israeli strike, Times of Israel, 15 October 2021: Russia says Israel used 2 civilian airliners as cover to carry out Syria strike (the usual terror tactics), Haaretz, 15 October 2021: Iran’s Syria Project Begins to Stutter, The Washington Post, 20 October 2021: U.S. troops in Syria attacked with drones and indirect fire, Pentagon says, Arab News, 20 October 2021: Biden’s Syria policy leaves US in no-win situation, Al Arabiya, 23 October 2021: US says it killed senior al-Qaeda leader in Syria with drone strike, Times of Israel, 23 October 2021: Israel says Russia agreed to not hamper IDF air campaign over Syria, Haaretz, 23 October 2021: Putin Tells Bennett Israel Needs to Better Coordinate Syria Strikes, Times of Israel, 3 November 2021: Syria says Israeli missile strikes hit targets near Damascus, Israel Hayom, 5 November 2021: Russian ambassador to Syria: Israeli airstrikes undermine stability, France24, 12 November 2021: Western policy on Syria has been a failure, Jordan’s FM tells FRANCE 24, Jerusalem Post, 13 November 2021: US military hid airstrikes that killed dozens of civilians in Syria – NYT, The New York Times, 13 November 2021: How the U.S. Hid an Airstrike That Killed Dozens of Civilians in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 14 November 2021: Did US cover up airstrikes in Syria? What does it mean for Israel, ICC? – analysis, BBC, 14 November 2021: US defends air strikes that killed civilians in Syria, The Guardian, 14 November 2021: Syria US claims 2019 airstrike that hit women and children was justified, Arab News, 15 November 2021: EU imposes sanctions on 4 new Syria government ministers, The National, 23 November 2021: Frozen, the disputed European property empire of Rifaat Al Assad, The Algemeiner, 25 November 2021: Report: Israel and US are Splitting Up Attacks in Syria Against Iranian-Linked Groups, The Washington Post, 4 December 2021: After a decade of war, Syria’s Assad tightens grip, The New York Times, 5 December 2021: On Syria’s Ruins, a Drug Empire Flourishes, The Times, 7 December 2021: Israel ‘attacks weapons shipment in Syrian port’, The Algemeiner, 7 December 2021: Israel Has Struck 75% of Iran’s Weapons in Syria: Security Sources, Arab News, 7 December 2021: US sanctions target individuals, entities in Iran and Syria, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: Why an airstrike on Syria’s Latakia Port matters – analysis, Der Spiegel, 9 December 2021: Deadly Intrigue: A Character Assassination Campaign against White Helmets Founder, Arab News, 9 December 2021: As ties warm, Syria to host a 2024 Arab energy conference, Al Arabiya, 9 December 2021: As ties warm, Syria to host a 2024 Arab energy conference, Haaretz, 13 December 2021: Israel Must Not Forget the Golan Heights Are Occupied Territory Too, Al Arabiya, 14 December 2021: Israel’s intelligence minister says Syria must not have chemical weapons, Haaretz, 16 December 2021: With Syria’s Assad in a Desperate Search for Cash, His Regime Is Syphoning Off International Aid, The Algemeiner, 19 December 2021: Israel ‘Bombs Auschwitz’, Times of Israel, 25 December 2021: Government set to approve NIS 1 billion Golan Heights development plan on Sunday (stealing other people’s land remains to be stealing, no matter if it is Palestinian or Syrian land), DW, 26 December 2021: Israel set to double settlements in Golan Heights, The Algemeiner, 26 December 2021: Israel Set to Approve $317 Million Golan Heights Development Plan, France24, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settler population in Golan Heights, Arab News, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settlers in occupied Golan, The National, 26 December 2021: Israel approves plan to double settler population in the Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns ‘dangerous’ Israeli plans to double Golan population, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns Israeli plans to double number of Golan settlers, ABC News, 27 December 2021: Syria condemns Israel’s plans to expand Golan settlements, Palestine Chronicle, 27 December 2021: Israel to Double Number of Illegal Jewish Settlers in Golan Heights (VIDEO), Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2021: Alleged Israeli airstrike hits Latakia Port for second time in a month, Times of Israel, 28 December 2021: After reported Syria strike, Israel says won’t let Iran bring ‘game-changing’ arms, The Times, 28 December 2021: Israel hits Syrian port in dawn raid, The Guardian, 28 December 2021: Syria: Israeli airstrike sets port of Latakia ablaze, says Syrian media, The Algemeiner, 28 December 2021: ‘Campaign Between Wars’: Israel Struck ‘Dozens’ of Syrian Targets in 2021 to Disrupt Weapons Transfer to Iranian Proxies, Jerusalem Post, 29 December 2021: The Latakia doctrine puts Russia in a bind – analysis, Gulf Times, 29 December 2021: Strike blamed on Israel sets ablaze Syrian port of Latakia, Jerusalem Post, 29 December 2021: Hezbollah deploys air defense systems in Syria’s Qalamoun, France24, 30 December 2021: Bahrain names first ambassador to Damascus since 2011, Arab News, 1 January 2022: 2022 Look Ahead: No end to suffering in sight for war-weary Syrians, Arab News, 4 January 2022: The future looks grim for beleaguered Syrians, Arab News, 4 January 2022: Israel prepares to seize its Golan ‘moment’, Palestine Chronicle, 5 January 2022: As Israel Plots Endgame in Occupied Golan, Bennett Must Remember Lessons of the Past, Arab News, 5 January 2022: US-led coalition comes under fire in Iraq and Syria, Arab News, 9 January 2022: UK tells Syrian asylum seeker ‘safe’ to return home, DW, 12 January 2022: UK Home Office backs down on Syrian asylum-seeker’s case, The Guardian, 12 January 2022: Syria: German court expected to accuse Assad regime of torture, DW, 13 January 2022: German court finds Syrian ex-colonel guilty of crimes against humanity, France24, 13 January 2022: Syrian ex-colonel gets life sentence in German torture trial, The Guardian, 13 January 2022: Germany Court jails former Syrian intelligence officer for life, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2022: Syria’s rebels hail ex-officer’s conviction, want justice to go higher, CNN, 15 January 2022: Syrian torture survivors finally came face to face with their tormentor. But the reckoning took place far from home, The Times, 19 January 2022: Syrian doctor goes on trial in Germany on torture charges, DW, 19 January 2022: Germany tries Syrian doctor for torture, The New York Times, 20 January 2022: A Dam in Syria Was on a ‘No-Strike’ List. The U.S. Bombed It Anyway., France24, 21 January 2022: On the hunt for Syrian war criminals hiding out in Europe, Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2022: US bombed Syrian dam risking tens of thousands of lives – NYT report, France24, 21 January 2022: Kurdish security forces killed, IS fighters freed in major Syrian prison break, The National, 22 January 2022: Civilians flee as Kurdish and ISIS fighters clash in north-east Syria, Arab News, 22 January 2022: US-backed fighters chase Daesh gunmen near prison in Syria, Al Arabiya, 22 January 2022: More than 70 dead in fighting after Syria jail attack: Monitor, Khaleej Times, 23 January 2022: Syria battle between Daesh, Kurdish forces kills over 135, Times of Israel, 24 January 2022: Russia said to be conducting joint patrols of Syrian border airspace, BBC, 24 January 2022: Hundreds of children held by IS in besieged prison, The National, 25 January 2022: 300 ISIS members surrender amid Syrian prison raid, CNN, 26 January 2022: US-backed Kurdish forces recapture Syrian prison days after ISIS attack, BBC, 26 January 2022: Kurdish-led forces retake Syrian jail seized by IS, Arab News, 27 January 2022: Two years of stalemate show a military solution in Syria is an illusion, says UN envoy, The National, 28 January 2022: Syria’s Kurdish-led forces find ISIS militants hiding in Ghwayran prison, CNN, 1 February 2022: What does snow in Syria look like? The reality might break your heart, The New York Times, 2 February 2022: Reports of Civilian Casualties as U.S. Carries Out Raid in Syria, The Washington Post, 3 February 2022: At least 13 killed in northern Syria after U.S. counterterrorism operation, local first responders say, Gulf News, 3 February 2022: Biden: US raid in Syria killed Daesh leader Abu Ibrahim Al Hashimi Al Quraishi, The National, 3 February 2022: ISIS leader killed in US Special Forces operation in Syria, Arab News, 3 February 2022: Biden says Daesh leader Quraishi killed in Syria raid, CNN, 3 February 2022: Inside the Siuation Room during US-led raid on ISIS leader, BBC, 3 February 2022: Why getting IS chief mattered so much to the US, The National, 4 February 2022: Inside the daring US raid that killed ISIS leader, The Times, 4 February 2022: Cornered Isis chief blew up home as elite unit closed in, The Washington Post, 5 February 2022: The world forgot this Syrian prison. The Islamic State did not., CNN, 6 February 2022: Death of ISIS chief raises more questions than it answers, Haaretz, 11 February 2022: Russia Decries Israel’s ‘Crude Violations of Syria’s Sovereignty’ After Airstrikes, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Palestinians start aid campaign for Syrian refugees, The National, 15 February 2022: With world watching Ukraine, Russia’s defence minister heads to Syria, Times of Israel, 21 February 2022: Israel said worried US sanctions on Russia could affect Syria operations, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2022: Israel weighing condemnation as Russia escalates against Ukraine, The Algemeiner, 22 February 2022: Israel Backs Ukraine’s ‘Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty,’ Avoids Stance on Russia, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2022: Syria strike: Russia’s role, why Israel must be cautious on Ukraine, Jerusalem Post, 23 February 2022: Alleged Israeli strike targets sites near border in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 24 February 2022: Alleged Israeli airstrike targets Damascus, Haaretz, 25 February 2022: Russia Summons Israeli Envoy Over Statements Supporting Ukraine, Times of Israel, 25 February 2022: Russia summons Israeli envoy, said to ask: ‘Why are you backing Nazis?’, The Algemeiner, 25 February 2022: At UN, Russia Denounces Israel’s Sovereignty in Golan Heights After Jerusalem Backs Ukraine, Haaretz, 26 February 2022: Russia Sees Coordination on Syria Continuing After Israel Condemns Attack on Ukraine, Haaretz, 27 February 2022: The Israeli Kettle and the Russian Pot, The National, 28 February 2022: ‘Syria Was Putin’s Laboratory. Now He’s Taking His Methods to Ukraine’, Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2022: Is coordination in Syria with Russia worth risking the US-Israel alliance?, Foreign Policy, 3 March 2022: Israel Needs to Make Up Its Mind on Ukraine, Haaretz, 4 March 2022: Nothing Excuses Israel’s Moral Failure on Putin and His War on Ukraine, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2022: Losing Russia safety measures a strategic problem for Israel in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2022: Iran has used advanced air defense batteries against Israel in Syria, France24, 7 March 2022: Israeli missile strikes near Damascus kill two, says Syrian state media, NPR, 7 March 2022: Russia is trying to recruit Syrians to fight in Ukraine, U.S. says, Haaretz, 8 March 2022: Israel Braces for New Wave of Russian Aliyah Amidst Ukraine Crisis (For Israel, of course, the whole issue is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there is the situation in Syria, which allows Israel to carry out thousands of airstrikes against Syrian targets from Lebanese airspace without Russia having intervened so far. On the other hand, Israel is itself an occupier in Syria and Palestine and has come under harsh international criticism, not just since the Russian invasion of Ukraine expanded. The Israeli government can only hope that international public opinion is sufficiently distracted by Putin’s war against Ukraine to not find itself in crosshairs once again), Arab News, 8 March 2022: Russia recruiting Syrians to fight in Ukraine, Pentagon says, France24, 18 March 2022: Syria’s Assad visits UAE, first trip to an Arab state since war, CNN, 18 March 2022: Syrians are watching in horror as Putin deploys the Aleppo playbook in Ukraine, The Guardian, 18 March 2022: Syrians join Russian ranks in Ukraine as Putin calls in Assad’s debt, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: Syria’s Assad visits UAE in first trip to an Arab state since civil war, Jerusalem Post, 19 March 2022: Assad in the UAE: A new era for Syria and a shift in Mideast complexity, Haaretz, 19 March 2022: Bashar Assad Visits UAE, First Trip to Arab Country Since Start of Syrian Civil War, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: US ‘profoundly disappointed’ by UAE hosting Syria’s Assad, Arab News, 19 March 2022: UAE leaders receive Syrian President Assad, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: Why Israel’s fear of Russia in Syria doesn’t have to drive its Ukraine policy, Times of Israel, 20 March 2022: Israeli fighter jets to join large international exercise in Greece, Arab News, 21 March 2022: Arabs face hunger as Syrian mercenaries join the Ukraine inferno, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2022: Assad claims Israel aims to displace Christians across region – report, Times of Israel, 22 March 2022: Putin and Biden learnt lessons from Syria’s gassing of civilians, The Guardian, 23 March 2022: ‘It’s a kind of revenge’: Damascus suburb demolished as Assad builds a ‘new Syria’, The National, 27 March 2022: Jordanian military says it intercepted haul of a million Captagon pills from Syria, Times of Israel, 29 March 2022: Israel reportedly working on air defense pact with regional allies, Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2022: Thousands of airstrikes carried out by Israel in past five years, Haaretz, 8 April 2022: While Putin Commits War Crimes, Israel Is Still Walking on Eggshells, Arab News, 8 April 2022: Can Turkey and Syria rebuild their relationship?, Al Arabiya, 8 April 2022: Pentagon says Iran-backed groups behind this week’s attack in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 9 April 2022: Rare daytime Israeli airstrike targets northwest Syria, Times of Israel, 9 April 2022: Syria accuses Israel of conducting rare daylight strike near Masyaf, Times of Israel, 14 April 2022: Israeli strikes launched at targets near Damascus for 2nd time this week, Syria says, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2022: Analysis: West’s failure to hold Syria’s Assad accountable motivated Russia’s Putin, Haaretz, 15 April 2022: Syria Reports Israeli Airstrikes Near Damascus, Al Arabiya, 18 April 2022: ISIS vows ‘revenge’ for ex-leader’s death, calls for taking advantage of Ukraine war, The National, 18 April 2022: Pentagon investigates possible insider attack at Syria base, Times of Israel, 21 April 2022: Russian envoy: We’ll ‘respond accordingly’ if Israel gives Ukraine defensive gear, DW, 23 April 2022: ‘Not our fight’: Why the Middle East doesn’t fully support Ukraine (Europeans support Europeans against the war criminal Putin. There is something the Middle East can learn for itself, namely to live together in (relative) peace instead of killing each other in the various crises and wars in the region for decades, sometimes for centuries), The Algemeiner, 27 April 2022: Syria Says Israeli Missile Strike Kills Soldiers Near Damascus, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2022: 4 Syrian soldiers killed in alleged Israeli airstrike near Damascus, Arab News, 30 April 2022: Lebanon tells UNHCR that it can no longer tolerate the burden of Syrian refugees, The National, 3 May 2022: Turkey’s President Erdogan unveils plan to return one million Syrian refugees, Arab News, 3 May 2022: Israel, furious over Lavrov’s Hitler comment, cannot burn its bridges with Russia, DW, 3 May 2022: Germany: Top court upholds Syrian’s conviction as accessory to torture, France24, 8 May 2022: Syria’s Assad meets Iran’s supreme leader during Tehran visit, DW, 8 May 2022: Syria’s Bashar Assad pays rare visit to ally Iran, Al Arabiya, 10 May 2022: Syria donors’ conference in Brussels overshadowed by Ukraine war, Jerusalem Post, 11 May 2022: Two alleged Israeli strikes target sites near Syrian border, Times of Israel, 11 May 2022: Israel said to strike Syrian Golan in missile attack; damage reported, Arab News, 11 May 2022: Saudi Arabia participates in 6th Brussels Conference to support Syria and the region, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2022: US permits some foreign investment in northern Syria despite sanctions, The National, 12 May 2022: ISIS prison camps ‘unsustainable’ as Syria terror threat grows, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2022: Stolen Ukrainian grain was smuggled via Russian ships from Crimea to Syria, Times of Israel, 13 May 2022: Syria says five killed, 7 hurt in Israeli airstrikes in northwest, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2022: Five killed, seven injured in alleged Israeli strikes in Syria, Haaretz, 13 May 2022: Syria: Israel Fires Missiles on Central Town, Defense Systems Activated, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2022: Five killed in Israeli strike on Syria’s Hama countryside, Times of Israel, 17 May 2022: In first, Russian military said to fire S-300 missiles at Israeli jets over Syria, France24, 17 May 2022: Pentagon finds no wrongdoing in 2019 Syria strike that killed civilians, The New York Times, 17 May 2022: Pentagon Faults Review of Deadly Airstrike but Finds No Wrongdoing, France24, 18 May 2022: French court upholds Syria ‘complicity in crimes against humanity’ charge against Lafarge, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2022: Iran filling vacuum left by Russians in Syria, says Jordan’s king, Haaretz, 20 May 2022: Syria Reports It Intercepted Missiles Over Damascus, Al Arabiya, 20 May 2022: Syria intercepts Israeli missile attack: State media, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2022: Three killed in alleged Israeli attack on Hezbollah sites in Syria, Times of Israel, 21 May 2022: Syria says 3 soldiers killed in Israeli missile strikes near Damascus, Jerusalem Post, 21 May 2022: Three killed in alleged Israeli attack on Hezbollah sites in Syria, Israel Hayom, 22 May 2022: Israel, Syria and Russia and the shifting Middle East sands, The National, 24 May 2022: Dutch police arrest Syrian accused of war crimes for Assad, Jerusalem Post, 24 May 2022: Turkey threatens new ethnic-cleansing invasion of Syria, France24, 24 May 2022: US warns Turkey against new Syria offensive, The National, 24 May 2022: Exclusive: Lebanon to lead hostage mediation between US and Syria, Beirut’s spy chief says, Arab News, 24 May 2022: Turkey hints at Syria operation amid discussions of NATO enlargement, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2022: Turkey is blackmailing NATO to justify its invasion of Syria, The National, 1 June 2022: Blinken warns Turkey against launching offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria, Arab News, 4 June 2022: Erdogan taking advantage of Ukraine war to push his own goals in Syria, Al Arabiya, 7 June 2022: Syria intercepts Israeli missiles: Report, Times of Israel, 8 June 2022: Israeli tanks said to destroy Syrian army outpost built in Golan demilitarized zone, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2022: Alleged Israeli strike targets sites near Syrian border, Times of Israel, 10 June 2022: Russia lashes Israel as satellite images show ‘disabled’ Damascus airport after raid, Haaretz, 10 June 2022: Overnight Israeli Strike Targets Iranian Militias at Damascus Airport, Syrian War Monitor Reports, The National, 10 June 2022: Syria’s northern front getting hotter as Turkey gears up for ‘imminent’ incursion, Al Arabiya, 10 June 2022: Syria halts Damascus airport flights after Israeli strikes, Arab News, 10 June 2022: Syria halts Damascus airport flights after Israeli strikes, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2022: Turkey is a threat to Syria, Arab News, 12 June 2022: UN thanks Saudi Arabia for $10m donation to rescue Yemen oil tanker, Haaretz, 12 June 2022: Israel Shut Down Damascus Airport to Thwart Weapons Smuggling From Iran, Times of Israel, 12 June 2022: Shuttering Damascus airport, Israel ramps up its efforts to foil Iran arms transfers, Arab News, 12 June 2022: How Syria illustrates Iran’s malign economic influence in the Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 14 June 2022: Israel warns Assad, will bomb palaces if Iran operations continue, Arab News, 14 June 2022: Israel strike crippling Syria’s main airport hikes tensions, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Israel strike crippling Syria’s main airport, tensions rise, Times of Israel, 15 June 2022: Russia summons Israeli envoy for clarifications on Damascus airport strike, Haaretz, 15 June 2022: Russia Asks Israeli Ambassador to Explain Damascus Airport Strike, Al Arabiya, 15 June 2022: Russia expresses ‘serious concern’ to Israeli ambassador over Syria air strikes, France24, 16 June 2022: As Ukraine crisis rages, Erdogan trains his sights on Kurdish northern Syria, Jerusalem Post, 17 June 2022: Is Israel’s new not-so-secret strategy against Iran a winner?, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2022: Moscow’s provocations in Syria risk conflict with US, military officials warn, The National, 19 June 2022: Militant group aligned with Turkey flexes muscles after fighting in northern Syria, Times of Israel, 19 June 2022: Russia said preparing UN resolution condemning Israel for Damascus airport attack, The National, 19 June 2022: Turkey kills senior Syrian Kurdish leader in Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah, The Algemeiner, 19 June 2022: Moscow Works On UN Resolution Condemning Israel for Damascus Airport Strike: Report, Times of Israel, 22 June 2022: Damascus airport to reopen nearly two weeks after strike attributed to Israel, Haaretz, 26 June 2022: Russia, Syria Conduct Joint Military Drill for the Second Time This Month, Jerusalem Post, 28 June 2022: Turkey uses Iran to back new Syrian invasion, blackmailing NATO at same time, Al Arabiya, 29 June 2022: Syria joins Russia in recognizing Ukraine separatist republics, Arab News, 29 June 2022: Ukraine cuts ties with Syria after it recognizes separatist republics, Al Arabiya, 29 June 2022: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy cuts ties with Syria after it recognized separatist republics, Arab News, 2 July 2022: Turkey shelves Syrian offensive after Russian objection, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2022: Israeli strike on Syria wounds two civilians: Ministry, Times of Israel, 3 July 2022: Alleged Israeli strike in Syria targeted ‘game changing’ Iranian air defenses — TV, The Algemeiner, 5 July 2022: Russia Condemns ‘Irresponsible’ Israeli Airstrikes in Syria, Jerusalem Post, 6 July 2022: Syrian militant killed in alleged Israeli drone strike in Quneitra, Haaretz, 6 July 2022: One Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Southern Syria, Reports Say, Arab News, 6 July 2022: Turkey should face international court over Yazidi genocide, UK report says, Times of Israel, 7 July 2022: Planning committee approves two new Jewish villages on Golan Heights, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2022: Russia vetoes 12-month extension of UN aid into Syria from Turkey (Putin obviously doesn’t care who he kills, the main thing is that there are many – Georgians, Moldovans, Syrians, Ukrainians, etc. through war or additionally through starvation, as in Syria, large parts of Africa and Asia, among other things through theft and embezzlement of Ukrainian agricultural products. In the end, the only thing that obviously counts is that the total number of people killed by him and his state terrorists represents a new “all-time record”.), BBC, 9 July 2022: Syria: Food aid to 3m people at risk after UN stalemate, The National, 10 July 2022: Closure of Syrian aid corridor puts millions at risk of hunger, say aid agencies, France24, 10 July 2022: UN diplomats seek to reach deal to keep critical Syria aid flowing, The National, 11 July 2022: UN Security Council reaches deal for Syria cross-border aid, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2022: Iran preparing to supply Russia with drones – White House, The National, 11 July 2022: Iran preparing to send hundreds of drones to Russia, US says, The New York Times, 11 July 2022: Russia is seeking hundreds of surveillance drones from Iran, including those capable of firing missiles, a top Biden aide said., Al Arabiya, 11 July 2022: West bows to Russian call for 6-months aid to Syrian rebels, Arab News, 11 July 2022: White House: Iran set to deliver armed drones to Russia, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: U.S. Kills ISIS Leader in Syria, Pentagon Says, Al Arabiya, 12 July 2022: Presidents of Russia, Iran, Turkey to meet in Tehran next week: Kremlin, Arab News, 12 July 2022: UN agrees to extend cross-border Syria aid by six months, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: Putin to Meet Erdogan, Raisi in Tehran Next Week, Kremlin Says, Al Arabiya, 12 July 2022: US drone strike kills ISIS Syria chief, The New York Times, 12 July 2022: Live Updates: Russia Reaches Out to Iran for Help in Countering West, The Times, 12 July 2022: Iran ‘offers to arm Russia with drones’, Times of Israel, 12 July 2022: US drone strike kills leader of Islamic State in Syria, The National, 12 July 2022: ISIS leader in Syria killed in US drone strike, Centcom says, The Guardian, 12 July 2022: Islamic State: US military kills leader in Syria airstrike, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: Russia’s deepening ties with Iran represents a ‘profound threat’: NSA Sullivan, CNN, 16 July 2022: Russians have visited Iran at least twice in last month to examine weapons-capable drones, NPR, 16 July 2022: The White House says Russian officials visited Iran to view drones for use in Ukraine, The New York Times, 19 July 2022: ISIS Fighters’ Children Are Growing Up in a Desert Camp. What Will They Become?, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Jerusalem warily eyes Putin’s Tehran visit, The New York Times, 19 July 2022: Putin Visits Tehran, as Isolation From West Brings Russia and Iran Closer, The National, 19 July 2022: Putin visits Iran for trilateral summit under shadow of Ukraine war, Al Arabiya, 19 July 2022: Turkey expects Russia, Iran to back fight against ‘terrorism’ in Syria: Erdogan, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Jerusalem warily eyes Putin’s Tehran visit, Arab News, 19 July 2022: Iran’s Khamenei tells Turkish President Erdogan offensive in Syria would be ‘detrimental’, The Times, 19 July 2022: Putin flies to Iran to cement new anti-West alliance, Al Arabiya, 19 July 2022: Explainer: What Putin wants from Iran and why Tehran might be cautious, BBC, 19 July 2022: Ukraine war: Putin visits Iran in rare international trip, Arab News, 19 July 2022: Putin, Raisi and Erdogan have less in common than it appears, CNN, 19 July 2022: Putin arrives in Iran for first trip outside former Soviet Union since his invasion of Ukraine, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Putin Meets With Raisi and Erdogan: ‘Stability Must Be Achieved in Syria’, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2022: Putin’s Iran trip shows how isolated Russia has become: White House, DW, 20 July 2022: Russia-Iran-Turkey talks strong on symbolism, short on substance, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: How Putin Lost the Drone War – and How Iran Can Help Him in Ukraine, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2022: Russia ally Syria breaks ties with Ukraine: Minister, Arab News, 20 July 2022: Erdogan presses case against Syria’s Kurds at Tehran summit despite Khamenei rebuke, CNN, 20 July 2022: Iran and Russia’s friendship is more complicated than it seems, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: Tehran’s Unity Summit Won’t Make Biden Sweat, Haaretz, 21 July 2022: Putin Goes to Tehran and Finds Barely a Consolation Prize, Arab News, 25 July 2022: What lies behind Iran’s drones deal with Russia?, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Reason for Russia’s Unnecessary Diplomatic Crisis With Israel May Lie Thousands of Miles Away, Times of Israel, 26 July 2022: Russia fired S-300 at Israeli jets over Syria in ‘one-off’ incident, Gantz confirms, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Jewish Agency Crisis Is Israel’s Opportunity to Take a Moral Stance on Russia’s War in Ukraine, Arab News, 26 July 2022: Predatory birds of a feather plotting mayhem together, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: US says it has not seen any signs of Russia buying drones from Iran, Haaretz, 29 July 2022: Erdogan Turned Syrian Refugees Into a Weapon, and It’s Backfiring, CNN, 29 July 2022: Turkey’s leader has unfinished business in Syria. What is he waiting for?, Der Spiegel, 8 August 2022: Interview with Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai: “Millions of People Are Leaving the Country”, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Crushed by War, Syrian Tourism Eyes Expat Uptick, Arab News, 9 August 2022: Turkish drone strike kills 4 in northeast Syria: Monitor, Al Arabiya, 9 August 2022: Russia launches Iranian rocket into orbit, amid Western concerns, Arab News, 10 August 2022: Daesh threat grows despite leadership losses, UN warns, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: Iran begins training Russians to use its drones – US, Times of Israel, 12 August 2022: Israeli tanks said to fire into Syria, wounding shepherds who approached border, Haaretz, 12 August 2022: Two Syrian Civilians Wounded by Israeli Tank Fire, Syrian State Media Says, France24, 12 August 2022: Syria rebels protest against Turkey’s ‘reconciliation’ proposal, Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: 3 Syrian soldiers killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, Tartus, Times of Israel, 14 August 2022: Syria says Israeli jets strike near Damascus and Tartus, killing three soldiers, Haaretz, 14 August 2022: Syria: Three Soldiers Killed in Israeli Attack in Country’s West and Damascus Suburbs, Arab News, 14 August 2022: Syria reports Israeli missile attack on coastal region, three soldiers, France24, 14 August 2022: Israeli strikes on Syria kills three soldiers: state media, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2022: Israeli strikes hit Iranian targets near Russia’s Mediterranean bases: Sources, Arab News, 15 August 2022: Ankara, Damascus discuss potential normalization after years of broken ties, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2022: Three Syrian soldiers killed, six wounded in Turkish airstrike, France24, 16 August 2022: ‘We’ve gotten used to air strikes’: A Syrian documents Russian attacks in Idlib, Arab News, 16 August 2022: 25 dead in airstrikes, shelling in north Syria, Times of Israel, 23 August 2022: Lavrov condemns ‘dangerous’ Israeli strikes in Syria, as relations with Russia sour, Palestine Chronicle, 23 August 2022: From Moscow, Lavrov ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israeli Attacks on Syria).

Representatives of the US have asked for support from the German Armed Forces in Syria in talks with German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen. This involves Tornado jets and the use of medium-range missiles. Large parts of the federal government and the opposition are basically in favor of the idea. The SPD, as part of the governing coalition, currently opposes the idea. As expected, the AfD also opposes deployment of the Bundeswehr in Syria because the Bundeswehr would be joining the International Alliance and thus against the patron saint of Western right-wing radicals, Tsar Vladimir of Russia. Yet it is precisely the AfD and its eben more right-wing coalition partners (Pegida, NPD, Identitarians, Reichsbürger, etc.), which have been annoying Germany and Europe since 2015 with their anti-refugee whining and are now actively fighting against the causes of a Bundeswehr deployment to Syria. Since about two years the “refugee” topic is artificially kept alive by the AfD, because after all, they doesn’t have any serious topics. On the other hand, there certainly is no need to take acute action here, let alone the US congressional election, especially not during the current election campaign and before the midterm elections in November (USA Today, 22 July 2018: The super rich boost political giving ahead of November’s tough midterm elections), as Trump definitely wants to tell his constituents that he hasn’t isolated the US from the rest of the world. Why should foreign governments give him this kind of fake satisfaction? There is no reason given for it. In this respect, the German government can easily postpone the discussion about a Bundeswehr deployment to Syria quite well until December 2018/January 2019.


Israel and Turkey
Israel–Turkey relations were formalized in March 1949. Turkey was the first Muslim majority country to recognize the State of Israel. Military, strategic, and diplomatic cooperation between Turkey and Israel were accorded high priority by both countries, which shared concerns with respect to the regional instabilities in the Middle East. According to a New York Times report in 1999, the strategic partnership between the two countries had the potential to alter Middle East politics: Trade and tourism were booming, the Israel Air Force practiced maneuvers in Turkish airspace and Israeli technicians were modernizing Turkish combat jets. There were also plans for high-tech cooperation and water sharing.

Relations between Israel and Turkey took a downturn during the term of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as Turkish Prime Minister. Though Erdoğan had paid an official visit to Israel in 2005 and initially had maintained business-as-usual relations, his perceived anti-Israeli rhetoric is considered to have symbolized an intentional shift of Turkish interests in the Middle East and realignment from secular Israeli-oriented to Islamist pro-Arab stance of Turkish Republic. Most notably, the relations deteriorated after the 2008–09 Gaza War and the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid. In March 2013, Israel apologized for the raid, opening path for normalized relations. However, despite US-mediation, no progress has been achieved in reconciliation through 2013. With the scandal over alleged Turkish involvement in exposure of special agents of Israel in Iran in October 2013, the relations between Israel and Turkey hit a new low. However, in December 2015, Turkey and Israel began to negotiate on restoring diplomatic relations by holding a secret meeting, in the aftermath of the 2015 Russian Sukhoi Su-24 shootdown by Turkey the previous month, and the subsequent crisis with Russia and the increasing isolation of Turkey. The two countries reached an agreement on 27 June 2016 to start the process of normalization of ties. In December 2017 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threatened to break off diplomatic ties with Israel if the United States formally recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (Israel–Turkey relations). However, Israel, Jordan and Turkey are still be seen as stability anchors in the region (while Egypt, Syria and Iraq are out of the race until further notice). At the end of June 2018, early elections are held in Turkey. Even if the result is still seemingly completely open, the outcome can probably be predicted as “regardless of whether Erdoğan will be elected or not, he definitely remains to be president of Turkey”. In this respect, it can be assumed that the political and economic situation in Turkey will continue to worsen, that Turkey will continue to move away from the EU, while moving closer to Russia and Iran. It won’t have a positive effect on the Turkey-Israel relationship as well (The Washington Post, 10 August 2018: Trump takes aim at Turkey, announcing doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs in effort to punish country, The Guardian, 10 August 2018: Turkey’s economic crisis deepens as Trump doubles tariffs, The New York Times, 10 August 2018: Turkey Emerges as Economic Flash Point as Tensions With U.S. Soar and The Washington Post, 10 August 2018: How a Trump tweet and an Erdogan speech shook Turkey’s economy, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2019: Turkey is “a regional hub for terrorism,” Israeli envoy tells UNSC, Times of Israel, 29 October 2019: Israel’s UN envoy: Erdogan has turned Turkey into a ‘regional hub for terror’, Haaretz, 18 December 2019: Turkey Allows Hamas to Plot Attacks Against Israel on Its Soil, Report Shows, Times of Israel, 18 December 2019: Barkat asks US to sanction Turkey after report of Hamas assassination plot, Arab News, 29 May 2020: Turkey and Israel — can’t live together, can’t exist apart, Al Arabiya, 22 December 2020: Israel-Turkey relations could be on the brink of full normalization: Reports, France24, 25 December 2020: Turkey seeks closer ties with Israel, says Erdogan, but Palestinian policy a ‘red line’, France24, 25 December 2020: Turkey seeks closer ties with Israel, says Erdogan, but Palestinian policy a ‘red line’, Jerusalem Post, 27 December 2020: Israel suspicious of Erdogan’s overtures, Haaretz, 28 December 2020: Erdogan Reaches Out to Israel – but New Allies Will Influence Jerusalem’s Response, Israel Hayom, 16 April 2021: For Biden and the West, it’s ‘take 2’ on Turkey, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Turkey).


Israel and Ukraine
Both countries recognized each other de facto on 11 May 1949 as the Ukrainian SSR (Soviet Union) and established de jure diplomatic relations on December 26, 1991 as an independent state (Ukraine). Israel has an embassy in Kiev. Ukraine has an embassy in Tel Aviv and a consulate-general in Haifa. In July 2010 the foreign ministers of both countries signed an agreement of non visa traffic between Israel and Ukraine. This came into effect on February 9, 2011 and since then Ukrainians and Israelis may enter territory, travel through it or stay in Ukraine/Israel without having to obtain visas for 90 days within a period of 180 days. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stated in September 2016 that this visa-free regime had increased tourist flow between both countries tenfold. In November 2014, Oleg Vyshniakov, entrepreneur and a Ukrainian public figure, was appointed to the Israel’s honorary consul in western Ukraine. In May 2015 the honorary consulate of Israel was inaugurated in Lviv. In January 2019 both countries closed a free trade agreement (Jerusalem Post, 21 January 2019: Ukraine and Israel sign massie free trade agreement and Times of Israel, 22 January 2019: Israel and Ukraine sign agreement for free trade. As Ukraine is rich with Jewish history, it plays a major part in Israeli education for young generation of Jews. In addition, Ukraine is also rich in religious history and contains the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslev, which is a pilgrimage site to many religious Jews. As Israel and the West Bank contain rich Christian history, Ukrainians come to Israel and Palestine as religious pilgrims. This is especially true regarding East and West Jerusalem, with its Orthodox Christian holy sites. For Jews worldwide, Ukraine also holds many memories regarding the Holocaust, as the site of Babi Yar is in its territory. As Ukraine is a newly independent state, this serves to create a common sense of identity of Ukraine and Israel as nations who gained their independence in the 20th century. A special tourisms programs for Jews and Israelis, developed in cooperation with the Lviv Municipality and the District Administration, which includes visits to Jewish memorial sites and architecture, operated by Hebrew speaking tourist guides. In May 2015 a direct flight Lviv-Tel Aviv-Lviv was launched and is operated by the airline “UIA” (Ukraine International Airlines, Jerusalem Post, 13 February 2022: Israel will be directly affected if Russia escalates – Ukrainian Deputy FM), on regular flights twice a week. Ukraine has one of the world’s largest Jewish communities. At the same time, Ukrainian Jews make up a significant proportion of Israel’s population.

The Israeli government claims that their failure to vote in support of Ukraine against Russian aggression on Crimea and in Eathern Ukraine was due to a public workers strike (Times of Israel, 25 October 2019: Ukraine to open diplomatic mission in Jerusalem focused on tech, Times of Israel, 16 December 2021: Ukraine’s envoy: We could recognize Jerusalem as capital in coming months (interesting how ready they are to twist the current situation so that they get a deal afterwards. On closer inspection, Israel is the occupying power in Palestine, just as Russia is on Crimea and in eastern Ukraine. In this respect, Ukraine should show full solidarity with Palestine), Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2021: Alluding to conflict with Russia, Ukraine’s Jewish president likens his nation to Jewish people, Israel–Ukraine relations, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Ukraine).


Gulf States and Israel
Since the founding of Israel in 1948 and the immediate beginning of the Middle East conflict (or its consistent continuation, depending on the perspective), there is a tense relationship between the Gulf States on the Arabian Peninsula on the Arabian Gulf (2017–19 Qatar diplomatic crisis: Saudi Arabia has opened a “side-war” venue here, which is not aimed at Qatar at all, but against Iran, a long-term adversary, but has gone down the drain as a result. Saudi Arabia and its allies (United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain) say that Qatar is cooperating too closely with Iran (both countries jointly exploit the world’s largest natural gas resource so close cooperation is a means to, but both support also the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and other terror organizations and individuals). Saudi Arabia then drew up 13 demands that Qatar shall meet to resume diplomatic relations and open borders. Qatar’s only land connection is to Saudi Arabia. However, Sheikh Abdullah ibn Nasser ibn Chalifa Al Thani, who is relatively young for a leader in the region, apparently has no desire to respond to the demands and, instead, has found other ways of ensuring the supply of the country. For this purpose, at first air bridges and ship connections were strengthened, at the same time the agricultural productions were considerably, so that the self-supply through own production increased very strongly. In that sense, the boycott has been pretty useful for the Qatari economy. With both Britain and the US maintaining military bases in Qatar, a military episode between Saudi Arabia and Qatar is likely to be ruled out) and Israel, resulting from solidarity of the Gulf States with the Arab states in the Middle East (Israel–Saudi Arabia relations, Israel–United Arab Emirates relations, Israel–Oman relations (NPR, 9 July 2019: How Oman Has Become A Key Diplomatic Player In The Middle East), Israel–Qatar relations (Arab News, 17 July 2019: Gulf politics 101: The Qatar boycott for dummies), Bahrain–Israel relations, Israel–Kuwait relations, Israel–Yemen relations, Iraq–Israel relations, and Foreign relations of Israel). No state in the region recognized Israel at that time. Neither was any significant bilateral treaty with Israel be concluded, nor are there official diplomatic relations. This follows the logic that you can’t conclude treaties or maintain diplomatic relations with a state that doesn’t exist. In addition, there are trade and travel restrictions given that have arisen on the basis of the Middle East conflict and will be abolished after a peace treaty between Israel and Palestine will be given. In the meantime, relations have eased considerably, but official recognitions of Israel are still pending, even if semi-official recognitions have been hinted or were announced several times.

As so often in the region there is rarely something like it seems to be. In fact, the Gulf States and Israel have been operating backroom diplomacy for years, which of course is only possible because the respective heads of state wish and encourage it. There are a lot of common interests, especially in the field of security, which are being pursued together in unofficial ways. The economic realignments (away from the oil, towards diversified and open economies) of the Gulf States with sometimes very ambitious plans (Saudi Vision 2030, United Arab Emirates Vision 2021, Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, UAE 2021-2030, Bahrain 2030, Qatar National Vision 2030, New Kuwait 2035, and Oman Vision 2040) are leading to gradual rapprochements and openings of the markets, even for Israeli companies. This is accompanied by gradual societal openings in the Gulf States. The rapprochement, however, also results from the weakening of the Middle East conflict, which today can be narrowed down essentially to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At this topic, amazing progress is given, especially due to signals from Saudi Arabia (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged for the first time Israel’s possible right to exist, that would have to result from the two-state solution (Arab Peace Initiative) – The Atlantic, 2 April 2018: Saudi Crown Prince: Iran’s Supreme Leader ‘Makes Hitler Look Good’). As part of the Iran-Saudi Arabia struggle for supremacy in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia considers Israel a natural, strategic partner, according to the motto “My enemy’s enemy is my friend”(Times of Israel, 8 February 2019: Foreign Ministry said to see little chance of breakthrough in Israeli-Saudi ties, The New York Times, 7 February 2019: Year Before Killing, Saudi Prince Told Aide He Would Use ‘a Bullet’ on Jamal Khashoggi, Times of Israel, 11 February 2019: Bahrain said to have informed Israel two years ago it wanted to normalize ties, France24, 24 October 2019: Saudi Arabia names new foreign minister in generational shift). It will not be easy to enforce this position vis-à-vis the rest of the Gulf States and, in particular, the Arab League, even when Saudi Arabia is the undisputed leading power here. Nevertheless, some countries brace themselves openly and vehemently against the attempt. Overall it can be stated that the relationship between the Gulf States and Israel has become more conciliatory in recent years. The situation will remain interesting and fascinating. The gradual rapprochement will take a lot of time, especially since a lot of china has been smashed on both sides, so that not only at the governmental level but in particular in the populations, basic trust towards the respective other side has to be built up, to overcome the mutual hate, envy, resentments and aversions that are still all too apparent today (Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2019: Saudi journalist condemns Arab antisemitism). This will be a task for several generations. The Trump administration has been trying for some time now to create the Arab version of the NATO (Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) – Jerusalem Post, 11 April 2019: An Arab NATO in the making), consisting of the Gulf States, Egypt and Jordan, which is to keep Iran militarily in check. Whether this succeeds, however, is still in the stars, especially since Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates want to buy US top weapon technology in exchange, have been negotiating for years with Washington, but apparently weren’t successful (Reuters, 15 January 2019: U.S. to host Iran-focused global meeting in Poland Feb. 13-14, Times of Israel, 18 January 2019: EU could snub US-called summit on Iran, officials say, The National, 18 January 2019: EU states boycott Iran summit US called in Poland, Forbes, 22 January 2019: Poland Excludes Tehran From Warsaw’s Iran Conference, The Guardian, 25 January 2019: UK to attend US summit on Iran on condition of Yemen talks, CNN, 11 February 2019: Iran marks 40 years since Islamic Revolution with nostalgia and threats. In the wake of the 40th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution (Jerusalem Post, 16 February 2019: US ambassador slams German government for celebrating Iran’s revolution (the funny part on this report is, that the JP obvious has the impression as if Richard Grenell would be treated like a high-profile in Berlin and Germany. In the real world, quite the opposite is true. As he is seen as just another of Trump’s lap-dogs, he is treated as such by widely ignoring and isolating him, while on the other hand, he is doing everything to justify his isolation. When the former US Ambassador to Germany, Phil Murphy, left office, he had reached rockstar status in Germany. To celebrate his “good bye” party, the US embassy had to rent the Olympiastadion in Berlin to be able to accommodate the shire mass of people, who wanted to thank him for his awesome service. Once Grenell will leave, a bus stop or a single garage will be more than enough. Btw, not a single serious German newspaper reported on Annen’s visit to the Iranian embassy, not least because there was nothing to report – DW, 19 March 2019: Germany: US ambassador Richard Grenell should be expelled, says FDP deputy leader), it is a special concern and wish of the political far right from the USA and Israel to try to initiate a regime change in Iran. For Netanyahu, the conference is even the further preparation of a war of aggression against Iran. Again, under false pretenses, as he has already driven US President Bush Junior into the Iraq War. The Americans should insist that Israeli troops be used in Netanyahu’s war against Iran instead of sacrificing American soldiers for his fantasies – The Guardian, 14 February 2019: Mike Pence chides US allies at Warsaw summit on Iran, France24, 14 February 2019: US-led Warsaw summit vies with parallel Syria talks, The Washington Post, 14 February 2019: Pence urges Europeans to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal, warns of more sanctions and Times of Israel, 14 February 2019: Netanyahu’s staff scrambles after he speaks of ‘war against Iran’). In addition, there are significant tensions between the future partner states (Bloomberg, 3 April 2019: First Images of Saudi Nuclear Reactor Show Plant Nearing Finish (the country that is, inter alia, behind 9/11 and the financing of ISIL, while Iran is referred to as a “terrorist state”)). In particular, the war against Iran is about combating and containing Tehran-funded extremists and terrorists in the region. To assume that this is possible by declaring war on Iran is about as meaningful as trying to fight fire with kerosene. The exact opposite will happen (United Nations Human Rights – Office of the High Commissioner, 19 June 2019: Khashoggi killing: UN human rights expert says Saudi Arabia is responsible for “premeditated execution”, UN News, 20 June 2019: Khashoggi murder ‘an international crime’, says UN-appointed rights investigator: Special in-depth UN News interview, The New York Times, 26 June 2019: U.N. Expert Calls for International Investigation Into Khashoggi Killing, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2019: Jewish life in the Gulf will increase in 5780 (2020), Times of Israel, 28 October 2019: Trump’s departing peace envoy hails ‘huge shift’ in neighbors’ ties with Israel, Gulf Times, 29 October 2019: ‘Qatar attaches great importance to peaceful settlement of disputes’, Gulf Times, 29 October 2019: Gulf crisis no longer acceptable, must be resolved: Kuwait Amir, Saudi Gazette, 30 October 2019: Mnuchin: Vision 2030 is a transformational opportunity to develop Saudi economy, Politico.com, 31 October 2019: The Woman Trying to Mend U.S. Relations With Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 31 October 2019: Gulf Ministers of Finance say reforms are reshaping regional economies, France24, 3 November 2019: After many delays, Saudi Aramco launches IPO, The Guardian, 3 November 2019: Saudi oil giant Aramco gets go-ahead for $1.5tn stock listing, CNN, 3 November 2019: Saudi Arabia announces IPO of world’s most profitable company, Arab News, 3 November 2019: Saudi Aramco formally starts IPO build-up, The National, 3 November 2019: Aramco IPO approved as company posts $68bn 9-month profit, Gulf News, 3 November 2019: Why the world’s most profitable company is going public, Saudi Gazette, 3 November 2019: Aramco kick-starts what could be world’s biggest IPO, The National, 25 November 2019: UAE is most prosperous Arab nation for 13th year, study says, Haaretz, 1 December 2019: Losing Its Grip on Gulf, Saudi Arabia Is Desperate for Political Win, The Guardian, 1 December 2019: Saudi Arabia aims to buoy oil price before Aramco stock market debut, Reuters, 5 December 2019: Saudi Aramco IPO institutional tranche 2.95 times oversubscribed, CNN, 5 December 2019: Saudi Aramco raises $25.6 billion in the world’s biggest IPO, Reuters, 5 December 2019: Saudi Aramco prices shares at top of range in world’s biggest IPO: sources, The New York Times, 6 December 2019: Trainee on Military Base Mounts Deadly Attack, Politico.com, 6 December 2019: Saudi’s role in Florida naval base shooting poses new threat to alliance, The Washington Post, 7 December 2019: Gunman in Pensacola air base shooting was Saudi military student, officials say, Arab News, 7 December 2019: King Salman leads Saudi official condemnations of Florida attack, The National, 7 December 2019: Saudis show solidarity with US and disavow Florida attacker, Arab News, 7 December 2019: ‘He doesn’t represent us’: Saudis tweet in solidarity with Americans over Florida Navy base shooting, Arab News, 7 December 2019: Organization of Islamic Cooperation: Florida shooting does not represent tolerant values of Saudis, NPR, 7 December 2019: Pensacola Gunman, Victims Identified, The New York Times, 7 December 2019: For Trump, Instinct After Florida Killings Is Simple: Protect Saudis, CNN, 8 December 2019: Tweet purportedly from gunman in Pensacola Navy base shooting suggests al Qaeda inspiration, BBC, 8 December 2019: Pensacola attack: Gunman ‘played mass-shooting videos at dinner’, Arab News, 8 December 2019: Saudis unite in condemnation of US Navy base attack, France24, 8 December 2019: US lawmakers criticize Saudi training program after Florida base attack, The New York Times, 11 December 2019: Saudi Aramco Stock Surges, but Questions Loom, Reuters, 11 December 2019: ‘Vindication’ – Saudi Arabia hails 10% debut jump in Aramco shares, The Guardian, 11 December 2019: Saudi Aramco IPO: Oil giant nears $2trn valuation despite climate fears – business live, Arab News, 11 December 2019: Saudi Aramco shares soar at maximum 10% on market debut, The National, 11 December 2019: Yemen’s Deputy PM confident Riyadh Agreement will bear fruit, The National, 23 December 2019: Saudi Arabia moves to ban child marriage with a new ruling, France24, 23 December 2019: Saudi court sentences five to death, three to jail over Khashoggi killing, BBC, 23 December 2019: Jamal Khashoggi: Saudis sentence five to death for journalist’s murder, The Washington Post, 24 December 2019: We still don’t have answers on Khashoggi’s murder, Al Arabiya, 24 December 2019: UAE, Bahrain commend Saudi judiciary rulings on Khashoggi case, Arab News, 24 December 2019: Prosecution, convicts in Khashoggi case intend to appeal ruling ‘within days’: sources, Israel Hayom, 29 December 2019: Should Israel sign non-aggression pacts with Arab countries? (interesting but very one-sided article, which completely overlooks the fact that Islamophobia is an everyday phenomenon in Israel and not only among extremists and terrorists. In this respect, the solution begins on your own doorstep and not in other countries), The National, 4 January 2020: ‘Overwhelming support’ for Saudi Arabia’s reforms, Gulf Times, 4 January 2020: Qatar sees double digit growth in tourists’ traffic, The National, 4 January 2020: Ruler of Dubai sets out vision for 2020 and beyond, Gulf Times, 6 January 2020: Qatar shift towards knowledge-based economy bodes well for software market, The National, 6 January 2020: Red Sea and Gulf of Aden border countries form council, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2020: Russian FM encouraging Gulf states to form joint security mechanism, Al Arabiya, 15 January 2020: Latest Saudi growth data show to a turning point for Vision 2030, Haaretz, 26 January 2020: Israel Officially Allows Israelis to Travel to Saudi Arabia, Times of Israel, 26 January 2020: Government formally okays travel of Israelis to Saudi Arabia for business, hajj, Arab News, 13 February 2020: Economic diversification key to a sustainable Middle East future, UAE forum told, Al Arabiya, 13 February 2020: EXCLUSIVE: Saudi FM: No meeting planned with Netanyahu, Palestine policy ‘firm’, Times of Israel, 13 February 2020: In first, US Jewish umbrella group sends delegation to Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 13 February 2020: No plans for Saudi-Israel meeting: Foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Times of Israel, 16 February 2020: Conference of Presidents: Our Saudi trip is a ‘big step forward’ for Israel ties, Jerusalem Post, 16 February 2020: Saudi-Israeli relations to expand only after peace plan, FM says, Al Arabiya, 17 February 2020: Saudi Arabia is reforming its justice system, but quick decisions must be just, Al Arabiya, 22 February 2020: Saudi Arabia hosts G20 financial leaders to discuss global economy, coronavirus, Times of Israel, 24 February 2020: In first, Saudi king hosts Israeli rabbi at royal palace, France24, 4 March 2020: Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah pilgrimage due to coronavirus fears, Arab News, 4 March 2020: Saudi interior ministry imposes temporary ban on Umrah pilgrims from Kingdom over coronavirus fears, The National, 4 March 2020: Coronavirus: live updates as Saudi Arabia suspends Umrah pilgrimage, France24, 7 March 2020: Saudi Arabia detains three royal princes for alleged ‘coup plot’, BBC, 7 March 2020: Saudi Arabia detains three senior members of royal family, Irish Times, 7 March 2020: Saudi Arabia ‘detains three senior royals’ for allegedly planning coup, The Guardian, 7 March 2020: Saudi Arabia detains three royal family members in latest crackdown, The National, 8 March 2020: More than $200bn wiped off Gulf markets in huge one-day slump, The National, 9 March 2020: Gulf markets rack up losses of about $400bn in two days, Arab News, 28 March 2020: Saudi forces intercept ballistic missiles over Riyadh and Jazan; 2 civilians injured by falling debris, Al Arabiya, 29 March 2018: Kuwait Airways flights to Germany in jeopardy after it rejects Israeli passenger, Arab News, 30 March 2020: Coalition hits Houthi targets in Yemen in response to missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 31 March 2020: Saudi Aramco tells firms to get ready for 12 mln bpd oil output hike: Source, Al Arabiya, 1 April 2020: Trump says he might join Saudi Arabia, Russia in talks on oil prices, The Guardian, 2 April 2020: Twitter deletes 20,000 fake accounts linked to Saudi, Serbian and Egyptian governments, The New York Times, 3 April 2020: Business Updates: Putin Says Russia Is Willing to Join Oil Production Cuts, Al Arabiya, 4 April 2020: Putin’s comments on Saudi withdrawal from OPEC+ deal devoid of truth: Saudi FM, Al Arabiya, 5 April 2020: Trump says if he has to put tariffs on oil imports to protect US jobs he will, Arab News, 7 April 2020: Oil crisis puts 300m livelihoods at risk, says IEA chief, Arab News, 9 April 2020: Saudi Arabia and Russia agree on deal to cut oil output, Politico.com, 12 April 2020: OPEC, oil nations agree to an unprecedented production cut, Al Arabiya, 12 April 2020: Coronavirus: US lawmakers should look closer to home for a solution to the oil crisis, Arab News, 13 April 2020: Saudi, US and Russian leaders express ‘great satisfaction’ with new OPEC+ deal, Politico.com, 13 April 2020: Trump’s crude problem: OPEC diplomacy can’t save America’s oil jobs, CNN, 15 April 2020: US faces an ‘unprecedented’ decline in oil production, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2020: Russian President Putin says important all countries stick to OPEC+ oil output cut, Haaretz, 17 April 2020: Saudi Arabia Lost the Oil War, but Don’t Expect the Crown Prince to Go, Jerusalem Post, 23 April 2020: Palestinians: Saudi Arabia behind anti-Palestinian smear campaign, Jerusalem Post, 23 April 2020: Palestinians: Saudi Arabia behind anti-Palestinian smear campaign, DW, 25 April 2020: Saudi Arabia bans flogging as punishment, The New York Times, 25 April 2020: Saudi Arabia Abolishes Flogging as a Punishment for Crime, Times of Israel, 25 April 2020: Saudis face rising criticism after mass execution, Arab News, 26 April 2020: New regulations for finance companies in Saudi Arabia, The National, 26 April 2020: Saudi Arabia reduces maximum penalty for young offenders, France24, 26 April 2020: Saudi Arabia abolishes the dealth penalty for crimes committed by minors, Haaretz, 30 April 2020: Trump Told Saudis: Cut Oil Supply or Lose U.S. Military Support, Jerusalem Post, 30 April 2020: Trump to Saudis: Cut oil supply or lose US military support – sources, Al Arabiya, 30 April 2020: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project reveals beautiful location of resort water villas, The Guardian, 4 May 2020: ‘It’s being built on our blood’: the true cost of Saudi Arabia’s $500bn megacity (Neom), Al Arabiya, 5 May 2020: Al Jazeera accuses MBC of ‘normalizing ties with Israel’ despite its own track record, The National, 7 May 2020: UAE Central Bank says 75% of Dh50bn pandemic liquidity facility drawn down, Arab News, 9 May 2020: Why now is the time for a new Middle East alliance, Arab News, 9 May 2020: Coronavirus crisis changing public attitudes in the Middle East, polls suggest, The National, 10 May 2020: Coronavirus live: UAE announces 781 new cases and 509 recoveries, BBC, 11 May 2020: Saudi Arabia triples VAT to support coronavirus-hit economy, Reuters, 18 May 2020: Trump fired watchdog who was probing Saudi arms sales, Democrats say, Times of Israel, 19 May 2020: In first, direct commercial flight from UAE lands in Tel Aviv, Arab News, 21 May 2020: ‘Saudi Arabia remains open for business’ as foreign investment rises, Politico.eu, 27 May 2020: How Israel and the Arab world are making peace without a peace deal (while Netanyahu is trying to better integrate Israel into it’s neighborhood (and he is on a remarkable good way here: kleptocracy and corruption top-down, both private and institutional; theocracy instead of democracy; ongoing stealing and annexation of foreign state territories; ongoing violations of international law and human rights; ongoing violations of UN resolutions; ongoing isolation within the international community due to the aforementioned issues), he will of course need the support of the Gulf States. He has already delivered nearly all the basic requirements for that. Annexing 30% of the Palestinian West Bank would mean a big road block, of course), Al Arabiya, 28 May 2020: First Jewish kosher service launches in UAE, making Gulf food history (Elli’s Kosher Kitchen), France24, 31 May 2020: Masks and no ablution: Saudis flock to reopened mosques, Arab News, 31 May 2020: Saudi Arabia reopens mosques after 2 month coronavirus lockdown, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2020: ‘Kosherati’: Gulf media heralds UAE’s first kosher food delivery, The National, 31 May 2020: German foreign ministry praises UAE’s ‘innovative’ diplomatic approach, Arab News, 31 May 2020: Abu Dhabi bans travel in, out and within emirate to limit coronavirus spread, Haaretz, 1 June 2020: As Gulf Economies Shrink, Foreigners Are Jumping Ship, Arab News, 3 June 2020: Saudi Arabia, Russia reach oil output deal and urge others to keep promises, The Guardian, 7 June 2020: Opec and allies extend oil production cuts to end of July, The National, 19 June 2020: After Trump, will America turn away from the Middle East?, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2020: Drone and missile attack reported on Saudi Arabia, France24, 25 June 2020: Israel, UAE to join forces to fight coronavirus, Jerusalem Post, 26 June 2020: German court rules travel portal can ‘discriminate’ against Israelis, Middle East Monitor, 26 June 2020: German court rejects Israel citizen lawsuit against Kuwait Airways, The National, 4 July 2020: The US stands with the UAE, its partner and friend, Arab News, 5 July 2020: Diriyah development authority kicks off phase one of its masterplan, Arab News, 9 July 2020: No intent to drive US shale out of business says OPEC chief, Al Arabiya, 9 July 2020: Tourism spending in Saudi Arabia jumps to $41 billion in 2019, Arab News, 11 July 2020: Dubai announces additional economic stimulus package of $1.7 billion, Arab News, 13 July 2020: Emirates Mars Mission poised to fulfil Arab hopes and aspirations, Al Arabiya, 14 July 2020: Iran could use road-mobile missiles to target Saudi Arabia amid escalation: Report, Jerusalem Post, 18 July 2020: Qatar finances Hezbollah terrorism, declares ‘Jews are enemies’ – report, The National, 19 July 2020: Burj Khalifa lights up in Mars Mission colours ahead of blast-off, Arab News, 19 July 2020: UAE’s Amal spacecraft rockets toward Mars in Arab world first, DW, 19 July 2020: UAE Mars mission launches from Japan, Arab News, 19 July 2020: UAE to launch first Arab probe to Mars, Al Arabiya, 19 July 2020: Qatar paid to stop consultant revealing terror funding of Hezbollah: Report, BBC, 19 July 2020: Hope probe: UAE launches historic first mission to Mars, Al Arabiya, 19 July 2020: Coronavirus: Dubai launches ‘Dubai assured’ stamp for tourism, retail establishments, France24, 20 July 2020: First Arab space mission to Mars launches from Japan, The National, 20 July 2020: UAE joins elite space race nations as Mars probe makes first contact, The National, 20 July 2020: Director of UAE’s Hope probe mission describes exhilarating launch, Arab News, 20 July 2020: World praises UAE on successful launch of Mars Hope probe, The National, 20 July 2020: Qatar’s Hezbollah funding exposed by whistle-blower contractor, The National, 23 July 2020: Coronavirus: Arab economies to shrink by more than 5%, Saudi Gazette, 24 July 2020: Qatar, Turkey, Brotherhood leading smear campaigns against UAE: Gargash, The National, 24 July 2020: Minimalist Hajj this year will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2020: The Middle East rediscovers the Jews – opinion, France24, 28 July 2020: Saudi Arabia gears up for downsized Hajj rituals due to Covid-19, Arab News, 29 July 2020: The journey begins: 1,000 pilgrims arrive in Mina for first day of Hajj, France24, 29 July 2020: Covid-19: Downsized Hajj begins for lucky few pilgrims, Arab News, 30 July 2020: ‘It feels like a dream’: Pilgrims walk round the Kaaba in first Hajj ritual, DW, 1 August 2020: UAE launches Arab world’s first nuclear power plant (even if the path from a nuclear power plant to a nuclear weapon is much further than one might think, the concerns against the background of the Qatar crisis since 2017 must be taken seriously. If Qatar does actually perceive the nuclear power plant as a potential threat, an arms race in the Persian/Arabian Gulf can quickly occur), CNN, 3 August 2020: The Arab world’s first nuclear plant splits the atom, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2020: Saudi Arabia’s anti-corruption authority opens 218 criminal cases, Haaretz, 12 August 2020: China Is Saudi Arabia and Iran’s New Friend – and That’s a Real Problem for Israel, Al Arabiya, 12 August 2020: An Israeli-Saudi ‘Silicon Wadi’ will benefit both countries, BBC, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE strike historic deal to normalise relations, CNN, 13 August 2020: Israel and the UAE establish ‘full normalization of relations,’ Trump says (what does that mean in concrete terms? The United Arab Emirates rate the threat posed by Iran ever higher and are therefore trying to strengthen military alliances and classify Israel as the lesser evil, following the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend!” Of course, understandably, Israel is still not trusted. In return, the UAE accept that the corrupt kleptocrats Netanyahu and Trump can distract for a few hours from the fact that they are the completely wrong people for the tasks assigned to them. The Emiratis can even talk about it nicely by pointing out that Netanyahu’s and Trump’s mentalities and ways of acting ultimately make them ideally suited to the Middle East, because they have never understood the concepts of democracy, law and freedom. For the Palestinians, however, it is more bad news because it means that the Emiratis have made a choice, albeit understandably, for their own security. This inevitably leads to the legitimate interests of the Palestinians being neglected and thus indirectly favoring the further expansion of the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Netanyahu has already announced that the planned illegal annexation of the largest parts of the Palestinian state (East Jerusalem and the West Bank) will only be postponed, but not canceled. The Palestinians are not innocent of this development, because their actions and their omissions have angered the Arab supporters considerably. How long this situation will last from the UAE’s point of view is difficult to assess, especially since China has closed agreements with Iran and Saudi Arabia that have what it takes to turn enemies into friends, so that the tide can turn into the opposite, especially because there is still no agreement between China and the United Arab Emirates. This can be changed quickly. It is of course also obvious that the agreement between two small states will not change the world. Overall it’s just a drop in the ocean, but Netanyahu and Trump currently need every straw that could ensure that they can cling to their chairs, no matter how criminal they are. That being said, the agreement is little more than an Letter of Intent (The National, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement of US, Israel and UAE) that must first be filled with life before it can be called an “agreement”. The mutual opening of embassies that have already been announced will not work because the Emiratis have announced that this will only take place after a peace agreement has been concluded between Israelis and Palestinians. Whether and how the symbolic act will actually affect Iran’s ability to act remains to be seen, because one thing is of course clear: In the Middle East nothing is set in stone and rarely as it seems at first glance. This can be seen, among others, because of the fact that it is Iran of all countries that, through its expeditions in foreign territories, has brought closer ties between the Arab Gulf states and Israel. Netanyahu is now talking about a “turning point”, while he probably only saw a Fata Morgana in the Negev. The small states of Bahrain and Oman may well follow suit, because both states have had good unofficial relations with Israel for a long time. All three countries benefit from this. To hope that normalization with Saudi Arabia will take place just as quickly would be an outright self-deception. You have to look at Saudi Arabia’s political system, which, unlike in the West, is not based on parties, but on a clan/tribal economy. Among them are clans/tribes who would be more willing to plunge the country into civil war than to do business with Israel, which in turn would put the royal family in serious danger. This is understandably not worth it to the House of Saud. It will probably be the case that the Saudis will first look at how things are going with their much smaller neighbors and Israel. If it works there, they will familiarize their own population with the idea of ​​normalization. Added to this is the religious importance of Saudi Arabia in the Muslim world. Everything has to be considered twice and three times in order not to cause a catastrophe. So we don’t talk about a year or two in advance, but about decades. For the Palestinians, it means defeat in any case. As “occupied” they should have resisted AND shown willingness to negotiate. But they only delivered 50%, what in return makes it clear again that Israel can exchange as many letters of intent with the Gulf States as it want to: in the end, there is still no solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If you look at the whole picture, the developments result in very positive approaches. If normalization between the states of North Africa, the Gulf States and Israel were actually managed in the next few decades, the potential threat to Israel would be reduced to Lebanon, Palestine and Iran, and for the Gulf States to Iran. If one continues to assume that economic activities among each other would be considerably strengthened through synergy effects, this would have clearly positive effects for the USA and the EU with regard to the billions in support provided to date to the countries of the Levant and North Africa regions, which could be gradually reduced. For the EU this would mean investing the funds released in the expansion of the functioning “Union for the Mediterranean”, which is currently little more than a paper tiger. The bigger challenges are Turkey and Lebanon. The Erdogan regime is currently well on the way to completely pushing the Turkish economy against the wall, which makes the initial situation rather problematic, especially since the Sultan and his neo-Ottomans can hardly deal with defeats, even those completely self-inflicted. Lebanon is in a far more hopeless position: the country must free itself from its corrupt leadership, develop a new political system, rebuild Beirut, overcome the ongoing economic crisis and significantly curb the influence of Iranian-controlled Hezbollah. The country will not be able to cope with the challenges alone. If the EU were to provide support, help and advice and put pressure on individual parties to the extent necessary, it would certainly have positive effects for the entire country. The impetus for this must come from the population themselves. As it turns out in retrospect, the Emiratis have apparently achieved much more than just stopping annexation. As an additional agreement, a billion-dollar arms deal was concluded between the UAE and the USA, which includes the purchase of of F-35 fighter jets. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have wanted to buy US weapons systems for several years, but have always been put off. Apparently they now have found the right lever. Who knows what other agreements have sweetened the Letter of Intent to Israel), The New York Times, 13 August 2020: Israel and United Arab Emirates Strike Major Diplomatic Agreement, DW, 13 August 2020: Israel and UAE to start diplomatic ties after breakthrough deal, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Full text: Joint statement on ‘normalization of relations’ between Israel, UAE, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: Israel-UAE Deal Clears Annexation Muddle. But Not for Everyone, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: Hailing ‘new era with Arab world,’ Netanyahu says others will follow UAE’s lead (Ze’ev Jabotinsky and Revisionist Zionism), Haaretz, 13 August 2020: After Netanyahu Commits to Future Annexation, Trump Says It’s Now ‘Off the Table’, Arab News, 13 August 2020: World reacts to UAE’s opening diplomatic ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: In halting annexation, UAE paints its Israel peace deal as win for Palestinians, Haaretz, 13 August 2020: In UAE Deal, Netanyahu Trades Imaginary Annexation for Real Life Diplomacy Win, Arab News, 13 August 2020: Full text of joint statement on UAE and Israel normalizing ties, Times of Israel, 13 August 2020: ‘A despicable betrayal’: PA blasts Emirates, demands retraction of Israel deal, Arab News, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel reach ‘historic deal’ to normalize relations, The National, 13 August 2020: Israel freezes Palestine annexation for UAE ties, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace dealUAE will not open embassy in Jerusalem without a Palestinian-Israel peace deal, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2020: UAE deal boosts Gulf clout – analysis, The Washington Post, 13 August 2020: The Israel-UAE agreement is an insult to the peace Palestinians and Arabs want and need, The National, 13 August 2020: Gargash: UAE-Israel deal a ‘death blow’ to annexation of Palestine, NPR, 13 August 2020: UAE, Israel Move To Normalize Relations As Israel Halts Planned West Bank Annexations, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2020: UAE’s Jewish community reacts to country’s historic agreement with Israel, France24, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE normalise relations in historic, Trump-brokered deal, The Guardian, 13 August 2020: ‘Truly historic’ Israel signs deal with UAE that will ‘suspend’ West Bank annexation, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Trump scores diplomatic deal with Middle East allies before election, Reuters, 13 August 2020: Israel, UAE to normalise relations in shift in Mideast politics; West Bank annexations on hold, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: Normalization Deal Between Israel and the UAE Signals a Shift in the Region, The Hill, 13 August 2020: 5 takeaways from Israel and UAE opening diplomatic ties, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2020: In Historic Deal With the UAE, Israel Is the Biggest Winner, The Atlantic, 13 August 2020: Why the UAE Made Peace With Israel, The New York Times, 13 August 2020: A Geopolitical Earthquake Just Hit the Mideast, The Washington Post, 14 August 2020: Trump is right. The Israel-UAE agreement is a huge achievement., DW, 14 August 2020: Opinion: Israel-UAE deal means goodbye to independent Palestinian state, France24, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE deal a Trump coup, but his sights are set on Iran, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: ‘It’s a game and we lost’: Palestinians decry Gulf moves towards Israel, Politico.eu, 14 August 2020: EU foreign policy chief Borrell welcomes Israel-UAE deal, Haaretz, 14 August 2020: UAE’s Unique Leverage Over Israel Buried Annexation to Enable Normalization, The National, 14 August 2020: United Nations and major states praise UAE-Israel accord, DW, 14 August 2020: Iran, Turkey slam UAE over agreement with Israel, CNN, 14 August 2020: Israel-UAE agreement a meek version of the historic Mideast deal Trump pledged, The Guardian, 14 August 2020: While Israel celebrates a new peace accord, Palestinians once again lose (Trump “should be a frontrunner for the Nobel Peace Prize”. :-D .. following this logic, Iran would be the #1 candidate, because without its activities in the region the Arab Gulf states wouldn’t agree to normalize relations with Israel in the coming 200 years), Al Arabiya, 14 August 2020: After UAE-Israel peace deal, a Palestinian state is the next step, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Taking normalization over annexation, Netanyahu poised to enter exalted company, DW, 15 August 2020: Mixed reaction to historic agreement between Israel and UAE, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: Morocco said likely to be one of the next states to normalize ties with Israel (unabashed corruption in public: Morocco offers to normalize relations with Israel if the US in return recognizes the illegal annexation of Western Sahara as legal), The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: The historic deal between Israel and the UAE shows Trump’s strategy is paying off, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: Israeli Delegation to Head to UAE to Hammer Out Details of Accords, Times of Israel, 15 August 2020: UAE locals hail Israel peace, offer hotel discounts; elsewhere in Gulf, wariness, The Washington Post, 15 August 2020: Israel’s relations in the Middle East, explained, Haaretz, 15 August 2020: King of Bahrain Congratulates the UAE on Deal With Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 15 August 2020: The Emirati-Israel-Trump Treachery, Bloomberg, 15 August 2020: Bahrain Joins Egypt, Oman in Supporting UAE, Israel Deal, Arab News, 15 August 2020: Ankara burns bridges with UAE but maintains ties with Israel: Why?, Al Arabiya, 15 August 2020: UAE says Israel deal not about Iran, rejects criticism from Turkey’s Erdogan, The New York Times, 15 August 2020: Shifting Dynamics of the Mideast Pushed Israel and U.A.E. Together, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Iran threatens to attack UAE over Israel deal, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Once Again, the U.S. Saves Netanyahu From Himself, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Normalization with other Arab countries is possible, says Avi Berkowitz, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Stopping Annexation Was Our Main Concern: Top UAE Official Hails ‘Historic’ Israel Deal in Haaretz Interview, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Why Lebanon won’t make peace with Israel so long as Hezbollah is around, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: UAE Is Normalizing Relations With Israel. Lebanon Should, Too, France24, 16 August 2020: Telephone service begins between Israel and UAE after historic deal, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Netanyahu: UAE deal based on strength, will yield ‘true peace’ with Palestinians, Arab News, 17 August 2020: Netanyahu says UAE deal signals end to ‘land for peace’, Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2020: Five countries that could be next to make peace with Israel, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Thanks for Dubai, Now Bye Bye: An Evening With Israel’s Happiest anti-Netanyahu Protesters, Israel Hayom, 16 August 2020: EU welcomes Israel-UAE deal as good for Mideast stability, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: Born of internal Arab despair, UAE deal gives Israel genuine chance of peace, DW, 16 August 2020: UAE, Israel firms sign deal after establishing ties, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Only Trump Could Get Bibi to Pose as Shimon Peres, Times of Israel, 16 August 2020: UAE foreign minister calls his Israeli counterpart to launch direct phone lines, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Base set by UAE-Israel deal must be built upon, France24, 16 August 2020: Macron urges new Middle East peace talks after call with Abbas, Haaretz, 16 August 2020: Made Peace in Dubai? Now Make Peace With the Palestinians, Arab News, 16 August 2020: Middle East peace talks remain priority, Macron says after call with Abbas, The National, 16 August 2020: EU says UAE-Israel peace accord a ‘fundamental step’ for stability, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2020: Phone calls open between UAE and Israel, websites unblocked after agreement, Al Arabiya, 17 August 2020: Six major events in Oman-Israel relations: Timeline, The Washington Post, 18 August 2020: Netanyahu’s diplomatic sleight of hand can’t hide his failures at home, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: Gaza Tensions: Hamas Doesn’t Seek Escalation, but Won’t Make Do With Restoring Calm, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: UAE official reportedly rebuffs Netanyahu denial he okayed F-35 sale, Haaretz, 18 August 2020: A Deal With UAE? If Israeli Settlers Are Mad, It Must Be Good, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: The Palestinians weren’t betrayed by the UAE. They were simply left behind, NPR, 19 August 2020: Opinion: Israel And UAE’s Accord Is A Big Win, But Don’t Overplay It, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: After Israel-UAE Normalization, Saudi FM Says Committed to Arab Peace Initiative, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Saudi FM: No Israel normalization without peace with the Palestinians, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: Trump and Netanyahu Are Pushing Palestinians Back to Armed Struggle, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Israel said to express concerns to US over Saudi nuclear program, Arab News, 19 August 2020: Foreign minister: Saudi Arabia is committed to Arab peace plan, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2020: Friedman to ‘Post’: Israeli security not undermined in UAE deal, Haaretz, 19 August 2020: How Netanyahu’s Huge Diplomatic Achievement Turned Into a Self-made Political Fiasco, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Reported deal to sell UAE F-35 jets edges in on US promise of Israeli dominance, Middle East Monitor, 19 August 2020: Fatah, Hamas hold joint protest against UAE-Israel deal (after all, the rapprochement initially stopped the “great annexation” of the West Bank and East Jerusalem by Israel through the engagement of the UAE. Of course, the many “small annexations” will continue in the future, as they did in the past decades. At the end of the day, however, the Palestinians need also do their part to achieve a sustainable overall solution before Israel has annexed the entire Palestinian state land. Even if the Palestinian view is perfectly understandable, it is neither goal-oriented nor solution-oriented. By the way, insulting the Arab supporters isn’t either), The New York Times, 19 August 2020: Trump Administration Pushes Arms Sale to U.A.E. Despite Israeli Worries, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2020: Ehud Olmert to ‘Post’: How will the Israel-UAE deal affect all involved?, Haaretz, 20 August 2020: UAE Deal Is an Economic Opportunity, but Perhaps Not of the Kind Israelis Think, Palestine Chronicle, 21 August 2020: UAE to Establish Embassy in Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: F-35 Sale to UAE: ‘Netanyahu Knew… It’s an Outrage’, Al Arabiya, 21 August 2020: Saudi Arabia’s price for ties with Israel is Palestinian state: Prince Turki, Arab News, 23 August 2020: Pompeo to tour region after UAE-Israel deal, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: Iran could bear responsibility for UAE-Israel reconciliation: Veteran US diplomat, Arab News, 23 August 2020: Middle East’s extremism and sectarianism can be traced back to Iran, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2020: Another Israel-Arab deal expected in coming weeks: Israeli ambassador to US, DW, 24 August 2020: Mike Pompeo arrives in Israel on first stop of Middle East tour (a really interesting show. While the UAE has demanded the Israeli annexation freeze and a substantial arms deal with the US as the price for normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia announced at the weekend that its price for normalization is a peace treaty concluded between Israel and Palestine. Whereby the term “normalization” is interpreted differently. While Netanyahu speaks of “complete normalization in all areas”, the UAE only of “economic normalization only”. It remains to be seen what prices the US and Israel will have to pay for the consent of the other Arab and North African states to normalize relations with Israel. Whether the effort is worth it or not remains to be seen on November 3rd, the day of the US presidential election. It is already a great challenge in the remaining time frame to develop a more concrete agreement from the Letter of Intent between the UAE and Israel, to sign it and then to fill it with life later on), Times of Israel, 24 August 2020: UAE-Israel Accord, Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, Times of Israel, 24 August 2020: UAE said to scrap meet with Israel, US envoys after Netanyahu panned F-35 deal (looks like Netanyahu and Trump messed it up once again. Dumb and dumber), Arab News, 24 August 2020: Pompeo hopes other Arab states open relations with Israel, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: Pompeo arrives in Bahrain for next leg of Middle East charm offensive, Arab News, 25 August 2020: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Pompeo discuss strengthening UAE-Israel deal, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2020: Abbas: Normalization between Arabs, Israel won’t achieve peace, Times of Israel, 25 August 2020: Abbas slams ‘illusion of peace for peace’ in meeting with UK FM, Haaretz, 25 August 2020: Netanyahu: Top U.S. Officials to Join Israeli Delegation to UAE to Discuss Cooperation, Arab News, 26 August 2020: Regional cooperation tops agenda at Arab leaders’ summit, Palestine Chronicle, 26 August 2020: UAE-Israel Normalization Hits Snag, Trilateral Meeting Canceled, Israel Hayom, 26 August 2020: Europe is clinging to the Palestinians (once again the already well-known and typical Likudnik and anti-EU propaganda. The EU and most member states would be pretty happy, if and when the letter of intent between the UAE and Israel would be filled with life. There are still a myriad of unchallenged issues to overcome, so that it is far to early to celebrate. At the same time the Israel Hayom is Netanyahu’s advertisement agency, so that the Likudniks make clear what kind of supporters they are looking for: racist, far-right-wing and/or autocratic governments. Pretty telling), Haaretz, 27 August 2020: How the UAE and Saudi Arabia Now Hold Israel Hostage, Times of Israel, 27 August 2020: Pompeo heads home after appearing to hit wall in push for Israel ties, France24, 27 August 2020: Jordanian cartoonist arrested over ‘offensive’ UAE drawing, Jerusalem Post, 27 August 2020: Britain wants Israeli hi-tech,’ no longer fears Arab reaction – source, Haaretz, 28 August 2020: With Annexation Suspended, EU States Propose Reinstating Israel Association Council After Eight Years, Der Spiegel, 28 August 2020: Israel’s Ambassador to Germany on UAE Deal: “We Don’t Talk Enough — Israelis, Arabs, Palestinians”, Haaretz, 28 August 2020: Israel-UAE Normalization Is a Test for Egypt and Jordan, Arab News, 28 August 2020: Israel lists first commercial passenger flight to UAE, Palestine Chronicle, 29 August 2020: UAE Issues Decree Formally Ending Boycott of Israel, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2020: Gantz to Kushner: Let’s work together to keep Israel’s military edge (“to find the right avenues to ensure that Israel’s defensive superiority, which is vital to regional stability, is preserved.” – there’s a bit of a glitch here, as it isn’t “vital to regional stability”, but for Israel exclusively), Times of Israel, 30 August 2020: On eve of 1st UAE flight, PM claims Palestinians can’t ‘veto’ Israel-Arab peace (Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement – the lie of the alleged “peace treaty” is even spreading on Wikipedia. There has never been a war between the UAE and Israel. The deal is just a trade agreement. Rather, it is about the US election campaign and Trump’s imminent election defeat), Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2020: Jared Kushner visit shows importance of accord to Trump’s campaign, The National, 30 August 2020: New rules set for establishing government companies in Dubai, DW, 30 August 2020: Can Saudi Arabia afford human rights abuses?, The National, 30 August 2020: UAE to receive US-Israeli delegation led by Jared Kushner on Monday, The National, 31 August 2020: Historic first flight from Israel to UAE lands in Abu Dhabi, Times of Israel, 31 August 2020: El Al flight lands in UAE after becoming 1st Israeli plane to cross Saudi Arabia, CNN, 31 August 2020: First Israeli commercial flight between Israel and UAE takes to the skies, BBC, 31 August 2020: Israel and UAE in historic direct flight following peace deal, Haaretz, 3 September 2020: Opening Saudi Skies to Israel May Pave the Crown Prince’s Way Back to Washington, Foreign Policy, 4 September 2020: UAE Deal Boosts Israeli Oil Pipeline Secretly Built With Iran, Times of Israel, 5 September 2020: Intel minister: We’ll act against sale of F-35s to UAE, including in US Congress, Haaretz, 5 September 2020: Trump Secures Long Overdue Israeli Recognition of Kosovo. But What’s That Have to Do With ‘Middle East Peace’?, Times of Israel, 5 September 2020: Israel-UAE normalization to be given peace treaty status — report (based on a lie. What else can be expected from Netanyahu and Trump?), Jerusalem Post, 5 September 2020: Russia, US, Turkey and EU have military tensions that border Middle East, Haaretz, 6 September 2020: UAE and F-35s: Netanyahu Doubletalk Sets Up Dogfight Between Trump and Congress, Jerusalem Post, 6 September 2020: Israel’s Defense Ministry views UAE-US arms deal as ‘almost done deal’, Financial Times, 9 September 2020: China’s Middle East strategy comes at a cost to the US, Al Arabiya, 11 September 2020: Saudi Arabia elected as member of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee, The Hill, 11 September 2020: Israel, Bahrain to normalize diplomatic relations, Trump announces (the next lie about a “peace agreement”. Just as the UAE were never at war with Israel, so was Bahrain. But it is better not to share this knowledge with Trump apologists, because they then become abusive and will claim that you are only out to prove with facts why Trump did not deserve a Nobel Peace Prize. In their view this is shameful behaviour :-D ), The Guardian, 11 September 2020: Bahrain to normalise ties with Israel, Donald Trump announces (the “peace agreements” recently announced by Netanyahu and Trump between the UAE, Bahrain and Israel are gross nonsense in several aspects: First, there were never wars between the UAE, Bahrain and Israel, which is why there can’t be peace agreements, and second, the UAE already decided years earlier that Israeli citizens and companies would be granted the same rights as other foreigners and foreign companies from Expo Dubai 2020 on and thirdly, the agreement is a security (some are already talking about the beginning of an “Arab-Israeli NATO”), trade and entry agreement on the terms of the UAE and Bahrain. Netanyahu’s contribution to this can only be determined using measuring methods from microbiology, Trump’s contribution is an arms deal with the UAE. The first agreements between the Arab Gulf states and Israel were necessary in order to partially reverse the unforgivable mistake of Trump’s unilateral termination of the Iran deal under pressure of Netanyahu and the Saudi royal family. Iran, which is now striving towards China as a self-made enemy and thereby becoming even more uncontrollable, is at the same time a self-made common threat to which unusual coalitions are responding. Tactically and strategically it was obviously successful in building up Iran as an “overpowering and common enemy” (although its armed status does not allow it) in order to enable the Arab states to form face-saving alliances with Israel. But of course there is more to this, especially tangible economic interests. Trump’s USA wants to completely withdraw from the Gulf region and the Levant, with the exception of their US Army Camp Israel (where the Army stores ammunition worth billions of US dollars alone). How can this be done? By building up and exaggerating an imaginary enemy, forcing the rest of the neighboring countries to massively upgrade their defense for self-protection, so that finally enough weapons systems (preferably Made in America, of course) will be acquired so that the American presence on site becomes obsolete. However, this poses a threat: Israel already has a number of nuclear weapons at its disposal, in order to be able to react adequately to the threat posed by them, sooner or later Iran will have to develop its own. When that happens, the Arab Gulf states will follow suit, so that one of the most unstable regions in the world will be on the verge of self-destruction. At the same time, of course, there is still the aftertaste of a typical Trump stunt, because it is obviously not about doing the right thing for the region, but about making his evangelical voter base happy), Times of Israel, 12 September 2020: Saudi Arabia, key backer of Bahrain, silent on deal but likely approved it, Haaretz, 12 September 2020: With Bahrain Deal, Israel’s Mantle in the Gulf Expands, Eyeing Big Saudi Prize, Times of Israel, 12 September 2020: After UAE and Bahrain deals, Trump said aiming for direct Israel-Morocco flights, Al Arabiya, 12 September 2020: Declaration of peace with Israel enhances regional security, stability: Bahrain FM, France24, 12 September 2020: After UAE and Bahrain, will other Gulf states start to get closer to Israel?, Times of Israel, 13 September 2020: US assured UAE it won’t back Israel annexation before 2024 at earliest, ToI told, Times of Israel, 13 September 2020: Europeans welcome Bahrain-Israel normalization as opening for peace, Haaretz, 13 September 2020: Trump’s White House Peace Pageant Bound to Deny Netanyahu the Glory He Yearns For, The National, 14 September 2020: Abraham Accord: Emirati and Israeli officials tread on ground shaped by Middle East history of bloodshed and peace, The Guardian, 15 September 2020: ‘Shameless propaganda’: Netanyahu flies to Washington to sign deals as Israeli lockdown looms, France24, 15 September 2020: UAE, Bahrain to normalise relations with Israel at White House signing ceremony, CNN, 15 September 2020: Two Gulf nations will recognize Israel at the White House. Here’s what’s in it for all sides, Haaretz, 15 September 2020: Trump Says ‘No Problem’ Selling F-35 Jets to UAE, Despite Netanyahu’s Denial, Times of Israel, 15 September 2020: Israel inking historic accords with UAE, Bahrain at White House ceremony, Arab News, 15 September 2020: UAE-Israel accord creates ‘new environment’ for Mideast peace: Official, Palestine Chronicle, 15 September 2020: Hundreds of Palestinians Rally against Arab Normalization Agreements with Israel, Arab News, 15 September 2020: UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham Accord with Israel, The National, 15 September 2020: UAE and Israel sign landmark accord to normalise relations, Politico Magazine, 15 September 2020: How Trump’s Middle East Plan Could Boost the Region, NPR, 15 September 2020: Israel, Bahrain And UAE Sign Deals Formalizing Ties At White House, The New York Times, 15 September 2020: Israel, U.A.E. and Bahrain Sign Accords, With an Eager Trump Playing Host, BBC, 15 September 2020: Five reasons why Israel’s peace deals with the UAE and Bahrain matter, Haaretz, 16 September 2020: Trump and Netanyahu’s Big Fat Fake Peace Deal, Jeruasalem Post, 16 September 2020: The Abraham Accord: No details, no devil – analysis (“peace treaties” – hahaha .. by now, they are little more but marketing stunts), Haaretz, 16 September 2020: Iran Is Just an Excuse for the Gulf to Embrace Israeli Tech, Haaretz, 17 September 2020: White House Peace Deals Are as Vacuous as Miss Universe Statements, and That’s by Design, Times of Israel, 18 September 2020: With the Israel-UAE-Bahrain deals, ‘undeniable Palestinan truths’ no longer hold, Arab News, 18 September 2020: Muslims and Jews of the Gulf can set an inspiring example, Times of Israel, 22 September 2020: US, Emirates said to seek an F-35 sale agreement by December, Times of Israel, 23 September 2020: Saudi king warns UN of Iranian threat, backs US peace efforts in Middle East, Arab News, 23 September 2020: UN General Assembly: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman calls for Hezbollah to be disarmed, The National, 23 September 2020: UNGA 2020: King Salman calls for comprehensive solution on Iran, The Guardian, 24 September 2020: Saudi heir and Jared Kushner inch kingdom towards deal with Israel, Haaretz, 25 September 2020: ‘UAE’s Investment Fund Could Be a Game Changer for Israel’, Times of Israel, 26 September 2020: Expecting F-35 deal in weeks, Israel seeks downgraded jet for UAE — report, Israel Hayom, 27 September 2020: UAE: Iran’s aggressive policies made Arabs look at Israel, Arab News, 29 September 2020: UAE foreign minister: Israel deal paves way for comprehensive Middle East peace, Jerusalem Post, 1 October 2020: UAE, US and Israel to develop joint energy strategy, say ministers, Arab News, 1 October 2020: UAE, US and Israel will develop joint strategy in energy sector, Arab News, 2 October 2020: German-Saudi relations will continue to flourish, Jerusalem Post, 3 October 2020: Bipartisan bill would give Israel a veto on Middle East arms sales, Al Arabiya, 3 October 2020: Saudis must boycott ‘everything Turkish,’ says commerce head after Erdogan remarks, Arab News, 4 October 2020: Saudi tourism revenue will be second after oil, Arab News, 4 October 2020: Riyadh’s Museum of Happiness offers spark of light in dark times, Arab News, 4 October 2020: A brave new dawn in Arab-Israeli relations, Arab News, 4 October 2020: Netanyahu rival Bennett’s innovative plan for Israel, Reuters, 5 October 2020: Saudi business leader urges boycott of goods from ‘hostile’ Turkey, Al Arabiya, 5 October 2020: UAE, Israel foreign ministers to meet in Germany, hold press conference, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Meeting UAE Foreign Minister, Israel’s Ashkenazi Urges Talks With Palestinians, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2020: UAE, Israel foreign ministers meet at Holocaust memorial in Germany, Times of Israel, 6 October 2020: ‘Never again,’ UAE’s top diplomat declares at Holocaust memorial with Ashkenazi, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2020: Ashkenazi tells Emirati FM of family story at Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, Arab News, 6 October 2020: UAE and Israel join forces on venture capital investments, The National, 6 October 2020: ‘A new era towards security and prosperity’: UAE and Israeli foreign ministers meet in historic first, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2020: UAE stresses return of hope for Palestinians, Israelis to work on two-state solution, Jerusalem Post, 7 October 2020: Israel, UAE shake hands at diplomatic hot spot – the UN in Geneva, Jerusalem Post, 8 October 2020: Saudi Arabia must focus on own interests-Prince Bandar, Middle East Monitor, 10 October 2020: Saudi Prince calls for boycotting Turkey imports, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2020: 90% of Arab world on social media against normalization – Israeli study, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Arab social media hyper-critical of normalization with Israel, ministry says, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Israel will oppose any US sale of F-35 jets to Qatar, minister says, Haaretz, 12 October 2020: Israel’s Cabinet Endorses UAE Deal; Netanyahu, Crown Prince Agree to Meet ‘Soon’ (the Arabs actually bought the two kleptocratic losers Netanyahu and Trump two more minutes in the spotlight), Jerusalem Post, 12 October 2020: Iconic UAE-Israel peace image stirs antisemitism, online hate, Times of Israel, 13 October 2020: Israeli-US delegation to visit Bahrain on second ‘historic’ flight to ready pact, The Washington Post, 13 October 2020: Saudi media softens tone on normalization, offering clue to kingdom’s thinking on Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 14 October 2020: Trump Called on UAE Crown Prince to ‘Encourage Other Arab States to Normalize with Israel’, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: Israel advances plans for 3,122 settler homes on day of Israel-UAE vote, The Arab Weekly, 15 October 2020: Unofficial but effective Saudi boycott strikes blow at Turkey, Times of Israel, 15 October 2020: Knesset approves UAE normalization 80-13; mainly Arab party is sole opposition, Israel Hayom, 15 October 2020: Will Abraham Accords create a domino effect? (The assessment of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is logical and understandable. It will need and take a lot of time and efford before it can and will happen. Apparently being a Republican voter today means having to be a radical right-winger while living a life in constant fear of imaginary threats to America and democracy, while the real threat to both is actually Trump. what is let out here are the roles of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and, on the US side, of Avi Berkowitz. Netanyahu was just an onlooker and was allowed to approve what MbS and Berkovitz had negotiated. Not a single Arab country would have taken the step towards “normalization” if Saudi Arabia had not initiated it and given the green light, even if the country itself will start “normalization” at the earliest after the death of King Salman ibn Abd al-Aziz. The rest of the article should be understood as an advertising campaign to “seize the opportunity” so that European investors may also invest in Israel. “Money is a shy deer”, which is why a number of market participants are need to be convinced of the seriousness and durability of the “normalizations” and will therefore first observe the situation closely, because it is anything but certain that the new friendships for Israel, bought with US tax payers money, will last at all. In any case, there are currently more reasons why it won’t work than reasons why it will work. Iran has been successfully built up as a “common enemy”, but at some point even the dumbest farmer will understand what the real deal is about), Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: UAE anti-terror chief: We must pool resources with Israel to fight terror, Arab News, 15 October 2020: Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ has the right to defend itself, says Ortagus, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2020: Saudi Arabia has always envisioned normalization with Israel would happen: FM, Palestine Chronicle, 15 October 2020: Pompeo Encourages Saudis to Normalize with Israel, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2020: UAE, Israel reach agreement on double taxation avoidance to encourage investment, Gulf Times, 15 October 2020: Food security a key part of Qatar policies, says minister, Arab News, 15 October 2020: Twitter Poll: Shockingly, most Arab News readers in favor of Israeli actress Gal Gadot as Cleopatra, BBC, 16 October 2020: Israel-UAE peace deal ‘big’ for trade in Middle East, The National, 16 October 2020: Saudi Foreign Minister: Palestinian-Israeli agreement is only route to lasting peace, France24, 18 October 2020: Israel and Bahrain formalise diplomatic ties following US-brokered deal, Times of Israel, 18 October 2020: ‘From friends to family’: Israel and Bahrain establish diplomatic relations, France24, 20 October 2020: Israel lauds UAE delegation visit as ‘making history’, Palestinians deem it ‘shameful’, Times of Israel, 20 October 2020: UAE asks Israel to move quickly on establishing mutual embassies, The National, 20 October 2020: UAE and Israel agree to visa-free travel and $3bn Abraham Fund, Al Arabiya, 20 October 2020: Israel’s EAPC pipeline company says it will bring UAE oil to Europe in new deal (Trans-Israel pipeline), Reuters, 20 October 2020: Israeli pipeline company signs deal to bring UAE oil to Europe, Financial Times, 20 October 2020: Israel and UAE sign visa and pipeline deals to cement alliance, The National, 21 October 2020: Coronavirus: Workforce is automating faster than expected, World Economic Forum says, The National, 21 October 2020: Saudi Arabia plans special economic zones to attract investment, Jerusalem Post, 21 October 2020: Israel had a secret embassy in Bahrain for 11 years – report, Arab News, 22 October 2020: New Daesh threat puts Saudi fight against extremism in the spotlight, Arab News, 22 October 2020: Saudi investment minister stresses importance of public-private partnership for sustainable growth, Haaretz, 22 October 2020: Haim Saban: MBS Said Iran, His People Would Kill Him if Saudi Arabia Normalized Ties With Israel, The National, 22 October 2020: UAE and US to work together to combat extremism and boost regional stability after forging strategic partnership, Al Araby, 23 October 2020: MbS claimed ‘Saudi people would kill him’ if Riyadh normalised ties with Israel: Israeli media, Haaretz, 23 October 2020: Netanyahu Says Israel Agreed to Sale of F-35s to UAE; Gantz: Talks Were Kept From Me, Times of Israel, 23 October 2020: Gantz accuses Netanyahu of hiding UAE F-35 talks from Israeli defense officials, Arab News, 23 October 2020: Israel ‘will not oppose’ advanced US arms sales to UAE, France24, 24 October 2020: US allies, rivals react to Trump-backed Sudan-Israel normalisation, Palestine Chronicle, 24 October 2020: Anti-normalization Protests Erupt in Bahrain despite Security Restrictions, Al Araby, 25 October 2020: Saudi Arabia ‘next in line’ to normalise with Israel, says Mossad chief, Times of Israel, 25 October 2020: Justice minister compares Netanyahu secrecy on F-35s to submarine graft case, Jerusalem Post, 25 October 2020: Mossad head: Saudi normalization ties close; post US election could see progress, Arab News, 26 October 2020: Pan-Arab poll: Biden better for region, but must shun Obama policies, Haaretz, 26 October 2020: How Israel’s String of Peace Deals Triggered a Mideast Arms Race, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2020: Saudi politician: Palestinians need to ‘think outside the box’ on peace, France24, 29 October 2020: Saudi man arrested after stabbing guard at French consulate in Jeddah, The Guardian, 29 October 2020: Man arrested in Saudi Arabia after alleged knife attack at French consulate, Arab News, 1 November 2020: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Development Company signs $2bn worth of contracts to date, Jerusalem Post, 2 November 2020: The Abrahamic House in Abu Dhabi will foster interfaith reconciliation, Arab News, 2 November 2020: Allies must take note of Iran’s belligerence, says Saudi FM, The National, 4 November 2020: Saudi Arabia reforms labour laws to improve rights for expat workers, Arab News, 5 November 2020: Diplomats praise new labor reforms in Saudi Arabia, DW, 7 November 2020: Saudi ‘kafala’ labor reforms leave devil in the detail, The National, 7 November 2020: UAE sets out legal overhaul of personal and family law, The Guardian, 7 November 2020: United Arab Emirates to relax Islamic laws on personal freedoms, Arab News, 7 November 2020: UAE amends laws on personal status, civil transactions and criminal procedures, Haaretz, 8 November 2020: Saudi Arabia Holds Its Breath After Biden Win, Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2020: Not just Dubai: Bahrain hotel enters kosher travel market, Times of Israel, 10 November 2020: Trump formally notifies US Congress of F-35 sale to United Arab Emirates, CNN, 10 November 2020: Saudi Arabia preferred a Trump win. Their fears of a Biden presidency may be well-founded, The National, 10 November 2020: The Middle East’s fault lines are constantly shifting, Al Arabiya, 10 November 2020: US approves $23.37 bln sale of advanced defense equipment, F-35 jets to UAE: Pompeo, Haaretz, 10 November 2020: U.S. Approves Sale of F-35 Jets, Advanced Defense Equipment to UAE, Pompeo Says, Jerusalem Post, 10 November 2020: Can US arms deal for UAE cement Abraham Accords with F-35s?, Times of Israel, 10 November 2020: Israel delegation visits Dubai to pave way for investments, trade ties, Arab News, 11 November 2020: Saudi economy sees pick up after pandemic contraction, The National, 11 November 2020: US F-35 sale to UAE shows regional shifts and amplifies Emirati deterrence capabilities, France24, 11 November 2020: Several injured in ‘bomb attack’ on Armistice Day ceremony at Saudi cemetery, The Guardian, 11 November 2020: Jeddah: Several injured after explosion at Armistice Day ceremony, Arab News, 11 November 2020: Saudi police launch manhunt for Jeddah cemetery bomber, DW, 11 November 2020: Saudi Arabia: ‘Several’ wounded in blast at WWI memorial, Al Arabiya, 11 November 2020: Recognize Iran’s role in supporting terrorism, extremism: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, Times of Israel, 16 November 2020: Top defense official: Israel must replace aging aircraft before it’s too late, The Guardian, 19 November 2020: ‘Night of the beating’: details emerge of Riyadh Ritz-Carlton purge, Reuters, 19 November 2020: U.S. senators seek to stop Trump’s $23 billion in arms sales to UAE (and thus the actual “normalization” may be a long way off, because after all, arms purchases for the Emirates are an elementary part of the deal with Israel. Without this component, the agreement would not have come about), Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: Three US senators seek to stop sale of advanced jets to UAE, DW, 21 November 2020: G20: EU defends decision to attend despite Saudi human rights record, France24, 21 November 2020: Coronavirus pandemic, economic crisis set to dominate Saudi-hosted G20 summit, BBC, 21 November 2020: Saudi minister Adel al-Jubeir plays down G20 summit boycott calls, The New York Times, 21 November 2020: Saudi Arabia and Activists Feud Over Kingdom’s Image at G-20, The Hill, 21 November 2020: G-20 leaders stress importance of united response to coronavirus pandemic, The Washington Post, 21 November 2020: What each G-20 leader has said about Trump — and Biden, Arab News, 21 November 2020: Dubai’s International Financial Centre signs agreement with Israel’s Bank Hapoalim, Al Arabiya, 21 November 2020: What is the G20, and what is different at this year’s Riyadh summit?, Arab News, 21 November 2020: G20 leaders emphasize need for global cooperation in fight against COVID-19, The National, 21 November 2020: G20 nations rose to challenge in face of unprecedented health and economic crises, Al Falih says, Al Arabiya, 21 November 2020: Saudi Arabia’s NEOM represents a greener future for all: UK PM Boris Johnson on G20, Haaretz, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu Secretly Flew to Saudi Arabia, Met MBS and Pompeo, Israeli Sources Say, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu, Mossad head traveled to Saudi Arabia, met with crown prince — report (Arab News, 22 November 2020: Pompeo arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2020: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince discusses latest Middle East developments with US’ Pompeo), France24, 23 November 2020: Saudi Arabia and Israel: quiet prelude to landmark meeting, BBC, 23 November 2020: Israel PM ‘flew to Saudi Arabia for secret talks with crown prince’, The Guardian, 23 November 2020: Netanyahu holds secret meeting with Saudi crown prince – reports, CNN, 23 November 2020: UAE’s first national rail network ‘has the potential to transform the economy’, Arab News, 23 November 2020: Saudi foreign minister to Arab News: No Israelis attended Pompeo meeting, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2020: Saudi FM denies Netanyahu NEOM visit: ‘There were no Israelis present’, Times of Israel, 23 November 2020: TV report: Netanyahu, Pompeo hoped for normalization, but Saudis said no, The National, 23 November 2020: Changes to UAE company law will drive foreign investment, business leaders say, Arab News, 23 November 2020: UAE eases limits on foreign ownership to attract investors, Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2020: Netanyahu, UAE Crown Prince nominated for Nobel Peace Prize (never in history was a Nobel Peace Prize awarded to people who closed a trade deal. This would be a first :-D ), DW, 24 November 2020: Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 25 November 2020: Abu Dhabi’s new creative hub aims to attract 16,000 film, TV, gaming professionals, Times of Israel, 25 November 2020: The long path to Israeli-Saudi normalization, The National, 26 November 2020: What changes to UAE company foreign ownership rules mean for you, Times of Israel, 26 November 2020: ‘Until King Salman has gone,’ no progress on Israel-Saudi normalization – report, Haaretz, 28 November 2020: MBS Backtracked on Normalization With Israel After Biden Win, Report Says, Times of Israel, 28 November 2020: Saudi prince delays normalization pact with Israel due to Biden win — report, Arab News, 28 November 2020: Abu Dhabi government grants citizens $2 billion in homes, loans to mark National Day, Israel Hayom, 29 November 2020: Before peace: The Saudi crown prince’s real interests, NPR, 30 November 2020: Israeli Tourism Ministry Warns Against Discussing Sensitive Topics With UAE Citizens, Haaretz, 30 November 2020: Visiting Dubai Is Like Standing on the Sidelines of a Gang Rape, Arab News, 1 December 2020: Zarif ‘desperate’ to blame Saudi Arabia for anything negative that happens in Iran: Al-Jubeir, Jerusalem Post, 2 December 2020: After dumping Hamas, Abbas seeks to restore ties with Gulf states, Arab News, 2 December 2020: Google celebrates UAE National Day with a doodle, CNN, 3 December 2020: The UAE and Israel’s whirlwind honeymoon has gone beyond normalization, Times of Israel, 3 December 2020: UAE launches tourist visas for Israelis as waiver deal lags, The National, 4 December 2020: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival to focus on rebuilding post-Covid economies, Al Arabiya, 4 December 2020: Saudi Arabia appreciates Kuwaiti efforts regarding Gulf crisis: FM, France24, 5 December 2020: Saudi Arabia says end to diplomatic rift with Qatar ‘within reach’, CNN, 5 December 2020: Saudi Arabia has changed beyond recognition. But will tourists want to visit?, Times of Israel, 5 December 2020: In backtrack, Bahrain won’t import settlement and Golan goods as made in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 5 December 2020: Saudi Arabia at Bahrain conference: Normalization with Israel possibility, Arab News, 5 December 2020: Emir of Kuwait thanks King Salman for efforts to resolve Gulf dispute, Palestine Chronicle, 5 December 2020: Report: Saudi Arabia Cancels Mossad Chief’s Visit, Arab News, 5 December 2020: IISS Manama Dialogue examines Middle East’s pressing security challenges, Al Arabiya, 5 December 2020: Saudi Arabia open to full ties with Israel, on condition of Palestine state: Saudi FM, Arab News, 6 December 2020: GCC: Iran nuclear deal must take account of regional countries’ interests, Times of Israel, 6 December 2020: FM Ashkenazi: Normalization with UAE, Bahrain an ‘opportunity’ for Palestinians, Haaretz, 6 December 2020: Saudi Prince Blasts Israel at Bahrain Summit, Says Normalization Must Help Palestinians (a very clear and easy to understand message from the Saudis to Netanyahu: “We will not allow you to play games with us and at the expense of the Palestinians. It was clear from the start that your normalization fantasies would only come within reach when there is a negotiated and permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and not one day earlier. Every attempt to suggest something different we will destroy publicly every time with a few crisp, clear words and it is completely indifferent to us that you need your propaganda theater for the upcoming new elections. Your voters are ideologically contaminated anyway. There are sure to find other/better lies that you can sell to them instead. Have a nice day, you MoFu!”), Al Arabiya, 6 December 2020: Israel occupies lands, puts Palestinians in ‘concentration camps’: Saudi Prince Turki, Times of Israel, 6 December 2020: Saudi prince: Bully Israel steals land, puts Palestinians in concentration camps (Jerusalem Post, 6 December 2020: Knesset may require referendum for West Bank settlement withdrawal), Israel Hayom, 6 December 2020: Qatar rules out normalizing ties with Israel ‘for now’, Times of Israel, 7 December 2020: The road to Arab-Israeli peace should go through Muscat, Arab News, 7 December 2020: Manama Dialogue sparks new thinking on negotiations with Iran, Saudi Gazette, 7 December 2020: Is the solution to the Gulf crisis not approaching?, Haaretz, 8 December 2020: How Israel Is Triggering a Royal Civil War in Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 8 December 2020: 120% rise in female employees in Saudi industries, Haaretz, 8 December 2020: In the New Middle East, Israel Is Urging Congress to Support Weapon Sales to Arab Neighbors, The National, 8 December 2020: UAE funding helps UN bring ISIS to justice for crimes against Yazidi women and children, Al Arabiya, 8 December 2020: UAE supports Saudi efforts to resolve Gulf rift: Gargash, Haaretz, 9 December 2020: Trump Issues Formal Threat to Veto Congressional Effort to Block Massive UAE Arms Sales, Haaretz, 11 December 2020: To Normalize Ties With Israel, Saudi Crown Prince Must Placate His Father – and Biden, Arab News, 11 December 2020: UAE holds talks with Israel on expanding energy sector cooperation, Times of Israel, 11 December 2020: Saudi Arabia said to have played role in Israel-Morocco normalization agreement, Israel Hayom, 11 December 2020: Could peace deal with Morocco herald impending accord with Saudi Arabia?, Arab News, 12 December 2020: ‘Foreign maneuvers’ in West Sahara destablizing Algeria: PM, Haaretz, 12 December 2020: Israel Establishes Diplomatic Relations With Bhutan, Arab News, 12 December 2020: US adopts map of Morocco that includes Western Sahara, Times of Israel, 13 December 2020: In 1st for Arab world, Moroccan schools to teach Jewish history and culture, Haaretz, 14 December 2020: Moroccan Authorities Prevent Protest Against Israel Ties in Rabat, Arab News, 14 December 2020: Terrorist bomb attack targets gasoline tanker in Jeddah port, Arab News, 15 December 2020: Arab, EU nations condemn bomb attack on oil tanker in Jeddah port, Haaretz, 15 December 2020: Assassination, Bribes and Smuggling Jews: Inside the Israeli Mossad’s Long Secret Alliance With Morocco, Gulf News, 15 December 2020: Dubai Shopping Festival is back, The Guardian, 17 December 2020: Arab spring: Life has got worse since uprising, say people across Middle East. Saudi Gazette, 17 December 2020: Dubai remains preferred market for Indian retailers eyeing global expansion. Haaretz, 17 December 2020: The Arab Spring: Dumping Dictators Doesn’t Make for a Revolution, Saudi Gazette, 17 December 2020: King Salman calls US president, discusses regional developments, The Washington Post, 17 December 2020: Trump’s recognition of Western Sahara is a serious blow to diplomacy and international law. Saudi Gazette, 17 December 2020: Saudi Arabia targets SR220bn investment in tourism by 2023, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2020: Defense cooperation between Israel, Gulf states possible – officials, Israel Hayom, 18 December 2020: The Saudi dilemma, Arab News, 19 December 2020: EU welcomes formation of Yemeni government, praises role of Saudi Arabia, Gulf News, 19 December 2020: 2020 in review: Post-blast Lebanon sees no light at end of tunnel, The New York Times, 20 December 2020: Trump Incentives for Signing Peace Accords With Israel Could Be at Rsik, Times of Israel, 23 December 2020: Trump administration offering Indonesia billions in aid for Israel normalization, The National, 23 December 2020: Saudi Arabia reports rebound in foreign investor licences in third quarter, The Washington Post, 21 December 2020: Trump administration weighing legal immunity for Saudi crown prince in alleged assassination plot, Times of Israel, 25 December 2020: Normalizing with Israel, Arab states look to gain powerful ally in Washington, Haaretz, 27 December 2020: Gulf Arab Ministers to Discuss Steps to Resolve Diplomatic Dispute, Jerusalem Post, 27 December 2020: Saudis using Bahrain as conduit for business with Israel, The National, 27 December 2020: Gulf foreign ministers hold online meeting before GCC summit, Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2020: Understanding the lobby against Israel’s new relations in the Gulf, BBC, 28 December 2020: Loujain al-Hathloul: Saudi woman activist jailed for five years, Reuters, 28 December 2020: Saudi court hands prison sentence to women’s rights activist, NPR, 29 December 2020: As Thousands Of Israeli Tourists Visit Dubai, A Small Jewish Community Gets A Boost, Jerusalem Post, 29 December 2020: Next US administration signals tough policy on Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 30 December 2020: Turkey is no longer an option for Saudi tourists, The Algemeiner, 30 December 2020: US State Department Approves Potential Sale of 3,000 Smart Bombs to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Gazette, 30 December 2020: Refrain from interfering in Saudi Arabia’s judicial process, UN rights body told, Arab News, 30 December 2020: How to expand the China-GCC strategic partnership, Times of Israel, 31 December 2020: IAF chief expresses lingering concerns, hopes over US sale of F-35 to Emirates, DW, 4 January 2021: Saudi Arabia to lift Qatar blockade, open borders — Kuwait minister, Reuters, 4 January 2021: Saudi Arabia to reopen airspace, land border to Qatar, says Kuwait, The New York Times, 4 January 2021: Saudi Arabia Will Reopen Borders With Qatar, Easing a Regional Rift, Gulf News, 4 January 2021: Saudi Arabia to reopen airspace, land border to Qatar, says Kuwait, The National, 4 January 2021: Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim to attend GCC summit as Saudi-Qatar borders reopen, DW, 4 January 2021: Gulf leaders sign agreement to end Qatar blockade, France24, 5 January 2021: Saudi Arabia says full ties restored between Qatar and embargo nations, Times of Israel, 5 January 2021: With Qatar feud solved, are Saudis better placed for Israel normalization?, Israel Hayom, 5 January 2021: Can the ‘Abrahamic narrative’ grow beyond the Gulf?, Arab News, 5 January 2021: Saudi Arabia and Qatar to open airspace, land and sea borders, Al Arabiya, 5 January 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince welcomes Qatari Emir to AlUla with a hug for GCC Summit , France24, 5 January 2021: Qatar, Saudi leaders hug, end embargo between bitter rivals, BBC, 5 January 2021: Qatar crisis: Gulf leaders expected to end embargo at summit, Saudi Gazette, 5 January 2021: GCC leaders sign AlUla Declaration, vow joint action to confront challenges, Arab News, 6 January 2021: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hails AlUla Declaration, Times of Israel, 6 January 2021: Sudan signs ‘Abraham Accords’ with US, paving way for Israel normalization, Arab News, 7 January 2021: EU: AlUla conference will further bolster ‘Gulf unity, stability’, Arab News, 7 January 2021: UAE minister: Gulf region shares Iran security concerns after AlUla Declaration, Saudi Gazette, 8 January 2021: B-52 bombers take part in Saudi-US joint air exercise, Arab News, 9 January 2021: Saudi Airlines to resume flights from Riyadh, Jeddah to Qatar from Jan. 11, The National, 9 January 2021: First Qatari vehicles cross border into Saudi after Gulf detente, Al Arabiya, 9 January 2021: First Qatari vehicle enters Saudi Arabia after reopening of Salwa border, Gulf News, 9 January 2021: UAE-Qatar ties: UAE to end all measures taken against Qatar, says official, Haaretz, 10 January 2021: Trump’s ‘Favorite Dictator’ Prepares for a Tough Relationship With Biden, Saudi Gazette, 10 January 2021: Saudi Causeway reopening to add ‘billions’ to Bahrain economy, Gulf News, 10 January 2021: ‘Our second home’: Qataris celebrate crossing Saudi border, The National, 10 January 2021: Saudi Arabia and Qatar to resume direct flights from January 11, Saudi Gazette, 12 January 2021: Bahrain calls on Qatar to resume talks to resolve outstanding issues, The Wall Street Journal, 14 January 2021: Trump Orders Military Shift to Spur Israeli-Arab Cooperation Against Iran (United States Central Command (CENTCOM), United States European Command (EUCOM) – at least some good news in these days. A win-win situation for all parties involved), Military Times, 15 January 2021: In waning days, Trump shakes up CENTCOM to increase Arab-Israeli efforts against Iran (Military.com, 7 August 2014: Why the US Military Puts Israel, Gaza in Europe), France24, 15 January 2021: Pentagon includes Israel in Middle East command area, Jerusalem Post, 15 January 2021: Regional ramifications as Trump seeks to include Israel in CENTCOM, Arab News, 16 January 2021: Riyadh Oasis open for business, Gulf News, 16 January 2021: Saudi Arabia to open embassy in Doha within days, The Algemeiner, 16 January 2021: Saudi to Reopen Qatar Embassy in Coming Days: Saudi Minister, Arab News, 17 January 2021: US designates Bahrain, UAE ‘major security partners’, Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2021: Israel under CENTCOM: Why does it matter?, Jerusalem Post, 22 January 2021: Social media sees 20% drop in Arab objection to normalization with Israel, Saudi Gazette, 22 January 2021: Arab Coalition thwarts two terrorist attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militia, Gulf News, 23 January 2021: Arab coalition destroys ‘hostile air target’ over Riyadh, The National, 23 January 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts airborne attack at Riyadh, The Guardian, 24 January 2021: Arab spring: 10th anniversary: ‘The release of six decades of fear’: Egypt’s lost revolution, Haaretz, 24 January 2021: Israel Officially Opens Embassy in UAE, France24, 24 January 2021: Israel opens embassy in United Arab Emirates after normalising ties, Times of Israel, 24 January 2021: Israel officially opens embassy in United Arab Emirates with arrival of envoy, Haaretz, 24 January 2021: Arab States Ending Qatar Blockade Is Really About Biden, Arab News, 24 January 2021: Crown prince announces new 5-year strategy for Kingdom’s economy, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2021: Will the US deploy Iron Dome to protect bases in the Gulf?, Palestine Chronicle, 25 January 2021: Report: UAE Cabinet Approves Establishment of Embassy in Tel Aviv, DW, 26 January 2021: Saudi Arabia: Explosion shakes Riyadh, The Times, 26 January 2021: Drone attack on Riyadh points to new front in conflict with Iran, Gulf News, 26 January 2021: Report: Blast heard in Saudi capital Riyadh, Al Arabiya, 27 January 2021: US will not return to Iran deal before Tehran comes back into ‘full compliance’, France24, 27 January 2021: Biden reviews Gulf arms deals, starts long path with Iran, CNN, 27 January 2021: Biden administration pauses arms sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE, Haaretz, 27 January 2021: Biden Freezes F-35 Sale to UAE, Munitions Sales to Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2021: Biden suspends sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to UAE, Saudi Gazette, 27 January 2021: Houthi terror in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 28 January 2021: After Biden freezes F-35 sale to UAE, Otaiba: We expected a review under new US admin, DW, 29 January 2021: Will Saudi Arabia become a new drone battleground?, Al Arabiya, 29 January 2021: Israel, Morocco set up working groups to boost ties after normalization, Arab News, 29 January 2021: Saudi Arabia must be involved in fresh talks on Iran deal, says Macron, Gulf News, 29 January 2021: Israel apologises to UAE for official’s ‘Dubai travel caused COVID-19 spike’ comment, Al Arabiya, 29 January 2021: Saudi Arabia serves as key pillar of regional security, major US partner: Pentagon, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2021: Arab coalition destroys armed drone fired by Houthis toward Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 30 January 2021: Here are the criteria for investors, specific job holders to receive UAE citizenship, Gulf News, 30 January 2021: UAE citizenship move is a ‘win-win’ situation for all, say expatriates, Saudi Gazette, 30 January 2021: UAE to offer citizenship to some foreign nationals, Al Arabiya, 1 February 2021: Israel wants to setup road links with UAE, says 130,000 tourists visited: Diplomat (nice try to lure Saudi Arabia into a trade agreement through the backdoor. By opening state routes 85, 75 and 95, Bahrain and Qatar would be in reach, too. Anyway, it will take a while before the Champagne bottles can be opened), Jerusalem Post, 1 February 2021: Drones from Iranian-backed groups continue to threaten Saudi Arabia, Haaretz, 2 February 2021: Weapons for Peace? UAE Learns Israel May Not Give It the White House Access It Seeks, Al Arabiya, 3 February 2021: ‘Invest in Dubai’ digital platform unveiled enabling setting up business in minutes, Israel Hayom, 4 February 2021: Biden needs to understand the world has changed, Times of Israel, Jewish Chronicle, 5 February 2021: BBC Arabic’s anti-Israel bias is a problem for the region (Arab News, 13 February 2021: BBC Arabic tight-lipped over anti-Israeli bias claims), 7 February 2021: Blinken and Saudi counterpart discuss common challenges in first phone call, Arab News, 9 February 2021: In giant leap for Arab world, UAE’s Hope probe enters orbit round Mars, The National, 9 February 2021: UAE Mars mission: History made as Hope probe successfully enters orbit – live, Gulf News, 9 February 2021: UAE leaders laud Hope Probe success, France24, 9 February 2021: UAE spacecraft ‘Hope’ nears Mars in historic flight, The Algemeiner, 9 February 2021: Saudi FM: Iranian Nuclear Program Threatens Entire Region, The Algemeiner, 9 February 2021: UN Envoy, Iran’s Zarif Discuss How to End War in Yemen, France24, 10 February 2021: Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch attack on civilian plane in Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 10 February 2021: US condemns Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, Arab News, 10 February 2021: Saudi Arabia’s deputy defense minister meets UN, US envoys for Yemen, The New Yorker, 10 February 2021: How Biden Can Ease Tensions in the Western Sahara, Al Arabiya, 11 February 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 12 February 2021: UK PM appoints Edward Lister as special envoy for the Gulf, Jerusalem Post, 12 February 2021: The Middle East: Moving from confrontation to coexistence, The National, 14 February 2021: Mohammed Al Khaja appointed UAE ambassador to Israel, Khaleej Times, 14 February 2021: UAE’s first Ambassador to Israel sworn in before Sheikh Mohammed, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2021: United Arab Emirates swears in country’s first ambassador to Israel, The National, 15 February 2021: Jewish communities across the Gulf unite to form new association in UAE, Al Arabiya, 15 February 2021: GCC Jewish communities form regional alliance; plan to establish Jewish court, Arab News, 15 February 2021: Saudi Arabia says foreign companies must have regional HQs in Kingdom to access government contracts, Al Arabiya, 15 February 2021: Saudi Arabia will not work with foreign companies without HQ in Kingdom from 2024, Arab News, 16 February 2021: Neom’s futuristic ‘Line’ in the sand is good news for Saudi Arabia’s tech start-ups, The Guardian, 23 February 2021: Revealed: 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar as it gears up for World Cup, France24, 25 February 2021: Saudi prince sidelined as US prepares to publish Khashoggi report, BBC, 25 February 2021: Jamal Khashoggi: US to release report on Saudi journalist murder, France24, 25 February 2021: Under Joe Biden, US cools relations with Saudi crown prince, CNN, 25 February 2021: ‘Top Secret’ Saudi documents show Khashoggi assassins used company seized by Saudi crown prince, The Guardian, 25 February 2021: Jamal Khashoggi: Saudi heir complicit in murder, US assessment reportedly finds, Reuters, 25 February 2021: Qatar says to fund $60 million pipeline from Israel to Gaza, CNN, 26 February 2021: Khashoggi report expected after Biden call with Saudi King, DW, 26 February 2021: Joe Biden talks to Saudi king ahead of Khashoggi report release, The Washington Post, 26 February 2021: Saudi crown prince approved Khashoggi killing, U.S. intelligence report concludes, CNN, 26 February 2021: Analysis: Saudi Arabia feels downside of betting on Trump family (if so, Netanyahu can bury his dream of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel right away ), Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2021: Israeli cargo ship damaged after mysterious explosion rattles Oman Gulf, Arab News, 26 February 2021: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and US President Biden discuss regional security, France24, 26 February 2021: Saudi crown prince approved operation to ‘capture or kill’ Khashoggi, US report says, Al Arabiya, 26 February 2021: Arab Coalition stops second Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia hours after failed attempt, NPR, 26 February 2021: U.S. Intelligence: Saudi Crown Prince Approved Operation To Kill Jamal Khashoggi, DW, 27 February 2021: Wife of Jamal Khashoggi speaks to DW, CNN, 27 February 2021: Biden doesn’t penalize crown prince despite promise to punish senior Saudi leaders, The Times, 27 February 2021: Torn between its ally and its arms trade, Britain has a choice to make, DW, 27 February 2021: Opinion: Saudi Crown Prince has blood on his hands, CNN, 27 February 2021: The court of international public opinion long ago found MBS guilty over Khashoggi murder. The US has just caught up, Arab News, 27 February 2021: Arab states reject US report on Khashoggi murder, ‘infringement of Saudi Arabian sovereignty’, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2021: What does Biden’s performative rap on Riyadh mean for Israel? – analysis, Arab News, 27 February 2021: Blinken stresses US will continue to defend, do business with Saudi Arabia, The National, 27 February 2021: US report on Jamal Khashoggi murder: UAE stands by Saudi Arabia, Israel Hayom, 28 February 2021: To Riyadh, ‘recalibration’ of ties sounds a lot like abandonment, Jerusalem Post, 28 February 2021: Don’t bully Riyadh, Saudi columnists tell Biden administration, Arab News, 28 February 2021: US accused of double standards over Khashoggi, urged to deploy same sanctions on killers of other Arab journalists, France24, 1 March 2021: Crown prince MBS faces fallout in Saudi-US relations after report on Khashoggi murder, Arab News, 1 March 2021: A NATO for the Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 1 March 2021: Israel in talks with Saudi, UAE, Bahrain for defense alliance against Iran, France24, 2 March 2021: Press watchdog files lawsuit against Saudi prince over Khashoggi murder, Times of Israel, 2 March 2021: Trump’s $3 billion Abraham Fund may be tapped out before staking a dime, Gulf News, 8 March 2021: UAE residents begin Hebrew courses after Abraham Accords, The National, 11 March 2021: UAE announces $10bn investment fund with Israel, Times of Israel, 11 March 2021: Jordanian FM appears to assail Netanyahu for cancellation of Temple Mount visit, Haaretz, 11 March 2021: Netanyahu Severely Damaged Jordan-Israel Ties, Gantz Says After UAE Snafu, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: Jordan: Crown prince nixed Jerusalem visit due to Israeli ‘restrictions’, Haaretz, 11 March 2021: The U.S. Billionaires Secretly Funding the Right-wing Effort to Reshape Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: 10 things to know about Israel’s jittery peace with Jordan, Haaretz, 11 March 2021: Blaming Jordan, Netanyahu Cancels Historic UAE Visit, Arab News, 11 March 2021: Jordanians welcome decision to close national airspace to Israeli PM, Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: Long-frustrated Jordan finally finds a way to hit Netanyahu where it hurts, DW, 12 March 2021: Turkey starts first diplomatic contact with Egypt since 2013, Arab News, 12 March 2021: Don’t wait until Dubai ‘party’ has already started, says Credit Suisse analyst, The National, 17 March 2021: UAE: Our potential investments in Israel, like our investments in other parts of the world, are commercially and strategically driven and not politically motivated, Haaretz, 17 March 2021: Netanyahu’s Humiliation Campaign Against Arab Allies Takes Off, Times of Israel, 17 March 2021: Emiratis said angry at Netanyahu for trying to use them in his election campaign, Arab News, 17 March 2021: ‘Made in Saudi’ initiative to launch March 28, Times of Israel, 19 March 2021: UAE official: ‘We signed Abraham Accords for our people, not individual leaders’, Arab News, 19 March 2021: Interview: Adel Al-Jubeir talks Yemen, Saudi-US relations, human rights and Israel, Gulf Times, 19 March 2021: Qatar slams attack on Riyadh refinery, Foundation for Middle East Peace, 19 March 2021: FMEP Legislative Round-Up: March 19, 2021, Arab News, 20 March 2021: Germany’s AIDA ships first to dock at new Dubai cruise terminals, The National, 20 March 2021: Dubai’s World Logistics Passport expands global network of trade hubs to 11 countries, Times of Israel, 21 March 2021: Green organizations call on John Kerry to stop trans-Israel Gulf oil deal, Arab News, 22 March 2021: How will the Israel election outcome affect its Arab neighbors and Palestinians?, Times of Israel, 22 March 2021: Former top Saudi adviser: No Israel normalization before Palestinian statehood, Arab News, 22 March 2021: Middle East remains important to US despite new Asia pivot, The Algemeiner, 22 March 2021: No Normalization With Israel Before Palestinian Statehood, Senior Former Saudi Official Says, CNN, 23 March 2021: UN Special Rapporteur says top Saudi official issued death threat against her for role in Khashoggi investigation, The Guardian, 23 March 2021: Top Saudi official issued death threat against UN’s Khashoggi investigator, Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2021: Will Netanyahu’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s MBS happen after elections? (as the Saudis stated over and over again during the past months: “Come to terms with a negotiated two state solution and we can talk about a normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. One step after the other”), Gulf Times, 24 March 2021: PM sends message to Saudi interior minister, Arab News, 24 March 2021: New privatization law to boost national economy, Al Arabiya, 24 March 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, China’s FM discuss bilateral relations in NEOM, Arab News, 24 March 2021: Chinese FM reveals initiative to protect MidEast: Al Arabiya, Al Arabiya, 25 March 2021: Saudi desalination company wins Guinness World Record in line with Vision 2030, Arab News, 26 March 2021: China, Saudi Arabia to cooperate in new ways, Arab News, 27 March 2021: Want to work remotely from the beaches of Dubai? Here’s how, Al Arabiya, 27 March 2021: Saudi Crown Prince announces Saudi Green Initiative, Middle East Green Initiative, Arab News, 27 March 2021: Saudi crown prince announces Green Saudi Initiative, Green Middle East Initiative, Gulf News, 27 March 2021: China, UAE to expedite production of ‘affordable’ vaccines, The National, 29 March 2021: Pro-Israel lobby AIPAC pushes to expand Abraham Accords (or in other words: Billons of US taxpayer’s money won’t be spent on US infrastructure or the well-being of Americans, but instead to buy up more “close friends” for Netanyahu and his right-wing lunatics, while at the same time China is closing large trade agreements with exactely these new “close friends”. As a side effect, American taxpayer’s will at least finance parts of these trade agreements, while not getting anything out of it and losing power and influence in the region to countries like China, Russia and Iran), Al Arabiya, 29 March 2021: Saudi Arabia launches initiative to support shipping lines amid Suez blockage, Al Arabiya, 30 March 2021: Saudi Crown Prince launches new ‘Partner’ program between private, public sectors, Arab News, 30 March 2021: Crown Prince launches $3.2tn program to boost Saudi private sector, Haaretz, 1 April 2021: Can Israel’s Eilat Become an Alternative to Suez Canal? (the “Gulf of Eilat”, mentioned in the article, is of course the Gulf of Aqaba in the real world), Al Arabiya, 1 April 2021: US commitment to safety of Middle East partners will ‘never’ change: Official, Times of Israel, 2 April 2021: Saudi FM says ties with Israel would bring ‘tremendous benefit’ to Middle East, Arab News, 3 April 2021: Pretty in pink: Saudi Arabia’s summer capital is adorned with millions of spring roses, France24, 4 April 2021: Exclusive: ‘We strongly stand by Jordan’s King Abdullah,’ says Saudi FM, Al Arabiya, 4 April 2021: Saudi King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Arab News, 4 April 2021: Saudi leadership reiterates support to Jordan King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Hussein, Israel Hayom, 5 April 2021: Palace intrigue undercuts Jordan’s stable image, Israel Hayom, 6 April 2021: Strained Saudi-US ties likely to bring Gulf kingdom closer to Israel (very unlikely that the kingdom will see it the same way. Saudi Arabia is interested in American weapons technology that a majority of Republican and Democratic US senators are unwilling to sell to the kingdom. With that, the most important and unchallenged main aspect of why Saudi Arabia could move closer to Israel is off the table, as the country is seen as little more but a tool to achieve that goal. Beside the already existing security cooperation with regard to Iran, most of the other aspects are just cosmetics after all, including diplomatic and economic ties), Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: Jewish communities in Gulf set to mark Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, Arab News, 6 April 2021: Interview: Saudi Arabia has ‘important role’ to play in Africa, says EU envoy for Ethiopia, Israel Hayom, 6 April 2021: Jewish communities in Gulf commemorate Holocaust with Muslims, Arab News, 6 April 2021: French companies committed to increasing and diversifying investment in Saudi Arabia, says France’s trade minister, Times of Israel, 7 April 2021: In first, Holocaust remembrance ceremonies held in UAE, Bahrain, Arab News, 8 April 2021: The many Saudi initiatives paving the road to the future, Arab News, 8 April 2021: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince announces 7 solar projects as Sakaka plant opens, Gulf News, 11 April 2021: Ramadan 2021: World’s largest fountain will act as Iftar cannon, Gulf News, 13 April 2021: Ramadan 2021: 71 Iftars in Dubai you have to try, The National, 13 April 2021: Following Dubai’s Ramadan cannon that will signal iftar for thousands of residents, Gulf News, 14 April 2021: Photos: Ramadan cannons in the UAE, a resounding tradition, The New York Times, 14 April 2021: U.S. Is Expected to Approve Some Arms Sales to U.A.E. and Saudis, Arab News, 15 April 2021: Europe and Middle East would be stronger together, Times of Israel, 15 April 2021: Foreign ministers of Israel, UAE, Greece, Cyprus to meet Friday, Arab News, 16 April 2021: Paphos summit: Israel will do ‘whatever it takes’ to stop Iran on nuclear front, Financial Times, 18 April 2021: Saudi and Iranian officials hold talks to patch up relations, Arab News, 18 April 2021: Time for Saudi critics in UK press to cast prejudice aside (same goes of course in the other direction, but that’s written on a different paper), Al Arabiya, 19 April 2021: Bahrain’s Gulf Air announces first flight to Israel’s Tel Aviv June 3, Israel Hayom, 19 April 2021: Report: Saudis, Iranians hold talks aimed at easing tensions (Iran–Saudi Arabia relations, Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict), Arab News, 20 April 2021: Saudi Arabia and Greece sign defense agreement, Al Arabiya, 20 April 2021: Greece signs deal to provide Saudi Arabia with Patriot air defense system: Greek FM, Arab News, 21 April 2021: Exclusive: Patriot missile deal to help boost Saudi defenses, secure world energy supplies, says Greek FM, Arab News, 22 April 2021: NEOM launches 3 initiatives to support UN Sustainable Development Goals, Times of Israel, 27 April 2021: Iran’s Zarif praises ‘vital’ Iraqi efforts to broker Saudi Arabia rapprochement, Financial Times, 28 April 2021: Saudi crown prince says he wants to mend ties with Iran (well, an option that always have to been taken into consideration in the region: Suddenly bitter enemies become understanding neighbors. At the same time, Netanyahu’s dreams of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia and forming an alliance against his self-made enemy Iran float far out into the Arabian Gulf. The resurgence of the Iran deal is getting closer. Very good news), Al Arabiya, 29 April 2021: Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince statements, says mark ‘change of tone’, Arab News, 29 April 2021: Saudi Vision 2030: Enlightened leadership, steady transformation, The National, 30 April 2021: Iran ready to ‘enter a new chapter of peace’ with Saudi Arabia, DW, 30 April 2021: Oktoberfest in the desert? Dubai eyes German festival, Al Arabiya, 1 May 2021: Saudi Vision 2030: WATCH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s interview with English subtitles, Arab News, 3 May 2021: Vision 2030 reforms fuel Saudi recovery from coronavirus pandemic, IMF says, Arab News, 3 May 2021: Vision 2030 creating an inclusive Saudi identity, Arab News, 4 May 2021: Managing Saudi-US relations after crown prince’s interview, The National, 5 May 2021: Iraq hosted Iranian-Saudi talks ‘more than once’ to defuse tension, says president, Gulf News, 5 May 2021: Photos: Gulf News reader shares pictures of the landmarks in Dubai, The National, 5 May 2021: Revealed: Iran’s seven mountainside missile silos discovered in new satellite imagery, Politics Today, 7 May 2021: Talks between Saudis and Iranians: Facts Speak Louder than Words, Haaretz, 7 May 2021: Turned Off by Biden, These Four Middle East Powers Are Getting Friendly, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2021: Saudi official confirms talks with Iran, says too early to assess outcome, Arab News, 7 May 2021: New DIFC law aims to attract global firms to Dubai, The Times, 8 May 2021: ‘This is a better place for a Jew to live than London’, Arab News, 8 May 2021: Interview: A shared ‘forward-looking spirit’ underpins EU-Saudi partnership, The Atlantic Council, 10 May 2021: Europe needs to take a lead on Iraq, Gulf News, 10 May 2021: In pictures: What happens to flagship structures after Expo 2020 Dubai?, Gulf News, 10 May 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: What you need to know about the German Pavilion, Gulf News, 10 May 2021: Austrian companies to showcase futuristic solutions at Expo 2020 Dubai, Times of Israel, 10 May 2021: Expanding Israel’s Regional Integration, DW, 11 May 2021: Amid escalation, Israel’s Arab allies walk a diplomatic tightrope, France24, 12 May 2021: Arab countries allied with Israel ‘hostages of the conflict and its upheavals’, France24, 13 May 2021: Arab countries allied with Israel ‘hostages of the conflict and its upheavals’, Haaretz, 13 May 2021: Antisemitism, the Muslim World’s Sole Collective Contribution to Palestine, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2021: Pentagon may delay moving Israel to US CENTCOM area of responsibility after violence, Times of Israel, 14 May 2021: Israel says US, Europe allies supportive on Gaza conflict; not so the Arab world, Al Arabiya, 15 May 2021: Saudi Arabia to host OIC meeting to discuss Israel’s acts of violence, Gulf News, 15 May 2021: UAE’s foreign direct investment grew 44% in 2020: Sheikh Mohammed, Al Arabiya, 15 May 2021: Arab League condemns Israel aggression, war crimes against Palestinians, Arab News, 16 May 2021: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister discusses Palestine with US Secretary of State Blinken, Al Arabiya, 16 May 2021: Saudi Arabia, Muslim countries condemn Israel’s actions against Palestinians, Arab News, 16 May 2021: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister accuses Israel of ‘flagrant violations’ against Palestinians, Al Arabiya, 18 May 2021: UAE expresses strong disapproval of ‘disgraceful, racist’ statements of Lebanese FM, France24, 18 May 2021: Saudi furious over ‘insulting’ remarks by Lebanese minister, Al Arabiya, 18 May 2021: Saudi Arabia summons Lebanese ambassador over FM’s ‘shameful comments’, Arab News, 18 May 2021: US reaches out to Arab leaders on Israel, Gaza fighting, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2021: Saudi Arabia reaffirms commitment to Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital, The National, 19 May 2021: New law allowing full foreign ownership of onshore companies takes effect on June 1, Gulf News, 19 May 2021: How to crowdfund your next big business idea in Dubai, Al Arabiya, 21 May 2021: King Salman assures Palestinian President Abbas Saudi Arabia’s support, Times of Israel, 24 May 2021: Moroccan PM congratulates Hamas on ‘victory’ over Israel in recent fighting, Arab News, 25 May 2021: Saudi, Greek forces begin joint air drill, Arab News, 25 May 2021: Cruise Saudi to double team as it seeks to attract more operators, Al Arabiya, 26 May 2021: World Tourism Organization to establish headquarters in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, Gulf News, 26 May 2021: Photos: Gulf News readers share pictures of the tourist spots at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Jerusalem Post, 30 May 2021: Israel, UAE agree to collaborate on education, exchange programs, Haaretz, 31 May 2021: Prominent Israeli Rabbi Tells Emirati Ambassador Temple Mount Is Not for Jews, Al Arabiya, 1 June 2021: UAE wins seat on UNESCO diversity committee, Arab News, 5 June 2021: US State Department discourages employees from using term ‘Abraham Accords’, The National, 6 June 2021: Abu Dhabi Ports opens Fujairah Terminals after Dh1bn expansion, Gulf News, 6 June 2021: COVID-19: Saudi Arabia plans ‘digital’ Haj, Arab News, 8 June 2021: National transformation documentary reveals Saudi Arabia’s tough journey, Jerusalem Post, 9 June 2021: Resigned to a nuclear deal revival, Saudi Arabia, UAE engage with Iran, Arab News, 11 June 2021: Afghan, Pakistani scholars sign ‘Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan’ in Makkah, Haaretz, 12 June 2021: Netanyahu Was Involved in Saudi-U.S. Campaign to Undermine Jordan’s King Abdullah, Report Says, Times of Israel, 12 June 2021: Report: Netanyahu took part in effort with US, Saudi Arabia to pressure Jordan, Arab News, 14 June 2021: US condemns Houthi drone attack on Saudi school, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2021: Bahrain in touch with Israel’s new government to learn about peace policy: Minister, The National, 17 June 2021: John Kerry pledges US funding to help Egypt switch to renewable energy, The Wall Street Journal, 18 June 2021: U.S. Military to Withdraw Hundreds of Troops, Aircraft, Antimissile Batteries From Middle East, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2021: US removing anti-missile batteries from Middle East due to age, not policy shift, Arab News, 19 June 2021: Saudi Arabia to tap into the debt capital market to finance Vision 2030, Gulf News, 19 June 2021: Video: Jumeirah Beach in Dubai to get 16km cycling track, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2021: IDF seeking increased military cooperation with Gulf states under CENTCOM, Haaretz, 21 June 2021: Hamas Just Proved Gulf States Were Right to Normalize With Israel, Jerusalem Post, 21 June 2021: Lapid to be first-ever Israeli minister to visit UAE next week, Al Arabiya, 22 June 2021: UAE-Israel Greentech collaboration to reach $500million in five years: Expert, The Hill, 22 June 2021: Saudis who participated in Khashoggi killing received paramilitary training in US: report, The New York Times, 22 June 2021: Saudi Operatives Who Killed Khashoggi Received Paramilitary Training in U.S., Arab News, 22 June 2021: Saudi Arabia will judge new Iran president Raisi by ‘reality on the ground’: FM, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2021: Saudi Arabia continues efforts to attract US military investment, The National, 24 June 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: Cartier’s Women’s Pavilion to shine a light on equality and empowerment, CNN, 25 June 2021: Deserted Dubai Airport terminal comes back to life, The National, 26 June 2021: The Grand Exposition, Al Arabiya, 27 June 2021: US supports Abraham accords but Israel needs to engage with Palestinians: Blinken, Arab News, 28 June 2021: Why Iranian missiles are targeting Makkah, France24, 29 June 2021: Lapid opens first Israeli embassy in Gulf during ‘historic’ official visit to UAE (the interesting part is who on both sides participated in the opening of the embassy and at the same time makes it clear who is setting which priorities. On the Israeli side, it was the new Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, and on the Emirates side Noura Al-Kaabi, the Minister for Culture and Knowledge Development. It will probably take a while before they will meet on the “eye level” desired by the Israeli side), DW, 29 June 2021: Israel: Yair Lapid makes ‘historic’ UAE visit, BBC, 29 June 2021: Israeli minister’s landmark visit to UAE signals deepening ties, Arab News, 29 June 2021: Lapid, on UAE trip, opens first Israeli embassy in Gulf, Times of Israel, 29 June 2021: Lapid in UAE: Palestinians must want progress before Arab states can help, Haaretz, 29 June 2021: In Historic UAE Visit, Lapid Says ‘Israel Wants Peace, We’re Not Going Anywhere’, Al Arabiya, 29 June 2021: Israel inaugurates new embassy in Abu Dhabi during FM’s first UAE visit, The Wall Street Journal, 29 June 2021: Israel’s Foreign Minister Opens Embassy in U.A.E. After Detente, Arab News, 30 June 2021: Saudi Arabia reiterates support for confronting terrorism, Reuters, 30 June 2021: Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: ‘We’re here to stay’, The National, 30 June 2021: Sheikh Abdullah meets Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid in Abu Dhabi, Arab News, 1 July 2021: New plan to transform Saudi Arabia’s logistics landscape welcomed, Arab News, 2 July 2021: Massive tourist ship coming to Jeddah, Times of Israel, 3 July 2021: UAE-bound vessel, previously Israeli-owned, attacked in Indian Ocean, Haaretz, 3 July 2021: Israeli Officials Say Iran Behind Indian Ocean Attack on Cargo Ship, The National, 5 July 2021: Business activity in Arab world’s largest economies picks up on vaccination boost, Gulf News, 5 July 2021: Everything you need to know about Expo 2020 Dubai, Arab News, 7 July 2021: Saudi Arabia calls for a WMD-free Middle East, Haaretz, 7 July 2021: Why Saudi Arabia Is Now in No Rush to Recognize Israel, BBC, 8 July 2021: The growing Gulf rivalry that’s pushing up oil prices, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2021: Apple Developer Academy to open in Riyadh dedicated to female programmers, developers, Arab News, 8 July 2021: Saudi Arabia wins presidency of ALECSO’s executive council, The National, 8 July 2021: Sheikh Mohamed sends ‘heartfelt congratulations’ to pupils across the UAE, Al Arabiya, 8 July 2021: Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port fire: A timeline of explosions in the UAE, The Algemeiner, 9 July 2021: Saudi Arabia Steps Up Effort to Replace UAE and Qatar as Go-To Regional Hub, Arab News, 10 July 2021: UAE and Israel can build on a year of normality, Times of Israel, 10 July 2021: Oman’s foreign minister: We won’t be 3rd Gulf country to normalize Israel ties, The National, 10 July 2021: UAE unveils coder training campaign with tech giants Google and Amazon, Al Arabiya, 10 July 2021: Dubai launches with big tech companies a national program for coders, Arab News, 10 July 2021: MSC Cruises to start Red Sea summer schedule from end of July, Khaleej Times, 10 July 2021: Dubai is looking for 100,000 coders to create 1,000 digital companies, Gulf News, 11 July 2021: UAE to grant golden visas to 100,000 global coders, Arab News, 11 July 2021: Sultan Haitham and King Salman hold talks in NEOM during Saudi Arabia visit, Gulf Times, 12 July 2021: Qatari-Saudi meeting in Doha, Times of Israel, 13 July 2021: As Saudis and Emiratis take aim at each other, Israel could get hit by ricochets, Haaretz, 13 July 2021: One Month In, the World Sees a Difference in Israel’s New Government, France24, 14 July 2021: UAE becomes first Gulf state to inaugurate embassy in Israel (Netanyahu had touted that all countries would in future have to open their embassies in West Jerusalem to support Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as its capital. If it fits into the political agenda, Israel’s de jure capital Tel Aviv is obviously sufficient as a location), Times of Israel, 14 July 2021: ‘Just the beginning’: UAE opens Tel Aviv embassy as sides hail ties, Arab News, 15 July 2021: Iran warns it can enrich uranium to nuclear weapons grade, The National, 16 July 2021: Meet the Emirati change-makers primed to be tomorrow’s leaders, Arab News, 16 July 2021: Saudi Arabia, UK double down on strategic partnership, The National, 17 July 2021: Food and water security top the agenda during UAE minister’s visit to Israel, The New York Times, 17 July 2021: Israeli Companies Aided Saudi Spying Despite Khashoggi Killing (Pegasus (spyware)), Washington Post, 18 July 2021: Private spy software sold by NSO group found on cellphones of journalists, activists worldwide, Haaretz, 18 July 2021: The Pegasus Project: How NSO’s Pegasus Is Used to Spy on Journalists, The Guardian, 18 July 2021: What is Pegasus spyware and how does it hack phones?, NPR, 18 July 2021: OPEC And Allied Nations Have Agreed To End A Dispute That Has Roiled Energy Prices, The National, 18 July 2021: Opec+ ends deadlock and will boost supply in August, The New York Times, 18 July 2021: OPEC Plus Agrees on Oil Production Increase, The National, 18 July 2021: Business heavyweights join body set up to boost Dubai’s global trade, Khaleej Times, 18 July 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: Tickets go on sale today, BBC, 19 July 2021: Pegasus: Who are the alleged victims of spyware targeting?, Times of Israel, 20 July 2021: State company defends UAE pipeline deal, says oil spill risks ‘negligible’, Khaleej Times, 25 July 2021: Abu Dhabi reduces business setup, licence renewal fees to Dh1,000, The National, 25 July 2021: UAE and Saudi Arabia deepen ties to strengthen anti-money laundering efforts, Arab News, 26 July 2021: Saudi navy unveils latest warship Jazan in Spain, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: Bennett looking to strengthen Israel as a Middle East player – analysis, Al Arabiya, 29 July 2021: Saudi Arabia inaugurates 4th Industrial Revolution Center in partnership with WEF, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: How long can Oman remain the Switzerland of the Middle East? – analysis, Arab News, 29 July 2021: Saudi-UAE ties far stronger than Iran would like, Times of Israel, 30 July 2021: Ted Cruz blocks bill advancing Israel-Arab normalization in spat over language, Arab News, 31 July 2021: Super cruise ship sets sail from Saudi for first time, The National, 31 July 2021: Dubai’s Museum of the Future named one of world’s most beautiful, Jerusalem Post, 4 August 2021: Saudi FM praises Abraham Accords, puts Palestinian statehood first, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2021: GCC chief urges global pressure on Houthis to avert Safer oil tanker catastrophe, Jerusalem Post, 8 August 2021: 69 Hamas members sentenced to prison in Saudi Arabia (Muslim Brotherhood), Palestine Chronicle, 9 August 2021: Saudi Court Sentences 83-Year-Old Hamas Leader to 15 Years in Prison, Arab News, 9 August 2021: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister discusses relations with Blinken, Gulf News, 9 August 2021: Dubai’s private sector is hiring again, July sees biggest growth since November 2019: IHS Markit, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2021: Saudi Foreign Minister, US counterpart discuss Iran, regional developments, Arab News, 10 August 2021: Budget figures indicate Saudi Arabia’s robust economic progress, Gulf News, 11 August 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: Saudi Arabia Pavilion snags three Guinness World Records for innovative displays, The National, 11 August 2021: Bahrain FM: Abraham Accords ‘hold such potential for the region’, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Return of a hard-line Iran raises worrying questions, Gulf News, 11 August 2021: Emaar Properties reports Dh1.56 billion H1 net profit amid robust property sales, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Islamic real estate financier posts net profit of $53.6m, Jerusalem Post, 12 August 2021: The strength and resilience of the UAE-Israel relationship one year on, The National, 14 August 2021: How Abraham Accords changed people’s lives in UAE and Bahrain, Arab News, 12 August 2021: Winners and losers in the ‘resistance game’, The National, 12 August 2021: Abraham Accords: the region’s game changer one year on, Arab News, 12 August 2021: How the Abraham Accords have influenced Arab-Israeli relations, one year on, The Algemeiner, 13 August 2021: Dubai Expo in Focus as UAE Racks up $700 Million of Trade With Israel Since Normalization, The Algmeiner, 13 August 2021: Lebanon and the Geography of Arab Change, Times of Israel, 14 August 2021: Saudi-hosted Islamic forum defangs Iran’s regional influence, Haaretz, 15 August 2021: A Year After Their Signing, Here’s How the Abraham Accords Changed the Middle East, Arab News, 15 August 2021: Saudi Arabia evacuates embassy staff in Kabul, Times of Israel, 16 August 2021: One year on, here’s how Abraham Accords agreements are holding up, Times of Israel, 17 August 2021: With US credibility gashed by Kabul fiasco, Israel may be bruised by association, The New Yorker, 19 August 2021: Will the Next American War Be with China? (one have to see things from the opposite direction: Why should the US President orient himself to the requests from the Middle East when they do what they want without taking US interests into account? That was and is of course particularly true of the Israeli governments. It is not a new development that the US Democrats are thoroughly annoyed by being asked to provide unconditional aid and in return they are tricked over and over again. That won’t go well for much longer. By far the most important mission of Biden is to reconcile America with itself. The US withdrawal from the Middle East, as it began under Obama, is part of the mission to enable the US to turn towards China. America wants to remain a world power and therefore cannot get tangled up in the small-small conflicts of the Middle East, while China is making rapid gains. What applies to the Middle East, of course, also applies to the EU. A lot of states now will have to learn to swim quickly on their own if they want to stay in the game. Israel and Netanyahu tried to torpedo the revival of the Iran deal, with the support of the Gulf states. To complain now that the deal isn’t back yet is pretty flimsy and a self-made problem), Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Climate Change Could Teach Middle East Leaders How to Be Friends, The Algemeiner, 20 August 2021: Taliban Triumph in Afghanistan Has Arab States and Israel Hedging Dependence on US, DW, 22 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, Haaretz, 22 August 2021: MBS Wants to Permanently Divorce Hamas – and Israel Is the Final Wedge, Gulf Times, 22 August 2021: US president thanks Qatar for help in evacuation of Afghan civilians, Khaleej Times, 22 August 2021: US, Spain thank UAE for help in Afghan evacuation drive, Gulf Times, 23 August 2021: Opening session of the first strategic dialogue between Qatar and Japan begins officially, The National, 23 August 2021: Sheikh Mohamed meets French foreign and defence ministers in Abu Dhabi, Khaleej Times, 25 August 2021: Iraq invites Gulf Arab states, Iran to Baghdad summit, Al Arabiya, 25 August 2021: Vision 2030 Saudi: Vision 2030 unleashed $1 trln projects in real estate, infrastructure: Analysis, Jerusalem Post, 25 August 2021: Iraq to host summit to ease Saudi-Iran tensions, Al Arabiya, 25 August 2021: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Qatar FM meet in NEOM, Arab News, 25 August 2021: Saudi Arabia launches largest technology initiative in region, Gulf News, 25 August 2021: Photos: Ain Dubai, the world’s largest, tallest observation wheel set to open in Dubai, here is all you need to know, The National, 25 August 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince meets Qatar Foreign Minister in Neom, Gulf News, 25 August 2021: In pictures: All you need to know about Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Khaleej Times, 25 August 2021: Sheikh Mohammed, Abu Dhabi CP approve projects, promise beautiful future, The Guardian, 26 August 2021: Qatar: World Cup host has failed to explain up to 70% of migrant worker deaths in past 10 years, says Amnesty, Gulf Times, 26 August 2021: Saudi unveils high-tech initiatives worth $1.2bn, Jerusalem Post, 26 August 2021: What the new style of normalization looks like, The National, 28 August 2021: Iraqis seek support and less regional tension in Baghdad summit, Khaleej Times, 28 August 2021: Sheikh Mohammed calls Baghdad summit Iraq’s return to global position, Gulf News, 28 August 2021: Baghdad summit: Sheikh Mohammed salutes the Iraqi capital in tweets, DW, 28 August 2021: Saudi Arabia and Taliban unlikely to revive old alliances, Jerusalem Post, 28 August 2021: Macron to visit Kurdistan region, Iraq to show commitment to region, The National, 28 August 2021: Iraq to regional countries: increase co-operation to achieve peace, Arab News, 28 August 2021: Saudi Arabia supports Iraq at all levels: FM, Jerusalem Post, 28 August 2021: Baghdad conference seen as regional turning point, Arab News, 30 August 2021: Iraq steps slowly back into the Arab fold, The National, 30 August 2021: The Baghdad conference itself isn’t as important as what follows, Los Angeles Times, 31 August 2021: Tiny, energy-rich Qatar emerges as a key player in Afghanistan after U.S. pullout, Times of Israel, 31 August 2021: First Bahraini ambassador to Israel arrives in country to take up post, France24, 1 September 2021: New Israel mission in Dubai eyes Gulf oil megadeal, Al Arabiya, 1 September 2021: Iran, UAE can take ‘big steps’ in cooperation, diplomacy: Iranian FM, The National, 1 September 2021: Biden’s pivot from international interventions worries allies, Times of Irael, 1 September 2021: Israeli envoy to Dubai says ties won’t be harmed if massive UAE oil deal is axed, France24, 2 September 2021: Qatar working with Taliban to reopen Kabul airport ‘as soon as possible’, BBC, 2 September 2021: Afghanistan: Qatar and Turkey become Taliban’s lifeline to the outside world, The National, 2 September 2021: Mubadala Petroleum finalises $1bn deal for 22% stake in Israel’s Tamar gas field, The Algemeiner, 2 September 2021: Israel Appoints First Ambassador to Bahrain, Haaretz, 2 September 2021: Israel Appoints UAE Embassy Chief as First Ambassador to Bahrain, Gulf Times, 2 September 2021: Ukrainian PM meets commerce minister, Khaleej Times, 2 September 2021: Look: Expo 2020 site then and now shows how Dubai realised a dream in 5 years, The National, 2 September 2021: Red Sea competition growing as Russia enters region, Al Arabiya, 2 September 2021: Saudi Arabia’s first batch of women soldiers graduate, The Hill, 5 September 2021: Blinken and Austin to visit Gulf and European allies to discuss failed Afghanistan war, France24, 5 September 2021: Qatar emerges as central player in West’s relationship with Afghanistan, Gulf Times, 5 September 2021: UAE loosens residency requirements with ‘green visa’, Gulf News, 5 September 2021: Who can avail the new green visas in the UAE? What benefits does it provide?, Israel Hayom, 5 September 2021: US-Saudi relations take center stage as Biden moves to declassify 9/11 documents, The New York Times, 7 September 2021: With Afghanistan, the World Cup and More, Tiny Qatar Steps Up, Politico.com, 11 September 2021: U.S. pulls missile defenses in Saudi Arabia amid Yemen attacks, The New Yorker, 11 September 2021: The Fall of the bin Ladens, The Hill, 11 September 2021: Families of 9/11 victims hope for answers about Saudi involvement in attacks, The New York Times, 11 September 2021: The F.B.I. released a newly declassified document related to the Sept. 11 attacks., The Guardian, 12 September 2021: 9/11: 20 years later: FBI document holds no evidence Saudi government was involved, DW, 12 September 2021: FBI releases declassified document on September 11 attack, NPR, 12 September 2021: Biden Declassifies Secret FBI Report Detailing Saudi Nationals’ Connections To 9/11, The Washington Post, 12 September 2021: FBI releases 9/11 investigation document that scrutinized Saudis, Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2021: Bennett weighing ‘alternative’ funding for Gaza instead of Qatari cash, Al Arabiya, 12 September 2021: Declassified Sept. 11 documents show Saudi Arabia was not involved in attacks: FM, The Guardian, 13 September 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban takeover will reshape Middle East, official warns, France24, 16 September 2021: 50-year-old UAE to pour billions into UK, The Times, 16 September 2021: UAE to invest £10bn in British infrastructure, Khaleej Times, 18 September 2021: UAE rejects European Parliament resolution as ‘factually incorrect’, Arab News, 20 September 2021: Signs of a promising new era for the Middle East, Khaleej Times, 25 September 2021: UAE Cabinet reshuffled: Meet the new ministers, Times of Israel, 26 September 2021: Israelis take to streets, bridges to protest secret UAE oil deal, Khaleej Times, 27 September 2021: Watch: Stunning timelapse video shows how Expo 2020 site rose from the desert, Arab News, 28 September 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai kicks off in three days, here is what you need to know, Al Arabiya, 28 September 2021: Saudi Arabia unveils plans for new luxury ‘Desert Rock’ mountain resort, Arab News, 28 September 2021: Saudi crown prince launches 50bn riyal strategy to turn Asir into global tourism hub, Gulf Times, 29 September 2021: Business council keen to bolster Qatar-Germany ties, The National, 30 September 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai live: Parades and air display dazzle spectators, Gulf News, 1 October 2021: Pictures: Mohammed bin Rashid tours Expo 2020 venue on the event’s first day, Arab News, 1 October 2021: Saudi Arabia ambassador to UAE opens Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, Gulf Times, 1 October 2021: Qatar puts its development on show at Expo 2020 Dubai, Al Arabiya, 1 October 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: How to get there, timings, what to see, everything you need to know, Arab News, 1 October 2021: Saudi Arabia ambassador to UAE opens Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, The National, 1 October 2021: UN president attending Expo 2020 Dubai to reiterate severity of climate crisis, The Algemeiner, 1 October 2021: Israel Pavilion Opens at Expo 2020 Dubai, Arab News, 1 October 2021: Dubai’s Expo 2020 can launch the space revolution, Gulf News, 1 October 2021: Day 1 of Expo 2020 Dubai: UAE, Italy, Czech pavilions open, visitors at Al Wasl plaza, wandering robots, Palestine Chronicle, 1 October 2021: ‘Normalization’: Betrayal of Palestine by Arab Regimes No Easy Road, Khaleej Times, 2 October 2021: ‘Alien’ stilt walkers, air shows: How France will celebrate National Day at Expo 2020, Arab News, 2 October 2021: There’s a ‘mutual wish to further intensify EU-Saudi cooperation,’ EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell tells Arab News, Al Arabiya, 2 October 2021: Qataris begin voting in first ever legislative polls, Arab News, 2 October 2021: Afghan Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion stays shut after Taliban takeover, BBC, 2 October 2021: Dubai expects 25 million people to visit World Expo, Gulf Times, 3 October 2021: Legislative history made as Qataris elect 30 members of Shura Council, The National, 3 October 2021: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince describes ‘immense pride’ as he visits UAE pavilion at Expo 2020, Al Arabiya, 3 October 2021: EU top diplomat Borrell says discussed nuclear talks, Afghanistan in Saudi visit, Jerusalem Post, 3 October 2021: UAE official says time to manage rivalry with Iran and Turkey, Gulf Times, 4 October 2021: Construction sector plays key role in bolstering trade with Qatar, say top diplomats, France24, 4 October 2021: After a year’s delay, Dubai’s Expo 2020 opens to an expected 25 million visitors, Gulf Times, 5 October 2021: Qatari investments in Jordanian stocks reach $847mn, Jerusalem Post, 5 October 2021: Visa-free travel between Israel and UAE to start next week (due to Covid-19 one year later than expected, especially since the United Arab Emirates had already announced this step for 2020 in 2019), Al Arabiya, 5 October 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: Visitors share their excitement during opening week of world fair, Gulf Times, 6 October 2021: Qatar’s Permanent Representative chairs general debates of UN General Assembly legal committee, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2021: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil new business growth at seven-year high in September, Gulf Times, 8 October 2021: Polish president’s visit to Qatar to strengthen bilateral relations, Khaleej Times, 8 October 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: Explore secret spots with Dh65 guided tours, Arab News, 8 October 2021: Saudi, Dubai ports launch development works at Jeddah Islamic Port, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2021: Expo 2020: Israeli pavilion opens, ministers say fair can promote Middle East peace, Gulf Times, 9 October 2021: Hamad Port becomes first 5G-enabled seaport in Middle East, powered by Ooredoo, The National, 9 October 2021: Israeli minister: Visit our Expo pavilion in spirit of Abraham Accords, Times of Israel, 9 October 2021: From Western Wall to Old City alleys, curious Israelis embrace Bahraini visitors, Khaleej Times, 10 October 2021: Dubai Economy Department announces winners of the 2021 Business Excellence Awards, The National, 10 October 2021: Does Expo 2020 Dubai give us a glimpse into the future?, Gulf Times, 10 October 2021: Qatar to see surge in fintech investments; global firms eye Doha as launchpad, Al Arabiya, 11 October 2021: First Jewish wedding held in Bahrain in more than half a century, Arab News, 11 October 2021: Dubai’s non-oil sector growth slows; Jordan’s GDP jumps: Economic wrap, Al Arabiya, 11 October 2021: Expo 2020 leads to increased business buoyancy in Dubai, France24, 11 October 2021: Saudi and Iran signal warming ties but ‘real steps’ needed, Times of Israel, 12 October 2021: FIFA chief says Abraham Accords could lead to Israel co-hosting soccer World Cup, CNN, 13 October 2021: FIFA president floats Israel as possible World Cup 2030 co-hosts, Haaretz, 13 October 2021: Tehran-Riyadh Detente Could Mark the End for Israel’s anti-Iran Coalition (The normalization agreements, the so-called Abraham Accords, came about because the Trump administration had promised the Gulf States major sales agreements for top-class US weapons technology. Now that it is becoming more and more obvious that these sales agreements are unlikely to come about, Saudi Arabia in particular is understandably losing interest in signing a normalization agreement with Israel for its part, as there is zero incentive to do so. Other countries will, of course, follow suit), The Algemeiner, 13 October 2021: Qatar Rules Out Normalizing Relations With Israel, Gulf News, 13 October 2021: Watch: 50-day countdown to UAE’s 50th National Day begins today, The National, 14 October 2021: Ultimate Expo 2020 Dubai guide for a day out, Saudi Gazette, 14 October 2021: The Greater Middle East and the danger of fundamentalism, Arab News, 14 October 2021: Six giga-projects that epitomize Saudi Arabia’s $7 trillion development plan, The National, 15 October 2021: After Cop26, it is time for an ‘Arab Climate Summit’, Khaleej Times, 15 October 2021: UAE to turn 50: Yas Island to celebrate with giveaways, offers and activations for 50 days, The National, 15 October 2021: Iran talks ‘cordial’ but no ‘substantial progress’, Saudi foreign minister says, The Algemeiner, 15 October 2021: ‘We Are Serious:’ Saudi Foreign Minister Sounds Optimistic Note On Negotiations With Iran, DW, 16 October 2021: Why Saudi-Iran relations are thawing — for now, Arab News, 17 October 2021: PIF to use oil platforms to attract tourists through ‘THE RIG.’ project, Khaleej Times, 17 October 2021: Expo 2020 Dubai: Stroll along streets of Palestine pavilion, unravel pieces of history, Al Arabiya, 17 October 2021: World Food Day: Expo 2020 Dubai hosts event to address world hunger, food security, Arab News, 17 October 2021: Food security major objective of Saudi Vision 2030, Al Arabiya, 17 October 2021: Saudi Arabia allows all airports to start operating at full capacity, Gulf Times, 17 October 2021: QF a vision turned into reality: Sheikha Moza, Khaleej Times, 18 October 2021: Dubai free zone set to create 15,000 jobs in the next four years, Saudi Gazette, 18 October 2021: Fire breaks out at Kuwait oil refinery, several injured, Al Arabiya, 18 October 2021: Dubai named ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination’ in World Travel Awards, The Algemeiner, 19 October 2021: Expanding the Abraham Accords Requires a US-Saudi Reset, Al Arabiya, 19 October 2021: Top UK diplomat heads to Saudi Arabia, Qatar to increase security, economic ties, Khaleej Times, 20 October 2021: Global Village opens next week: Ticket prices, timings, new attractions; all you need to know, The National, 20 October 2021: US Navy tests unmanned speedboats that launch nano drones in Arabian Sea, Times of Israel, 20 October 2021: Biden aide raises Israel normalization in meet with Saudi crown prince — report (in other words, there is absolutely no new news, especially since Saudi Arabia has only made it clear again what it would expect all along in return for a normalization agreement, namely a deal on advanced US weapons systems and a viable peace agreement between Israel and Palestine, but neither is even in the distance in sight, so that there is not a single incentive for Saudi Arabia to do Israel a favor, in exchange for a lot of trouble for itself. On the contrary. Saudi Arabia has to give priority to other options out of its own security interests, because it is now clear that the majority of Democratic and Republican US senators are against an arms deal and that US armed forces are withdrawing further and further from the Gulf region. The best way for the Saudis to improve their own security situation is to try to reach agreements with Qatar and Iran. If that succeeds, the Arab Gulf States would be in relatively safe waters and that is of course top priority – and one result might even be the end of the war in Yemen, too), Haaretz, 20 October 2021: Report: Biden’s Top Advisor Discussed Saudi-Israel Normalization With MBS, Al Arabiya, 20 October 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season: Everything you need to know, Gulf Times, 21 October 2021: Qatar, UK announces intention to launch Annual Strategic Dialogue, Khaleej Times, 21 October 2021: Ain Dubai opens: It’s like floating in the clouds, say residents, Gulf News, 21 October 2021: Inside Ain Dubai, world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, Gulf News, 21 October 2021: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is in the Pink, Al Arabiya, 22 October 2021: Dubai eye, world’s tallest observation wheel, opens with lavish firework show, Khaleej Times, 23 October 2021: EU hails UAE’s efforts to strengthen human rights, Gulf News, 23 October 2021: Stunning new tourist attractions coming to Dubai’s Hatta region, Al Arabiya, 24 October 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative plan for net zero emissions explained, Khaleej Times, 25 October 2021: Expo 2020 brought positivity, new events to UAE, experts say, Arab News, 25 October 2021: Greece can be European market ‘entry point’ for Middle East solar power: PM Mitsotakis, Khaleej Times, 25 October 2021: UAE’s Golden Jubilee: Louvre Abu Dhabi announces new exhibitions, events, CNN, 25 October 2021: Ex-Saudi intel official calls Crown Prince a ‘psychopath’ who boasted he could kill the sitting monarch in 2014, Khaleej Times, 25 October 2021: Dubai retains leading position in Global Cities Index for the region, BBC, 25 October 2021: Saudi prince suggested killing king, says former intelligence official, The Algemeiner, 25 October 2021: Hosting Emirati General, Israel Sees Airpower Cooperation, Al-Monitor, 26 October 2021: Ex-Saudi official says MBS suggested killing former king with ‘poison ring’, Khaleej Times, 26 October 2021: Dubai Shopping Festival begins on December 15, Al Arabiya, 26 October 2021: US, Bahrain conduct first drone drills in Gulf, NPR, 26 October 2021: The world’s largest Ferris wheel just opened in Dubai, Khaleej Times, 27 October 2021: Next stop: Making UAE-Israel relations extraordinary, The Guardian, 27 October 2021: Biden’s $500m Saudi deal contradicts policy on ‘offensive’ weapons, critics say, Khaleej Times, 27 October 2021: UAE summons Lebanese envoy to protest minister’s statements, Al Arabiya, 27 October 2021: Bahrain summons Lebanon’s ambassador to protest Kordahi comments on Saudi Arabia, UAE, Gulf Times, 27 October 2021: Qatar Charity realises wishes of hundreds of orphans in Kyrgyzstan, Khaleej Times, 27 October 2021: Saudi Arabia classifies Lebanese association as terrorist entity, Arab News, 27 October 2021: Riyadh now home to 44 regional HQs of global firms, reveals city’s ‘attraction’ czar, Al Arabiya, 27 October 2021: Saudi Arabia designates Lebanon’s Al-Qard al-Hassan terrorist entity, freezes assets, Arab News, 28 October 2021: Saudi Arabia will welcome a million cruise ship passengers by 2028, Cruise Saudi MD claims, Times of Israel, 28 October 2021: IDF liaison sets up shop in US CENTCOM offices, solidifying move, Arab News, 29 October 2021: Red Sea Development collaborates with local communities on jobs, sustainability — CEO, Al Arabiya, 29 October 2021: Saudi Arabia expels Lebanese ambassador to Riyadh, recalls ambassador from Beirut, Arab News, 29 October 2021: Three projects that prove the power of Saudi Arabia’s NEOM giga-project, The Algemeiner, 29 October 2021: Saudi Expels Lebanese Ambassador, Bans All Imports From Lebanon, Arab News, 29 October 2021: Saudi Arabia orders Lebanon envoy to leave, recalls its ambassador to country, The Hill, 29 October 2021: Biggest aquarium in the world will debut with staggering 68,000 marine animals, Khaleej Times, 30 October 2021: UAE intensifies efforts to combat money laundering crimes, terrorism financing, The Algemeiner, 31 October 2021: Crisis with Lebanon Rooted in Hezbollah Dominance – Saudi Minister, Khaleej Times, 31 October 2021: UAE asks citizens in Lebanon to return, Arab News, 31 October 2021: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman thanks leaders of Kuwait, Bahrain for Lebanon stance, The National, 31 October 2021: Dubai reclaims top spot in October as world’s busiest international airport, OAG says, Arab News, 31 October 2021: Saudi Aramco tops Apple, Google to be world’s most profitable company in Q3, The Algemeiner, 1 November 2021: Saudi FM Says Palestinian State Before Israel Normalization With Israel, Arab News, 1 November 2021: Red Sea Development Company signs agreements to develop museums, Saudi heritage, Al Arabiya, 1 November 2021: Riyadh City Boulevard, part of Riyadh Season, opens its doors, Khaleej Times, 3 November 2021: UAE, global agency launch $1B platform in renewable energy boost, The National, 3 November 2021: UAE and Irena plan to raise $1 billion for renewables innovation, Gulf News, 3 November 2021: Why investing in Dubai’s DEWA is the way forward, The National, 3 November 2021: Historic Arabic dictionary unveiled in UAE, Haaretz, 3 November 2021: Cancel the UAE Oil Deal, Foreign Policy, 3 November 2021: Washington’s Blank Check for the United Arab Emirates Must End, Al Arabiya, 3 November 2021: Could the Gulf state of Oman hold the key to net zero emissions?, The National, 4 November 2021: Biden administration notifies Congress of $650m missile sale to Saudi Arabia, Times of Israel, 4 November 2021: Ministry blocks UAE pipeline deal over worries of leaks near Eilat, Gulf Times, 4 November 2021: Emirates to launch daily Dubai-Tel Aviv flights, Arab News, 4 November 2021: US State Dept approves $650m potential missile deal for Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 4 November 2021: US approves sale of $650 mln in air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia: State Department, DW, 4 November 2021: COP26: Saudi Arabia’s climate strategy — Greenwashing or genuine transformation?, Al Arabiya, 5 November 2021: Official UAE 50th National Day celebration to take place, be livestreamed in Hatta, Arab News, 5 November 2021: Obesity costing Saudi Arabia $19 billion per year: Study, Gulf News, 6 November 2021: Dubai merges tourism and economy departments, Arab News, 6 November 2021: Moody’s revises Saudi Arabia’s outlook to stable from negative, affirms A1 ratings, Al Arabiya, 6 November 2021: How Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed went from Nobel Peace prize to Tigray crisis, Khaleej Times, 7 November 2021: UAE: New law introduced for non-Muslims; all you need to know, Al Arabiya, 7 November 2021: Abu Dhabi sets up dual English-Arabic language family court for non-Muslims, Khaleej Times, 9 November 2021: Abu Dhabi officially named ‘City of Music’ by UNESCO, Gulf News, 9 November 2021: UAE announces residence visa for retired expats, The National, 9 November 2021: Saudi Arabia’s third-quarter GDP grows at the fastest pace since 2012, Arab News, 11 November 2021: Saudi Arabia to grant citizenship to highly skilled foreign professionals, Al Arabiya, 11 November 2021: UAE rulers welcome successful bid to host COP28, promise accelerated climate action, Arab News, 11 November 2021: Dubai ruler says UAE to host COP28 climate conference in 2023, Egypt to host COP27 next year, Al Arabiya, 11 November 2021: Culture, science essential to Saudi Vision 2030: Minister of Culture, Gulf News, 12 November 2021: How Dubai became one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, Al Arabiya, 14 November 2021: Saudi Arabia: Overseas pilgrims can apply for Umrah, prayer, visit permits via apps, Al Arabiya, 15 November 2021: UAE’s EDGE to test air defense missile system by end of year, unveils new drones, Khaleej Times, 15 November 2021: Dubai Garden Glow Season 7 kicks off, Arab News, 16 November 2021: NEOM to see world’s largest floating industrial complex OXAGON, The Algemeiner, 19 November 2021: US Senators Move to Block $650 Million Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia (and with it the possible normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel is further drifting out into the open sea), The National, 20 November 2021: Dubai Harbour’s new cruise terminals to receive 150,000 visitors this season, Al Arabiya, 20 November 2021: Prophet’s Holy Mosque open for prayers without an appointment or permit: Officials, Foreign Policy, 22 November 2021: Israel Is Enlisting King David to Sell the Abraham Accords, The National, 22 November 2021: UAE National Day celebrations: Fireworks, festivities and concerts mark the way in Dubai, The National, 23 November 2021: Dubai economy to grow at a faster pace in 2022 amid Expo boost and digital economy push, CNN, 24 November 2021: What a Crown Prince’s trip to Turkey tells us about the post-American Middle East, The National, 24 November 2021: UAE visit to Turkey ‘marks new era’ in relations, says Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Arab News, 24 November 2021: UAE announces $10 billion fund for investments in Turkey, Gulf Times, 24 November 2021: Two stadiums to be inaugurated on opening day of FIFA Arab Cup, The National, 24 November 2021: Dubai ranks first in Arab world on latest innovation index, Arab News, 24 November 2021: Saudi non-oil exports rose 28.4% in Q3 2021, The National, 24 November 2021: Dubai airport close to 100% capacity 20 months after Covid-19 pandemic, Al Arabiya, 24 November 2021: Israel Aerospace eyes 25 percent share sale and more UAE deals, The National, 26 November 2021: Closing the distance between the UAE and Turkey, Gulf News, 26 November 2021: We are hopeful about the next 50 years in the UAE, Jerusalem Post, 27 November 2021: New UAE criminal code ‘most sweeping reform in Gulf state’s history’, Al Arabiya, 27 November 2021: UAE adopts its largest legislative reform in its history via 40 new laws and changes, Gulf News, 27 November 2021: #NoFilterDXB: Over 200 supercars, bikes show up for Dubai parade, Arab News, 27 November 2021: US military presence in the Gulf is a strategic priority, Khaleej Times, 27 November 2021: New UAE laws explained: Property rights, women’s protection, consensual relations, The Hill, 27 November 2021: Kushner looking to Middle East for investors in new firm: report, The Times, 28 November 2021: Trump’s son-in-law looks to cash in on tour of Gulf states, Arab News, 28 November 2021: UAE, Turkey deepen economic ties with investment deals, Gulf Times, 28 November 2021: Qatar’s y-o-y exports to UK soars 737.25% to QR2.5bn in October, The National, 28 November 2021: UAE National Day: floating lake and drone-launched fireworks planned for Hatta spectacular, Haaretz, 29 November 2021: Iran Nuke Talks Resume: Is the West Willing to Accept That Tehran Also Seeks a Better Deal?, Khaleej Times, 29 November 2021: Spectacular celebrations at Global Village to mark UAE Golden Jubilee, Gulf News, 29 November 2021: UAE National Day: 53 ways to celebrate with concerts, fireworks and family fun in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, Arab News, 29 November 2021: Saudi Vision 2030 gets legal boost, Khaleej Times, 29 November 2021: UAE National Day: 17 staycation ideas for the long weekend, Haaretz, 30 November 2021: Striking Iran’s Nuke Sites Is an Impossible Mission for Israel. Here’s What It Must Do, Gulf Times, 30 November 2021: IPA Qatar, BVMW pact to bolster Qatari-German economic, commercial ties, Gulf News, 30 November 2021: The stunning transformation of the UAE, Arab News, 30 November 2021: How Europe can be an effective partner to the MENA region, Al Arabiya, 30 November 2021: UAE to send delegation to Iran soon, says senior Emirati official, Khaleej Times, 1 December 2021: Message to the nation: Seven leaders, seven letters, one future, Gulf News, 1 December 2021: Year of the 50th: UAE leaders write inspiring letters to the nation, Al Arabiya, 1 December 2021: UAE leaders crown country’s Golden Jubilee, usher in next 50 years, The National, 1 December 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Neom teams up with Germany’s Volocopter for urban air mobility system, Al Arabiya, 1 December 2021: UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations to focus on ties between people, their homeland, Arab News, 2 December 2021: Kingdom writes a new chapter in the Gulf IPO story, France24, 2 December 2021: France’s Macron heads to UAE, aiming to secure major Rafale fighter jet sale, The National, 3 December 2021: UAE and France sign strategic deals as Macron visits Expo, Gulf Times, 3 December 2021: Amir holds talks with French president, Khaleej Times, 3 December 2021: Sale of 80 Rafale jets to UAE is France’s ‘largest-ever weapons export deal’, Gulf News, 3 December 2021: UAE, France sign multiple MoUs in energy, aviation, Khaleej Times, 3 December 2021: UAE, France ink 13 major agreements, MoUs, Arab News, 3 December 2021: UAE, France sign $18 billion deal for 80 Rafale jets as Macron starts Gulf tour, Gulf News, 3 December 2021: Photos: UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations, Khaleej Times, 3 December 2021: Look: How the UAE celebrated its 50th National Day, France24, 3 December 2021: UAE signs ‘historic’ deal to buy 80 French-made Rafale fighter jets, Politico.eu, 3 December 2021: France signs €17B defense contract with the United Arab Emirates, France24, 4 December 2021: Khashoggi’s shadow looms over Macron’s talks with Saudi Crown Prince, The Algemeiner, 4 December 2021: Macron in Saudi to Talk Regional Stability with Crown Prince, France24, 4 December 2021: Macron announces Saudi-French initiative to solve diplomatic crisis with Lebanon, Khaleej Times, 4 December 2021: UAE National Day: Meet the five women featured in the grand Hatta ceremony, Gulf News, 4 December 2021: Top 5 mementos to commemorate UAE’s 50th National Day, Gulf Times, 4 December 2021: Macron stresses importance of Qatar-France relations, Gulf News, 4 December 2021: Travel time cut drastically on Dubai’s Ras Al Khor Rd, Khaleej Times, 4 December 2021: Macron announces Saudi-French initiative to solve crisis with Lebanon, Gulf News, 4 December 2021: Rent exemption for renovation in Al Quoz Creative Zone, Arab News, 4 December 2021: French President Macron meets Saudi crown prince in final Gulf stop, Khaleej Times, 4 December 2021: Dubai: Tenants rebuilding, renovating properties in Al Quoz exempt from paying rents for up to 2 years, The National, 4 December 2021: Macron says Saudi Arabia committed to supporting Lebanon, Arab News, 4 December 2021: Saudi, French firms sign 27 MoUs as Macron visits the Kingdom, Israel Hayom, 5 December 2021: Israel worried UAE playing ‘Qatari game’ by moving closer to Iran, The Algemeiner, 6 December 2021: UAE Security Official Pays Rare Visit to Iran to Discuss Ties, Regional Issues, France24, 6 December 2021: Iran slams France for selling arms to UAE, ‘destabilising’ region, Khaleej Times, 7 December 2021: New weekend: UAE announces reduced working week, Gulf News, 7 December 2021: UAE weekend change: All you need to know, Gulf Times, 7 December 2021: Saudi Arabia and Oman open first direct land link, Khaleej Times, 7 December 2021: New UAE weekend: Working hours on Friday, rest of the week explained, Al Arabiya, 7 December 2021: White House opposes Senate resolution banning sale of missiles to Saudi Arabia, The National, 7 December 2021: UAE sets out new Saturday-Sunday weekend and shorter working week, Al Arabiya, 7 December 2021: UAE government moves to 4.5 day working week, weekends to be on Saturdays, Sundays, The Washington Post, 7 December 2021: United Arab Emirates moves weekends to Saturday-Sunday, announces shorter workweek, Haaretz, 8 December 2021: Foreign Ministry: Israel Can Cope With Fallout of Cancelling UAE Oil Pipeline Deal (Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company), Khaleej Times, 8 December 2021: Bahrain to double value-added tax from 5 to 10%, Gulf Times, 8 December 2021: QatarEnergy announces long-term LNG supply agreement with China’s S&T International, Gulf News, 9 December 2021: Yas Island set to dazzle visitors during the festive season, Khaleej Times, 9 December 2021: Arabian peninsula’s biggest Catholic church opens in Bahrain, Gulf News, 11 December 2021: Dubai becomes world’s first paperless government, saves over 336 million papers, Al Arabiya, 11 December 2021: Inaugural Diriyah Biennale art exhibition opens in Riyadh, Gulf News, 12 December 2021: More orders coming for Dubai businesses – best since July 2019, The Guardian, 12 December 2021: Naftali Bennett: Israel’s PM to visit UAE to discuss deepening ties (As expected a few months ago in this blog post, the US withdrawal from the region is leading to the expected reactions. According to the motto “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”, Iran, which has been built up as a “rogue nation” over the years, ensures that the Arab Gulf States open up to Israel in order to find a common line towards Iran. As was also to be expected, the Arab Gulf states do not share Israel’s desire for an open war with Iran, especially since this could set the entire Gulf region ablaze. Apart from that, solid economic interests naturally also play a role. The same applies to parts of the North African states. Should this result in the revival of the “Union for the Mediterranean”, it would have been worth all the trouble of recent years), Haaretz, 13 December 2021: Despite UAE Visit, Bennett Unlikely to Find Backers for Iran War, Israel Hayom, 13 December 2021: Stuck in the middle? UAE walks tightrope between US, Israel and Iran, The National, 14 December 2021: UAE suspends discussions with US on F-35 sale over sovereignty concerns, Al Arabiya, 14 December 2021: UAE suspends talks on F-35 deal with US; State Dept hopes solve ‘outstanding issues’, CNN, 14 December 2021: UAE suspends multibillion-dollar weapons deal in sign of frustration with US-China showdown, Israel Hayom, 14 December 2021: ‘Normalization with Israel conditional on Arab Peace Plan,’ Saudi official says, CNN, 15 December 2021: UAE suspends multibillion-dollar weapons deal in sign of frustration with US-China showdown, The Guardian, 15 December 2021: ‘If I’m not on social media, I’m dead’: Qatari feminist activist feared murdered or detained, Gulf Times, 15 December 2021: Qatar Tourism unveils luxury offerings at ITLM Cannes 2021, Gulf News, 15 December 2021: Travel to and from the UAE: Rules you need to know, Al Arabiya, 15 December 2021: Gulf leaders conclude GCC summit in Riyadh, calling for unity, solidarity, Jerusalem Post, 15 December 2021: ‘Entire Muslim world’ will recognize Israel if it withdraws to 67′ line, Al Arabiya, 17 December 2021: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince launches Jeddah Central Project, Arab News, 17 December 2021: Crown Prince launches Jeddah Downtown $20bn master development plan, Gulf News, 19 December 2021: UAE flights: Emirates passengers to EU can now use IATA Travel Pass, Al Arabiya, 19 December 2021: Emirates, Hosn offer new solution to ease COVID travel requirements to EU countries, Jerusalem Post, 19 December 2021: Should UAE relations with Iran concern Israel?, CNN, 19 December 2021: International banks in UAE to switch to Monday to Friday work week, Al Arabiya, 20 December 2021: International banks in UAE to switch to Mon-Fri work week, Gulf Times, 20 December 2021: Dubai airport fully operational for first time since pandemic, Times of Israel, 21 December 2021: UAE Targeted Khashoggi’s Wife With NSO Spyware Before His Murder, Analysis Finds, Irish Times, 21 December 2021: Dubai ruler ordered to pay Princess Haya €650m in post-divorce settlement, The Times, 21 December 2021: Dubai princess wins record £554m divorce settlement, The Guardian, 21 December 2021: Dubai: Ruler ordered to pay divorce settlement that could exceed £500m, BBC, 21 December 2021: The princess, the sheikh and the £550m divorce settlement, Gulf News, 21 December 2021: 2021 from above: Our top aerial photos of the year, The National, 22 December 2021: Saudi Arabia boosted its tourism credentials in 2021: mega-projects and music festivals, The Times, 22 December 2021: UAE ‘hacked phone of Khashoggi’s wife’ months before his murder, Gulf Times, 22 December 2021: Chinese delegation visits Qatar Free Zones; discusses bilateral co-operation opportunities with QFZA, The National, 22 December 2021: Saudi Arabia boosted its tourism credentials in 2021: mega-projects and music festivals, Arab News, 22 December 2021: Arab coalition says more than 280 Houthis killed in strikes on Marib, Al-Jouf, Times of Israel, 22 December 2021: NSO’s Pegasus used to target Khashoggi’s wife before his murder — Washington Post, CNN, 23 December 2021: US intel and images show Saudi Arabia building ballistic missiles with China’s help, Gulf Times, 24 December 2021: Qatar’s entrepreneurial activity up in 2020 despite Covid-19 impact, says QDB official, Arab News, 26 December 2021: Riyadh emerging as global business hub, giving regional rivals competition, Gulf Times, 26 December 2021: Mega cruise ship Mein Schiff 6 makes its maiden call to Qatar, The National, 27 December 2021: First civil marriage finalised at Abu Dhabi’s new non-Muslim court, Arab News, 27 December 2021: The challenge of making Riyadh a global city in less than 10 years, Khaleej Times, 28 December 2021: Covid in UAE: Remote learning announced for schools, universities, The National, 28 December 2021: Russia welcomes UAE and others to UN’s top chamber, Arab News, 29 December 2021: COVID-19: Saudi Arabia says masks and social distancing mandatory in all indoor, outdoor areas, Gulf Times, 29 December 2021: Saudi Arabia re-imposes physical distancing measures in the Two Holy Mosques, Khaleej Times, 29 December 2021: Covid-19: Saudi authorities re-impose social distancing rules at Grand Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque, Gulf News, 29 December 2021: Dubai seizes 1.5 tonnes of crushed captagon pills worth Dh1.4 billion, France24, 30 December 2021: Bahrain names first ambassador to Damascus since 2011, Al Arabiya, 31 December 2021: UAE reports another daily rise COVID-19 cases, records 2,426 cases in 24 hours, Arab News, 31 December 2021: How Saudi economy came out of the pandemic in 2021: Year in Review, Khaleej Times, 1 January 2022: UAE says Happy New Year with record-breaking fireworks, ball drop, shows; as it happened, The National, 1 January 2022: UAE and others take seats on UN Security Council, Al Arabiya, 1 January 2022: Saudi Arabia celebrates New Year’s Eve for first time in Boulevard Riyadh City, Saudi Gazette, 2 January 2022: Coronavirus curve in Saudi Arabia on rise and likely to increase, Gulf News, 3 January 2022: #DubaiDestinations: Topgolf adds a new dimension to Dubai as a golfing destination, Al Arabiya, 3 January 2022: UAE reports over 3,400 percent increase in COVID-19 cases in December, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2022: US, UK, Israel should help form an Arab NATO, Arab News, 6 January 2022: Investment in Saudi manufacturing market exceeds $4bn, minister says, The National, 6 January 2022: Free trade deal ‘will help UK remain among GCC’s major trade partners’, CNN, 6 January 2022: Biden nominates a new general to oversee military operations in Middle East, Arab News, 7 January 2022: New privatization rules signed off in Saudi Arabia to encourage investors, Arab News, 8 January 2022: Biden names Kosovo, Iraq war veteran as Central Command chief, Jerusalem Post, 16 January 2022: Israel should not attack nuclear Iran alone, but should join a NATO 2.0 (or in other words: Israel wants to threaten Iran with attacks or total destruction at any point, but at the same time wants others to do the job and pay the price for it), The Times, 17 January 2022: Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch drone strike on Gulf state, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2022: UAE: ‘Attack will not go unpunished,’ 3 killed in Abu Dhabi drone attack, CNN, 17 January 2022: Three killed in suspected Houthi drone attack in Abu Dhabi, The National, 17 January 2022: Senior UAE official condemns ‘heinous’ attack on Abu Dhabi by Houthi militia, France24, 17 January 2022: Suspected drone attack kills three in UAE after Houthis announce ‘military operation’, The National, 17 January 2022: Global leaders call UAE to condemn Houthi terror attacks, Khaleej Times, 17 January 2022: Houthi terror attack in Abu Dhabi: Support pours in for UAE, Al Arabiya, 17 January 2022: Houthis attacked UAE in retaliation for Arab Coalition gains in Yemen: Analysts, Gulf News, 18 January 2022: UAE affirms its right to retaliate against Houthi attacks, CNN, 18 January 2022: A drone attack in Abu Dhabi could mark a dangerous turning point for the Middle East, The National, 18 January 2022: Dubai records strong growth in new business registration, Arab News, 18 January 2022: UAE calls for UN Security Council session over Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi, Gulf News, 19 January 2022: New UAE Labour Law: Women should get equal pay for equal work, Al Arabiya, 19 January 2022: UAE ambassador to US: Houthis used missiles in attack on Abu Dhabi, Khaleej Times, 20 January 2022: UAE envoy to US: Houthis used cruise, ballistic missiles and drones in Abu Dhabi attack, The National, 20 January 2022: UAE financial sector ready to boost sustainable funding, Arab News, 21 January 2022: Gargash: UAE will exercise its right to defend itself against Houthis, Khaleej Times, 21 January 2022: Israel is waiting to welcome Emirati tourists, says country’s first ambassador to the UAE, Arab News, 21 January 2022: MENA mergers and acquisition deals reach $109bn in 2021, Saudi Arabia tops the region, The National, 21 January 2022: Houthis aimed to kill ‘maximum number of civilians’ in Abu Dhabi strikes, envoy says, Al Arabiya, 21 January 2022: UAE, Turkey to bolster ties with new agreements, renew commitments: Report, The National, 21 January 2022: UN Security Council condemns ‘terrorist’ attacks on UAE by Yemen’s Houthis, Gulf Times, 22 January 2022: Qatar set to reap benefits of several agricultural research projects this year: official, Al Arabiya, 22 January 2022: UAE stops all private drone activities, light sports aircrafts, The National, 23 January 2022: Dubai population to surge to nearly 6m in 20 years amid urban transformation, Al Arabiya, 24 January 2022: Gulf economies to grow faster in 2022, oil price fall biggest threat, Arab News, 25 January 2022: Saudi TRSDC gets a boost with environmental ISO accreditation, Arab News, 25 January 2022: Europe should work with Gulf amid emerging security threats, Al Arabiya, 27 January 2022: Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, US condemn Houthi attacks, reaffirm support for Gulf security, The New York Times, 28 January 2022: The Battle for the World’s Most Powerful Cyberweapon, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: Saudi crown prince called Netanyahu to renew kingdom’s NSO spyware license – report, Haaretz, 28 January 2022: NSO Played Key Role in Israel’s Gulf Diplomacy, NYT Finds, Confirming Haaretz Reports, The National, 30 January 2022: Dubai attracts $4.3bn in foreign direct investment in first nine months of 2021, Arab News, 30 January 2022: Israeli President Herzog visits the UAE for the first time, Al Arabiya, 30 January 2022: Israeli President Herzog arrives in the UAE for first visit: Spokesman (this is an exceptional event. However, the joy that other Islamic states would conclude normalization agreements with Israel has recently suffered several setbacks, especially since those being courted, in particular the dream partner Saudi Arabia, have already gone back to their original positions (no normalization without a prior two-state solution)), Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2022: WATCH: Israel’s president Herzog meets UAE crown prince, received by honor guard, Times of Israel, 30 January 2022: In ‘message to the region,’ Herzog meets UAE crown prince in Abu Dhabi, France24, 30 January 2022: Israeli president on first-ever visit to UAE, DW, 30 January 2022: Israel: President vows support for UAE after Abu Dhabi attacks, The National, 31 January 2022: UAE air defences destroy ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis, Arab News, 31 January 2022: Saudi Arabia, international community condemn Houthi missile attack on UAE, Al Arabiya, 31 January 2022: Biden says he will designate Qatar as a major non-NATO US ally, DW, 31 January 2022: Israel and UAE: How nominal enemies became allies, The National, 1 February 2022: Saudi Arabia unveils more than $6.4bn in technology and start-up investment at Leap, Arab News, 1 February 2022: Biden tells emir he will make Qatar major non-NATO ally, Al Arabiya, 1 February 2022: Saudi Arabia announces $6.4 billion investments in future tech, CNN, 1 February 2022: How Qatar went from regional outcast to key Biden ally, The National, 2 February 2022: British MP warns on ‘worrying escalation’ behind Houthi UAE attacks, Reuters, 2 February 2022: Israel participates in huge U.S. Mideast naval exercise alongside Saudi, Oman, Al Arabiya, 2 February 2022: Israel participates in huge US Gulf naval exercise alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2022: US to send fighter jets to assist UAE after Houthi attacks, Times of Israel, 2 February 2022: Gantz lands in Bahrain to sign security agreements, in first official visit, Gulf Times, 2 February 2022: Amir-Biden talks elevate Qatar-US ties to new level: Cabinet, Arab News, 3 February 2022: Saudi Arabian delegation lands in Beijing ahead of historic first Winter Olympics participation, The National, 3 February 2022: Dubai posts 32% increase in 2021 visitor numbers as tourism sector recovers, Arab News, 3 February 2022: Bahrain’s King Hamad meets Israeli defense minister, Al Arabiya, 3 February 2022: Israel signs defense agreement with Bahrain in Gulf first, Arab News, 4 February 2022: France to provide UAE with military support to protect airspace, Al Arabiya, 4 February 2022: France to reinforce UAE defense system after Houthi attacks, Haaretz, 4 February 2022: What Gulf States Urgently Need From Israel Against Iran, Al Arabia, 5 February 2022: Saudi Arabia marks first participation in Winter Olympic Games held in China, Times of Israel, 5 February 2022: As Mideast wars encroach on UAE with Iran-backed attacks, US starts to get drawn in, Al Arabiya, 6 February 2022: After Houthi attacks, senior US general in UAE to bolster defenses, Gulf News, 7 February 2022: Bahrain plans to offer permanent residence to some foreigners, Gulf Times, 7 February 2022: Bahrain introduces ‘golden’ permanent residency visas to attract talent, Arab News, 8 February 2022: US military commander praises UAE’s ‘effective’ air defense system against Houthi attacks, Arab News, 8 February 2022: Saudi Arabia’s anti-corruption campaign takes root, The National, 9 February 2022: Prince William lands in Dubai on first official visit to UAE, Jerusalem Post, 9 February 2022: CENTCOM nominee promotes Middle East integrated air and missile defense, Al Arabiya, 11 February 2022: Israel’s El Al Airlines says Dubai flights will be disrupted from Feb. 13, The Algemeiner, 11 February 2022: It’s Time to Give Arab Countries Their Due for Normalizing Relations With Israel, Al Arabiya, 12 February 2022: Israeli officer stationed in Manama part of intl coalition: Foreign ministry, The Algemeiner, 12 February 2022: Bahrain Confirms Israeli Officer Will Be Stationed in the Country – State Agency, Al Arabiya, 13 February 2022: US F-22 fighter jets arrive in UAE following Houthi attacks, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Arab Coalition strikes target satellites station in Yemen’s Sanaa: Residents, DW, 14 February 2022: Israeli Prime Minister Bennett on historic visit to Bahrain, Arab News, 14 February 2022: Israeli prime minister lands in Bahrain in first visit, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: UAE, Turkey sign 13 agreements during Erdogan’s meeting with Mohammed bin Zayed, The National, 15 February 2022: Turkey’s Erdogan concludes UAE trip with visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, Gulf Times, 15 February 2022: Qatar embassy opens Qatari-Russian Centre for Science and Education in Dagestan University, The National, 15 February 2022: Israel PM meets Bahrain king on landmark visit, Times of Israel, 15 February 2022: Bennett meets Bahrain king and crown prince, urges ‘peace between people’, Israel Hayom, 15 February 2022: ‘Israel-Saudi peace could be bridge to entire Muslim world’, Al Arabiya, 18 February 2022: India, UAE eye $100 bln in annual trade after signing trade pact, Gulf News, 19 February 2022: Saudi crown prince says abaya not necessary, Arab News, 19 February 2022: Prince Faisal, Antony Blinken discuss joint efforts to stop Houthi aggression, Gulf News, 19 February 2022: What is India – UAE CEPA, how it will benefit both economies?, Arab News, 20 February 2022: Saudi Arabia plans for fresh round of talks with Iran: Foreign minister, Al Arabiya, 20 February 2022: Saudi Arabia plans for fresh round of talks with Iran: Foreign minister, Gulf Times, 20 February 2022: UAE warns of drone threat as it opens defence conference, Al Arabiya, 23 February 2022: UAE plans to buy 12 L-15 aircrafts from China, Gulf News, 23 February 2022: Saudi investors dream of Neom homes: Survey, Arab News, 23 February 2022: UAE may play key role in resolution of Renaissance Dam crisis, Gulf News, 23 February 2022: Residential prices and rents in Dubai are growing at the fastest rate since early 2015: CBRE, Al Arabiya, 23 February 2022: NEOM first choice among giga-projects for Saudi Arabian homebuyers: Survey, Arab News, 24 February 2022: A $20bn Saudi project will transform Jeddah, with history, heritage and culture at its core, Gulf Times, 25 February 2022: Defence minister inaugrates Al-Shamal training ship, Gulf Times, 25 February 2022: UAE warns of drone threat as it opens defence conference, Arab News, 27 February 2022: Red Sea resort to keep tourist numbers at environment-friendly levels: Official, Gulf News, 27 February 2022: UAE’s non-oil foreign trade grows 27% to touch nearly Dh1.9 trillion in 2021, Al Arabiya, 1 March 2022: US still committed to selling F-35 jets, armed drones to UAE: Official, Gulf News, 2 March 2022: UAE announces $5 million humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, CNN, 2 March 2022: Why Biden’s key Mideast allies aren’t condemning Russia’s Ukraine invasion, The Atlantic, 3 March 2022: Absolute Power, Khaleej Times, 3 March 2022: When will Dubai’s gratuity savings scheme be applied to private sector, ask expats, Al Arabiya, 3 March 2022: Mohammed bin Salman on Iran, Israel, US and future of Saudi Arabia: Full transcript, CNN, 3 March 2022: Biden’s Middle East allies change tune on Ukraine war as conflict escalates, Al Arabiya, 3 March 2022: Crown Prince: Ritz Carlton incident was a crackdown on corruption in Saudi Arabia, Khaleej Times, 3 March 2022: Ramadan 2022 in UAE: Flexible timings, remote work option announced for public sector, Al Arabiya, 3 March 2022: Saudi Arabia and Iran should ‘coexist’, Israel is a ‘potential ally’: Crown Prince, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2022: Israel, Saudi Arabia can be allies if Palestinian conflict solved – MBS, Al Arabiya, 3 March 2022: Some want to see Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 fail, ‘they can’t touch it’: Crown Prince, Gulf Times, 4 March 2022: UAE votes in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution on Ukraine, Gulf News, 4 March 2022: Mohamed bin Zayed calls Zelensky, discusses Ukraine crisis, Gulf News, 5 March 2022: UAE affirms commitment to strengthening anti-money laundering efforts, Gulf News, 5 March 2022: UAE votes in favour of UN resolution on human rights situation in Ukraine, Arab News, 6 March 2022: First prayer in Makkah’s Grand Mosque held without social distancing, The New York Times, 7 March 2022: 9/11 Suspect Is Returned to Saudi Arabia for Mental Health Care, Al Arabiya, 7 March 2022: EU citizens and others doubt safety after Ukraine invasion, opt for dual citizenship, Arab News, 7 March 2022: As Kyiv burns, a new world order emerges (The calculation has a crucial error: Iran would like to be, but is not nearly as dangerous as Russia. For the West, Iran is a manageable threat and is treated as such. For the West, energy security is of paramount importance. It is therefore irrelevant who is helping to solve this problem, although positive effects are even attributed to Iran here, because if the country floods the oil market, this means rapidly falling world market prices, pressure on the Gulf States to reduce prices so that they are competitive and the export stop for Russia to Europe and America. Another miscalculation would be to assume that the West would go to war for the Gulf States and Israel against Iran), DW, 7 March 2022: Ukraine war: Will Arab oil save the world from soaring prices?, Al Arabiya, 8 March 2022: Germany calls on OPEC to increase oil output, The National, 8 March 2022: UK looks to Gulf to replace Russian oil imports, Al Arabiya, 9 March 2022: UAE envoy says trade, investment deal with Israel will be signed this month, Al Arabiya, 9 March 2022: Art Dubai 2022: What to expect from the exhibit’s largest edition to date, DW, 11 March 2022: Why is the UAE a hot spot for Russians dodging sanctions?, The Hill, 11 March 2022: Blogger who called for secular society in Saudi Arabia freed after decade in prison, France24, 11 March 2022: Saudi blogger Raif Badawi released after 10 years in prison, CNN, 11 March 2022: Could Middle East nations come to the rescue as the Ukraine war drives up oil prices?, DW, 12 March 2022: Raif Badawi is free, but world must speak out for other jailed journalists, Gulf News, 12 March 2022: Saudi Arabia: Ramadan Umrah permits still available, DW, 12 March 2022: Saudi Arabia executes 81 prisoners in a day, Arab News, 12 March 2022: Gulf to play key role as EU plans to cut Russian gas imports, says envoy, The National, 12 March 2022: Saudi Arabia executes 81 people for terrorism-related offences, Arab News, 12 March 2022: Germany discussed energy cooperation with Qatar, Al Arabiya, 12 March 2022: Saudi interior ministry announces number of executions of ISIS, al-Qaeda members, NPR, 12 March 2022: Saudi Arabia carries out its largest known execution in the kingdom’s modern history, BBC, 12 March 2022: Saudi Arabia executes 81 men in one day, Israel Hayom, 13 March 2022: Saudi executions prompt Iran to cut off talks, Arab News, 14 March 2022: Saudi National Development Fund to inject $152bn in local economy by 2030, Crown Prince says, Haaretz, 15 March 2022: Departing CENTCOM Commander Urges Israel to Integrate Missile Defense With Arab Allies to Counter Iran, Al Arabiya, 15 March 2022: UK’s Johnson to meet UAE, Saudi leaders in push for more oil, Irish Times, 15 March 2022: The Irish Times view on Western relations with Riyadh: the blood in Saudi barrels, The Times, 15 March 2022: The strongmen are stumbling into oblivion, The National, 16 March 2022: Boris Johnson goes all out to solve the UK’s energy squeeze, Al Arabiya, 18 March 2022: Saudi Arabia to extend visa validity for Ukrainians in the Kingdom for free, France24, 18 March 2022: Syria’s Assad visits UAE, first trip to an Arab state since war, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: Syria’s Assad visits UAE in first trip to an Arab state since civil war, Jerusalem Post, 19 March 2022: Assad in the UAE: A new era for Syria and a shift in Mideast complexity, Al Arabiya, 19 March 2022: UAE FM discusses regional, international developments with UK’s Truss, Haaretz, 19 March 2022: Bashar Assad Visits UAE, First Trip to Arab Country Since Start of Syrian Civil War, Arab News, 19 March 2022: UAE leaders receive Syrian President Assad, Times of Israel, 19 March 2022: US ‘profoundly disappointed’ by UAE hosting Syria’s Assad, Al Arabiya, 19 March 2022: UAE offers civilian assistance amid Russia invasion of Ukraine: Foreign minister, Arab News, 19 March 2022: Saudi FM meets Ukraine envoy in Riyadh, expresses support for de-escalation in war, Politico.eu, 19 March 2022: Boris Johnson’s Saudi bromance, Jerusalem Post, 20 March 2022: Travelers stranded as Israel-Dubai flight security dispute unresolved, BBC, 20 March 2022: Saudi Aramco ramps up investment to boost production, The Hill, 20 March 2022: U.S.-Saudi tensions complicate push for more oil, The Guardian, 20 March 2022: Germany agrees gas deal with Qatar to help end dependency on Russia, DW, 20 March 2022: Qatar to help Germany cut reliance on Russian gas, says minister, DW, 21 March 2022: Germany strikes green energy deals in UAE and Qatar, Al Arabiya, 21 March 2022: Houthi attacks on oil facilities should be of global concern: Saudi Aramco chief, Arab News, 21 March 2022: Building a more strategic EU-Saudi Arabia partnership, DW, 21 March 2022: Saudi Arabia and China: New best friends?, Al Arabiya, 21 March 2022: Arab Coalition says intercepted, destroyed ‘hostile target’ launched towards Jeddah, Arab News, 22 March 2022: Greening Saudi Project gains expert backing, Haaretz, 22 March 2022: U.S. Bolsters Military Help for Riyadh in Bid to Mend Saudi Ties, The National, 23 March 2022: Crowdfunding will boost the UAE economy, Politico.eu, 24 March 2022: Oil has an autocracy problem, Arab News, 25 March 2022: Riyadh and Ankara move to repair their relations, The National, 25 March 2022: Ramadan 2022: Abu Dhabi shopping mall opening hours guide, Arab News, 25 March 2022: Wärtsilä president says GCC should focus on hydrogen-energy potential, Al Arabiya, 25 March 2022: ‘Hostile operation’ targeted Aramco facility in Jeddah: Arab Coalition, Arab News, 25 March 2022: Houthis hit ‘backbone of the global economy’ in Jeddah oil depot strike, DW, 25 March 2022: Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia: Grand Prix of double standards, The National, 26 March 2022: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to go ahead following attacks, BBC, 26 March 2022: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead after missile attack, Al Arabiya, 26 March 2022: UAE updates COVID-19 guidelines for residents, travelers, The Guardian, 26 March 2022: Dubai throws open the doors for the rich Russians escaping sanctions, Arab News, 27 March 2022: Saudi Arabia keen to strengthen UN partnership, cooperation in development and women’s empowerment, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Bennett issues rare statement condemning Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 28 March 2022: Saudi FM receives phone call from US Secretary of State, discusses strategic relations, DW, 29 March 2022: Qatar 2022: Still a long way to go on human rights, Al Arabiya, 29 March 2022: Blinken assures UAE leader of US defense help over Houthi attacks, Iran, Gulf News, 29 March 2022: UAE: Mohamed Bin Zayed meets US’s Blinken in Morocco, Jerusalem Post, 29 March 2022: Dubai restaurants to become first in Middle East to get Michelin ratings, Al Arabiya, 30 March 2022: Saudi Arabia govt spending $24.7bln on tech, highest globally by 21 pct: DGA Governor, DW, 30 March 2022: Houthi attacks expose Saudi Arabia’s defense weakness, Al Arabiya, 30 March 2022: Saudi Arabia on path to become MENA financial hub in 3 years: GEN President Ortmans, The Washington Post, 30 March 2022: Ukraine has widened the breach between U.S. and Persian Gulf countries, Al Arabiya, 31 March 2022: Saudi Arabia blacklists 25 individuals, entities for easing financing of Houthis, The Guardian, 31 March 2022: Turkish prosecutor asks to halt trial for the murder of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi, Al Arabiya, 31 March 2022: Dubai to require driving license for e-scooters per new mobility law, Gulf News, 1 April 2022: Dubai starts complex process to create District 2020 out of the Expo site, Al Arabiya, 4 April 2022: Washington provided Saudi Arabia, UAE with ‘appropriate military sales’: US envoy, Arab News, 4 April 2022: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector activity records fastest growth in 4 years, The Hill, 5 April 2022: Saudi state oil producer set to raise prices amid Ukraine crisis, The Washington Post, 6 April 2022: Turkey, no friend of press freedom, finally sells out Khashoggi, NPR, 6 April 2022: Turkish court rules that Khashoggi trial should be transferred to Saudi Arabia, The Guardian, 7 April 2022: Turkey to send case against Khashoggi’s alleged killers to Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 7 April 2022: Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry announces return of Kingdom’s ambassador to Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 7 April 2022: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait sending their withdrawn ambassadors back to Lebanon, Arab News, 8 April 2022: Optimism prevails as Saudi, Kuwaiti ambassadors return to Lebanon, Al Arabiya, 8 April 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince announces ‘largest expansion in history’ of Quba mosque, Arab News, 9 April 2022: Ministry to increase Hajj capacity to 1 million pilgrims this year, Al Arabiya, 9 April 2022: Saudi Arabia increases Hajj pilgrimage capacity to one million, The National, 10 April 2022: UAE ‘committed to industrial growth’, says Dr Sultan Al Jaber, The National, 13 April 2022: Opec cuts 2022 supply and demand forecasts amid Ukraine conflict and high inflation, Arab News, 14 April 2022: Dubai Investments earns $258m profit from the Emicool deal, says CEO, Al Arabiya, 14 April 2022: Fitch revises Saudi Arabia’s outlook to ‘positive’ from ‘stable’, Jerusalem Post, 15 April 2022: UAE’s first fully equipped Jewish neighborhood to be established, says Rabbi, The National, 15 April 2022: Full steam ahead, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, China’s President Xi Jinping discuss partnership growth, DW, 17 April 2022: Ukraine war: Will the wheat crisis bring more food independence?, Arab News, 18 April 2022: 100 gates to manage crowds at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: Israel Wants Biden to Improve Ties With the Saudis. His Party Isn’t on Board, Arab News, 19 April 2022: Security fears: Israel might ban citizens from going to Qatar for World Cup, Times of Israel, 19 April 2022: UAE pulls out of Independence Day flyby amid tensions over Temple Mount clashes, Arab News, 19 April 2022: UAE summons Swedish ambassador to protest against Qur’an burning by extremists, Haaretz, 19 April 2022: UN Security Council Debates Jerusalem Violence, UAE Summons Israeli Envoy, Arab News, 19 April 2022: Saudi Arabia, other Islamic countries condemn Swedish far-right group’s plan to burn copies of the Qur’an, The National, 19 April 2022: What are the UAE’s new visa rules? ‘Business Extra’ explains, Arab News, 20 April 2022: Finally, a glimmer of hope in the Middle East, The National, 21 April 2022: The UAE’s updated visa programme will contribute to a more stable Middle East, Arab News, 22 April 2022: How to counter the West’s refugee double standards (if you look at the flow of refugees in the world, then we’ve been living in the “us and them” world for a long time. There is no other way. If you look at the EU, then it will soon have reached the limits of what is feasible and will even have to close the borders completely in order to then choose who is allowed in and who is not, purely for self-protection. About 9 million refugees have arrived in the EU since 2014, so effective measures must be taken to drastically reduce this number. Ultimately, this is about the Europe of Europeans and not about the melting pot for illiterate people from all over the world, who only cost the EU money but represent no gain. This is also why it is of course clear that the mostly well-trained Ukrainians are received with much greater sympathy. It currently gives the impression that this trend will intensify significantly), The National, 22 April 2022: Ramadan 2022: joy and gratitude as in-person lectures return to Dubai’s Islamic centres, Al Arabiya, 23 April 2022: Michael Ratney tapped to be next US ambassador to Saudi Arabia: White House, DW, 23 April 2022: ‘Not our fight’: Why the Middle East doesn’t fully support Ukraine (Europeans support Europeans against the war criminal Putin. There is something the Middle East can learn for itself, namely to live together in (relative) peace instead of killing each other in the various crises and wars in the region for decades, sometimes for centuries), Arab News, 23 April 2022: A diplomacy agenda for Saudi Arabia and Armenia, The National, 24 April 2022: Masdar to develop green hydrogen plants in Egypt, Arab News, 24 April 2022: How Gulf Arab states are getting to grips with the energy transition challenge, Arab News, 25 April 2022: New Saudi law treating foreign and local firms equally to spur business activity, Al Arabiya, 25 April 2022: Saudi Arabia’s new investment law to increase international business by over 50 pct, Arab News, 25 April 2022: A strategic partnership aims to make Saudi Arabia a top global destination, CNN, 25 April 2022: As US retreats, Saudi Arabia and Iran are trying to mend fences, Arab News, 25 April 2022: Macron’s victory prompts conflicting reactions in Dubai, from detachment to relief and dismay, The National, 26 April 2022: US and Gulf region set to ‘rebalance’ alliance after Ukraine, Arab News, 26 April 2022: More female tech startup entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia than in Europe: Report, Al Arabiya, 26 April 2022: Saudi Arabia boasts higher women-in-tech startup rates than Europe: Research report, Arab News, 27 April 2022: ‘Biden Arabs’ should be given a voice, Al Arabiya, 27 April 2022: Iran, China agree to expand military cooperation: Iranian military chief, Arab News, 28 April 2022: Saudi king, crown prince receive Turkish president in Jeddah, Al Arabiya, 28 April 2022: Saudi King, Crown Prince receive Turkey’s Erdogan during his first visit since 2017, Arab News, 28 April 2022: Are Arab Americans playing enough of a role in helping to forge US policies?, The National, 28 April 2022: Turkish President Erdogan’s visit to Saudi Arabia seeks to restore strained relations, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2022: Saudi-Iran talks could endanger future Abraham accords, experts say (as long as there aren’t real incentives for Saudi Arabia (the country want to buy US weaponary for years, but this is denied again and again) in joining the normalization treaty it doesn’t make sense for Riyadh to even think about), Times of Israel, 28 April 2022: Turkish President Erdogan visits Saudi Arabia, in first since Khashoggi killing, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2022: Gulf states see Macron victory as positive development, France24, 28 April 2022: Erdogan meets Saudi crown prince on first visit since Khashoggi’s killing, The Guardian, 29 April 2022: Analysis: Khashoggi goes unmentioned as Erdogan seeks to boost Saudi trade ties, Arab News, 29 April 2022: Time for Saudi Arabia and Turkey to reset the clock, DW, 29 April 2022: Erdogan’s Saudi Arabia trip could be a game changer for Middle East, CNN, 29 April 2022: Why Saudi Arabia and Turkey are turning the page on the Khashoggi scandal, Arab News, 1 May 2022: Dubai businesses embrace crypto as the future of payments, Haaretz, 2 May 2022: Saudis ‘Let Down’ by Lack of U.S. Action on Houthis, Says Senior Royal, Arab News, 2 May 2022: Saudi economy grows at fastest pace in a decade on rising oil activities, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2022: Turkish President Erdogan expresses satisfaction with Saudi trip, CNN, 2 May 2022: Why the food crisis sparked by Russia’s war hasn’t hit Gulf states yet, Arab News, 3 May 2022: Saudi economy to witness 10% growth in 2022: Capital Economics, Al Arabiya, 3 May 2022: Dubai’s cryptocurrency regulator establishes metaverse headquarters, Arab News, 4 May 2022: Saudi central bank raises interest rates in line with US Fed’s decision, Al Arabiya, 4 May 2022: Saudi Arabia’s economy to exceed $1 trillion for first time in history: IMF estimate, Arab News, 5 May 2022: Madinah governor inaugurates Exhibition of Prophet’s Holy Mosque Architecture, Al Arabiya, 6 May 2022: Saudi Arabia announces $6 billion investment in steel complex, EV metals plant, The National, 6 May 2022: Saudi Arabia plans to attract investment worth $32bn to its mining and minerals sector, Times of Israel, 7 May 2022: Riyadh to invest millions in Israeli tech via Jared Kushner’s new fund, Haaretz, 7 May 2022: Jared Kushner’s Fund to Invest Saudi Millions in Israeli Tech, WSJ Reports, DW, 7 May 2022: Will surging energy prices derail reforms in oil-exporting Middle East?, Arab News, 9 May 2022: Top UN official lauds success of Saudi e-learning platform at global conference, CNN, 9 May 2022: The Middle East won’t rescue Europe if it turns off Russian oil, Arab News, 10 May 2022: GCC-EU energy cooperation needed now more than ever, The National, 10 May 2022: UAE and Germany to focus on strengthening sustainable economic growth, Arab News, 10 May 2022: Pagano sees contribution of TRSDC-AMAALA tourism projects to Saudi GDP at $9bn, The National, 10 May 2022: Dubai records 4 million visitors in first quarter of 2022, Sheikh Hamdan says, Arab News, 11 May 2022: NEOM seeks to regenerate the area, offer ‘guilt-free’ vacations, Arab News, 11 May 2022: Saudi Arabia, US to boost trade cooperation in digital economy and innovation fields, The National, 12 May 2022: Qatar’s Emir meets Iranian leaders during Tehran visit, CNN, 12 May 2022: Saudi Aramco eclipses Apple to once again become the world’s most valuable company, The National, 13 May 2022: Saudi Arabia pays tribute to Sheikh Khalifa, Jerusalem Post, 13 May 2022: UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan dies at age 73, The National, 13 May 2022: Biden leads US tributes to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa, Times of Israel, 13 May 2022: UAE ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan dies at 73, The National, 13 May 2022: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa laid to rest, DW, 13 May 2022: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan dies at 73, The National, 13 May 2022: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed: A wise leader who led the growth of his modern nation, France24, 13 May 2022: UAE’s ailing leader Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed dies aged 73, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2022: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed: UAE ‘lost its righteous son’ following Sheikh Khalifa death, CNN, 13 May 2022: UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan dies aged 73, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2022: ‘Great loss’: Top US officials mourn UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa, The Times, 13 May 2022: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, UAE president, dies at 73, Al Arabiya, 13 May 2022: ‘His legacy will live on,’ world leaders pay tribute to UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa, Arab News, 13 May 2022: World leaders mourn death of UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa, DW, 14 May 2022: UAE: Sheikh Mohammed elected as new president, France24, 14 May 2022: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed elected UAE president after brother’s death, The National, 14 May 2022: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed elected President of the UAE, Times of Israel, 14 May 2022: Crown prince, longtime de facto ruler Mohamed bin Zayed elected UAE president, The National, 14 May 2022: Kamala Harris to travel to UAE to offer condolences on death of Sheikh Khalifa, Arab News, 14 May 2022: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed elected UAE president, leaders pledge allegiance, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2022: Saudi Arabia’s King, Crown Prince congratulate Sheikh Mohamed on UAE Presidency, Arab News, 15 May 2022: Oil prices drive Saudi quarterly budget to record first surplus in 6 years, The National, 15 May 2022: World leaders including China and India send congratulations to President Sheikh Mohamed, Arab News, 15 May 2022: New UAE president meets Macron as world leaders pay respects, The National, 16 May 2022: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives foreign leaders for a second day, Arab News, 16 May 2022: Saudi surgeons separate Yemeni twins after complicated 15-hour operation, Arab News, 16 May 2022: NEOM ‘fully under Saudi sovereignty, regulations,’ says government official refuting inaccurate media reports, Arab News, 17 May 2022: Change in Saudi Arabia is ‘profound’, Princess Reema tells Arab Women Forum, The National, 18 May 2022: EU unveils first long-term strategy to shape future Gulf ties, The National, 18 May 2022: UN Security Council honours Sheikh Khalifa, Arab News, 19 May 2022: Sheikh Khalifa’s legacy of transformation and tolerance, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2022: US reaffirms commitment to helping Saudi Arabia defend itself from external threats, Arab News, 19 May 2022: Saudi-US defense delegations review ties, discuss future cooperation, The National, 20 May 2022: Germany signs energy pact with Qatar in race to ditch Russian gas, Arab News, 20 May 2022: Europe keen to advance level of partnership with Saudi Arabia: Envoy, The National, 21 May 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Prince Khalid meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss Yemen, Arab News, 21 May 2022: Saudi deputy defense minister: UN, international pressure needed for Houthis to engage in peace process, Al Arabiya, 22 May 2022: UAE among world’s top five tea exporting countries: Report, Arab News, 24 May 2022: Saudi foreign minister reiterates Kingdom’s position on Israel, Al Arabiya, 25 May 2022: Increased oil revenue to help Saudi Arabia achieve sustainability goals: Minister, Al Arabiya, 25 May 2022: Saudi Arabia’s growth in global index for tourism ‘second largest’: Minister at WEF, Al Arabiya, 27 May 2022: No Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers meeting in foreseeable future: Saudi official, The National, 28 May 2022: UAE President receives Jordanian and Egyptian Prime Ministers, Arab News, 29 May 2022: UAE, Egypt and Jordan draft agreements for renewable energy projects, Haaretz, 29 May 2022: Israeli Military, Mossad Chiefs Visited Saudi Arabia in Last Decade, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2022: UAE $10 billion investment in Jordan and Egypt is a game-changer, Times of Israel, 29 May 2022: Dozens of Israeli business and tech figures visit Saudi Arabia — report, Arab News, 30 May 2022: Despite direct economic consequences, study finds majority of Arabs do not care about Ukraine-Russia war, Jerusalem Post, 30 May 2022: Israel, Saudi Arabia normalization will take time, Yair Lapid says, Arab News, 30 May 2022: Our YouGov Ukraine poll exposes deep Arab mistrust of the West, Al Arabiya, 30 May 2022: Israel’s FM says normalization with Saudi Arabia ‘long, cautious process’, Arab News, 30 May 2022: Saudi FM discusses strategic relations between Kingdom and US with Blinken, DW, 31 May 2022: Israel, UAE sign historic free trade deal, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2022: Business leaders hail ‘unprecedented’ Israel-UAE free trade deal, Haaretz, 31 May 2022: Biden’s Dilemma: Is Saudi Arabia Really a U.S. Ally?, Arab News, 31 May 2022: Saudi FM says Kingdom supports efforts aimed at ending Russia-Ukraine crisis, Al Arabiya, 1 June 2022: Lavrov: Gulf countries will not impose sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, Arab News, 1 June 2022: Gulf united on Russia-Ukraine war, says Saudi foreign minister, The National, 1 June 2022: GCC members will not join global sanctions against Russia, Lavrov confirms, Al Arabiya, 1 June 2022: Saudi Arabia plans to build world’s largest buildings in NEOM: Sources, Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2022: Lapid to ‘Post’: Saudi normalization with Israel will be in ‘baby steps’ if it happens, The Hill, 2 June 2022: Biden lays groundwork for risky meeting with Saudis, Al Arabiya, 2 June 2022: US President Biden leans towards visiting Saudi Arabia: Report, Foreign Policy, 3 June 2022: Biden’s Saudi Trip May Be Too Little, Too Late, Haaretz, 3 June 2022: White House Praises Saudi Royals on Yemen Truce Before Expected Biden Trip, Al Arabiya, 4 June 2022: Saudi Arabia concludes military drill with Red Sea countries, raises combat readiness, The Algemeiner, 4 June 2022: Two Saudi Delegations to Visit US as Ties Improve, Al Arabiya, 4 June 2022: Oman oil discoveries to boost production by up to 100,000 barrels: Minister, Al Arabiya, 7 June 2022: Russian and CIS investors account for over 20 pct of potential homebuyers in Dubai (Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)), Al Arabiya, 7 June 2022: Saudi GDP grows 9.9 percent in Q1, beating flash estimate: Official data, Al Arabiya, 7 June 2022: White House lauds Saudi Arabia as ‘strategic partner’, Arab News, 10 June 2022: Saudi tourism ministry to invest $100m on one of the largest training programs in the sector: top official, CNN, 10 June 2022: US seeks full reset with Saudi Arabia, effectively moving on from the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Arab News, 11 June 2022: Japanese band Flow delivers legendary performance at Anime Village in Jeddah, DW, 11 June 2022: Saudi Arabia’s economic shift from oil to ski slopes — fantasy or genuine?, Al Arabiya, 11 June 2022: Saudi Arabia, France defense forces hold joint military drill: Report, Arab News, 12 June 2022: UN thanks Saudi Arabia for $10m donation to rescue Yemen oil tanker, France24, 12 June 2022: QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies to collaborate on North Field East project, Arab News, 12 June 2022: China Renaissance eyes investments in the Middle East to fund startups: CEO, Al Arabiya, 12 June 2022: Saudi Telecom shares rise on $8 bln capital increase proposal, The National, 13 June 2022: UAE golden visa programme attracts investment and talent, report finds, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: US President Biden to visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Salman, CNN, 14 June 2022: Saudi Crown Prince outlasts US’ moral outrage, with a little help from soaring gas prices, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2022: Bennet says Biden visit will reveal US steps to integrate Israel into Middle East, DW, 15 June 2022: Saudi Arabia cracks down on rainbow-colored toys, The Guardian, 15 June 2022: Saudi authorities seize rainbow toys in crackdown on homosexuality, BBC, 15 June 2022: Saudi authorities seize rainbow toys for promoting homosexuality, France24, 15 June 2022: Saudi embassy in Washington now on ‘Jamal Khashoggi Way’, The Guardian, 15 June 2022: Jamal Khashoggi: Street sign honoring journalist unveiled in front of Saudi embassy in DC, DW, 15 June 2022: Why the US can’t get the Middle East to support it on Ukraine, The Washington Post, 16 June 2022: In Saudi crackdown on LGBTQ expression, even rainbow toys aren’t safe, BBC, 16 June 2022: Jamal Khashoggi: Saudi embassy street in US renamed after murdered journalist, Arab News, 16 June 2022: Region’s countries need to work together to ensure food security, Al Arabiya, 16 June 2022: Saudi, US officials discuss ways to boost economic partnership, Arab News, 16 June 2022: Russia-Saudi relations “as warm as the weather in Riyadh”, Prince Abdulaziz says, The National, 17 June 2022: UAE discusses military co-operation with French army. Arab News, 17 June 2022: UAE sends plane carrying 27 tons of aid to Ukrainian refugees in Poland (interesting. Suddenly Muslims are very welcome in Poland), The National, 17 June 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to travel to Turkey, The Times, 17 June 2022: Biden forced to change his tune on Saudi in bid for oil, Arab News, 17 June 2022: US pressures Iran by targeting Chinese, UAE front companies, Haaretz, 17 June 2022: Middle East Minefield Drives Away Dream of Regional Alliance, Al Arabiya, 18 June 2022: Egypt’s Sisi, Bahrain’s King Khalifa discuss bilateral ties in Sharm El-Sheikh, Al Arabiya, 19 June 2022: Iran responds to UAE concerns over Tehran’s nuclear plans, Arab News, 20 June 2022: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Egypt on official visit, Al Arabiya, 20 June 2022: Expo 2020 to be rebranded ‘Expo City Dubai,’ reopening in October, Al Arabiya, 20 June 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince arrives in Egypt, will visit Jordan and Turkey next, Arab News, 21 June 2022: Saudi crown prince arrives in Jordan as regional tour continues, The National, 21 June 2022: Make it in the Emirates: champion companies to transform UAE industry with $30bn of deals, Al Arabiya, 21 June 2022: More than 170,000 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia’s Medina ahead of Hajj, DW, 21 June 2022: Mohammed bin Salman: From pariah to preferred partner?, Al Arabiya, 21 June 2022: Jordan’s King stresses pivotal regional role of Saudi Arabia led by King Salman, Arab News, 21 June 2022: Jeddah Season creates 74,000 jobs for Saudi youths, Al Arabiya, 21 June 2022: Saudi Arabia, Egypt sign 14 agreements worth $7.7 billion, The Times, 22 June 2022: Has the world forgotten Jamal Khashoggi?, France24, 22 June 2022: US hints at Arab progress with Israel during Biden trip, Al Arabiya, 22 June 2022: Iran tensions, record gas prices push Biden to recalibrate US policy in Middle East, The National, 22 June 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince arrives in Turkey on third leg of regional tour, Arab News, 22 June 2022: Saudi Arabia and Turkey must maintain strategic partnership, Al Arabiya, 22 June 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Jordan’s King Abdullah discuss bolstering ties, France24, 22 June 2022: Saudi crown prince, Erdogan turn page on Khashoggi murder, hail ‘new era’ of cooperation, Arab News, 22 June 2022: Saudi-Jordanian cooperation ‘a role model’ for the entire Middle East, The Guardian, 22 June 2022: Turkey: Saudi crown prince visits as relations thaw after Khashoggi murder, Al Arabiya, 22 June 2022: Saudi Arabia’s mega project appoints founding president for first university in NEOM, Arab News, 22 June 2022: Saudi crown prince leaves Turkey, bringing regional tour to a close, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2022: Saudi Arabia and Turkey hail new era of cooperation after Crown Prince visit, The Times, 23 June 2022: Turkey buries hatchet as Erdogan meets Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman, Al Arabiya, 23 June 2022: Will Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia help recalibrate US-Saudi ties? Experts weigh in, Al Arabiya, 24 June 2022: Another rocket attack targets UAE’s Dana Gas site in Iraq: Sources, Arab News, 25 June 2022: Saudi Crown Prince, Iraqi PM review bilateral ties, Al Arabiya, 25 June 2022: UAE’s Dana Gas Iraq facilities targeted by third missile strike in a week: Sources, Arab News, 25 June 2022: Startup of the Week: Pylon targets emerging markets, aims to be the first MENA gigacorn, DW, 26 June 2022: Iraqi prime minister visits Tehran to push for Iran-Saudi talks, Times of Israel, 26 June 2022: Israeli defense chief said to talk anti-Iran alliance with Saudi counterpart, Arab News, 26 June 2022: Bahraini king meets Saudi FM, Times of Israel, 27 June 2022: Gantz: Israel is building a Middle East air defense alliance against Iran, Arab News, 29 June 2022: Saudi Arabia open to interfaith dialogue to combat religious intolerance, says US Special envoy to combat and monitor antisemitism, DW, 30 June 2022: A ‘NATO’ for the Middle East?, Al Arabiya, 30 June 2022: Unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia lowest since 2008 as economy booms, Arab News, 30 June 2022: Saudi crown prince announces ‘national priorities’ for research, development projects, Al Arabiya, 30 June 2022: Saudi Crown Prince announces national priorities for research and development sector, Arab News, 1 July 2022: US officials led by antisemitism envoy briefed on Saudi efforts to promote tolerance, Arab News, 2 July 2022: Marshall Plan for the Middle East, The National, 2 July 2022: GCC welcomes $600m Saudi aid package for Yemen, Arab News, 3 July 2022: Jeddah Season receives 6 million visitors, Arab News, 3 July 2022: New lake park in Historic Jeddah highlights cultural destination, Al Arabiya, 4 July 2022: Saudi Arabia allocates $5.3 bln to face repercussions of rising global prices, Arab News, 4 July 2022: United Arab Emirates doubles support for low-income Emirati families, The National, 4 July 2022: UAE Hajj pilgrims to test and isolate on return amid Covid-19 precautions, Arab News, 5 July 2022: NRG Matters: QatarEnergy signs deal with Shell for $30bn North Field East project; Germany’s renewable energy consumption up, The National, 7 July 2022: Biden to discuss Yemen ceasefire during Saudi Arabia visit, Al Arabiya, 7 July 2022: Biden to meet with King Salman, Crown Prince during trip to Saudi Arabia: White House, The Algemeiner, 7 July 2022: US, Israel Push Arab Allies for Joint Defence Pact Amid Iran Tensions, Arab News, 7 July 2022: Makkah’s Zamzam water production melds ancient history with modern technology, Politico.com, 9 July 2022: Israel is the real winner of Biden’s meeting with the Saudi crown prince, Arab News, 9 July 2022: How award-winning Jamarat Bridge provides relief to pilgrims during key Hajj ritual, Haaretz, 10 July 2022: Ahead of Biden Visit, Israeli PM Calls for Ties With More Mideast Countries, New Gaza Policy, The National, 10 July 2022: Biden: goal of Saudi trip is to ‘strengthen’ relations and promote regional integration, Arab News, 10 July 2022: Saudi security forces use latest technology to monitor Hajj, Al Arabiya, 10 July 2022: Biden says always aimed to ‘reorient, not rupture’ Saudi relations ahead of visit, DW, 10 July 2022: Joe Biden defends trip to Saudi Arabia in op-ed, Arab News, 11 July 2022: Foolproof Hajj arrangements ensure stoning ritual at Jamarat runs safely, smoothly, The National, 11 July 2022: Dubai is ranked the best shipping centre in the Arab world and fifth globally, Arab News, 11 July 2022: A Saudi Arabia-Iran road map for the future, Al Arabiya, 11 July 2022: Israel hopes Biden visit may lead to common Mideast market, with Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 11 July 2022: Saudi Arabia announces a successful Hajj season, Palestine Chronicle, 12 July 2022: Israel Hopes Biden Visit Will Lead to Common Middle East Market with Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 12 July 2022: Dubai’s World Logistics Passport accounts for 47% of global trade system, Al Arabiya, 12 July 2022: Biden will push for greater oil output on Mideast trip: Adviser, Times of Israel, 12 July 2022: On eve of Biden trip, White House says Israel-Saudi ties will be a ‘long process’, Arab News, 12 July 2022: Biden’s Saudi visit is a return to the norm, not a ‘reorientation’, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: President Sheikh Mohamed says UAE will continue to support global energy security, Arab News, 13 July 2022: Reunited GCC a gift ahead of Biden’s Saudi visit, Haaretz, 13 July 2022: Israel Offers to Provide UAE Air Defense Aid, Report Says, Arab News, 13 July 2022: More than 100,000 volunteers served pilgrims in this year’s Hajj: Saudi ministry, Al Arabiya, 13 July 2022: Russia’s deepening ties with Iran represents a ‘profound threat’: NSA Sullivan, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: US has clinched deal with Saudis for normalization steps toward Israel — official, The National, 14 July 2022: What to expect from second day of Biden’s trip to Israel, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Not Waiting for Peace: This Is How Senior Israeli Officials Secretly Fly to Saudi Arabia, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: Report: Saudi Arabia to okay all overflights from Israel, and direct travel for hajj, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Day 2 of Biden’s Mideast Trip: Strategic U.S.-Israel Cooperation, Talks With UAE, Indian Leaders, Arab News, 14 July 2022: Over 98,000 Hajj pilgrims from five countries benefit from Makkah Route initiative, Times of Israel, 14 July 2022: MBS, the comeback: Saudi heir hailed as reformer while cracking down on opposition, Haaretz, 14 July 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Economic Dreams Rest on a Hug From Biden, The Algemeiner, 14 July 2022: Israel Greenlights Deal on Red Sea Islands Ahead of Biden’s Saudi Visit: Report (interesting but unnecessary. These are agreements between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, so Israel’s point of view is irrelevant. The two islands are intended to be anchor points for a bridge connection between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in order to facilitate the exchange of people and goods considerably. At the same time, the Sinai Peninsula should be stimulated economically), The Hill, 15 July 2022: Biden says he raised Khashoggi murder with Saudi crown prince, NPR, 15 July 2022: Biden avoids a handshake with Saudi crown prince, but fist bump doesn’t go over well, Haaretz, 15 July 2022: Biden Meets Saudi Crown Prince, Announces Steps Toward Normalization With Israel, France24, 15 July 2022: Biden says he raised killing of journalist Khashoggi at meeting with Saudi’s MBS, BBC, 15 July 2022: Saudi Arabia: Biden raised Khashoggi murder with crown prince, The National, 15 July 2022: Joe Biden follows a well-trodden path in visit to Saudi Arabia, CNN, 15 July 2022: A ‘Middle East NATO’? Why Iran is closely watching Biden’s regional trip, Arab News, 15 July 2022: Biden arrives in Saudi Arabia, holds ‘important discussions’ with king, crown prince, The Guardian, 15 July 2022: Saudi Arabia: Fist bumps as Joe Biden arrives to reset ties with ‘pariah’, Politico.com, 15 July 2022: China stands in the way of Biden’s Saudi outreach, The National, 15 July 2022: Joe Biden visits Saudi Arabia with Iran and security top of the agenda, Arab News, 15 July 2022: Bahrain’s crown prince, Iraq PM arrive in Saudi Arabia to take part in Jeddah security summit, Times of Israel, 15 July 2022: US to remove Red Sea island observer force, advancing steps toward Saudi-Israel ties, DW, 15 July 2022: Saudi Arabia: Biden raises Khashoggi concerns during MBS meeting, Israel Hayom, 15 July 2022: Poll: Over 90% of Saudi youth see US as ‘strong ally’, Times of Israel, 16 July 2022: Heading home, Biden vows US ‘won’t walk away’ from Mideast, doesn’t mention Israel, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2022: Biden lobbies for regional security alliance with Israel, Arab states, Times of Israel, 16 July 2022: After Biden raises Khashoggi murder, MBS retorts with question on Abu Akleh killing, Haaretz, 16 July 2022: No Normalization With Israel Until Two-state Solution Reached, Saudi FM Says, The National, 16 July 2022: Saudi Arabia: no additional capacity to increase oil production beyond 13 million bpd, The Algemeiner, 16 July 2022: Saudi FM: No Normalization with Israel until Palestinian Two-State Solution, Times of Israel, 16 July 2022: Contradicting Biden, Saudis deny opening of airspace is step toward ties with Israel, The National, 16 July 2022: Saudi Arabia and US signal agreement on energy, regional security and Iran, DW, 16 July 2022: Biden says the United States remains committed to the Middle East, France24, 16 July 2022: Saudi crown prince says US has also made mistakes in pushback to Khashoggi rebuke, BBC, 16 July 2022: Saudi Arabia: The significance of Biden’s fist bump with crown prince, Arab News, 16 July 2022: Saudi Arabia, US ink 18 agreements, including on space, investment, energy, CNN, 16 July 2022: MBS hits back at Biden after the President confronts Saudi prince about Khashoggi, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2022: Joint Saudi, US statement sees vital agreements, action plan to tackle global issues, The Guardian, 16 July 2022: Joe Biden: Oil trumps human rights as president forced to compromise in Middle East, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2022: US ‘not going anywhere,’ will remain engaged partner in Middle East: Biden, Arab News, 16 July 2022: Jeddah security summit concludes amid US, regional optimism, Al Arabiya, 16 July 2022: US, GCC nations release joint statement following Jeddah summit, Israel Hayom, 17 July 2022: Saudi Arabia throws cold water on hopes of normalization with Israel, Times of Israel, 17 July 2022: Abbas thanks Saudi royals for backing Palestinian cause at Jeddah summit with Biden, Haaretz, 17 July 2022: The Middle East Wasn’t Waiting for Biden, Who Returns Home With Not Much but Hope, Al Arabiya, 17 July 2022: Dubai retains ranking as world’s top FDI destination for tourism, Arab News, 18 July 2022: Who’s Who: Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of tourism, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: Biden visit proves a far cry from Israel’s fanciful expectations, The Algemeiner, 18 July 2022: Survey: Growing Minority in Gulf Countries Approve of Informal Ties With Israelis, The National, 18 July 2022: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed arrives in Paris for state visit, Al Arabiya, 18 July 2022: Macron receives UAE President Sheikh Mohamed at Élysée Palace, Arab News, 18 July 2022: UAE to send fuel to France to replace Russian gas, Khaleej Times, 18 July 2022: Dubai: World’s largest vertical farm opened, uses 95% less water, Israel Hayom, 18 July 2022: The disgraceful disruption of the Abraham Accords, Khaleej Times, 18 July 2022: UAE, France sign energy deal as Europe prepares to end Russian dependency, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: In apparent first, Israeli journalist visits Muslim holy city of Mecca, CNN, 18 July 2022: France is facing a looming energy crisis. Here’s how the UAE could help as its president touches down in Paris, Times of Israel, 19 July 2022: In Jeddah, where Israel still taboo, path to normalization feels anything but direct, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2022: Jewish Channel 13 reporter sparks outrage after visiting Mecca, Reuters, 20 July 2022: Israeli minister rues ‘stupid’ Israeli TV report in Mecca (“stupid” is by far the friendliest word to describe this complete intellectual failure), The National, 20 July 2022: Israel brands TV reporter’s Makkah video ‘stupid’, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Israeli Reporter Sneaks Into Mecca, Triggering Outcry in Saudi Arabia and Apologies in Israel, The National, 20 July 2022: Counting down: Saudi Arabia’s new airline to launch ‘very soon’, Haaretz, 20 July 2022: Don’t Let the Smiles and Fist Bumps Fool You. Bibi and MBS Are Looking Beyond Biden, Times of Israel, 21 July 2022: What the Saudis think about when they think about peace with Israel (from a strategic point of view, an interesting stalemate has emerged, because it doesn’t really matter how the Americans react from now on: Thanks to Netanyahu and Trump, Iran will develop and expand the ability to build the atomic bomb. The Iranian regime can then decide at any time whether it will actually build the bomb or leave it at acquiring the know-how. Should the US expand its military capabilities for on-the-spot deterrence, it would be a signal to Iran to speed up efforts. If the US doesn’t do it, the Iranians will continue at the current pace. The reactivation of the Iran deal may change that. Of course, the Arab Gulf States, who have stepped up their diplomatic efforts towards Iran, also know this. The Emirates are even reinstating their ambassador in Tehran. Israel is just a small building block. The desired purchase of jets, missiles and air defense by the Gulf States from the Americans is rated as much more important), Arab News, 21 July 2022: The bottom line of President Joe Biden’s Saudi Arabia visit, Al Arabiya, 21 July 2022: Cameras to replace peacekeepers at strategic Red Sea strait, Arab News, 21 July 2022: Iran should take the chance to build a partnership with the Gulf, The Algemeiner, 22 July 2022: Saudi Arrested After Israeli Journalist’s Mecca Report, Haaretz, 22 July 2022: For Israeli Normalization, Everyday Saudis Will Need to Be on Board, The Algemeiner, 23 July 2022: Iran Says Saudi Ready to Move Reconciliation Talks to Higher Level, Times of Israel, 23 July 2022: Biden unfazed by Saudi denial of advancement in Israel ties — senior US official, The Algemeiner, 23 July 2022: Saudi Crown Prince to Visit Greece to Sign Energy, Telecoms Deals, Arab News, 23 July 2022: KSA residents urged to respect sanctity of holy sites, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: We Muslims Are Trapped in Victimhood, The National, 24 July 2022: Kuwaiti emir’s son appointed as new prime minister, Arab News, 24 July 2022: Kuwaiti emir’s son named prime minister by decree, Arab News, 25 July 2022: Secret or reality: can Aramco produce 15 million barrels a day?, Al Arabiya, 25 July 2022: YouTube removes offensive ads upon request by Saudi Arabia regulators, Arab News, 25 July 2022: Saudi crown prince announces designs of The Line in NEOM, Al Arabiya, 25 July 2022: Crown Prince: THE LINE is a model for future cities facing environmental challenges, Arab News, 25 July 2022: UAE selects first Arab astronaut to embark on 6-month space station mission, NPR, 26 July 2022: A 105-mile-long city will snake through the Saudi desert. Is that a good idea?, The National, 26 July 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed travels to Greece and France, Al Arabiya, 26 July 2022: Saudi Crown Prince, Greek PM sign military, economic, security agreements, France24, 26 July 2022: Saudi’s MBS visiting Greece, then France in first EU trip since Khashoggi killing, DW, 26 July 2022: Saudi Crown Prince heads to Europe in first trip since Khashoggi killing, Al Arabiya, 26 July 2022: Saudi Crown Prince: THE LINE vertical design communities to house 9 mln residents, The National, 26 July 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Neom is likely to be listed by 2024, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says, Arab News, 26 July 2022: New real estate brokerage law in Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 26 July 2022: Saudi Arabia most positive on its country’s economic outlook: Survey, Arab News, 26 July 2022: INTERVIEW: Relationship between Greece and Saudi Arabia ‘more than excellent,’ says Greek Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Saudi Arabia, Greece to partner on underwater data cable project, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Saudi-Greek Investment Forum sees $3.7bn deals on energy, economy and technology, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Saudi Arabia, Greece issue closing statement about Mohammed bin Salman’s visit, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Green hydrogen gets a push during Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Greece, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Work on education, health facilities in NEOM to begin next year, chief executive says, The National, 27 July 2022: Central Bank of UAE raises interest rate after Fed’s aggressive rise, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Why Europe’s fate matters to the Middle East and North Africa, Irish Times, 27 July 2022: Former chief justice and ex-High Court president sworn in as judges of Dubai international financial court, Arab News, 27 July 2022: GCC central banks follow US Fed to hike interest rates as inflation bites, Politico.eu, 27 July 2022: Macron to meet Saudi crown prince MBS amid energy crisis, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange tops region for market value increase, France, 28 July 2022: Macron greets Saudi Arabia’s MBS with handshake as he arrives for Elysée visit, BBC, 28 July 2022: Saudi Crown prince’s lavish Macron visit prompts outcry, DW, 28 July 2022: Macron defies criticism to host Saudi crown prince, Politico.eu, 28 July 2022: Macron hosts Saudi Arabia’s ‘bone saw’ prince, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2022: UAE authorities brief residents after rain, floods wreak havoc, France24, 28 July 2022: War in Ukraine ‘changed the equation’ between the West and Saudi crown prince, Arab News, 28 July 2022: EU wants to enhance ties with Saudi Arabia, GCC countries: Spokesman, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2022: Saudi Crown Prince discusses economic partnerships with Albanian PM in Greece, The National, 28 July 2022: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Arab News, 28 July 2022: Crown prince’s Acropolis visit puts Saudi-Greek cultural partnership in the spotlight, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2022: Integrated Mideast defense system still only an idea, says US official, The Algemeiner, 28 July 2022: Integrated Mideast Defense System Still Only an Idea, Says US Official, Arab News, 28 July 2022: France’s President Macron welcomes Saudi crown prince to Elysee Palace, Al Arabiya, 28 July 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince holds summit with France’s President at Elysee Palace, The National, 29 July 2022: French president and Saudi crown prince agree to ‘ease effects’ of Ukraine war, The National, 30 July 2022: UAE floods: Businesses in Fujairah pick up the pieces and count the cost, Arab News, 31 July 2022: Saudi Q2 GDP grows at fastest pace in 11 years driven by oil sector, Arab News, 31 July 2022: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority boss lauds utility’s AI use, Arab News, 31 July 2022: Aramco’s Wa’ed allocates $60m for startups in 2022: CEO, Al Arabiya, 2 August 2022: US approves sale of Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia, THAAD system missiles for UAE, CNN, 3 August 2022: ‘Slap in the face’: Biden’s fist bump with MBS fails to move the OPEC needle significantly, Al Arabiya, 3 August 2022: NEOM’s OXAGON to launch hackathon and startup accelerator to support Saudi talent, Arab News, 3 August 2022: NEOM’s industrial city OXAGON launches first edition of hackathon, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2022: The Gulf is getting the air defense it needs, Al Arabiya, 3 August 2022: Saudi Arabia removes barriers around Kaaba in time for Umrah season, Arab News, 3 August 2022: Saudi Arabia submits official bid to host 2029 Asian Winter Games in NEOM’s Trojena, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2022: Saudi Arabia announces bid to host 2029 Asian Winter Games, Arab News, 4 August 2022: Saudi Arabia posts $20.8bn budget surplus in Q2, the highest at least since 2019, Arab News, 4 August 2022: Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the beating heart of Riyadh, celebrates its 5th anniversary, Arab News, 5 August 2022: Saudi oil revenues leap 89% year-on-year to fuel Kingdom’s budget surplus, Arab News, 8 August 2022: Qatar Tourism launches program to upskill global travel partners, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2022: Over 7 mln tourists visited Dubai in first half of 2022, close to pre-COVID levels, The National, 9 August 2022: Chimera buys majority stake in Egypt-listed Beltone to expand portfolio, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2022: UAE to ramp up country’s cloud seeding project to boost annual rainfall, Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2022: FIFA hospitality site removes ‘occupied Palestinian territories’ from sales agent list, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2022: Saudi electricity provider secures $567 mln for interconnection project with Egypt, Arab News, 11 August 2022: Pressing the reset button on Saudi-US relations, Al Arabiya, 11 August 2022: Coaching programs, government funding fueling UAE startups, The National, 12 August 2022: Abu Dhabi starts incubators programme to empower innovators and entrepreneurs, The National, 12 August 2022: Saudis given a first glimpse inside The Line, the kingdom’s newest megaproject, Arab News, 13 August 2022: Saudi banks increase loans by $77.1bn in Q2, Jerusalem Post, 14 August 2022: Kuwait names first ambassador to Iran in over six years, Al Arabiya, 14 August 2022: Kuwait appoints its first ambassador to Iran since 2016, DW, 14 August 2022: Saudi oil firm Aramco profits skyrocket amid global instability, The Guardian, 16 August 2022: Saudi Arabia: Woman given 34-year prison sentence for using Twitter, Arab News, 17 August 2022: Saudi crown prince discusses relations, joint cooperation with German chancellor Scholz, CNN, 17 August 2022: Saudi activist sentenced to 34 years in prison for Twitter activity, Arab News, 17 August 2022: Dubai sees air travel surge, expects World Cup boost, The Guardian, 17 August 2022: Saudi Arabia: Snitching app appears to have been used against jailed Leeds student, Arab News, 17 August 2022: IMF sees Saudi inflation contained at 2.8% as GDP growth hits decade-high, The New York Times, 19 August 2022: The Mirage of Women’s Freedom in Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 21 August 2022: UAE ambassador to Iran to resume duties in the coming days, Al Arabiya, 21 August 2022: UAE ambassador to Iran to resume his duties in the coming days: Ministry, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Bahrain, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Kuwait, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Oman, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Qatar, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Saudi Arabia, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Arab Emirates).


Yemen
The situation in Yemen was very uneasy even before the 1990s. Since the 1990s there have been several civil wars and military interventions from outside, so that the situation is now as confusing due to the numerous groups and states involved as in Syria. For the country and its people, it is a catastrophe and the improvement of the situation isn’t in sight (Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen, Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict, History of Yemen, Yemenite Jews and Israel–Yemen relations). Off the legendary wealth of the Queen of Sheba and the prosperity of Yemen just very few buildings are left (Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen and Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, 31 May 2018: Saudi Arabia and UAE’s dangerous rivalry over Yemen, Arab News, 9 April 2020: Arab coalition’s Yemen ceasefire receives wide support, The National, 9 April 2020: Yemen: Saudi-led ceasefire presents opportunity for peace but depends on Houthi reaction, officials say, Al Arabiya, 9 April 2020: There can be no peace in Yemen that ignores our civilian abductees, Al Arabiya, 11 April 2020: UN Security Council welcomes Yemen ceasefire, calls on Houthis to reciprocate). The actual war in Yemen has another important component for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, especially because it is a proxy war between the Iran-backed Houthis and the Arab Gulf States: Since both states have kept out of wars in the region in the past, deployment capabilities need to be built up in the event of a possible direct war with Iran. In some sense, the war in Yemen is a “maneuver exercise under real conditions” (The Guardian, 4 October 2019: ‘Manhattan of the desert’: civil war puts Yemen’s ancient skyscrapers at risk, Arab News, 24 July 2020: Yemen currency crash has ‘done more damage’ than war, experts say, NBC News, 11 January 2021: Pompeo to declare Houthis a terrorist group amid fears it will worsen Yemen crisis, France24, 11 January 2021: Pompeo moves to blacklist Yemen’s Huthis as a ‘terrorist’ group (Pompeo is obviously seeking for a job in Saudi Arabia), The New York Times, 11 January 2021: U.S. Rush to Declare Houthis Terrorists Threatens to Halt Aid to Yemen, The Guardian, 14 January 2021: ‘A famine not seen in 40 years’: UN predicts disaster due to Pompeo’s Yemen policy, Jerusalem Post, 14 January 2021: Yemen’s Houthis designated terrorists: Pompeo’s parting gift, Arab News, 15 January 2021: Arab coalition intercepts, destroys Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 15 January 2021: Arab Coalition destroys three Houthi drones launched towards Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 15 January 2021: Still hope for Yemen despite violence and famine, says UN envoy, France24, 4 February 2021: ‘This war has to end’: Biden pulls US support for Saudi-led offensive in Yemen, The Guardian, 5 February 2021: US shift in policy on conflict given cautious welcome, Arab News, 5 February 2021: Saudi Arabia welcomes Biden’s vow to help KSA defend its sovereignty, Saudi Gazette, 5 February 2021: Saudi Arabia welcomes Biden’s commitment to support Kingdom defend its sovereignty, The Guardian, 6 February 2021: Biden cancels Houthi terror designation, restoring aid, France24, 6 February 2021: Biden moves to revoke terrorist designation for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, The Hill, 6 February 2021: Blinken, Saudi counterpart discuss Yemen in first phone call, Al Arabiya, 7 February 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts four Houthi drones in 24 hours targeting Saudi Arabia, The National, 9 February 2021: France condemns Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, The Algemeiner, 9 February 2021: UN Envoy, Iran’s Zarif Discuss How to End War in Yemen, France24, 10 February 2021: Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch attack on civilian plane in Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 10 February 2021: US condemns Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, Arab News, 10 February 2021: Saudi Arabia’s deputy defense minister meets UN, US envoys for Yemen, Al Arabiya, 11 February 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 12 February 2021: How Houthi war tactics impede vital aid flow to Yemen’s needy, The National, 12 February 2021: US to delist Yemen’s Houthis as terror organisation amid aid shortfall, France24, 12 February 2021: US to revoke terror designation for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Al Arabiya, 13 February 2021: Houthis recruited more than 10,000 children in Yemen since 2014: Report, Arab News, 13 February 2021: Saudi-led Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Abha airport, Arab News, 13 February 2021: Saudi envoy writes to UN about Houthi war crimes, Arab News, 16 February 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Abha airport, Arab News, 16 February 2021: Biden’s Yemen policy needs urgent rethink, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Yemen, Arab News, 17 February 2021: Pentagon: US condemns attacks against Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 17 February 2021: Pentagon doubles down on support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks, Arab News, 24 February 2021: GCC chief urges Iran to halt supporting militias, Al Arabiya, 26 February 2021: More than 60 killed in Yemen as Iran-backed Houthi militia continues offensive, Arab News, 27 February 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drones, ballistic missile attack targeting Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 27 February 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile targeting Riyadh, 6 drones in other cities, Arab News, 28 February 2021: More countries condemn Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 28 February 2021: Saudi Arabia has intercepted 526 drones, 346 ballistic missiles so far: Spokesperson, Jerusalem Post, 1 March 2021: Iranian-backed Houthis threaten to attack Aramco: ‘Wider scope than 2019 attack’, France24, 2 March 2021: UN chief slams ‘disappointing’ $1.7 billion aid pledge for Yemen, Al Arabiya, 3 March 2021: US special envoy for Yemen held first direct meeting with Iran-backed Houthis: Report, Arab News, 5 March 2021: Arab coalition intercepts, destroys Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 6 March 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts another two explosive Houthi drones, totaling 8 in 24 hours, France24, 7 March 2021: Saudi-led coalition jets pound Yemen capital after Huthi strikes, Al Arabiya, 7 March 2021: Yemen: Fighting in Marib intensifies as pro-govt forces defend northern stronghold, Arab News, 7 March 2021: Arab coalition launches airstrikes after Houthis cross ‘red line’ with civilian drone attacks in Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 7 March 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts, downs 12 Houthi drones in one day, The National, 8 March 2021: Saudi defence systems foil drone and missile attacks in kingdom’s Eastern Province, Al Arabiya, 8 March 2021: US ‘alarmed’ by escalating attacks against Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthis, Arab News, 11 March 2021: Exposed: How Houthi’s brutal treatment of African migrants in Yemen sparked deadly fire at immigration center, CNN, 11 March 2021: Lawmakers call Biden’s Yemen policy a ‘historic shift’ in US foreign relations, Arab News, 12 March 2021: Arab coalition destroys Houthi air defense system in Yemen, Arab News, 13 March 2021: Migrants demand international probe into deadly Yemen fire at Houthi-run detention center, The National, 14 March 2021: Yemen says Iranian arms to Houthis endanger international shipping, Arab News, 15 March 2021: Yemen’s Houthis launch ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia – Arab coalition, DW, 16 March 2021: Protesters storm Aden presidential palace, The Guardian, 16 March 2021: UN calls for inquiry after rebels fired missiles into detention centre, Gulf News, 17 March 2021: Saudi Arabia urges extension of Iran arms embargo, Arab News, 17 March 2021: Yemeni army opens new front in Taiz, makes ‘great gains’ against Houthis, Gulf News, 17 March 2021: No peace while Al Houthis continue to attack Yemenis, Saudis: US, Arab News, 19 March 2021: Saudi energy ministry condemns terrorist drone attack on Riyadh oil refinery, The Algemeiner, 20 March 2021: ‘How to End a War You Didn’t Win’: Yemen’s Houthis Seek Saudi Concessions, Arab News, 20 March 2021: Coalition intercepts Houthi drone launched towards Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 20 March 2021: ‘Selective and discriminatory:’ British press accused of ignoring plight of Yemen’s African migrants, Al Arabiya, 21 March 2021: Arab Coalition launches airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen’s Sanaa, Arab News, 21 March 2021: Senior Houthi leader killed in Arab coalition airstrike on Marib, CNN, 22 March 2021: Saudi Arabia announces new ceasefire offer to end Yemen war, The Guardian, 22 March 2021: Yemen Saudi Arabia proposes ceasefire plan to Houthi rebels, Jerusalem Post, 22 March 2021: Iran is increasingly obsessed with defeating Saudi forces in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 22 March 2021: Saudi Arabia proposes new peace plan to end Yemen war: FM, Arab News, 22 March 2021: Saudi peace initiative ‘aligns’ with UN efforts to end Yemen conflict, Gulf News, 22 March 2021: Saudi Arabia proposes new initiative to end Yemen war; offers ceasefire to Al Houthis, Al Arabiya, 23 March 2021: UN Secretary-General praises Saudi initiative to end fighting in Yemen, Arab News, 23 March 2021: UN chief thanks Saudi Arabia for Yemen peace initiative, urges cooperation, Khaleej Times, 23 March 2021: Saudi Arabia’s new deal for the Houthis, Al Arabiya, 24 March 2021: Saudi Council of Ministers holds virtual session to discuss Houthi attacks, DW, 25 March 2021: ‘Saudi Arabia has lost the war in Yemen’, Arab News, 26 March 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi ballistic missile, drone targeting Saudi Arabia, DW, 26 March 2021: Houthi rebels launch attacks on Saudi oil facilities, Al Arabiya, 26 March 2021: Saudi Arabia’s defense forces intercept Houthi ballistic missile over Najran, The National, 26 March 2021: If the Houthis don’t accept peace now, they are truly lost, Al Arabiya, 26 March 2021: Houthis continue to reject peace efforts, attack Saudi Arabia: Defense Ministry, Arab News, 28 March 2021: Yemen’s president meets UN and US envoys to discuss Saudi peace initiative, Arab News, 28 March 2021: “A ticking time bomb”: how FSO Safer became a ‘bargaining tool’ for Houthis, Arab News, 3 April 2021: Arab coalition destroys Houthi explosive-laden boat in Red Sea, The National, 3 April 2021: Booby-trapped Houthi boats destroyed by Saudi Arabian forces in Red Sea, Arab News, 4 April 2021: Senior Yemeni official demands UN condemn Houthi mistreatment of African refugees, Arab News, 8 April 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drone headed towards Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 9 April 2021: Yemeni official thanks Saudi Arabia for clearing Houthi mines, Arab News, 11 April 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi ballistic missiles, drones targeting Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 16 April 2021: Saudi Arabia must ‘confront power with power’ in Yemen, says expert, DW, 18 April 2021: Saudi and Iran held secret talks over Yemen conflict: report, Times of Israel, 18 April 2021: Iran, Saudi Arabia said holding direct talks to mend regional rift, France24, 27 April 2021: ‘Massive’ Huthi attack on Marib thwarted: military sources, Al Arabiya, 29 April 2021: Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince statements, says mark ‘change of tone’, France24, 29 April 2021: Iran’s Zarif backs Yemen ceasefire in talks with Houthi leader, The National, 30 April 2021: Iran ready to ‘enter a new chapter of peace’ with Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 30 April 2021: US envoy meets Saudi crown prince in fresh Yemen peace push, The National, 30 April 2021: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discusses Yemen with US special envoy Tim Lenderking, Arab News, 1 May 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts, destroys ‘hostile air target’ aimed at Jeddah, Al Arabiya, 2 May 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 2 May 2021: Saudi forces shoot down Houthi drone aimed at Khamis Mushayt, The National, 2 May 2021: Yemen’s southern forces drive Houthis out of strategic area, officials report, Arab News, 3 May 2021: Saudi defense forces destroy Houthi drones, missile targeting Najran, Al Arabiya, 3 May 2021: Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercept ballistic missile, 2 drones targeting Najran, Jerusalem Post, 4 May 2021: Iran says it wants peace with Saudis, but sends Houthi drones instead, Arab News, 4 May 2021: Gulf countries condemn continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, The National, 5 May 2021: Iraq hosted Iranian-Saudi talks ‘more than once’ to defuse tension, says president, Politics Today, 7 May 2021: Talks between Saudis and Iranians: Facts Speak Louder than Words, Arab News, 7 May 2021: Houthis passed up major opportunity by refusing to meet UN envoy: State Department, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2021: US raps Yemen’s Houthis for passing up major opportunity for peace, snubbing UN envoy, Arab News, 8 May 2021: US slams Houthis for boycotting UN Yemen envoy, not stopping Marib offensive, Al Arabiya, 9 May 2021: Seized Yemen-bound weapons likely came from Iran: US Navy source, Arab News, 10 May 2021: UAE condemns Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 18 May 2021: Houthi offensive on Marib weakens as rebels suffer attritions, defections, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2021: Saudi FM Prince Faisal says ball is in Houthis’ court for Yemen ceasefire, Al Arabiya, 24 May 2021: Arab Coalition thwarts Houthi attack in south of Red Sea: SPA, Arab News, 24 May 2021: Arab coalition thwarts attack by Houthi explosive-laden boat in Red Sea, The Guardian, 25 May 2021: Mysterious airbase being built on volcanic island, Al Arabiya, 25 May 2021: US envoy for Yemen to travel to Saudi Arabia, Oman: State Department, Al Arabiya, 28 May 2021: Explosive-laden drone launched by Houthis toward Saudi Arabia intercepted: Coalition, Arab News, 28 May 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 28 May 2021: UN urges Yemen factions to ‘make breakthrough’ toward peace, Al Arabiya, 30 May 2021: The Houthi militia is spreading fabrications of fake victories: al-Maliki, Al Arabiya, 30 May 2021: UAE condemns Houthi drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 30 May 2021: Saudi air defenses intercept Houthi drone aimed at Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 1 June 2021: Human Rights Watch says Houthis blocking COVID-19 vaccines, The National, 3 June 2021: Yemen accuses Houthis of ‘child genocide’, Al Arabiya, 4 June 2021: Iran-backed Houthis refusing to engage ‘meaningfully’ on a Yemen ceasefire: US, Arab News, 5 June 2021: Houthis fire missile at Marib, killing 14 civilians, Al Arabiya, 5 June 2021: Iran-backed Houthis fire missile into Marib, killing 17 including 5-year-old girl , Arab News, 6 June 2021: Yemenis shocked after girl, 5, killed in Houthi strike on gas station, Arab News, 6 June 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia, France24, 10 June 2021: US slaps Yemen Huthis with sanctions over offensive, Arab News, 11 June 2021: Seven-year-old LemonAid Boys in east London have caught the public’s imagination with their fundraising campaigns for Yemen and Palestine, Arab News, 14 June 2021: US condemns Houthi drone attack on Saudi school, Al Arabiya, 14 June 2021: Saudi air defense destroys Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushait: State TV, Arab News, 17 June 2021: Arab coalition destroys Houthi drone launched toward southern Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts, destroys Houthi drone launched towards Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 19 June 2021: Arab coalition destroys Houthi drone targeting southern Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 20 June 2021: Arab countries condemn Houthis’ launching of 17 drones toward Saudi Arabia from Yemen, Arab News, 22 June 2021: Saudi air defenses intercept drone launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia toward Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 27 June 2021: Arab coalition intercepts two Houthi drones launched toward southern Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 2 July 2021: Saudi Arabia calls on Yemen parties to implement Riyadh Agreement provisions, Arab News, 2 July 2021: Yemeni parties support Saudi call for adherence to Riyadh Agreement, Al Arabiya, 3 July 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts ‘hostile air target’ launched by the Houthis in Yemen, Arab News, 3 July 2021: Yemenis express hope that new UN envoy will help to end war, Al Arabiya, 3 July 2021: Arab Coalition foils Houthi attack, destroys booby-trapped boats in the Red Sea, Arab News, 3 July 2021: Arab coalition destroys bomb-rigged Houthi boats off Hodeidah, Arab News, 10 July 2021: Top Houthi commander killed in new Yemen battle, Al Arabiya, 11 July 2021: Iran-backed Houthis confirm death of 20 leaders in battle in Yemen’s al-Bayda, The National, 18 July 2021: Yemen: Houthis hit by government counteroffensive, Al Arabiya, 24 July 2021: Saudi Arabia’s air defenses intercept four Houthi militia drones, Arab News, 24 July 2021: Arab coalition destroys 3 Houthi drones launched toward southern Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 26 July 2021: US condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls for negotiations to end Yemen war, Arab News, 30 July 2021: 21 members of Saudi-backed team killed clearing Houthi mines in Yemen, Arab News, 31 July 2021: Houthi-controlled areas largest hotbeds for human trafficking, Yemeni minister says, Arab News, 31 July 2021: Arab coalition destroys Houthi drone launched toward Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 1 August 2021: At least 40 Houthi fighters killed in fierce Marib fighting, The National, 1 August 2021: US: Houthis continue to refuse to hold meaningful ceasefire talks, Al Arabiya, 4 August 2021: GCC chief urges global pressure on Houthis to avert Safer oil tanker catastrophe, Arab News, 4 August 2021: Saudi air defenses intercept Houthi drone launched from Yemen, Al Arabiya, 6 August 2021: Houthi militants attack academic at Ibb University , Al Arabiya, 7 August 2021: UAE commends ‘pivotal role’ played by Saudi Arabia in achieving stability in Yemen, The Times, 9 August 2021: Child soldiers on the front line of Yemen’s ‘forever war’, Arab News, 10 August 2021: Accepting UN-brokered peace initiative would be surrender, says Houthi leader, Haaretz, 10 August 2021: U.S. Official Says Oman Ship Attack Originated in Yemen, Warns of Further Attacks by Houthis, Arab News, 10 August 2021: Yemen’s president meets Saudi deputy defense minister, Al Arabiya, 10 August 2021: Senior Pentagon official says Iran-backed Mercer Street attack came from Yemen, Arab News, 10 August 2021: Accepting UN-brokered peace initiative would be surrender, says Houthi leader, The Times, 11 August 2021: Rebels rain missiles on refugee camps in Yemen’s merciless war, Arab News, 11 August 2021: Yemeni currency recovers 10 percent of value as central bank shuts down rogue exchanges, Arab News, 12 August 2021: Houthis fire hundreds of ‘renegade’ security officers, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts explosive Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 13 August 2021: Saudi air defenses intercept Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushayt, Times of Israel, 14 August 2021: Saudi-hosted Islamic forum defangs Iran’s regional influence, Arab News, 17 August 2021: Thousands of Yemeni children brainwashed in Houthi ‘summer camps’, Arab News, 19 August 2021: Saudi air defenses intercept drone launched from Yemeni airspace, Arab News, 21 August 2021: Arab coalition airstrikes kill Iranian expert in Yemen’s Marib, DW, 22 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, The National, 22 August 2021: Yemen currency clash deepens crisis in war-torn country, Arab News, 22 August 2021: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2021: Saudi Arabia intercepts explosive Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushait, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2021: Yemen to receive $665 mln of IMF reserves to help ease acute economic crisis, Arab News, 25 August 2021: Saudi air defenses intercept Houthi drone targeting Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 30 August 2021: Arab coalition intercepts 2 ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia toward Saudi Arabia, Khaleej Times, 30 August 2021: UAE condemns Houthi’s strike of Al Anad Air Base in Yemen, Arab News, 30 August 2021: Yemen’s deadly attack and Tehran’s regional escalation, Al Arabiya, 31 August 2021: Arab Coalition destroys Houthi drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Abha Airport, Arab News, 31 August 2021: Support for Saudi Arabia as Abha airport attack sparks global condemnation, Arab News, 2 September 2021: Houthis suffer heavy losses in fighting outside Yemini city, Arab News, 2 September 2021: Arab coalition destroys booby-trapped Houthi drone launched toward Khamis Mushait, Al Arabiya, 4 September 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts three explosive Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 5 September 2021: US leads global condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 8 September 2021: Arab coalition warplanes hit Houthi military sites in southern Yemen, Arab News, 9 September 2021: Arab coalition destroys Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 11 September 2021: Houthi missiles, drones target Yemen’s Mocha port, Al Arabiya, 12 September 2021: Sanaa airport has been closed due to use by Iran, Hezbollah: Yemen’s government, Arab News, 12 September 2021: Yemen vice president denounces Houthi attack on Mocha port, Arab News, 19 September 2021: UN ‘strongly condemns’ Houthi execution of 9 civilians, Arab News, 20 September 2021: Arab coalition destroys two Houthi booby-trapped boats in Salif, Arab News, 21 September 2021: Saudi air defenses destroy three Houthi drones headed towards Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 24 September 2021: 93 Houthis among 140 dead in battle for Marib, Arab News, 25 September 2021: Saudi air defense intercepts Houthi drones headed towards kingdom, Arab News, 26 September 2021: 50 Houthis killed in new battle for Marib city, Arab News, 2 October 2021: Debris from destroyed Houthi drone falls on Saudi homes, Arab News, 3 October 2021: Two children killed, 33 injured in Houthi missile strikes on Yemen’s Marib, Arab News, 3 October 2021: EU applying pressure for Yemen ceasefire, halting attacks on Saudi Arabia, says official, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts three explosive-laden boats launched by Houthis in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 6 October 2021: UN envoy calls for ‘inclusive settlement’ to end Yemen war, The National, 7 October 2021: UN shuts down ‘failed’ Yemen war crimes panel, Arab News, 8 October 2021: Houthi drone attack on Abha widely condemned, The National, 9 October 2021: Ten wounded in Saudi Arabia as drone attack damages airport, Arab News, 9 October 2021: 100 Houthis killed in heavy fighting outside central Yemeni city of Marib, Al Arabiya, 10 October 2021: Saudi Arabia calls on UN Security Council to hold Houthi militia accountable, Arab News, 10 October 2021: Six killed in Yemen car bomb targeting Aden governor, Al Arabiya, 10 October 2021: At least five dead in attack on Aden governor’s motorcade, governor survives: Report, Arab News, 11 October 2021: Arab coalition hits Houthi targets in Abdiya, The Guardian, 11 October 2021: Yemen: Rotting Red Sea oil tanker could leave 8m people without water, Arab News, 12 October 2021: Saudi air defenses destroy bomb-laden Houthi drone, Al Arabiya, 12 October 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts Houthi drone headed for Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 13 October 2021: Arab coalition destroys two Houthi explosive-laden boats in Red Sea, hits targets in Abdiya, France24, 13 October 2021: More than 100 Yemen rebels killed south of Marib: coalition, Arab News, 14 October 2021: Yemeni troops recapture areas from Houthis in Marib’s Juba district, Arab News, 14 October 2021: UN envoy: Yemen solution can only be achieved through negotiated political settlement, Palestine Chronicle, 16 October 2021: Abandoning Yemen? UNHRC Action Silences Yemeni Victims of Human Rights Abuses, Arab News, 16 October 2021: Saudi air defenses destroy Houthi drone targeting Jazan, Arab News, 17 October 2021: Arab coalition says 160 Houthis killed, 11 military vehicles destroyed in Abedia, Al Arabiya, 17 October 2021: Arab Coalition: At least 165 Houthi militia members killed near Yemen’s Marib, Arab News, 18 October 2021: More than 150 Houthis killed, injured in Yemen’s Abedia: Arab coalition, The National, 19 October 2021: Unicef: 10,000 Yemeni children have been killed or maimed since war began, Arab News, 21 October 2021: Arab coalition strikes military sites in Houthi-held Sanaa, Arab News, 22 October 2021: More than 90 Houthis killed, 16 military vehicles destroyed in coalition strikes on Jubah and Al-Kassarah, Arab News, 23 October 2021: Saudi Arabia welcomes UN Security Council’s condemnation of Houthi attacks, France24, 24 October 2021: More than 260 Yemeni rebels killed in Saudi-led strikes near Marib, coalition says, Arab News, 24 October 2021: Arab coalition: Over 200 Houthis killed in strikes on Juba and Al-Kasarah, Arab News, 25 October 2021: Houthis abduct dozens of civilians in wake of deadly Marib siege, Arab News, 25 October 2021: Arab coalition says more than 105 Houthis killed near Yemen’s Marib, The National, 29 October 2021: Saudi Arabia expels Lebanese ambassador over Yemen war remarks, Al Arabiya, 29 October 2021: Child among 13 killed by Houthi missile in Yemen: Military, The National, 31 October 2021: Deadly Yemen car bomb ‘intended for civilians’, Arab News, 31 October 2021: World ‘outraged’ over attack on Aden airport in Yemen, CNN, 1 November 2021: Missile attack on mosque and religious school kills and injures 29 Yemeni civilians, Arab News, 1 November 2021: Many killed and wounded in Houthi missile strike on religious school in Marib, France24, 1 November 2021: Missile strike on mosque near Marib kills more than 20, Yemeni officials say, Khaleej Times, 2 November 2021: UAE condemns Houthi attempt to target Saudi Arabia’s Jazan with two explosive drones , Arab News, 2 November 2021: Saudi defenses intercept two Houthi drones launched toward Jazan, Al Arabiya, 2 November 2021: US blasts Iran-backed Houthis after latest missile strike kills civilians, Arab News, 4 November 2021: US, UN call for de-escalation in Yemen’s Marib, Arab News, 5 November 2021: Arab coalition destroys two Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 6 November 2021: Arab coalition destroys drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, Arab News, 7 November 2021: UN Yemen envoy in Aden for talks with government, Arab News, 8 November 2021: Saudi Arabia destroys Houthi drone headed for Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 9 November 2021: 110 Houthis killed in Arab coalition strikes on areas near Marib, Al Arabiya, 11 November 2021: Iran-backed Houthis holding US Embassy staff in Yemen: State Department, Arab News, 11 November 2021: Arab coalition warplanes hit military locations in Houthi-held Sanaa, Saada, Arab News, 12 November 2021: Saudi Arabia welcomes UN Security Council decision to blacklist three Houthi leaders, Al Arabiya, 13 November 2021: Arab Coalition: 186 Houthis killed in 42 attacks in Sirwah and al-Bayda, Arab News, 13 November 2021: Arab coalition says over 180 Houthis killed in strikes near Marib, Arab News, 15 November 2021: Redeployment of forces to Yemen’s west coast part of strategy to support govt: Coalition, The Times, 16 November 2021: Yemen’s Houthi rebels advance after government forces abandon port, Arab News, 17 November 2021: Yemeni troops reinforce Marib units to counter sharp Houthi offensive, Arab News, 17 November 2021: Saudi air defenses destroy 2 Houthi drones targeting Khamis Mushait, Arab News, 19 November 2021: Arab coalition says more than 100 Houthis killed in strikes on Marib and Al-Bayda, Al Arabiya, 19 November 2021: Iran-backed Houthis continue to detain US, UN employees: State Department, Arab News, 19 November 2021: UN security council calls on Houthis to end US embassy raid, release hostages, The National, 20 November 2021: Yemen urges US to increase political pressure on Houthi rebels, Arab News, 20 November 2021: Yemen’s Joint Forces seize control of strategic areas in Hodeidah, Taiz, Arab News, 20 November 2021: UK demands immediate release of UN staff detained by Houthis, Arab News, 20 November 2021: Arab coalition destroys 13 Houthi military targets in Sanaa, Saada, and Marib, Arab News, 22 November 2021: Yemenis arrange online campaign to highlight Houthi violations against children, The National, 22 November 2021: Yemen joint forces take control of key area as Houthis suffer big losses, Arab News, 22 November 2021: Arab coalition: Yemen’s Houthis turn Sanaa airport into military base, Al Arabiya, 23 November 2021: Arab Coalition conducts 17 operations against Houthis in Marib, al-Bayda, Al Arabiya, 24 November 2021: Arab Coalition conducts air strikes on Houthi military camps, targets in Sanaa, Al Arabiya, 27 November 2021: Lebanon risks becoming a republic of NGOs: UN Special Rapporteur on Poverty, Arab News, 28 November 2021: At least 200 Houthis killed in fighting, airstrikes in Marib, Jouf, Al Arabiya, 28 November 2021: Arab Coalition carries out strikes in Yemeni capital Sanaa, Al Arabiya, 29 November 2021: Arab Coalition carries out 15 strikes against Iran-backed Houthi militia, Arab News, 30 November 2021: Yemen’s Marib will not fall to Houthis, says Hadi, Al Arabiya, 3 December 2021: More than 90 Houthis killed in last 24 hours in Yemen’s Marib: Arab Coalition, Arab News, 4 December 2021: Yemen, US officials accuse Iran of imperiling peace efforts in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 4 December 2021: Arab Coalition conducts 11 operations in Marib, 60 Houthis killed, Arab News, 5 December 2021: Four Houthi missiles hit densely populated Marib city in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 5 December 2021: Exclusive: Video shows Houthis using residential areas, human shields during attacks, Arab News, 6 December 2021: Saudi defenses intercept ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh, Khamis Mushayt, Al Arabiya, 6 December 2021: Arab Coalition strikes in Marib kill 280 Houthis during past 24 hours, The National, 6 December 2021: Missile intercepted over Riyadh lights up night sky, Arab News, 6 December 2021: Arab coalition carries out biggest operation in Marib in 24 hours, Al Arabiya, 7 December 2021: US slams Iran-backed Houthis for terrorist attacks on Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 7 December 2021: US and UK strongly condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi capital Riyadh, Arab News, 8 December 2021: US thwarts smuggling attempt of Iranian arms in Arabian Sea bound for Yemen’s Houthis, Arab News, 9 December 2021: Arab coalition destroys Houthi communications system, weapons depot, Arab News, 11 December 2021: Over 190 Houthis killed as Arab coalition targets militants in Marib, Al Arabiya, 12 December 2021: Arab Coalition carries out 35 operations targeting Houthis in Marib, 200 killed, Arab News, 13 December 2021: Yemeni army commander killed in fighting outside Marib, Arab News, 15 December 2021: Arab coalition airstrikes kill 165 Houthis in Marib, west coast as fighting flares, Arab News, 15 December 2021: Arab coalition destroys two Houthi ballistic missiles fired toward Saudi Arabia’s Abha, Al Arabiya, 16 December 2021: Arab Coalition intercepts two Houthi missiles targeting Abha in Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 18 December 2021: Houthi move to send home Iranian diplomat sparks debate in Yemen, The National, 18 December 2021: Yemen Security Belt Forces played ‘important role in countering terrorism’, US says, Gulf News, 19 December 2021: Yemen: Houthis turn culture hub into garment store, Arab News, 19 December 2021: Saudi forces destroy Houthi drones targeting Abha airport, Khamis Mushayt, Al Arabiya, 19 December 2021: Saudi defenses destroy two Houthi drones launched towards Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, Arab News, 20 December 2021: Arab coalition launches strikes on military targets at Sanaa airport, Al Arabiya, 20 December 2021: Arab Coalition destroys Houthi drone targeting King Abdullah airport in Jazan, France24, 21 December 2021: Saudi-led coalition strikes halt UN aid flights into Yemen’s capital, Al Arabiya, 21 December 2021: Arab Coalition: Houthis use Sana’a airport as workshop for ballistic missiles, Arab News, 21 December 2021: Houthi attacks against Saudi civilians doubled in 2021: Report, Al Arabiya, 22 December 2021: Arab Coalition slams Iran’s ‘defamatory’ claim over Irlu’s evacuation from Yemen, The National, 22 December 2021: Saudi Arabia ready to receive Yemen aid flights after Sanaa airport closure, Al Arabiya, 24 December 2021: Arab Coalition says Houthi projectiles targeted civilians in Jazan, Najran borders, Arab News, 24 December 2021: Arab coalition: Two killed after Houthi projectile hits Jazan, DW, 25 December 2021: Saudi Arabia: Houthi attack kills 2 in Jizan, Arab News, 25 December 2021: International community condemns deadly Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia’s Jazan, France24, 25 December 2021: Saudi-led coalition launches Yemen assault in retaliation for deadly strike, Arab News, 25 December 2021: Arab coalition launches airstrikes on military targets in Yemen’s Sanaa, Al Arabiya, 25 December 2021: Arab Coalition airstrikes destroy vehicle killing three Houthi militia, France24, 26 December 2021: Iran, Hezbollah aid Yemen rebel strikes: Saudi-led coalition, Arab News, 26 December 2021: Arab coalition releases footage showing Hezbollah, Iranian involvement in Yemen war, Al Arabiya, 26 December 2021: Arab Coalition: Lebanon’s Hezbollah trains Yemen’s Houthis to target Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 27 December 2021: 100 Houthis killed in heavy fighting around Yemen’s Marib city, The Guardian, 27 December 2021: ‘No roof, no seats, no desks’: Photographing Yemen’s conflict-hit schools, Saudi Gazette, 27 December 2021: Iran and Hezbollah are the real enemies in Yemen, France24, 28 December 2021: Yemen’s Houthi rebels announce temporary resumption of UN flights into Sanaa, Arab News, 28 December 2021: Saudi Arabia calls on UN Security Council to hold Houthis accountable, Al Arabiya, 29 December 2021: US condemns Iran-backed Houthis militia’s continued attacks on Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 2 January 2022: International community must do its duty in Yemen, Saudi Gazette, 2 January 2022: Coalition forces intercept three booby-trapped Houthi drones, Arab News, 2 January 2022: Saudi Arabia’s defenses destroy 3 drones launched toward Najran, Al Arabiya, 2 January 2022: Arab Coalition carries out air strikes on four targets in Sanaa, Arab News, 3 January 2022: Arab coalition demands Houthi release of hijacked UAE-flagged ship, Al Arabiya, 3 January 2022: Houthi militia hijacks UAE-flagged cargo ship carrying medical supplies: Report, Arab News, 3 January 2022: Saudi Arabia’s defenses thwart new Houthi attacks, Al Arabiya, 4 January 2022: Around 125 Houthis killed in clashes near Yemen’s Marib, Arab News, 4 January 2022: Houthi hijacking of UAE-flagged ship is ‘flagrant violation’ of international law: Arab coalition, Al Arabiya, 4 January 2022: Saudi Arabia’s defenses intercepted, destroyed five drones targeting Kingdom, Arab News, 5 January 2022: Arab coalition intercepts Houthi drone launched toward Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 5 January 2022: Yemen condemns Houthi burning of dozens of homes in Hodeidah, Arab News, 5 January 2022: UN says ‘following with concern’ Houthi seizure of UAE-flagged ship, urges restraint, Arab News, 6 January 2022: Houthis burn houses of Yemeni government supporters in Hodeidah, Al Arabiya, 8 January 2022: Iran-backed Houthis target civilian infrastructures in Saudi Arabia: Arab Coalition, The National, 8 January 2022: Saudi military says Houthis make Yemen’s ports bases for terrorism, Al Arabiya, 8 January 2022: Iran port emerges as key point in smuggling weapons to Yemen: UN report, Arab News, 8 January 2022: Houthi piracy off Yemen coast planned by Iran’s IRGC: Coalition, Al Arabiya, 8 January 2022: Houthi piracy of ships off Yemen coast was planned by Iran’s IRGC: Arab Coalition, Arab News, 9 January 2022: Yemen troops prepare to seize key province from Houthis, Al Arabiya, 8 January 2022: Iran port emerges as key point in smuggling weapons to Yemen: UN report, Arab News, 9 January 2022: Iran allegedly smuggling weapons to Yemen: Report, Al Arabiya, 10 January 2022: Yemen’s forces take control of Shabwa province from Iran-backed Houthis, Arab News, 11 January 2022: Coalition announces operation to liberate Yemen on all fronts after winning battle for Shabwa, Al Arabiya, 15 January 2022: Arab Coalition strikes kill over 300 Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen: Statement, Arab News, 15 January 2022: Houthis reject UN call to release hijacked UAE-flagged ship, Arab News, 16 January 2022: Coalition in Yemen kills more than 280 Houthis in airstrikes on Marib, Al-Bayda, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2022: UAE: ‘Attack will not go unpunished,’ 3 killed in Abu Dhabi drone attack, The Times, 17 January 2022: Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch drone strike on Gulf state, CNN, 17 January 2022: Three killed in suspected Houthi drone attack in Abu Dhabi, The National, 17 January 2022: Senior UAE official condemns ‘heinous’ attack on Abu Dhabi by Houthi militia, France24, 17 January 2022: Suspected drone attack kills three in UAE after Houthis announce ‘military operation’, The National, 17 January 2022: Global leaders call UAE to condemn Houthi terror attacks, Arab News, 17 January 2022: Three killed by Houthi drone attack in Abu Dhabi, Khaleej Times, 17 January 2022: Houthi terror attack in Abu Dhabi: Support pours in for UAE, Al Arabiya, 17 January 2022: Houthis attacked UAE in retaliation for Arab Coalition gains in Yemen: Analysts, Arab News, 17 January 2022: Coalition in Yemen destroys 8 drones targeting Saudi Arabia, Al Arabiya, 17 January 2022: Arab Coalition intercepts three drones aimed at Saudi Arabia’s southern region, Gulf News, 18 January 2022: UAE affirms its right to retaliate against Houthi attacks, The National, 18 January 2022: US vows to hold Houthis accountable after attacks on Abu Dhabi, CNN, 18 January 2022: A drone attack in Abu Dhabi could mark a dangerous turning point for the Middle East, The National, 18 January 2022: Yemeni minister says Houthis should be re-designated as terrorists, DW, 18 January 2022: Humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 18 January 2022: Houthi leader killed in Arab Coalition strikes on Yemen: Report, Arab News, 19 January 2022: Houthi terror chief among 20 killed as coalition strikes back, The National, 19 January 2022: Houthis pose great danger to the world, Yemen foreign minister says, Al Arabiya, 19 January 2022: UAE ambassador to US: Houthis used missiles in attack on Abu Dhabi, Arab News, 20 January 2022: Calls grow to restore Houthis to US list of terrorist groups, Khaleej Times, 20 January 2022: UAE envoy to US: Houthis used cruise, ballistic missiles and drones in Abu Dhabi attack, The National, 21 January 2022: Can the Houthis be driven to compromise?, Khaleej Times, 21 January 2022: UAE, Turkey to ink new agreements during Erdogan’s upcoming visit, Arab News, 21 January 2022: Gargash: UAE will exercise its right to defend itself against Houthis, The National, 21 January 2022: Houthis aimed to kill ‘maximum number of civilians’ in Abu Dhabi strikes, envoy says, Haaretz, 21 January 2022: Over 60 Reportedly Killed in Saudi-led Air Strikes in Yemen, The National, 21 January 2022: UN Security Council condemns ‘terrorist’ attacks on UAE by Yemen’s Houthis, Arab News, 22 January 2022: Cowardly ayatollahs wage proxy terror by remote control, Al Arabiya, 22 January 2022: Arab Coalition says reports of casualties at Yemen Houthi-run prison ‘baseless’, Arab News, 23 January 2022: Residents injured in Houthi ballistic missile attack on Saudi industrial area, Al Arabiya, 23 January 2022: US Navy stops ship carrying ‘explosive precursor’ from Iran on Yemen route, Gulf News, 24 January 2022: Video: UAE jets strike Houthi missile launcher, Saudi Gazette, 24 January 2022: Kingdom condemns Houthi repeated attacks on south of Saudi Arabia and UAE, Arab News, 24 January 2022: Arab League calls for Houthis to be classified terror group, Gulf News, 24 January 2022: UAE intercepts and destroys two Houthi missiles, Arab News, 24 January 2022: UAE confirm missile launcher site in Yemen destroyed after second attack on Abu Dhabi, The National, 24 January 2022: UAE jets strike Houthi missile launcher after latest Abu Dhabi attack, Arab News, 24 January 2022: Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi missile attacks on Abu Dhabi, Jazan, Al Arabiya, 24 January 2022: UAE, Saudi Arabia thwart separate Houthi attacks, Arab News, 25 January 2022: Coalition in Yemen begins military operations in Sanaa, France24, 25 January 2022: Attacks on the UAE: ‘A new chapter has begun in the Yemen conflict’, Arab News, 26 January 2022: Yemeni army pushes into Marib province as Houthis retreat, Al Arabiya, 27 January 2022: Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, US condemn Houthi attacks, reaffirm support for Gulf security, Arab News, 27 January 2022: Houthi missile strike kills 5 civilians, wounds 23 in Yemen’s Marib, Al Arabiya, 29 January 2022: Arab Coalition strikes kill 90 Houthi ‘terrorists’ in Marib, Arab News, 30 January 2022: UN: 2,000 Yemeni children recruited by Houthis died fighting, Al Arabiya, 30 January 2022: Houthis continuing to violate arms embargo in Yemen and recruit children: UN, The National, 31 January 2022: UAE air defences destroy ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthis, Arab News, 31 January 2022: Saudi Arabia, international community condemn Houthi missile attack on UAE, The National, 2 February 2022: British MP warns on ‘worrying escalation’ behind Houthi UAE attacks, Arab News, 2 February 2022: Houthis slammed for closing down radio stations, abusing prisoners in Sanaa, Al Arabiya, 2 February 2022: UAE diplomats call on US to relist Houthis as terrorists, demand more defense systems, Jerusalem Post, 2 February 2022: US to send fighter jets to assist UAE after Houthi attacks, Arab News, 3 February 2022: Yemeni government troops make new gains in Marib province, Al Arabiya, 3 February 2022: UAE intercepts, destroys three drones targeting the country: Defense Ministry, Arab News, 3 February 2022: European lawmakers push to classify Houthi militia as terrorist organization, Arab News, 4 February 2022: Daesh chief blows himself up as US forces hit his Syrian hideout, Al Arabia, 5 February 2022: Arab Coalition says roads leading to Yemen’s Harad within military operations, Times of Israel, 5 February 2022: As Mideast wars encroach on UAE with Iran-backed attacks, US starts to get drawn in, Arab News, 6 February 2022: Yemen army seizes parts of Haradh city from Houthis, Al Arabiya, 6 February 2022: After Houthi attacks, senior US general in UAE to bolster defenses, Arab News, 7 February 2022: After Houthi attacks, senior US general in UAE to bolster defenses, Arab News, 7 February 2022: Houthis ‘use civilian port, airport to launch ballistic missile attacks’: Coalition, Al Arabiya, 8 February 2022: Fighting eases in Yemen’s Marib as Arab Coalition revamps forces, Arab News, 9 February 2022: Yemen’s army intercepts 3 Houthi attacks as fierce battles continue in northwest Ma’rib, Arab News, 12 February 2022: Yemenis put pressure on Biden administration to reclassify Houthis as terrorists, Al Arabiya, 13 February 2022: US F-22 fighter jets arrive in UAE following Houthi attacks, Al Arabiya, 14 February 2022: Arab Coalition strikes target satellites station in Yemen’s Sanaa: Residents, The National, 15 February 2022: Iran’s drones transfer to Houthis ‘is an important policy tool’, Arab News, 15 February 2022: Dozens of Houthis killed in raging battles outside Marib in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 16 February 2022: Agreement reached on transfer of oil from abandoned tanker off Yemen: UN, Arab News, 16 February 2022: Abandoned oil tanker off Yemen a disaster waiting to happen: UN, Al Arabiya, 18 February 2022: Arab Coalition destroys explosives-laden boat launched by Houthis in Red Sea, Arab News, 19 February 2022: Prince Faisal, Antony Blinken discuss joint efforts to stop Houthi aggression, Arab News, 20 February 2022: Saudi project clears 873 Houthi mines in Yemen, Arab News, 20 February 2022: Houthis fire 7 missiles at Yemen’s Marib amid surge in fighting, Al Arabiya, 21 February 2022: Hariri brother joins Lebanese political fray ahead of vote, Arab News, 21 February 2022: Coalition to strike Houthis after militia launches armed drone against Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 23 February 2022: Coalition: Over a dozen Houthi military vehicles destroyed in strikes on Yemen’s Hajjah, Al Arabiya, 23 February 2022: US sanctions network funding Yemen’s Houthis, IRGC-QF, Arab News, 24 February 2022: Houthis abduct two more Yemeni employees of US embassy in Sanaa, Jerusalem Post, 24 February 2022: Is the Houthi missile-drone combo a Middle East gamechanger?, Arab News, 27 February 2022: Yemen army destroys 2 Houthi explosive boats in Red Sea, The National, 28 February 2022: UN Security Council tightens sanctions on Yemen’s Houthis, Arab News, 28 February 2022: UN Security Council calls Houthis a terrorist group for first time, expands arms embargo, Arab News, 3 March 2022: Houthis condemned for storing weapons in housing complex as blasts kill residents, Arab News, 5 March 2022: Yemen troops repulse ‘major’ Houthi attacks in Hajjah, Arab News, 6 March 2022: Houthis agree to allow UN to offload decaying oil tanker in Red Sea, The Hill, 7 March 2022: Angelina Jolie highlights Yemen refugee crisis, compares situation to Ukraine, Arab News, 11 March 2022: Saudi energy ministry condemns oil refinery drone attack in Riyadh, Al Arabiya, 11 March 2022: Fire under control at Riyadh oil refinery struck by drone, no deaths reported, Arab News, 11 March 2022: Saudi-US operation rescues American women from Sanaa, Arab News, 12 March 2022: Billion-dollar property grab as Houthi ‘gangs’ seize rivals’ homes, Arab News, 15 March 2022: GCC offers to host peace talks between Yemeni factions, including Houthis, in Riyadh, Arab News, 15 March 2022: Aid to Yemen prevented starvation but more is needed, says UN humanitarian chief, Arab News, 19 March 2022: Coalition in Yemen intercepts 4 drones launched toward southern Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 19 March 2022: Coalition: Fire caused by Houthi attack on Aramco station in Jeddah brought under control, The National, 20 March 2022: Yemen rebels launch barrage of strikes on Saudi sites, Arab News, 20 March 2022: Houthis under fire for ruining peace efforts to end war, The National, 20 March 2022: Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drones and missiles aimed at energy centres, Al Arabiya, 21 March 2022: Arab Coalition says intercepted, destroyed ‘hostile target’ launched towards Jeddah, Arab News, 21 March 2022: Arabs face hunger as Syrian mercenaries join the Ukraine inferno, Al Arabiya, 21 March 2022: Arab Coalition says intercepted, destroyed ‘hostile target’ launched towards Jeddah, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2022: Yemeni-Houthi leader: Ukraine at war because it is led by a Jew, Al Arabiya, 21 March 2022: Houthi attacks on oil facilities should be of global concern: Saudi Aramco chief, Arab News, 22 March 2022: Saudi Arabia urges OIC states to help curb Houthi aggression, Al Arabiya, 22 March 2022: Saudi Arabia intercepts, destroys ballistic missile launched toward Jazan, Arab News, 23 March 2022: Coalition foils Houthi attack on oil tankers, destroys explosive-laden boats, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2022: German soldiers wanted to fight in Yemen’s civil war because of fortune teller, Arab News, 25 March 2022: Houthi crimes highlighted at European Parliament, Al Arabiya, 25 March 2022: ‘Hostile operation’ targeted Aramco facility in Jeddah: Arab Coalition, The Guardian, 25 March 2022: Fire breaks out at Jeddah oil depot before Saudi Arabia grand prix, Arab News, 25 March 2022: Houthis hit ‘backbone of the global economy’ in Jeddah oil depot strike, Al Arabiya, 25 March 2022: Saudi Arabia’s defenses thwart Houthi drone attack: Arab Coalition, France24, 26 March 2022: Yemen’s Huthi rebels call truce after wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia, The Guardian, 26 March 2022: UN condemns attacks by Yemen rebels and Saudi-led coalition, Arab News, 27 March 2022: Coalition launches airstrikes, destroys explosive-laden boats in Yemen’s Hodeidah, Saleef, Jerusalem Post, 27 March 2022: Bennett issues rare statement condemning Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia, The National, 27 March 2022: Saudi Arabia launches wave of air strikes to suppress Houthi attacks, Al Arabiya, 27 March 2022: Arab Coalition launches airstrikes on Yemen capital Sanaa, France24, 27 March 2022: Saudi-led coalition air strikes pummel Yemen despite Huthi truce, Arab News, 28 March 2022: Houthi ceasefire proposal is bid to foil Riyadh talks, say Yemeni experts, Arab News, 29 March 2022: Coalition halts military activities in Yemen, DW, 30 March 2022: Houthi attacks expose Saudi Arabia’s defense weakness, Arab News, 30 March 2022: Major peace talks between Yemeni factions begin in Riyadh, Arab News, 31 March 2022: Yemen talks focus on aid, care for wounded and opening of roads, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2022: War-torn Yemen’s two-month truce underway: UN envoy, Arab News, 2 April 2022: Guns largely silent in Yemen as factions stick to UN-brokered truce, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2022: Saudi Arabia welcomes UN announcement of ceasefire agreement in Yemen, Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2022: Yemen’s warring parties break ceasefire in matter of hours, The Guardian, 3 April 2022: Yemen: two-month ceasefire begins with hopes for peace talks, Arab News, 4 April 2022: GCC ambassador to Yemen says decisions at peace talks in hands of Yemenis, Arab News, 4 April 2022: UN Security Council urges Houthis to abide by terms of truce, Al Arabiya, 5 April 2022: UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 6 April 2022: Yemen truce reduces hostilities despite violations, says UN Yemen envoy, DW, 6 April 2022: Yemen’s fragile cease-fire holding so far, UN envoy says, The National, 7 April 2022: Yemen peace process will undergo UN supervision, officials say, Arab News, 7 April 2022: GCC-brokered Yemeni consultations seek to bring peace to war-torn country, CNN, 7 April 2022: Hopes of peace in Yemen as President hands power to new presidential council, Arab News, 7 April 2022: Saudi Arabia pledges billions in aid to Yemen as Crown Prince backs new leadership council, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2022: Head of new Yemeni council promises end to war via peace process, The National, 8 April 2022: Head of Yemen’s new Presidential Council vows to end war and achieve peace, Politico.eu, 8 April 2022: How a political shakeup in Yemen risks prolonging its war, Arab News, 8 April 2022: Yemen troops battle new Houthi attacks near Marib, Al Arabiya, 9 April 2022: Head of new Yemeni council promises end to war via peace process, Arab News, 9 April 2022: Saudi deputy defense minister hails new Yemeni council as ‘historic and courageous’, Al Arabiya, 9 April 2022: Yemeni Prime Minister says peace depends on extent of Houthi’s surrender to Iran, DW, 9 April 2022: UN seeks $80 million to prevent ‘imminent’ Yemen oil spill, Arab News, 11 April 2022: Riyadh talks turn a new page in Yemen crisis, Arab News, 13 April 2022: UN Security Council welcomes transfer of power in Yemen, praises GCC contribution, Al Arabiya, 14 April 2022: UN chief discusses Yemen in phone call with Saudi Crown Prince, Arab News, 14 April 2022: Yemeni truce ‘broadly holding’: UN envoy, Al Arabiya, 15 April 2022: Ten al-Qaeda inmates escape from prison in eastern Yemen, Arab News, 15 April 2022: Qatar FM meets UN, US officials to discuss Yemen humanitarian situation, Safer tanker, Arab News, 15 April 2022: United Yemen puts pressure on Houthis to negotiate, Arab News, 16 April 2022: Economic stability, alleviating citizens’ suffering key priorities: Yemen’s presidential council, Arab News, 20 April 2022: Fighting rages outside Marib as Houthis mount new attacks, DW, 23 April 2022: ‘Not our fight’: Why the Middle East doesn’t fully support Ukraine (Europeans support Europeans against the war criminal Putin. There is something the Middle East can learn for itself, namely to live together in (relative) peace instead of killing each other in the various crises and wars in the region for decades, sometimes for centuries), Al Arabiya, 24 April 2022: Oman secures release of 14 foreigners held in Yemen: Ministry, Al Arabiya, 24 April 2022: First Sanaa flight in six years canceled over Houthi-issued passports: Yemen govt, Al Arabiya, 25 April 2022: Yemen’s Houthis offer to release 200 prisoners before Eid al-Fitr: Al-Masirah, Arab News, 27 April 2022: Yemeni council head meets King Salman, crown prince in Jeddah, Al Arabiya, 28 April 2022: Arab Coalition to release 163 Houthi prisoners in ‘humanitarian initiative’, Arab News, 28 April 2022: Yemen’s govt proposes passport office in Sanaa, Arab News, 28 April 2022: Coalition to release 163 Houthi prisoners in ‘humanitarian initiative’, Arab News, 28 April 2022: UN Yemen envoy seeks to rescue truce, resume flights from Sanaa airport, Al Arabiya, 30 April 2022: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince meets with head of Yemen’s presidential council, Arab News, 30 April 2022: Houthis crack down on women who walk without male chaperons, Arab News, 2 May 2022: Yemeni president calls on country to unite, back new presidential council, Arab News, 4 May 2022: UNESCO, UN Human Rights Office call on Houthis to ‘immediately’ release staff members, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2022: Saudi-led coalition starts transferring freed prisoners to Yemen, Al Arabiya, 6 May 2022: Arab Coalition completes release of 163 Houthi prisoners, Arab News, 6 May 2022: Released by coalition, dozens of Houthi war prisoners return to Yemen, Arab News, 8 May 2022: Houthis unwilling to end their siege of Taiz, says official, Arab News, 9 May 2022: Yemeni government vows to uphold UN-brokered truce despite Houthi violations, DW, 12 May 2022: Yemen: $33 million pledged to prevent ‘catastrophic’ oil spill, Arab News, 12 May 2022: Houthis using summer camps to train child soldiers, parents warned, Arab News, 16 May 2022: Saudi surgeons separate Yemeni twins after complicated 15-hour operation, Al Arabiya, 19 May 2022: Ship attacked off Yemen’s Hodeidah port: British military group, Arab News, 19 May 2022: Houthi pirates accused of attempting to hijack racing yacht in Red Sea, Arab News, 20 May 2022: Amnesty urges Yemen’s Houthi militia to free journalists on death row, Al Arabiya, 22 May 2022: Houthi top official says group not against extending truce in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 25 May 2022: Former US employee in Yemen dies under Houthi detention: State Department, Arab News, 26 May 2022: Death of US embassy employee in Houthi detention sparks outrage, The National, 28 May 2022: Yemen rivals in talks to reopen roads around besieged Taez, Arab News, 28 May 2022: Yemen government, Houthis discuss final draft of agreement on opening roads in Taiz, The National, 30 May 2022: UAE delegation inaugurates largest hospital in Yemen, Al Arabiya, 31 May 2022: US Secretary of State thanks Saudi Arabia’s FM for efforts to extend Yemen truce, The National, 31 May 2022: Yemen’s truce extension ‘in trouble’, says US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Arab News, 31 May 2022: Houthis shell besieged Taiz amid intensifying international efforts to renew truce, Arab News, 1 June 2022: International pressure mounts on Yemeni parties to renew truce, Arab News, 1 June 2022: UN welcomes flights from Sanaa to Cairo but warns humanitarian crisis in Yemen is still dire, Al Arabiya, 2 June 2022: Yemen’s warring parties renew two-month truce: UN, Arab News, 2 June 2022: Yemen warring parties agree to extend truce; Biden salutes ‘courageous’ Saudi leadership, The National, 3 June 2022: Yemen truce is a ‘stepping stone’ towards sustainable peace, says UN, Arab News, 3 June 2022: UN Security Council welcomes Yemen truce extension, urges Houthis to reopen Taiz Road, Al Arabiya, 3 June 2022: Yemenis face daily struggle to survive in besieged Taiz, The Washington Post, 4 June 2022: Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen have been called war crimes. Many relied on U.S. support., Arab News, 5 June 2022: UN: Yemen’s warring sides resume talks on ending Taiz siege, Al Arabiya, 12 June 2022: Saudi Arabia provides $10 mln to confront issues posed by anchored ‘Safer’ oil tanker, Arab News, 12 June 2022: Saudi Arabia offers $10 million for effort to address Safer tanker threat, Arab News, 14 June 2022: Houthis break truce with new attacks on Taiz city, The National, 15 June 2022: Landmines will kill and maim along Yemen’s coast for ‘many decades’ to come, UN warns, Arab News, 15 June 2022: Houthis order female aid workers not to travel without male escort, says UN, The Guardian, 15 June 2022: Yemen: US has not fully investigated own role in human rights abuses, watchdog finds, Arab News, 16 June 2022: UN monitoring of Yemen ports for war activity hampered by Houthis, top official says, Arab News, 16 June 2022: Child soldiers aged 10 ‘are true men,’ say Houthis, Al Arabiya, 17 June 2022: Yemen truce a step toward broader peace deal: UN envoy, Arab News, 17 June 2022: Yemen truce is step toward broader peace deal: UN envoy Grundberg, Arab News, 19 June 2022: Houthis slammed for indoctrinating and recruiting children at summer camps, Arab News, 26 June 2022: Houthis seize properties of late former PM Bajamal, Al Arabiya, 30 June 2022: Saudi Arabia announces developmental projects worth $400 mln in Yemen, Arab News, 2 July 2022: Houthis criticized over refusal to open main roads in Yemeni city of Taiz, Arab News, 5 July 2022: 6 dead as twin bomb blasts destroy Yemen arms depot, Arab News, 6 July 2022: Yemen government slams new ‘one-sided’ UN proposal on Taiz, Al Arabiya, 7 July 2022: Saudi Arabia reiterates need to open Taiz crossings, secure peace in Yemen: Statement, The National, 7 July 2022: Biden to discuss Yemen ceasefire during Saudi Arabia visit, Al Arabiya, 17 July 2022: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis say they will not extend truce despite Saudi pledge, Gulf Times, 18 July 2022: UN presses Yemen parties for six-month truce extension, Arab News, 19 July 2022: EU slams Houthis for refusing to open roads in Taiz, Al Arabiya, 20 July 2022: EU ‘deeply regrets’ Iran-backed Houthi’s rejection of UN proposal to reopen Taiz road, Arab News, 20 July 2022: Houthis besiege, attack small village in Yemen’s Al-Bayda, Arab News, 23 July 2022: Houthis commit 277 violations of UN truce in 48 hours, Arab News, 24 July 2022: Child killed, 11 wounded in Houthi artillery attack in Taiz, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Houthi captors torture abducted model in Sanaa prison, Arab News, 2 August 2022: Saudi Arabia welcomes news of Yemen truce extension, CNN, 5 August 2022: Bombs in Yemen have stopped but children are still denied life-saving treatment, Arab News, 6 August 2022: KSrelief distributes food aid to families in Yemen and Pakistan, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2022: Yemen Houthis must act on Taiz to show commitment to UN-brokered truce: Minister, The National, 11 August 2022: US envoy for Yemen heads to Middle East to boost truce and funding, Arab News, 13 August 2022: Four Yemeni soldiers killed, 25 wounded in Houthi attacks during truce, Al Arabiya, 13 August 2022: Yemeni security forces bust Houthi-affiliated cell for smuggling weapons, Arab News, 14 August 2022: Houthi weapon-smuggling ring reveals information about routes, techniques, Arab News, 15 August 2022: UN envoy says opening roads in Taiz, other Yemeni governorates remains at forefront of efforts, Arab News, 17 August 2022: Saudi Arabia signs $88m contract to manage and run hospital in Yemen, Times of Israel, 18 August 2022: Military chief says IDF forces struck ‘third country’ during recent Gaza fighting).


Afghanistan
Afghanistan (officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) is a mountainous landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. Afghanistan is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast. Occupying 652,000 square kilometers (252,000 sq mi), it is a mountainous country with plains in the north and southwest. Kabul is the capital and largest city, with an estimated population of 4.6 million composed mostly of ethnic Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks. Afghanistan is a unitary presidential Islamic Republic. The country has high levels of terrorism, poverty, child malnutrition, and corruption.

In the First Anglo-Afghan War, 1839 to 1842, British forces from India at first seized control of Afghanistan, but then were decisively defeated. After the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919 the country was able to become independent from foreign influence. It became a monarchy under Amanullah Khan. However in 1973 Zahir Shah was overthrown and a republic was established. In 1978, after a second coup, Afghanistan first became a socialist state, evoking the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s against mujahideen rebels. By 1996, most of the country was captured by the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban, who ruled as a totalitarian regime; they were removed from power after the US invasion in 2001 but still control a significant portion of the country. The ongoing war between the government and the Taliban has perpetuated Afghanistan’s problematic human rights and women’s rights records, with numerous abuses committed by both sides, such as the killing of civilians, kidnapping and torture. Due to its government’s extensive reliance on American military and economic aid, some class the nation as an American client state.

In January 2021, the U.S. reached its target troop level of 2,500 personnel in Afghanistan. This was the lowest force level since 2001. On 15 February, IS-KP operatives exchanged fire with fighters of an elite unit of the Afghan government in Jalalabad. About 20 fighters of the elite unit were killed or wounded in the exchange of fire, which lasted about six hours. In March, President Ashraf Ghani confirmed that his government was prepared to take forward peaceful talks with the Taliban. Addressing the lawmakers, he said to hold discussions around new elections and forming a government through a democratic process. During the same month, Germany has decided to send more troops into the country, boosting their forces to 1,300. On 29 March, the New Zealand Defence Force withdrew their forces from Afghanistan, ending New Zealand’s involvement in the war. On 13 April, US President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of all remaining troops in Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. (The date was later set for August 31.) On the same day, Turkish authorities said that Turkey would host a summit from April 24 to May 4 in an effort to end the war in Afghanistan. The summit was later postponed until after Ramadan. On 15 April, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the remaining 80 troops deployed to Afghanistan would leave by September 2021 in line with the US withdrawal. By 30 June, both Germany (which, two months earlier, had announced plans to withdraw) and Italy had completely withdrawn their forces and equipment from Afghanistan, ending their involvement in the war. On the same day, the last Polish troops left Afghanistan, thereby ending Poland’s involvement in the war. Around 33,000 Polish troops had served in Afghanistan during the war, with 44 being killed in action. On 2 July, officials announced that Western forces had left the Bagram Air Base without notice and turned over control of that base to the Afghan government. As of 5 July, the Taliban controlled roughly two-thirds of Afghanistan as the NATO forces were completing their withdrawal; and there were reports of Afghan Army soldiers fleeing from the nation in droves. In advance of the U.S. withdrawal, Biden had reportedly concluded that it was an “unwinnable war” and a situation without “a military solution.” On 11 July, Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said that his country had ended their involvement in Afghanistan. The hasty withdrawal in the end resulted in 20 years of reconstruction work being destroyed within a few months. At the time of the withdrawal, the US and its allies only had presence troops and training missions on site anyway. Around 300,000 Afghan security personnel faced around 60,000 Taliban terrorists. When the Stone Age Islamists advanced, most of the districts were given up by the Afghans without any resistance. It can be assumed that Afghanistan will again become the same Islamist heroin and terrorist nest as it was before, with Muslim terrorists of all kinds giving each other the handle. How this will affect Iranian-Afghan relations remains to be seen. Relationships have improved steadily and significantly since 2001. With the advance of the Taliban, this is likely to change noticeably, especially since Iran continues to see the Taliban as a threat. It is not yet clear how great the damage to the US’s reputation will be. They go unbeaten from the battlefield, but ultimately have no sustainable results to present. The cost-benefit factor is zero. All democratization efforts were formally wiped out within a few months. The USA and its allies are trying very hard not only to fly out their own personnel as quickly as possible, but also to get local workers and their families out of the country. It remains to be seen whether and to what extent the latter will succeed. A clear failure in assessing the overall situation by the secret and security services of all the countries involved is already evident. One can only hope for the local workers and their families that the effects of this failure will be kept within narrow limits, otherwise it will definitely be fatal for them. It will also depend on what consequences this will have for those responsible and the West. Who should ever work again as a local worker for western armies if it has to be assumed that in case of doubt one will afterwards be sent straight to death? Regardless of how things turn out, a great deal of time will have to be spent trying to figure out how the collective and collosal total failure in the overall assessment of the situation came about (2021 Taliban offensive).

Media reporting: The Economist, 15 August 2021: Taliban triumphant: America may pay dearly for defeat in Afghanistan, DW, 16 August 2021: Chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans try to flee — live updates, The Guardian, 16 August 2021: ‘There are no women in the streets’: The day life changed in Kabul, DW, 16 August 2021: Enough with Western hypocrisy over Afghanistan, The Atlantic, 16 August 2021: Afghanistan Is Your Fault, France24, 16 August 2021: Why didn’t they fight? Speed of Afghan collapse surprised even the Taliban, The Guardian, 16 August 2021: US and UK: Swift Taliban takeover proves analysis badly wrong, France24, 16 August 2021: Macron says that Afghanistan must not be ‘sanctuary of terrorism’ again, DW, 16 August 2021: Afghans in Germany terrified at situation back home, France24, 16 August 2021: Afghanistan: Three people fall from plane as thousands attempt to flee Kabul at any cost (the images that arrive from Afghanistan can only make one stunned and angry at the collective failure of the West, but at the same time trigger great sympathy for the local workers and helpers left behind and, of course, for Afghan women and girls who have been left defenseless to the Stone Age Islamists. At Kabul airport, desperate and panicked Afghans hold on to military planes taking off, only to fall to their deaths while the Taliban have already begun slaughtering the civilian population. Instead of sending in everything that flies in to get as many civilians out as possible and, if necessary, to make Kabul Taliban-free for some weeks, the West is playing the usual “blame game”. In a few weeks there will be more than enough time for politics and games, but of course it must now be a matter of concentrating all efforts on the evacuation from the air before it is too late. If this does not succeed, the West can only play political games with itself in the future, because then it has taken itself out of the global race because it would have gambled away any trust placed in it. There will then be many questions of guilt: How could this exit fiasco even happen? In the answer to this question, no participating nation comes off well. In retrospect, however, one must clearly state that this catastrophe is part of the highly toxic legacy of “stable genius” #45, who has signed an uncoordinated withdrawal agreement with the Taliban in Doha. Like everything that Trump has touched, of course that could only end in chaos and that’s how it finally happened. Whoever frees terrorists from Pakistani custody in order to do business with them afterwards (Doha Agreement (2020), Joint Declaration between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the United States of America for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan (PDF), Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan which is not recognized by the United States as a state and is known as the Taliban and the United States of America (PDF)), is presented with the corresponding invoice at the end. Joe Biden can be blamed for the consequences of the hasty withdrawal. Everything that has led to it, however, goes to the account of the autocrat, dictator and terrorist friend Donald Trump. At the same time, the majority of Americans (Democrats and Republicans) consider the withdrawal from Afghanistan is the right thing to do, even in the face of the latest developments, because “the right time to withdrawal” would not exist. Of course, this has not absolved the other participating nations from drawing their own conclusions and developing strategies, which has evidently happened inadequately at best and has led to the further exacerbation of the fiasco. Finally: How does one actually come up with the dubious idea of pulling a presence force with training missions of a few thousand men, which was apparently enough to ensure relative stability, before the civilian employees are out? Soldiers are used to protect civilian life and not the other way around. How does one come to the insane assessment of withdrawing the few thousand men at all, although every half-blind person could see for years that this very small protection force would have been sufficient to avert the government overthrow that is now underway? After billions have been pumped into Afghanistan, the few millions in additional costs for the coming years would not even have been noticed, but would have made a big difference for Afghanistan and the civilian population. Such an incredibly irresponsible decision will have serious consequences for the West, its credibility and its ability to influence the future), The Guardian, 16 August 2021: US politics live: ‘I stand squarely behind my decision,’ Biden says after Taliban takes Kabul, France24, 16 August 2021: From military commander to the Taliban’s top diplomat, Mullah Baradar’s ascent to power, The Times, 16 August 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban come looking for interpreter UK left to his fate, DW, 16 August 2021: Joe Biden blames Afghan forces for Taliban takeover, CNN, 16 August 2021: Biden’s botched Afghan exit is a disaster at home and abroad long in the making, The Times, 16 August 2021: Afghanistan: ‘I’m still in shock. Kabul looks so different in a day’, France24, 16 August 2021: China ready for ‘friendly relations’ with Taliban, welcomes Afghan development projects, Politico.com, 16 August 2021: Kabul’s collapse followed string of intel failures, defense officials say, CNN, 16 August 2021: The US President stood by his decision to withdraw troops, but had a list of who he blames for Afghanistan’s collapse, DW, 16 August 2021: Taliban surge in Afghanistan: EU and NATO in state of shock, The COnversation, 16 August 2021: As Afghanistan falls, what does it mean for the Middle East?, The Times, 16 August 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban come looking for interpreter UK left to his fate, Arab News, 16 August 2021: 7 dead in airport mayhem as thousands flee Taliban takeover, Politico.com, 16 August 2021: U.N. secretary-general: ‘We cannot and must not abandon the people of Afghanistan’, The Atlantic, 16 August 2021: The Taliban’s Return Is Catastrophic for Women, NPR, 16 August 2021: President Biden Defends Afghanistan Withdrawal, Saying ‘The Buck Stops With Me’, The National, 16 August 2021: Fall of Kabul shatters young Afghans’ hopes and dreams, The Wall Street Journal, 16 August 2021: America’s Failures in Afghanistan Were Bipartisan and Long-Running



Al Arabiya, 17 August 2021: Russia, China embassies are only diplomatic missions functioning in Afghanistan (for domestic political reasons, China and Russia have to take the “sunday weather” tour. Russia has a pretty rustic, violent and Taliban-like bunch sitting in the Caucasus, and the proportion of Muslims in China is not that small either. What looks like taking advantage in Afghanistan is actually limiting damage in advance at home. Something else has at least as much explosive power: China and Pakistan have already started to mentally divide Afghanistan’s raw material reserves among themselves. It will be interesting to see what will happen when the Afghans notice that a few Taliban warlords have stuffed their pockets full while they themselves remained poor and ultimately even the raw material deposits will be exploited. Then a few people might be hanging from cranes, lanterns and trees again. Amusements Taliban style), The Times, 17 August 2021: China and Russia are already playing the new Great Game, NPR, 17 August 2021: 8 Paradoxes That Sum Up America’s 20-Year Mission In Afghanistan, BBC, 17 August 2021: Biden defends ‘messy’ US pullout from Afghanistan, The Times, 17 August 2021: UK to admit 20,000 Afghan refugees, The New York Times, 17 August 2021: Intelligence Warned of Afghan Military Collapse, Despite Biden’s Assurances, France24, 17 August 2021: Social media, Sharia law, and ‘friendly’ foreign policy: The Taliban 2.0, CNN, 17 August 2021: French military aircraft lands in Kabul carrying special forces, Arab News, 17 August 2021: EU says it will work with Taliban only if human rights respected, The Hill, 17 August 2021: Trump’s deal with the Taliban set the stage for the Afghan collapse, The Washington Post, 17 August 2021: Allies, rivals reconsider America’s global role in wake of Afghanistan exit, The New York Times, 17 August 2021: Violent History Clouds Taliban’s Promises, The Times, 17 August 2021: British troops may have to abandon rescue, warns defence chief, The Atlantic, 17 August 2021: Why the Afghan Army Folded, Al Arabiya, 17 August 2021: US intelligence warned over the summer of Afghan military collapse: Report, New York Magazine, 17 August 2021: Why Afghanistan’s Security Forces Collapsed, DW, 17 August 2021: EU ‘will have to talk’ to Taliban, but wary of recognition, Politico.eu, 17 August 2021: China’s 47-mile-long problem with the Taliban, Irish Times, 18 August 2021: Michael McDowell: Would a bloody civil war in Afghanistan have served any purpose?, France24, 18 August 2021: US steps up Kabul evacuation, says Taliban pledged ‘safe passage’, BBC, 18 August 2021: UK to welcome 20,000 Afghans amid Taliban takeover, CNN, 18 August 2021: Ex-defense secretary: Trump’s push to get US troops out of Afghanistan possibly ‘undermined’ deal with Taliban, Irish Times, 18 August 2021: Taliban pledge amnesty ‘for all’ as thousands flee Afghanistan, The Times, 18 August 2021: Afghanistan: No one really believes Taliban have changed, France24, 18 August 2021: US sees ‘unanimity’ with Russia, China on Afghanistan, Los Angeles Times, 18 August 2021: Taliban cracks down on protests — and those seeking to leave, BBC, 18 August 2021: What is Sharia law? What does it mean for women in Afghanistan?, CNN, 18 August 2021: Early signs suggest little has changed with Taliban, The National, 18 August 2021: Iran says it’s ready to work with Russia and China on Afghanistan ‘peace’, Los Angeles Times, 18 August 2021: Taliban takeover leaves China uncertain about Afghanistan, The New York Times, 18 August 2021: Speed and Coercion: The Taliban Strategy That Conquered Afghanistan, France24, 18 August 2021: Pakistan cheers Taliban out of ‘fear of India’ – despite spillover threat, Der Spiegel, 18 August 2021: Local Hires Stranded in Afghanistan: “They Don’t Care About Me. They Don’t Care About My Life!”, Times of Israel, 18 August 2021: The Taliban win forces the question: What’s next for the US?, The National, 19 August 2021: Panjshir Commander Ahmad Massoud readies for war while negotiating with Taliban, Gulf News, 19 August 2021: In Pictures: The women and girls of Afghanistan, The Guardian, 19 August 2021: Afghanistan: Delaying US exit by a month could have meant peace, says negotiator, The National, 19 August 2021: Erdogan says Turkey is not Europe’s ‘refugee warehouse’, Gulf News, 19 August 2021: Protests spread to Kabul in early challenge to Taliban , The National, 19 August 2021: Belt and Road: China’s unfolding opportunity in Afghanistan amid Taliban takeover, Arab News, 19 August 2021: Women in Turkey stand in solidarity with their Afghan sisters, The Hill, 19 August 2021: Billions in US weaponry seized by Taliban, DW, 19 August 2021: Independence Day protests against Taliban, The National, 19 August 2021: Bloodshed as Afghans mark independence day with anti-Taliban protest, The New York Times, 19 August 2021: Trump’s Deal With the Taliban Draws Fire From His Former Allies, The Times, 19 August 2021: Taliban on hunt for western collaborators, says secret UN report, New York Post, 19 August 2021: Up to 80K Americans, Afghans once employed by US still need evacuation, Arab News, 19 August 2021: G7 foreign ministers: Afghanistan crisis requires international response, The New Yorker, 19 August 2021: Will the Next American War Be with China? (one have to see things from the opposite direction: Why should the US President orient himself to the requests from the Middle East when they do what they want without taking US interests into account? That was and is of course particularly true of the Israeli governments. It is not a new development that the US Democrats are thoroughly annoyed by being asked to provide unconditional aid and in return they are tricked over and over again. That won’t go well for much longer. By far the most important mission of Biden is to reconcile America with itself. The US withdrawal from the Middle East, as it began under Obama, is part of the mission to enable the US to turn towards China. America wants to remain a world power and therefore cannot get tangled up in the small-small conflicts of the Middle East, while China is making rapid gains. What applies to the Middle East, of course, also applies to the EU. A lot of states now will have to learn to swim quickly on their own if they want to stay in the game. Israel and Netanyahu tried to torpedo the revival of the Iran deal, with the support of the Gulf states. To complain now that the deal isn’t back yet is pretty flimsy and a self-made problem), Al Arabiya, 19 August 2021: On Independence Day, Afghan protestors show defiance as Taliban struggles to govern, DW, 19 August 2021: Will Moscow shake hands with the Taliban?, The Times, 19 August 2021: Afghan resistance leader calls for help, France24, 19 August 2021: Gunfire and barbed wire keep Afghans from reaching Kabul airport, The Hill, 19 August 2021: Taliban calls on Afghan Muslim leaders to urge unity amid protests, fleeing citizens, BBC, 19 August 2021: Taliban ‘carrying out door-to door manhunt’, The Washington Post, 20 August 2021: Chaos persists at Kabul airport, imperiling evacuation effort, The New York Times, 19 August 2021: ‘No Way Out’: Ex-Soldiers Hunted, Hiding and Praying for Salvation, Irish Times, 19 August 2021: Afghanistan: Several killed as dissent against Taliban takeover spreads, Haaretz, 19 August 2021: Taliban Began Rounding Up Afghans on Blacklist, Intel Report Says, France24, 19 August 2021: Who are the Taliban leaders ruling Afghanistan?, CNN, 19 August 2021: Taliban crush opposition as chaos builds at airport, The New York Times, 19 August 2021: Taliban Quash Protests and Seize Enemies, Tightening Grip on Afghanistan, Times of Israel, 20 August 2021: Catastrophe in Afghanistan — for Afghans, Israel, the region… and for America, Arab News, 20 August 2021: Several killed as protests spread to Kabul; anti-Taliban opposition supports demos, CNN, 20 August 2021: ‘No one trusts anything that comes from the Taliban’s mouth.’ Three women on what Afghanistan is like under the militant group’s rule, DW, 20 August 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban face financial squeeze from West, The Washington Post, 20 August 2021: Biden pressured to expand evacuation as European forces cross Taliban lines on rescue mission, DW, 20 August 2021: Jens Stoltenberg: NATO has ‘some leverage’ with Taliban, The National, 20 August 2021: Inside the chaotic scramble to bring Afghan interpreters to safety, The Guardian, 20 August 2021: Afghanistan reports of torture and killing contradict Taliban’s promises, Arab News, 20 August 2021: Russia holds the key to rebuilding Afghanistan, Al Arabiya, 20 August 2021: Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, but a major challenge remains: Cash, Der Spiegel, 20 August 2021: “Takeover of Kabul Unlikely Before 9/11”: A Chronicle of German Failures in Afghanistan, The National, 20 August 2021: Nato warns next Afghan government must protect rights, Gulf News, 20 August 2021: Facing backlash, foreign powers try to speed up Afghanistan evacuations, Al Arabiya, 20 August 2021: US President Biden says he cannot promise what final outcome will be in Afghanistan, The National, 20 August 2021: Afghanistan will go back to how it was when I went there in 2001, Arab News, 20 August 2021: NATO allies press for more time to fly people out of Kabul, Khaleej Times, 20 August 2021: UAE to host 5,000 Afghan evacuees on way to third countries, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2021: From Taliban to Hamas, Middle East vacuums never end well, Al Arabiya, 20 August 2021: Who are the most influential Taliban leaders?, Der Spiegel, 20 August 2021: A Trillion Dollar Illusion: The Entirely Predictable Failure of the West’s Mission in Afghanistan, France24, 20 August 2021: ‘I knew they’d come for us’: Afghan journalists, activists report Taliban reprisals, Times of Israel, 20 August 2021: Biden vows to get all Americans home and says he’s ‘committed’ to Afghan helpers, The National, 20 August 2021: UAE will host up to 5,000 Afghans as transit country, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2021: How the US disaster in giving Afghanistan to the Taliban happened, France24, 20 August 2021: Live: Biden says Kabul airlift among ‘most difficult’ in history, Arab News, 20 August 2021: US President Biden: Kabul evacuation among ‘most difficult’ in history, Times of Israel, 20 August 2021: Despite vowing ‘amnesty,’ Taliban said hunting for West’s allies house-to-house, France24, 20 August 2021: In pictures: Afghans scramble to flee country after Taliban takeover, The Times, 20 August 2021: Modern air force and machineguns courtesy of US in militants’ hands, CNN, 20 August 2021: Europe left exposed as Biden walks America away from the world stage (the EU had all the time in the world to equip itself with sufficient military capabilities and thus to enable itself to face all possible scenarios. The EU has once again failed to do just that. This is not Biden’s problem, but the problem of the EU states. It is true that Biden is responsible for the consequences of the hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan. The fact that the EU states were unable to find their own solution because they lacked own capabilities is completely the problem of the EU itself. If you want to play with the adults, you have to be an adult yourself), BBC, 20 August 2021: Biden warns lives could be lost in Kabul airlift, Times of Israel, 20 August 2021: Western groups desperate to save Afghan workers in danger after Taliban takeover, Al Arabiya, 20 August 2021: Taliban seize US war chest given to Afghan govt: Humvees, helicopters, drones, guns , Haaretz, 20 August 2021: For Taliban, Taking Over Afghanistan Was the Easy Part, Politico.com, 20 August 2021: Western nations coordinating to block Taliban recognition, The Times, 20 August 2021: Afghanistan in maps: how the Taliban took control, The Hill, 20 August 2021: Biden vows to complete Afghan evacuation, but admits risks, NPR, 20 August 2021: The Afghan Army Collapsed In Days. Here Are The Reasons Why, France24, 20 August 2021: Why didn’t Biden leave 2,500 troops in Afghanistan?, Politico.eu, 20 August 2021: NATO ministers float Kabul extension for Afghanistan evacuations, DW, 20 August 2021: Jens Stoltenberg: NATO has ‘some leverage’ with Taliban, BBC, 20 August 2021: ‘They will kill me’: Desperate Afghans seek way out after Taliban takeover, The Algemeiner, 20 August 2021: Taliban Triumph in Afghanistan Has Arab States and Israel Hedging Dependence on US, DW, 21 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, BBC, 21 August 2021: Afghanistan’s Uyghurs fear the Taliban, and now China too, Jerusalem Post, 21 August 2021: Hassan Nasrallah’s schadenfreude – opinion, Politico.eu, 21 August 2021: EU to boost Afghan humanitarian aid, press G7 on refugee resettlement, The Guardian, 21 August 2021: Afghanistan: People face catastrophe without urgent aid, UN warns, Irish Times, 21 August 2021: West hopes rebranded Taliban can save it from further embarrassment, BBC, 21 August 2021: Afghanistan: US tells citizens to avoid Kabul airport, The National, 21 August 2021: EU foreign policy chief says plan to move Afghans out by August 31 is ‘impossible’, Irish Times, 21 August 2021: As Kabul turmoil mounts, Taliban’s PR offensive falters, CNN, 21 August 2021: ISIS terror threat forces US military to establish alternate routes to Kabul airport, DW, 21 August 2021: US, Germany advise citizens against Kabul airport travel — live updates, NPR, 21 August 2021: How Valuable Are The U.S. Weapons The Taliban Just Captured?, The Washington Post, 21 August 2021: Amid new security concerns, Pentagon hints at more rescues outside Kabul airport, DW, 22 August 2021: Biden says his ‘heart aches’ for people trying to leave Afghanistan — live updates, The Sunday Times, 22 August 2021: ‘We’re not about to give this all up for some Kalashnikov-wielding bumpkins’, DW, 22 August 2021: Seven die in stampede outside Kabul airport as Taliban sparks panic — live updates, The Sunday Times, 22 August 2021: Tony Blair attacks Joe Biden’s ‘imbecilic’ Afghanistan retreat as Kabul chaos deepens, DW, 22 August 2021: Friends, enemies, neighbors? The Taliban and the Middle East, The Guardian, 22 August 2021: Afghanistan: Civil war ‘unavoidable’ if Taliban refuse talks, says opposition leader, The Sunday Times, 22 August 2021: The £2 trillion Afghani-shambles, Irish Times, 22 August 2021: Soaring prices and shuttered banks add to Kabul misery, CNN, 22 August 2021: Kabul’s airport is the epicenter of a desperate and deadly scramble to escape the Taliban, The Sunday Times, 22 August 2021: Afghanistan: Boris Johnson to push Biden for extended withdrawal deadline, France24, 22 August 2021: US orders use of commercial airlines to assist Afghan evacuation, CNN, 22 August 2021: Pentagon activates US airlines to assist with evacuation efforts, BBC, 22 August 2021: Afghanistan: US orders civilian jets to join evacuation, The National, 22 August 2021: Coalition aircraft use decoy flares near Kabul airport, France24, 22 August 2021: Biden says Kabul evacuation accelerating, but still threatened by Islamic State, The National, 22 August 2021: There’s only one way for the Taliban to hold power, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2021: ‘Afghan lives matter’: Hundreds of people, including Afghanis, demonstrate in Paris, Arab News, 22 August 2021: OIC offers to help Afghanistan peace, facilitate evacuations, Gulf News, 22 August 2021: Taliban beat back crowd at Kabul airport after seven killed in crush, The New York Times, 22 August 2021: Chaos Persists at Kabul’s Airport as Taliban Discuss New Government, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2021: Taliban will face resistance if they try to seize Panjshir valley: Ahmad Massoud, The National, 22 August 2021: Biden holds talks on extending August 31 deadline in Afghanistan, The New York Times, 22 August 2021: U.S. May Extend Deadline to Remove Troops From Afghanistan, Biden Says, Arab News, 22 August 2021: Crush at Kabul airport kills 7 as Afghans try to flee, Al Arabiya, 22 August 2021: Taliban confirms ‘hundreds’ of its fighters heading for Panjshir Valley, The Washingotn Post, 22 August 2021: Afghans’ suffering is ‘heartbreaking’ but unavoidable, Biden says, The New York Times, 22 August 2021: ISIS poses an “acute” threat to U.S. evacuation efforts in Kabul, President Biden’s national security adviser said., The Washingotn Post, 22 August 2021: Biden says safe zone around Kabul airport to expand, as U.S. airlines enlisted for evacuations, Los Angeles Times, 22 August 2021: With no dollars coming in, Afghanistan faces an economic cataclysm, The New Yorker, 22 August 2021: What We Left Behind in Afghanistan, The Hill, 22 August 2021: Pentagon orders civilian airlines to assist in Afghanistan evacuation, Gulf News, 23 August 2021: Photos: Evacuees make desperate escape from Afghanistan, The National, 23 August 2021: China weighs up risk and benefit of being in Taliban Afghanistan, Khaleej Times, 23 August 2021: France says time needed beyond Aug. 31 for Afghan evacuations, The National, 23 August 2021: August 31 withdrawal deadline is ‘red line’, Taliban say, The Scotsman, 23 August 2021: Scots troops prepare for deployment to Afghanistan as Taliban issue ‘red line’ warning, Gulf Times, 23 August 2021: The art of the deal: US envoy behind Taliban return, Arab News, 23 August 2021: Soldier killed in Kabul airport gunfight as Taliban warn of ‘consequences’ over US withdrawal, Irish Times, 23 August 2021: Government to send special forces to Kabul to aid in evacuation of Irish citizens, The Times, 23 August 2021: Shots shatter deadly foes’ uneasy truce, The Washington Post, 23 August 2021: Taliban sends hundreds of fighters to final province beyond its control, The Guardian, 23 August 2021: Tony Blair damns the Afghan withdrawal but he would do better to show remorse, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2021: Iran restarts fuel exports to Afghanistan after request from Taliban, tariffs cut, The New York Times, 23 August 2021: The Afghanistan War Was Lost Before Biden Ended It, The Times, 23 August 2021: Britain faces airlift deadline, The Hill, 23 August 2021: Biden under growing pressure to extend Afghanistan deadline, J Street, 23 August 2021: J Street Supports Robust Evacuation and Resettlement of Afghan Refugees, The Atlantic, 23 August 2021: Americans Never Understood Afghanistan Like the Taliban Did, The New Yorker, 23 August 2021: Afghanistan, Again, Becomes a Cradle for Jihadism—and Al Qaeda, The National, 23 August 2021: Pentagon confirms US extraction missions outside Kabul airport, The Washington Post, 23 August 2021: Biden faces pressure to extend Afghanistan evacuation, Arab News, 23 August 2021: Taliban say Afghan resistance force ‘besieged’ in Panjshir Valley, Al Arabiya, 23 August 2021: One dead after firefight at Kabul Airport involving Afghan, US, German forces, France24, 23 August 2021: Live: US aims to complete Afghan evacuations by Aug. 31 as allies push for extension, DW, 24 August 2021: Biden expected to decide on Afghan evacuation extension as G7 leaders meet — live updates, BBC, 24 August 2021: Afghanistan: US under pressure over evacuation deadline, Politico.eu, 24 August 2021: G7 agrees to ‘road map’ for dealing with the Taliban, Irish Times, 24 August 2021: Fintan O’Toole: The West had all the clocks but the Taliban had all the time, Der Spiegel, 24 August 2021: A Paradox for the Taliban: Resistance in Afghanistan Appears to Be Growing, Politico.com, 24 August 2021: U.N. Secretary General admits Taliban reprisals against staff have begun, The New York Times, 24 August 2021: Images from Afghanistan showed people in mourning as the site of the attack was cleared out., France24, 24 August 2021: On patrol with the Taliban: Militants keep a ‘tight grip’ on Kabul, DW, 25 August 2021: Afghanistan: Evacuations continue as deadline nears — live updates, The New York Times, 25 August 2021: With Time Running Out, U.S. Tries to Rush Evacuations, DW, 25 August 2021: Digital Culture: Afghan influencers living in fear — even in exile, The National, 25 August 2021: US exit from Afghanistan ‘opens door to Iranian influence’, The New York Times, 25 August 2021: The Morning: What might a more successful exit from Afghanistan have looked like?, The National, 25 August 2021: ‘We can’t abandon Afghans after August 31,’ says Merkel, Politico.eu, 25 August 2021: World Bank suspends aid to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, France24, 25 August 2021: Afghan women’s groups eye uncertain future under vague ‘Islamic framework’, Al Arabiya, 25 August 2021: Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley: Home of the anti-Taliban resistance, France24, 25 August 2021: Doctor recounts Afghan escape: ‘When people fell off planes, humanity fell to the ground’, The National, 25 August 2021: World Bank suspends disbursements to Afghanistan after Taliban seize power, France24, 25 August 2021: Biden confirms August 31 Afghanistan pullout despite pressure from G7 allies, Politico.eu, 25 August 2021: France, UK’s Kabul evacuation to end days before August 31 US withdrawal, BBC, 25 August 2021: Tears on the tarmac as Afghan journalist speaks to BBC, Irish Times, 25 August 2021: An ominous quiet on the streets of Kabul as the Taliban return, France24, 25 August 2021: Afghans race to beat August 31 US deadline, Taliban urges ‘experts’ to remain, BBC, 25 August 2021: Bilal Sarwary: ‘The plane hit the tower and all our lives changed’, The Algemeiner, 25 August 2021: Iran Parliament Approves Most Raisi Nominees to Hardline Cabinet, The Guardian, 25 August 2021: Poland Afghan evacuations halted as airlift winds down, BBC, 25 August 2021: More than 10,000 awaiting Kabul airport evacuation, CNN, 25 August 2021: See US base in Germany where thousands of evacuees are, Irish Times, 25 August 2021: Kabul evacuation: ‘The sooner we can finish, the better,’ says Biden, CNN, 25 August 2021: US warns of ‘very specific threat stream’ from ISIS-K against airport crowds, The Guardian, 25 August 2021: Who’s to blame for the Afghanistan chaos? Remember the war’s cheerleaders, CNN, 25 August 2021: Taliban tell Afghan women to stay home from work because soldiers are ‘not trained’ to respect them, The Times, 25 August 2021: Taliban efforts to seal border will fail, says Raab, CNN, 25 August 2021: A leadership structure shrouded in secrecy, The New York Times, 25 August 2021: An ISIS branch is posing the biggest immediate terror threat to the evacuation efforts., The Washington Post, 25 August 2021: U.S., allies speed up effort to get people out of Afghanistan, DW, 25 August 2021: Looking back on Germany’s involvement in Afghanistan, The Hill, 25 August 2021: Embassy warns Americans to avoid Kabul airport gates, DW, 26 August 2021: Afghanistan: Final German evacuation flight leaves Kabul airport (that is one big oath of disclosure. Not even 1/3 of those who campaigned for German interests in Afghanistan in many ways were flown out. The time window for evacuations by airlift does not end until 31 August 2021, but the Federal Minister of Defense surrenders a week earlier), The Guardian, 26 August 2021: Live: Islamic State claims responsibility for Kabul bombs that killed at least 12 US troops and 60 civilians, DW, 26 August 2021: Afghanistan: Blasts rock Kabul Airport, Gulf Times, 26 August 2021: Qatar helps in evacuation of 40,000 people from Kabul, DW, 26 August 2021: Terror in Afghanistan: Who is Islamic State Khorasan?, Israel Hayom, 26 August 2021: Will there be a BDS movement against the Taliban? (if you think the usual propaganda whining and crying in the article away, than that’s an interesting approach), France24, 26 August 2021: ‘We will complete our mission’, Biden says after deadly Kabul bombings claimed by IS group, Los Angeles Times, 26 August 2021: Photos: Deadly attack outside Kabul airport, Gulf News, 27 August 2021: Pentagon: Kabul attack carried out by one suicide bomber, NPR, 27 August 2021: The U.S. Has Set Up A Mass Vaccination Site For Afghans Arriving In Virginia, The Guardian, 27 August 2021: ‘Bad options all around’: Biden’s vow to avenge Kabul attack could take years, CNN, 27 August 2021: What is ISIS-K, the terror group claiming responsibility for attack?, The New Yorker, 27 August 2021: U.S. Retaliation for the Kabul Bombing Won’t Stop ISIS or End Terrorism, BBC, 27 August 2021: Kabul airport attack: ‘Today I saw doomsday’, NPR, 27 August 2021: The U.S. Does Not Plan To Stop The Evacuations Out Of Kabul, Khaleej Times, 27 August 2021: Kabul airport attacks: Evacuation flights resume with new urgency, DW, 27 August 2021: Kabul airport bombings: US braces for further attacks — live updates, The Guardian, 27 August 2021: US: Pentagon warns of further attacks as Biden condemned over pullout, The National, 27 August 2021: The Afghan who swapped high office for food delivery bike in Germany, Khaleej Times, 27 August 2021: Kabul airport attack: Who are Daesh-Khorasan, DW, 27 August 2021: Terror in Afghanistan: Who is Islamic State Khorasan?, Gulf News, 27 August 2021: Kabul airport blasts: Death toll rises to 170, including 13 US troops, NPR, 27 August 2021: With The U.S. Exit From Afghanistan, India Fears An Increasingly Hostile Region, Gulf Times, 27 August 2021: 12 US troops, many civilians dead in Kabul airport blasts, The Atlantic, 27 August 2021: A Bungled Mess, The Guardian, 27 August 2021: Pakistan ‘Unprecedented’ numbers crossing from Afghanistan, Saudi Gazette, 27 August 2021: 13 Marines, 90 Afghans killed in Kabul airport blasts; US restarts evacuations, The National, 27 August 2021: The UAE’s solidarity with Afghanistan, Khaleej Times, 27 August 2021: Afghanistan: Australian troops left Kabul airport before suicide attack, The Atlantic, 27 August 2021: What Does ISIS Want Now?, DW, 27 August 2021: Afghan activist says Ashraf Ghani and Joe Biden caused misery and chaos, Saudi Gazette, 27 August 2021: Biden warns Daesh: ‘We will hunt you down and make you pay’ for deadly Kabul attacks, Palestine Chronicle, 27 August 2021: ‘Obdurate’: On Afghanistan, Exceptionalism and Colonialism, CNN, 27 August 2021: US conducts airstrike against ISIS-K planner, France24, 27 August 2021: World leaders condemn ‘heinous’ attack outside Kabul airport , The Times, 27 August 2021: How the West rescued 105,000 from Kabul airport in biggest airlift for 70 years, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: Biden: US will hunt down Kabul bombers, ‘make them pay’ (hopewfully they will and take down some hundred IS terrorists on the way), France24, 27 August 2021: Deadly Kabul attack deepens reckoning over Biden’s Afghan withdrawal, Politico.com, 27 August 2021: What ISIS-K Means for Afghanistan, The Washington Post, 27 August 2021: Airport terrorism points to challenges of establishing order in a volatile country, France24, 27 August 2021: ‘World must guarantee safe passage for Afghans whose lives are in danger’, The New York Times, 27 August 2021: The Right-Wingers Who Admire the Taliban, Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: The roots of America’s defeat, Al Arabiya, 27 August 2021: Two UK nationals, one child among dead in Kabul airport attack: Foreign Secretary, Arab News, 27 August 2021: Erdogan weighing risks of Kabul airport deployment amid Turkey-Taliban talks, The Washington Post, 27 August 2021: U.S. military carries out drone strike on Islamic State in Afghanistan, The New York Times, 27 August 2021: This Is How Theocracy Shrivels, Gulf Times, 28 August 2021: 500,000 Afghans could flee across borders: UN, The Times, 28 August 2021: US prepares to strike back after Kabul airport attack, Al Arabiya, 28 August 2021: US conducts drone strike against ‘planner’ of ISIS in Afghanistan after Kabul attack, Times of Israel, 28 August 2021: US says drone strike kills alleged planner of Kabul airport bombing, The Guardian, 28 August 2021: Afghanistan: With the US gone, how soon will the Taliban show their true colours?, Haaretz, 28 August 2021: U.S. Airstrike Kills Alleged Kabul Attack Planner, France24, 28 August 2021: US strikes IS group ‘planner’ in eastern Afghanistan following Kabul bombings, The Guardian, 28 August 2021: US: Drone strike targeted Islamic State ‘planner’ in car, US says, Al Arabiya, 28 August 2021: Afghan mother who gave birth on evacuation plane names daughter after jet’s call sign, The Guardian, 28 August 2021: Afghanistan: Joe Biden says new Kabul terror attack highly likely in next 24 to 36 hours (there are an estimated 1,500 IS terrorists in Afghanistan. The US can give them generous missile attacks), Khaleej Times, 28 August 2021: US strikes Daesh in Afghanistan after deadly Kabul airport attack, Gulf News, 28 August 2021: Pakistan emerges as ‘biggest base for evacuation’ of foreigners from Afghanistan, Arab News, 28 August 2021: US drone strike targets Daesh ‘planner’ in Afghanistan: Pentagon, DW, 28 August 2021: Saudi Arabia and Taliban unlikely to revive old alliances, Gulf Times, 28 August 2021: Order descends on evacuations following Kabul airport carnage, Arab News, 28 August 2021: G7 flexes its political muscles again, France24, 28 August 2021: France in ‘preliminary talks’ with Taliban over Afghan evacuations, says Macron, Khaleej Times, 28 August 2021: Afghan evacuees in UAE recall horror, tears as they fled Kabul, The New York Times, 28 August 2021: What Trump’s Disgraceful Deal With the Taliban Has Wrought, France24, 28 August 2021: France, UK end civilian evacuations from Afghanistan, Gulf News, 28 August 2021: Where is the Taliban’s supreme leader?, The New York Times, 28 August 2021: Analysis: All in or all out? President Biden saw no middle ground in Afghanistan., Arab News, 28 August 2021: US drone strike kills 2 Daesh members in Afghanistan, France24, 28 August 2021: Intense negotiations continue over future of Kabul airport after US forces leave, Politico.com, 28 August 2021: ‘Guidance is to just do it:’ Biden greenlights more strikes on ISIS-K (the more, the better), The New York Times, 28 August 2021: Evacuations From Kabul Wind Down as Biden Warns of Another Attack, Politico.com, 28 August 2021: History Dept.: The Old Cliché About Afghanistan That Won’t Die, The Sunday Times, 29 August 2021: Afghanistan blame game erupts as British soldiers fly home, DW, 29 August 2021: Afghanistan: Biden says US strike against IS-K ‘not the last’ — live updates, Al Arabiya, 29 August 2021: France, UK to urge UN to create Kabul ‘safe zone’: Macron, BBC, 29 August 2021: Afghanistan: Final UK troops leave Kabul, CNN, 29 August 2021: The Taliban say they’ll protect women’s rights. See how that’s looking in reality, France24, 30 August 2021: IS group claims responsibility for attempted rocket attack on Kabul airport, The Guardian, 30 August 2021: Live: Final US evacuation flight leaves Kabul, ending 20-year occupation, France24, 30 August 2021: UN passes resolution on orderly Afghanistan departures, but no mention of ‘safe zone’, The Guardian, 30 August 2021: The Guardian view on dealing with the Taliban: No good options, France24, 30 August 2021: Core US diplomatic staff leave Kabul as withdrawal deadline looms, The Guardian, 30 August 2021: What a story to tell the world: Britain values dogs more than Afghan people, France24, 30 August 2021: US military completes withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, BBC, 30 August 2021: US completes withdrawal from Afghanistan, The Times, 30 August 2021: British ‘asked for gate in Kabul attack to stay open’, CNN, 30 August 2021: Last US military planes have left Afghanistan, Politico.com, 30 August 2021: Pentagon prepared for ‘mass casualty’ attack at Kabul Airport hours before explosion, Al Arabiya, 30 August 2021: ISIS claims responsibility for rocket attack on Kabul airport, The Times, 30 August 2021: UN safe zone in Kabul ‘impossible without troops’, The National, 30 August 2021: The West was always slow to help Afghan interpreters – I saw so in 2015, Arab News, 30 August 2021: What Afghan scenario means for Russian-Iranian rapprochement, Politico.eu, 30 August 2021: UN text urges Taliban to let Afghans leave, doesn’t mention airport ‘safe zone’, The National, 30 August 2021: UN votes to demand safe passage in Afghanistan, Al Arabiya, 30 August 2021: UN Security Council adopts Afghanistan resolution, China and Russia abstain, The New York Times, 30 August 2021: After 20 Years of Fighting, U.S. Leaves Country to Taliban, Arab News, 30 August 2021: Taliban celebrate victory as last US troops leave Afghanistan, New York Post, 30 August 2021: Surreal photo shows moment last US service member leaves Afghanistan, The National, 30 August 2021: Osama bin Laden’s top aide returns to Afghanistan, The Hill, 30 August 2021: US intercepts rocket targeting Kabul airport, The New York Times, 30 August 2021: In Afghanistan, an Unceremonious End to America’s Longest War, Gulf News, 30 August 2021: US ends 20 years of war in Afghanistan. How did we get here?, New York Post, 30 August 2021: Hundreds of Americans left in Afghanistan as last US planes depart Kabul, Independent, 30 August 2021: Taliban appear to fly US Black Hawk helicopters over Kandahar, The Washington Post, 30 August 2021: U.S. departs Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war, Los Angeles Times, 30 August 2021: America’s longest war ends as last U.S. troops depart Kabul airport, NPR, 30 August 2021: The Final U.S. Military Plane Has Left Afghanistan As America’s Longest War Ends, DW, 30 August 2021: Amid Taliban takeover, climate change could drive conflict, Khaleej Times, 31 August 2021: Last US troops leave Afghanistan: Pentagon, France24, 31 August 2021: EU pledges to help Afghanistan’s neighbours to cope with refugees, The Guardian, 31 August 2021: ‘The graveyard of empires’: Taliban enjoy moment of victory as focus shifts to challenges ahead, DW, 31 August 2021: US President Joe Biden declares Afghanistan war ‘over’, France24, 31 August 2021: Biden says the only choice in Afghanistan was ‘leaving or escalating’, BBC, 31 August 2021: Afghanistan: Joe Biden defends US pull-out as Taliban claim victory, Politico.com, 31 August 2021: Biden tries to shift blame on Afghanistan, The Times, 31 August 2021: The Taliban’s last prize: an airport filled with scrap, Irish Times, 31 August 2021: Biden defends Afghanistan exit in White House speech, Al Arabiya, 31 August 2021: Biden calls Afghanistan withdrawal ‘success’, warns ISIS-K: We’re not done with you, Politico.eu, 31 August 2021: EU plans big cash offer for Afghanistan’s neighbors to host refugees, NPR, 31 August 2021: Biden Lays Out The Costs Of War To Defend His Decision To Leave Afghanistan, The Washington Post, 31 August 2021: Declaring Afghan war over, Biden defends evacuation efforts, Arab News, 31 August 2021: UN chief warns of ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Afghanistan, The National, 31 August 2021: Joe Biden defends Afghanistan withdrawal in defiant speech, Arab News, 31 August 2021: President Biden defends Afghanistan withdrawal, warns Daesh: ‘We are not done with you’, The Hill, 31 August 2021: Taliban declare victory after US troops depart: ‘Everything is safe’, The New Yorker, 31 August 2021: The Anguish Over What America Left Behind in Afghanistan, Los Angeles Times, 31 August 2021: Tiny, energy-rich Qatar emerges as a key player in Afghanistan after U.S. pullout, Al Arabiya, 1 September 2021: Taliban to follow Iran model, appoint Supreme Leader as highest authority: Report, The National, 1 September 2021: Security threats from neighbouring Afghanistan concern Pakistan, CNN, 1 September 2021: Dramatic Afghanistan scenes sound alarm bells in the Middle East, The New York Times, 1 September 2021: Biden Defends Afghan Pullout and Declares an End to Nation-Building, CNN, 1 September 2021: ‘Majority’ of Afghans who worked for the US and applied for visas were likely left behind, State Department official says, DW, 1 September 2021: Afghanistan: Turkey moves into the spotlight, Al Arabiya, 1 September 2021: Taliban confirm Hibatullah Akhundzada will rule, president to run country under him, Arab News, 2 September 2021: EU a successful model for nation-building, France24, 2 September 2021: Qatar working with Taliban to reopen Kabul airport ‘as soon as possible’, BBC, 2 September 2021: Afghanistan: Qatar and Turkey become Taliban’s lifeline to the outside world, Arab News, 2 September 2021: Rebels hold out in Afghan valley as Taliban set up government in Kabul, Al Arabiya, 2 September 2021: US military equipment previously owned by Afghan army spotted in Iran: Reports, The Atlantic, 2 September 2021: China’s ‘Very Tricky Situation’, The Washington Post, 2 September 2021: Anti-Taliban resistance fighters rely on grit, history and geography to hang onto a sliver of Afghanistan, Khaleej Times, 3 September 2021: UN humanitarian flights resume to Afghanistan, The National, 3 September 2021: Resignation, caution and hope: Afghan women react to Taliban takeover, Al Arabiya, 4 September 2021: Taliban special forces bring abrupt end to women’s protest (after all, the violent suppression of women’s protests is of existential importance for the Taliban terrorists. Otherwise it would be too obvious that every Afghan woman is more intelligent than a Taliban), Arab News, 4 September 2021: The horrors emerging from Afghanistan are only just beginning, Gulf Times, 4 September 2021: Kabul airport to become operational for international flights soon: Qatar envoy, DW, 4 September 2021: The Afghanistan fiasco will not herald a new world order, BBC, 5 September 2021: Planes stranded at Mazar-i-Sharif airport waiting to leave, The Hill, 5 September 2021: Taliban special forces end protest march for women’s rights, BBC, 5 September 2021: Taliban accused of killing pregnant police officer, Al Arabiya, 5 September 2021: Taliban kill 6-months pregnant ex-policewoman in front of her family: Reports, CNN, 5 September 2021: Biden promised ISIS-K will ‘pay.’ Having no US troops in Afghanistan makes that harder, Gulf Times, 5 September 2021: Qatar to operate daily aid flights to Afghanistan, The National, 5 September 2021: Afghanistan withdrawal was ‘strategically very stupid’, John Major says, The Hill, 5 September 2021: UN will maintain aid to Afghanistan, Taliban says after meeting, The Washington Post, 5 September 2021: U.S. Embassy contractors, visa applicants among Afghans left behind after massive evacuation effort, Politico.com, 5 September 2021: ‘Around’ 100 Americans left in Afghanistan, White House says, Al Arabiya, 6 September 2021: West labeled ‘terrorism state sponsor’ Iran lectures Afghanistan on fighting terror, Politico.eu, 6 September 2021: For EU, Afghanistan is now a four-letter word, BBC, 6 September 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban claim to have taken Panjshir Valley, Arab News, 6 September 2021: Middle East’s efforts to defuse tensions merit Western attention, Al Arabiya, 6 September 2021: US will be ‘going back into Afghanistan’ in the future: Republican Senator, Arab News, 6 September 2021: Deepening food crisis compounds Afghanistan’s problems, CNN, 6 September 2021: Taliban accused of murdering pregnant Afghan policewoman, The New Yorker, 6 September 2021: The Other Afghan Women, Al Arabiya, 7 September 2021: Pakistan gave military aid to Taliban in fight against Panjshir resistance: Report, DW, 7 September 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban announce new caretaker government (the Taliban terrorist released from Pakistani custody by Trump is now officially the second man in the caliphate. # 45 could not have caused the USA a greater damage to its image), CNN, 7 September 2021: Taliban announce hardline government, BBC, 7 September 2021: Taliban declare Islamic Emirate and name ministers, The Guardian, 7 September 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban name all-male cabinet including minister wanted by FBI, Arab News, 7 September 2021: A war-torn land awash with guns, Afghanistan offers fertile ground for Daesh and ISIS-K, CNN, 7 September 2021: Taliban crack down hard on Kabul’s largest protest yet, The New York Times, 7 September 2021: Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts, Arab News, 7 September 2021: Taliban name caretaker Cabinet that pays homage to old guard, The National, 7 September 2021: Taliban announce first members of new government, Arab News, 7 September 2021: 20 years after 9/11, has the Taliban severed its bonds with Al-Qaeda?, BBC, 8 September 2021: Afghanistan: US concerned by new Taliban government, Times of Israel, 8 September 2021: Taliban willing to establish relations with all nations except Israel, The Guardian, 8 September 2021: Afghanistan Taliban ban protests and slogans that don’t have their approval, CNN, 8 September 2021: Taliban fighters use whips against female protesters, BBC, 9 September 2021: Afghan journalists tell of beatings by Taliban, NPR, 9 September 2021: Photos: Afghan Women Are Protesting For Their Rights, The Times, 10 September 2021: Afghan exit has heightened terror threat, MI5 chief warns, BBC, 10 September 2021: Afghanistan: UN condemns Taliban’s brutal crackdown on protests, Politico.com, 10 September 2021: ‘We Never Got It. Not Even Close’: Afghanistan Veterans Reflect on 20 Years of War, Palestine Chronicle, 10 September 2021: Following Afghanistan Defeat: Can EU Win Own ‘Independence’ from the US?, Gulf Times, 11 September 2021: Qatar, Russia want Afghan humanitarian aid to be free from political developments (they are free to do just that), DW, 11 September 2021: Taliban send defiant signal as world marks 9/11, The Hill, 11 September 2021: Biden defends Afghanistan withdrawal on 9/11, Arab News, 12 September 2021: Afghan pilots start leaving Uzbekistan for UAE, despite Taliban pressure: Source, The Guardian, 13 September 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban takeover will reshape Middle East, official warns, DW, 13 September 2021: How Afghan women are resisting Taliban rule, The Guardian, 14 September 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban governor of Helmand’s message to west: ‘Come back with money, not guns’ (soon enough the Taliban terrorists will create the next reason to raid Afghanistan once again, to rid planet earth from the next generation of Islamists), CNN, 14 September 2021: Trump secret memo ordering Afghanistan withdrawal blindsided national security team, book says, The Guardian, 14 September 2021: EU: No choice but to engage with Taliban, says foreign policy chief, Al Arabiya, 14 September 2021: Al-Qaeda could use Afghanistan to attack US within 12 months: Intelligence officials, Politico.eu, 14 September 2021: Borrell expresses ‘great fears’ over humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Al Arabiya, 14 September 2021: Conflict amongst Taliban leaders, deputy PM unhappy with government makeup: Report, The National, 14 September 2021: EU has ‘no option’ but to engage with the Taliban, France24, 15 September 2021: Tensions intensify in Afghanistan between Taliban hardliners, pragmatists, The Times, 16 September 2021: Al-Qaeda regroups amid Afghan chaos ‘to plan US attacks’, BBC, 17 September 2021: ‘There’s security but no money’: Afghans settle into life under Taliban rule, The New York Times, 17 September 2021: Taliban leaders seized a women’s ministry building for use by the religious police, an ominous portent for women’s rights., BBC, 17 September 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban morality police replace women’s ministry, Der Spiegel, 17 September 2021: A Third Betrayal: Many of Germany’s Local Hires Are Still Waiting To Be Rescued from Afghanistan, Global Times, 17 September 2021: China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran must exert positive influence to stabilize situation in Afghanistan, BBC, 18 September 2021: Girls excluded as Afghan secondary schools reopen, DW, 18 September 2021: Afghanistan: More signs of Taliban restricting women’s rights, The National, 18 September 2021: Taliban effectively bar education for girls in secondary school, Al Arabiya, 20 September 2021: After bomb attacks on Taliban, group says ISIS not a threat, can be thwarted, BBC, 20 September 2021: Fighting off hunger under the Taliban, The Guardian, 20 September 2021: ‘The Taliban will have no mercy’: LGBTQ+ Afghans go into hiding, Al Arabiya, 24 September 2021: US condemns Taliban’s plan to reinstate executions, amputations as punishment, Arab News, 24 September 2021: Vital weeks ahead for Afghanistan, Al Arabiya, 24 September 2021: Hundreds protest in Kabul to demand release of Afghan foreign reserves, NPR, 25 September 2021: Witness Says Taliban Hanged Dead Body In Afghan City’s Main Square, The National, 25 September 2021: Taliban’s plan to reinstate executions and amputations draws US criticism, The Times, 25 September 2021: Taliban return to cutting off thieves’ hands and feet, Arab News, 26 September 2021: Afghans deserve better than misery and injustice, The National, 28 September 2021: Trump admin wanted even faster Afghanistan pullout, Gen Milley says, Politico.com, 28 September 2021: Top generals contradict Biden, say they urged him not to withdraw from Afghanistan, The National, 28 September 2021: Afghanistan must not become terrorist safe haven, say Pakistan and UK ministers, Politico.com, 28 September 2021: Pentagon leaders: Kabul withdrawal was a ‘strategic failure’, BBC, 28 September 2021: Afghanistan: Al-Qaeda could threaten US in a year – general, The Washington Post, 28 September 2021: Military leaders wanted U.S. contingent force in Afghanistan; fall of Kabul led to full withdrawal, NPR, 2 October 2021: Kabul University chancellor says female students will be allowed, but segregated, Gulf Times, 3 October 2021: Taliban hold victory rally outside Kabul as they consolidate rule, Gulf Times, 6 October 2021: UN: 3.2 million Afghan children under five expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2021: Some agreements reached in reconciliatory talks with Saudi Arabia: Iran FM, Khaleej Times, 8 October 2021: UN warns of consequences if Afghanistan aid delayed, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2021: At least 100 dead, wounded in Afghan mosque blast: Taliban official, The Guardian, 8 October 2021: Afghanistan: Shia mosque bombing kills dozens in Afghan city of Kunduz, Al Arabiya, 8 October 2021: EU warns of security risks linked to migration from Afghanistan, CNN, 8 October 2021: ‘Basic things are just not there’: Health care collapse in Afghanistan threatens lives of millions as winter approaches, BBC, 8 October 2021: Suicide attack on Afghan mosque kills at least 50, France24, 8 October 2021: Dozens killed in Shiite mosque explosion in Afghanistan’s Kunduz, Al Arabiya, 9 October 2021: Afghans flock to Iranian border, but few make it across, The Algemeiner, 9 October 2021: World Should Send Pledged Aid to Afghans to Avert Economic, Refugee Crisis, Gulf Times, 12 October 2021: Under-pressure Taliban meet EU-US delegation in push for support, Arab News, 12 October 2021: Under-pressure Taliban meet EU-US delegation in push for support, France24, 12 October 2021: EU pledges €1 billion Afghan aid package to ‘avert humanitarian collapse’, Arab News, 12 October 2021: Race against time to avert Afghan catastrophe, Al Arabiya, 13 October 2021: Taliban warn EU, US envoys of Afghan refugees if sanctions persist, Gulf Times, 13 October 2021: Communicating with any govt in Afghanistan is a must for stability: FM, Al Arabiya, 13 October 2021: Poverty-stricken Afghans marry off underage girls in exchange for weapons, livestock, Gulf Times, 15 October 2021: Blast at mosque in Afghan city of Kandahar; at least 15 dead, Al Arabiya, 15 October 2021: At least 32 killed, 53 injured in mosque blast in Afghanistan’s Kandahar, DW, 15 October 2021: Afghanistan: German NGOs struggle as suffering grows, The National, 16 October 2021: ISIS claims deadly mosque bombing in Taliban’s heartland, Arab News, 16 October 2021: Turkey avoids dealing unilaterally with Afghanistan dossier, The New Yorker, 16 October 2021: Joe Biden’s Afghanistan Problem, The Atlantic, 16 October 2021: The Taliban Is Just as Bad as It Always Was, The National, 16 October 2021: Pakistani authorities deport Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban, The Hill, 17 October 2021: Pentagon, State Department square off on Afghanistan accountability, Gulf Times, 18 October 2021: Qatar participates in the joint meeting between the NATO Council and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) countries, The National, 19 October 2021: Gen McKenzie: Taliban takeover was ‘shot in the arm’ for global extremists, The Washington Post, 19 October 2021: With Afghanistan’s war over, Taliban faces a new hurdle: Enforcing the law — and protecting Afghans from the Islamic State, Al Arabiya, 21 October 2021: Pakistan will provide $280 million in humanitarian aid to Taliban-led Afghanistan: FM, The Atlantic, 21 October 2021: What the Loss of Freedom Feels Like, The New Yorker, 21 October 2021: Who Gets to Escape the Taliban, Arab News, 22 October 2021: Taliban powerless to stop Afghanistan’s decline, The New York Times, 23 October 2021: U.S. Struggles With Afghan Evacuees Red-Flagged and Left in Limbo, The National, 24 October 2021: Afghan Hazaras lose homes as persecution grows under Taliban rule, CNN, 24 October 2021: Afghanistan hurtling toward collapse, Sweden and Pakistan say, NPR, 25 October 2021: 13 service members killed in Kabul attack honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, The Guardian, 26 October 2021: Afghanistan: Pentagon says Islamic State could have capacity to strike US next year, DW, 26 October 2021: Why Iran fears chaos in Afghanistan, The National, 27 October 2021: Blinken launches internal review of US evacuation of Afghanistan, The National, 27 October 2021: Taliban should adopt ‘friendly’ approach, says Iran, Arab News, 30 October 2021: Afghanistan is on brink of ‘world’s worst humanitarian crisis’, France24, 31 October 2021: Taliban supreme leader makes first public appearance in Afghanistan, Arab News, 31 October 2021: Aid channels needed to avoid Afghan famine, charities warn G20, France24, 2 November 2021: Senior Taliban commander, several civilians killed in Kabul hospital attack, Gulf Times, 2 November 2021: 19 killed in attack on Kabul military hospital, France24, 2 November 2021: ‘The Taliban has a kill list’ for the Afghan LGBT community, NGO says, Foreign Policy, 3 November 2021: State Department: Thousands of U.S. Residents Still Stuck in Afghanistan, The Guardian, 6 November 2021: Afghanistan: Women’s rights activist shot dead, France24, 6 November 2021: Four women slain in Afghanistan after phone call ‘to join evacuation flight’, The New York Times, 7 November 2021: Witnesses to the End of America’s Longest War, DW, 8 November 2021: Afghanistan: People struggle to make ends meet amid economic turmoil, Al Arabiya, 9 November 2021: World Bank chief says Afghanistan aid resumption unlikely, France24, 12 November 2021: Deadly blast hits another Afghanistan mosque during Friday prayers, DW, 17 November 2021: Deadly bomb blast in Shiite neighborhood in Kabul, The National, 17 November 2021: Taliban cannot stem ISIS expansion in Afghanistan, UN says, The Washington Post, 20 November 2021: Thousands of Afghans evacuated during U.S. withdrawal awaiting resettlement, The Sunday Times, 21 November 2021: Aid agencies urge West and UN to save Afghanistan amid refugee crisis, The Guardian, 21 November 2021: Afghanistan: On Helmand’s bleak wards, dying children pay the price as western aid is switched off, The Times, 22 November 2021: Rural Afghans are giving up on the distant dream of education, The National, 22 November 2021: Sanctions on Afghanistan cause ‘infuriating’ suffering, says Red Cross, CNN, 22 November 2021: U.N. warns of ‘colossal’ collapse of Afghan banking system, The National, 22 November 2021: Fears in US that Kabul winter will freeze aid flights and evacuations, DW, 22 November 2021: Afghan banking system is on brink of collapse, DW, 23 November 2021: UN warns of ‘fast unraveling crisis’ in Afghanistan, France24, 25 November 2021: Thousands of Afghan journalists out of a job since Taliban takeover, The National, 28 November 2021: Taliban prime minister shocks Afghans by brushing aside famine fears, The Washington Post, 29 November 2021: As Afghanistan’s economy collapses, international community looks for innovative ways to avoid humanitarian disaster, CNN, 30 November 2021: The Taliban executed scores of Afghan security forces members after surrender, HRW report alleges, Foreign Policy, 2 December 2021: It’s Time to Engage With the Taliban. Afghan Lives Depend on It., The National, 3 December 2021: Taliban decree says Afghan women’s rights must be enforced, CNN, 3 December 2021: Taliban decree on women’s rights dismissed by Afghan women and experts, Al Arabiya, 3 December 2021: Taliban release decree saying women must consent to marriage, Politico.eu, 4 December 2021: Europeans considering joint diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, Macron says, BBC, 4 December 2021: European envoys may return to Afghanistan – Macron, France24, 4 December 2021: France evacuates more than 300 people from Afghanistan, The New York Times, 4 December 2021: Facing Economic Collapse, Afghanistan Is Gripped by Starvation, France24, 5 December 2021: US and EU condemn Taliban over ‘summary killings’ and demand investigation, The SUnday Times, 5 December 2021: How we could have won in Afghanistan, The Guardian, 7 December 2021: Afghanistan Hundreds approved for evacuation to UK remain trapped, The National, 7 December 2021: Afghan evacuation failings blamed on lack of leadership at heart of UK government, DW, 8 December 2021: Germany under pressure to evacuate Afghans, media report, Foreign Policy, 10 December 2021: U.N., World Bank Under Pressure to Offer Aid to Afghanistan, The New Yorker, 10 December 2021: The Secret History of the U.S. Diplomatic Failure in Afghanistan, Foreign Policy, 10 December 2021: State Department Launches Review of Afghan Withdrawal, The Guardian, 11 December 2021: Afghanistan: Fresh evidence on UK’s botched withdrawal backs whistleblower’s story, Arab News, 12 December 2021: UK govt facing new pressure over ‘chaotic’ Afghanistan exit, The Guardian, 12 December 2021: UK: Fears grow that Home Office has lost will to resettle Afghans under threat, The Washington Post, 12 December 2021: As evacuations from Afghanistan slow to a trickle, some ‘at risk’ allies may face long road to the United States, Arab News, 15 December 2021: London’s U-turn on Afghan resettlements will ‘cost lives,’ former envoy warns, France24, 16 December 2021: Afghanistan: Inside the Taliban’s Emirate, Khaleej Times, 17 December 2021: UAE promotes peace and stability in Afghanistan: Pakistan FM, The National, 17 December 2021: It’s time to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets – the Taliban are here to stay, Arab News, 18 December 2021: Second batch of Saudi airlift aid arrives in Afghanistan, Al Arabiya, 19 December 2021: Saudi FM: World needs to respond to humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Arab News, 19 December 2021: OIC countries pledge fund to stave off Afghanistan ‘chaos’, Politico.com, 19 December 2021: Islamic world unites to aid desperately poor Afghanistan, The Guardian, 19 December 2021: Afghanistan: Hundreds queue for passports in bid to leave, France24, 19 December 2021: Islamic countries vow to work with UN to address growing crisis in Afghanistan, DW, 19 December 2021: Muslim countries pledge aid to Afghanistan, The New Yorker, 20 December 2021: The Afghans America Left Behind, The Washington Post, 20 December 2021: Along Afghanistan’s ‘highway of death,’ the bombs are gone but suffering has deepened, France24, 21 December 2021: China blocks UN resolution on humanitarian exemptions to Afghan sanctions, DW, 22 December 2021: UN reduces Yemen’s food aid over lack of funds, France24, 22 December 2021: UN Security Council adopts resolution to ease Afghan aid, Arab News, 22 December 2021: UN Security Council adopts resolution to ease Afghan aid, CNN, 22 December 2021: ‘If they don’t help us, I will lose my kids’: The reality of Afghanistan’s hunger crisis, The New York Times, 22 December 2021: U.S. Eases Some Restrictions on Aid for Afghanistan, CNN, 23 December 2021: Afghanistan’s first president wants the world to work with the Taliban, DW, 23 December 2021: Baerbock outlines Afghanistan ‘action plan’, Gulf Times, 23 December 2021: Germany warns of ‘worst humanitarian catastrophe’ in Afghanistan, Arab News, 24 December 2021: There is still hope of saving Afghanistan, DW, 26 December 2021: Afghanistan: Taliban clamp down on women’s taxi use, France24, 26 December 2021: Taliban bans women from travelling longer distances unless with male relative, The National, 26 December 2021: Taliban decree no long road trips for women without male escort, The Times, 27 December 2021: Taliban take seats on mercy flights to raise Gulf cash, Al Arabiya, 27 December 2021: As Taliban face economic ruin, Afghans suffer malnutrition, sink further into poverty, The Guardian, 27 December 2021: ‘My life is at risk’: Afghan ex-BBC journalist stranded for months due to Home Office scheme delays, Arab News, 28 December 2021: Saudi Arabia reiterates call for international aid effort to help Afghanistan, DW, 28 December 2021: Yemen: Houthi rebels allow aid flights into Sanaa, Al Arabiya, 29 December 2021: Blinken names former US adviser Amiri as special envoy for Afghan women, The Guardian, 29 December 2021: Gordon Brown: West is sleepwalking into Afghanistan disaster, says ex-UK PM, Al Arabiya, 29 December 2021: Pilots detail chaotic collapse of the Afghan Air Force, The Economist, 29 December 2021: A young Afghan woman on breaking free of the burqa, The Times, 29 December 2021: Afghan exit will backfire on West, warns Brown, Los Angeles Times, 31 December 2021: A Times journalist’s diary: inside the fall of Afghanistan, DW, 2 January 2022: Taliban are revoking Afghan women’s hard-won rights, The Times, 3 January 2022: William expresses ‘frustration’ over failure to evacuate more from Afghanistan, DW, 7 January 2022: Afghanistan: How press freedom has crumbled since the Taliban takeover, France24, 11 January 2022: UN calls for $5 billion in aid for Afghanistan to ‘avert catastrophe’ in 2022, The National, 11 January 2022: UN launches its biggest appeal for Afghanistan aid, Khaleej Times, 11 January 2022: Afghanistan: Taliban increase payment in wheat as economic crisis deepens, The New York Times, 11 January 2022: Afghanistan Is in Meltdown, and the U.S. Is Helping to Speed It Up, Al Arabiya, 16 January 2022: Taliban fighters pepper spray women protesters calling for rights, The Times, 17 January 2022: Taliban pepper-spray women as they take to the streets, DW, 18 January 2022: Is the world doing enough to help Afghans?, Al Arabiya, 21 January 2022: EU to establish presence in Afghanistan, will not recognize Taliban administration, The Guardian, 21 January 2022: Afghanistan: Taliban delegation travel to Norway for human rights talks, The Guardian, 23 January 2022: Winter in Afghanistan’s slums: I’ve already sold my daughters; now, my kidney, The Washington Post, 24 January 2022: Afghanistan faces widespread hunger amid worsening humanitarian crisis, The National, 25 January 2022: UK must help Afghans in danger, says ex-ambassador, Al Arabiya, 26 January 2022: US to shut down Afghan embassy, strip diplomats of immunity: Sources, The Times, 26 January 2022: PM agreed Afghan pet rescue, leak suggests, The National, 28 January 2022: UK pledges additional £97 million aid to Afghanistan, The Times, 28 January 2022: The Afghan refugees who fled the Taliban for a safer life in Kyiv, The Times, 29 January 2022: In my 35 years as a reporter, I have never seen anything of this magnitude, Arab News, 31 January 2022: More than 100 ex-Afghan forces, officials slain since Taliban takeover: UN chief, The Atlantic, 1 February 2022: The Betrayal, Arab News, 1 February 2022: Time running out to save Afghans from starvation, charities tell UK government, The Hill, 1 February 2022: Leaked document underscores Biden admin’s scramble to evacuate Afghan civilians: Axios, The New York Times, 2 February 2022: Over a Million Flee as Afghanistan’s Economy Collapses, The Washington Post, 11 February 2022: Biden proposes splitting Afghan funds among Sept. 11 victims, emergency aid, The New York Times, 11 February 2022: Biden Moves to Split $7 Billion in Frozen Afghan Funds, Spurning Taliban’s Demand, BBC, 11 February 2022: US could use frozen Afghan funds for 9/11 victims, France24, 12 February 2022: Life under the Taliban: Afghan women facing hardship six months on, The Guardian, 12 February 2022: Afghanistan: Taliban have detained 29 women and their families in Kabul, says US envoy, The National, 15 February 2022: Biden’s Afghanistan envoy details ‘honest and productive’ dialogue with Taliban, DW, 19 February 2022: How Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis could impact global security, The National, 19 February 2022: World Bank planning to funnel $1bn towards helping Afghans, Los Angeles Times, 19 February 2022: Last Afghan refugees leave New Jersey base after evacuation, Arab News, 20 February 2022: Western fund freeze on Afghanistan risks humanitarian disaster, former UK FM warns, The Guardian, 20 February 2022: Afghanistan West has inflicted catastrophic damage, says David Miliband, The National, 21 February 2022: MI5 chief Ken McCallum: British extremists are travelling to Afghanistan, Haaretz, 25 February 2022: Facing a Future Under Taliban Rule, This Medical Student Decided to Make a Dangerous Escape, The New Yorker, 26 February 2022: The Taliban Confront the Realities of Power, Arab News, 5 March 2022: Biden cannot make US failure in Afghanistan disappear by ignoring it (well, he obviously can, as there are more pressing topics on his table), The Guardian, 5 March 2022: Afghanistan is on the brink of famine. How can Biden just forget about us?, Gulf Times, 6 March 2022: Taliban’s secretive Haqqani Network leader finally shows face, Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2022: Some 400 civilians killed in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover – UN, DW, 14 March 2022: Ukraine war: Why the West cannot afford to ignore Afghanistan, NPR, 15 March 2022: Thousands of Afghan refugees are still living in hotels while they wait for housing, The National, 23 March 2022: Taliban renege on promise to open higher education to girls, Al Arabiya, 23 March 2022: Taliban orders Afghan girls schools shut hours after reopening: Spokesman, The Times, 23 March 2022: Taliban ban Afghan girls from attending high school, The National, 26 March 2022: Afghan girls protest in Kabul to demand Taliban reopen schools, BBC, 26 March 2022: Afghanistan: Protesters urge Taliban to reopen girls’ schools, France24, 26 March 2022: ‘Open the schools’: Afghan women protest against Taliban reversal on education, The Hill, 27 March 2022: Afghanistan War Commission should focus on humanitarian impact of the war, DW, 27 March 2022: Taliban hits DW, BBC with broadcast bans in Afghanistan, The Guardian, 27 March 2022: Taliban reversal on girls’ education derails US plan for diplomatic recognition, The Guardian, 30 March 2022: Afghanistan aid pledges could fall far short of target, officials fear, The Guardian, 31 March 2022: UN donor conference falls billions short of $4.4bn target to help Afghanistan, The Hill, 3 April 2022: Taliban announces official ban on poppy cultivation, France24, 4 April 2022: ‘We will be forced to steal’: Taliban bans poppy cultivation, DW, 6 April 2022: Afghanistan: Explosion at major Kabul mosque injures several, The Guardian, 11 April 2022: The girls I taught in Kabul were Afghanistan’s future. The Taliban has taken that away, Al Arabiya, 17 April 2022: Afghanistan death toll in ‘Pakistan strikes’ rises to at least 47: Officials, CNN, 19 April 2022: At least six dead as multiple explosions hit Kabul schools, France24, 19 April 2022: Several killed in twin explosions at Shiite school in Afghan capital, Arab News, 21 April 2022: Daesh claim responsibility for attack on Shiite mosque in northern Afghanistan, Jerusalem Post, 22 April 2022: Blast tears through mosque in northern Afghan city Kunduz, killing 33, Al Arabiya, 22 April 2022: Death toll in Afghan mosque bombing rises to 33, Taliban say, CNN, 22 April 2022: Thirty-three dead and dozens injured in Afghanistan mosque blast, France24, 22 April 2022: Mosque blast during Friday prayers kills dozens in northern Afghanistan, DW, 23 April 2022: ‘Not our fight’: Why the Middle East doesn’t fully support Ukraine (Europeans support Europeans against the war criminal Putin. There is something the Middle East can learn for itself, namely to live together in (relative) peace instead of killing each other in the various crises and wars in the region for decades, sometimes for centuries), Arab News, 23 April 2022: Taliban’s broken promises leave Afghanistan’s schoolgirls and women in despair, DW, 23 April 2022: Afghans fear for their safety amid growing violence, Jerusalem Post, 27 April 2022: Attacks on minorities on the rise in Afghanistan and Pakistan, The Guardian, 29 April 2022: Afghanistan: Blast at Kabul mosque kills more than 50 worshippers, Jerusalem Post, 29 April 2022: More than 50 Afghans killed in Kabul mosque blast, France24, 29 April 2022: Powerful blast at Kabul mosque kills at least 10 people, Al Arabiya, 30 April 2022: Second bombing in two days in Kabul on eve of Eid al-Fitr holiday, Arab News, 30 April 2022: The endless threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, Jerusalem Post, 1 April 2022: Second bombing in two days in Kabul, Al Arabiya, 3 May 2022: Afghan women defend right to drive as Taliban stops issuing licenses for women, The National, 7 May 2022: Taliban order Afghan women to cover their faces in public, CNN, 7 May 2022: Taliban decree orders women in Afghanistan to cover their faces, Al Arabiya, 7 May 2022: Taliban leader orders women to wear all-covering burqa in public: Decree, NPR, 7 May 2022: The Taliban orders women to wear head-to-toe clothing in public, CNN, 12 May 2022: Women protest in Kabul against new Taliban order to cover faces in public, Arab News, 13 May 2022: World needs to start paying attention to Afghan resistance, France24, 14 May 2022: ‘I will not wear the burqa’: Some Afghan women defy Taliban edict, Al Arabiya, 14 May 2022: Civilians flee fighting in Afghanistan’s Panjshir valley, BBC, 19 May 2022: Afghanistan’s female TV presenters must cover their faces, say Taliban, The Guardian, 19 May 2022: Afghanistan: Taliban orders female Afghan TV presenters to cover faces on air, The National, 20 May 2022: Afghan women’s rights reversal almost complete as Taliban burqa mandate takes hold, CNN, 22 May 2022: Afghanistan’s new poor line up for aid to survive as food crisis bites, BBC, 22 May 2022: Afghanistan’s female TV presenters cover their faces, DW, 22 May 2022: Afghanistan: Women TV presenters cover faces one day after defying edict, The Guardian, 24 May 2022: Afghanistan: Male TV presenters mask up to support female colleagues after Taliban decree, The Hill, 25 May 2022: State Dept. seeks exit from plan pushing faster processing of Afghan visas, Arab News, 25 May 2022: Blasts in Kabul mosque, north Afghanistan, kill at least 14, DW, 3 June 2022: Taliban faces threats from ‘Islamic State’, UN says, The National, 22 June 2022: UN calls for $15m in urgent Afghanistan aid after deadly earthquake, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: Over 1,000 dead in 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan, The National, 22 June 2022: Afghanistan earthquake: more than 1,000 killed and hundreds injured in Paktika province, DW, 22 June 2022: Afghanistan struck by deadliest earthquake in 2 decades, Irish Times, 22 June 2022: At least 1,000 killed in Afghanistan after powerful earthquake, BBC, 22 June 2022: Afghanistan quake: Many children feared dead in disaster, The National, 23 June 2022: Afghanistan earthquake: damaged roads and flooding pose challenge to emergency response, BBC, 23 June 2022: Afghanistan earthquake: No food, no shelter and fears of cholera, Arab News, 23 June 2022: Rescuers race to help survivors after deadly Afghanistan earthquake, DW, 23 June 2022: Afghanistan: Rescue efforts continue following deadly quake, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2022: Afghanistan earthquake has killed at least 1,036 people – UNICEF, The Guardian, 24 June 2022: Afghanistan: Fears grow for earthquake survivors left without shelter, Al Arabiya, 24 June 2022: UAE rushes 30 tons of aid to Afghanistan after earthquake claims over 1,150 lives, Arab News, 24 June 2022: Can crisis-stricken Afghanistan be prevented from becoming an extremists’ sanctuary again?, The National, 25 June 2022: ‘Everywhere I dig, I find a body’: Afghans form rescue teams after deadly earthquake, CNN, 2 July 2022: Taliban supreme leader warns foreigners not to interfere in Afghanistan, Arab News, 2 July 2022: UAE sends three planes of medical aid to Afghanistan, The Guardian, 3 July 2022: Afghanistan: Meeting of clerics ends with silence on education for girls, Al Arabiya, 3 July 2022: Afghan women activists say Taliban still illegitimate rulers, The Hill, 6 July 2022: Biden to rescind Afghanistan’s designation as major non-NATO ally, Arab News, 6 July 2022: History should not be allowed to repeat itself in Afghanistan, DW, 8 July 2022: Germany’s Afghanistan mission investigated — What went wrong and why?. Al Arabiya, 12 July 2022: Disturbing evidence reveals UK special forces’ war crimes in Afghanistan: Report, The National, 13 July 2022: UK war crimes allegations show the ICC can’t run from its Afghanistan probe forever, The Times, 14 July 2022: Tens of thousands flee fighting between Taliban and rebels, DW, 15 July 2022: Afghan girls suffer under school closures, DW, 20 July 2022: Afghanistan: UN slams killings, torture under Taliban, Arab News, 20 July 2022: UN slams killings, rights abuses under Afghanistan’s Taliban, NPR, 27 July 2022: What it’s like being a woman in Afghanistan today: ‘death in slow motion’, DW, 27 July 2022: Afghan women report beatings, abuse under Taliban, NPR, 27 July 2022: After decades of opposing the Taliban, India may be forming a relationship with them, BBC, 31 July 2022: Afghan-Iran border clash: Taliban says one killed, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2022: A U.S. program promising to help Afghans get out was a mirage. My family is still stuck, Foreign Policy, 31 July 2022: China Is Doomed to Play a Significant Role in Afghanistan, CNN, 1 August 2022: US kills al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in drone strike in Afghanistan (Ayman al-Zawahiri – Congratulations on this great campaign. That was clearly overdue. The damn scumbag was primarily responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks. May it give the survivors and relatives of 9/11 a little more inner peace. And that the Afghan terror regime is upset about it? Who cares? They gave the terrorists shelter and thus made them complicit), The Hill, 1 August 2022: US strike kills Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, The New York Times, 1 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahri Was Key Plotter of Sept. 11 Attacks, The Hill, 1 August 2022: Biden touts strike that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri: ‘Justice has been delivered’, NPR, 1 August 2022: Bin Laden was the face of al-Qaida, but Ayman al-Zawahiri was its hate-filled heart, Foreign Policy, 1 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahiri’s Legacy of Terror, The Hill, 1 August 2022: Who is al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri?, The Economist, 2 August 2022: The death of al-Qaeda’s leader may not halt a jihadist resurgence, The New York Times, 2 August 2022: How the C.I.A. Tracked the Leader of Al Qaeda, The New Yorker, 2 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahiri and the Taliban, CNN, 2 August 2022: US kills al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in drone strike in Afghanistan, The Guardian, 2 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahiri obituary, The Washiongton Post, 2 August 2022: US kills al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in drone strike in Kabul, France24, 2 August 2022: From Cairo doctor to al Qaeda’s chief ideologue: Who was Ayman al-Zawahiri?, The Wall Street Journal, 2 August 2022: Drone Strike That Killed al Qaeda Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri Raises Tactical Questions on Threat From Afghanistan, BBC, 2 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahiri: Al-Qaeda leader killed in US drone strike, The New York Times, 2 August 2022: The Killing of Ayman al-Zawahri: What We Know, Reuters, 2 August 2022: How the CIA identified and killed Al-Qaeda leader Zawahiri, The Washiongton Post, 3 August 2022: The Taliban gave al-Qaeda a haven. Again., Financial Times, 3 August 2022: Drone strike killing of al-Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri deals setback to Taliban, BBC, 3 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahiri: US warns of possible retaliation over al-Qaeda death, France24, 3 August 2022: Who could succeed slain Al Qaeda leader Al Zawahiri?, BBC, 3 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahiri: How US strike could kill al-Qaeda leader – but not his family, The Atlantic, 3 August 2022: A Key 9/11 Plotter Is Dead. He Was Already Irrelevant., The National, 3 August 2022: Even after death, Ayman Al Zawahiri’s influence will remain, France24, 3 August 2022: Women in Afghanistan gradually disappearing from public life, Arab News, 3 August 2022: Time to hold Taliban accountable on terrorism and human rights, France24, 4 August 2022: Taliban claim ‘no knowledge’ of slain Al Qaeda leader Al-Zawahiri in Afghanistan (who in his right mind would ever beleave such a claim?), The National, 4 August 2022: Taliban say they were unaware of Al Zawahiri’s presence in Kabul, The Guardian, 4 August 2022: Ayman al-Zawahiri Taliban claim they did not know al-Qaida leader was living in central Kabul, NPR, 4 August 2022: Undercover journalist in Afghanistan finds Taliban are abducting, imprisoning women, NPR, 6 August 2022: A former Marine details the chaotic exit from Afghanistan — and how we should mark it, The Guardian, 7 August 2022: ‘They beat girls just for smiling’: Life in Afghanistan one year after the Taliban’s return, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2022: One year after Afghanistan, spy agencies pivot toward China, The Atlantic, 8 August 2022: Afghanistan Did Not Have to Turn Out This Way, Al Arabiya, 8 August 2022: A year on, Afghans hide out fearing death by data, CNN, 9 August 2022: Biden’s Afghanistan exit decision looks even worse a year later, France24, 10 August 2022: Economists urge US to return Afghanistan’s frozen assets, The National, 11 August 2022: Afghan cleric Rahimullah Haqqani reportedly killed in Kabul blast, France24, 11 August 2022: Afghan refugees in France still hope to return home, one year after Taliban took Kabul, DW, 11 August 2022: German doctors provide aid for Afghan children, Arab News, 11 August 2022: Top Taliban cleric killed in Kabul suicide blast, DW, 11 August 2022: Fact check: Have the Taliban kept their promises?, The National, 12 August 2022: ‘How are they going to control everybody?’: Kabul’s small rebellion against the Taliban, The New York Times, 12 August 2022: Taliban Rewind the Clock: ‘A Woman Is a Helpless and Powerless Creature’, The Times, 12 August 2022: West has allowed return of terrorists to Afghanistan, says General David Petraeus, The New York Times, 13 August 2022: U.S. Says Al Qaeda Has Not Regrouped in Afghanistan, France24, 13 August 2022: Taliban fighters violently disperse women rallying for ‘bread, work, freedom’ in Kabul, The New York Times, 13 August 2022: Afghan Women Reflect on the Anniversary of the U.S. Withdrawal, NPR, 13 August 2022: Women march in a rare protest in Kabul’s streets — and face violence from the Taliban, Arab News, 13 August 2022: What went wrong in Afghanistan, BBC, 13 August 2022: Taliban break up rare protest by Afghan women in Kabul, Foreign Policy, 13 August 2022: One Year Later, Afghanistan Is a Land of Shrugs and Sadness, Arab News, 13 August 2022: The Afghanistan disaster movie continues to roll, one year after US withdrawal, DW, 13 August 2022: Afghanistan: 1 year on from fall of Kabul to the Taliban, little hope for female athletes, The Guardian, 13 August 2022: Afghanistan: Female protesters beaten by Taliban fighters during rare Kabul rally, DW, 13 August 2022: Taliban assault, disperse female protesters in Kabul, The National, 14 August 2022: Kabul’s security under Taliban comes at a price, The Washington Post, 14 August 2022: New Afghanistan report an investigative roadmap, if GOP wins the House, The National, 14 August 2022: Republican report details Biden administration failings in Afghanistan, Arab News, 14 August 2022: Afghans responsible for Afghanistan’s failure, Los Angeles Times, 14 August 2022: Kabul’s fall was a debacle, but long-term impact hasn’t been as catastrophic as feared, France24, 14 August 2022: In pictures: A year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, NPR, 14 August 2022: These photos show who is (and isn’t) included in the Taliban’s Afghanistan, The Sunday Times, 14 August 2022: US kept Britain in dark over deal that led Taliban back to power, DW, 14 August 2022: Hamid Karzai: Taliban must allow girls to go to school, France24, 14 August 2022: Taliban failures speed up Afghan brain drain, battering an already crippled economy (Part I), DW, 14 August 2022: How life has changed for Afghans since the Taliban takeover, France24, 14 August 2022: Taliban failures in governance speed up Afghan brain drain (Part II), DW, 14 August 2022: Afghanistan’s last remaining women’s rights activists, The Guardian, 14 August 2022: Afghanistan: ‘The Taliban no longer wanted to kill me. Now they wanted to marry me’, France24, 15 August 2022: Afghanistan suffering ‘one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises’ under Taliban, NPR, 15 August 2022: Afghans in a battle-scarred valley welcomed Taliban rule, but expect more, France24, 15 August 2022: Taliban mark turbulent first year in power in Afghanistan with national holiday, CNN, 15 August 2022: ‘Sometimes we eat dinner, sometimes we don’t.’ Afghan food crisis poses dilemma for the West one year after Taliban takeover, France24, 15 August 2022: Afghan opposition ‘very weak’ despite mounting anger against Taliban, Irish Times, 15 August 2022: Humanitarian aid will not be enough to prevent Afghanistan’s collapse, Arab News, 15 August 2022: The Taliban a year on: imposing misery, exporting instability, DW, 16 August 2022: What’s happening to the Hazaras in northern Afghanistan?, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2022: Taliban kill one of their ex-leaders from minority Hazara community, BBC, 17 August 2022: Kabul mosque attack: ‘Many casualties feared’, The Atlantic, 17 August 2022: I Smuggled My Laptop Past the Taliban So I Could Write This Story, DW, 17 August 2022: Afghanistan: Kabul mosque hit by large explosion, The Guardian, 17 August 2022: Afghanistan: At least 10 dead after huge bomb rips through Kabul mosque, France24, 18 August 2022: Deadly blast hits Kabul mosque packed with worshippers, The Times, 20 August 2022: ‘We are truly forgotten’: life in the Taliban heartland.


Tunisia and Israel
The earliest contacts between Israel and Tunisia took place at the United Nations in New York in 1951–1952, when Tunisian representatives approached the Israeli delegation and Israeli labor leaders. In June 1952, Bahi Ladgham, a close confidant of Habib Bourguiba, met with Gideon Rafael seeking support for Tunisian independence. Bourguiba stated that he would not seek Israel’s elimination and would work to promote peace in the region. In 1956, after Tunisia declared independence, he met secretly with Ya’akov Tzur, Israel’s ambassador to France. Later that year, Tsur met with the Tunisian finance minister, who sought Israel’s assistance in building cooperative agricultural settlements. Operation Wooden Leg was an attack by Israel on the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) headquarters in Hammam al-Shatt, Tunisia, 12 miles from the capital of Tunis. It took place on October 1, 1985. Casualties 47-71 dead, around 15 of them were Tunisian civilians who were killed and about 100 wounded. Tunisia claims it played a major role in secret talks between the PLO and Israel which led to the Declaration of Principles on Palestinian Self-Rule, signed in September 1993. Soon after, an Israeli delegation visited Tunisia for talks. Salah Masawi, director general of the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that he saw no obstacle to establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. In 1993, Yossi Beilin, then Israel’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Tunisia. Direct telephone links were established in July 1993. After the Tunisia offices of the PLO were closed in June 1994, the first Israeli tourists arrived. In 1994, channels of communication were opened with Israel through the Belgian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tunis. Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Ben Yahia and then-Israeli Foreign Minister Ehud Barak met in Barcelona in 1995 to expand official relations between the two countries after relations had been confined to “two communications channels” in the Belgian embassies in each of Tunis and Tel Aviv. On Jan. 22, 1996, then US Secretary of State Warren Christopher announced “that for the first time Israel and Tunisia will establish official facilities called “interests sections” in each other’s countries. By April 15 of this year, each nation will host representatives of the other government so as to facilitate political consultations, travel, and trade between their two countries”. According to plan, Israel opened an interest office in Tunisia in April and six weeks later, in May, Tunisian diplomat Khemaies Jhinaoui went to Israel to open his country’s interest office in Tel Aviv. Relations worsened in the early 2000s after the start of the Second Intifada. On October 22, 2000, President Ben Ali announced that he would break all diplomatic ties with Israel following the “violence in the Palestinian-controlled territories”. Israel expressed its disappointment at the Tunisian decision to sever relations and close the interest offices in Tel Aviv and Tunis. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said: “It appears that Tunisia has elected to renounce its potential role as a bridge for dialogue between Israel and its neighbours, thereby harming the critical effort to promote regional peace.” In June 2021, both Israel and Tunisia were among 30 countries which participated in the Sea Breeze 2021, multinational naval maneuvers in the Black Sea (History of Tunisia, History of the Jews in Tunisia, Foreign relations of Tunisia and Israel–Tunisia relations) – The National, 23 July 2022: Demonstration precedes vote on Tunisia’s draft constitution (the Arab Spring is finally threatening to run out of steam. A tragedy), DW, 23 July 2022: Tunisia: Hundreds protest draft constitution ahead of referendum, France24, 23 July 2022: Hundreds protest against Tunisia draft constitution ahead of vote, The National, 25 July 2022: Tunisians begin voting in referendum on new constitution, CNN, 25 July 2022: The last ‘Arab Spring’ democracy is dangling by a thread, DW, 25 July 2022: Tunisia votes in referendum on controversial constitution, France24, 25 July 2022: Disillusioned Tunisians head to polls for president’s referendum, DW, 25 July 2022: Tunisian voters back president over constitutional changes: exit poll (with that, the hopes for democracy and freedom in predominantly Muslim countries have been buried for this time. Tunisia was the country with the strongest democratic ambitions. Now it will be up to the next generation to try again), The National, 26 July 2022: Tunisia’s new constitution set for ratification despite low turnout in referendum, France24, 26 July 2022: Tunisia constitutional referendum marked by low turnout as opposition boycotts, France24, 26 July 2022: Tunisian president hails constitutional referendum set to boost executive power, Arab News, 27 July 2022: Tunisia approves new constitution in vote with low turnout, France24, 27 July 2022: Tunisia’s referendum: Victory for ‘yes’ vote, but failure for revolution, Arab News, 29 July 2022: Tunisia president rejects ‘interference’ after Western concerns about democracy, Arab News, 29 July 2022: New Tunisian constitution brings hope to many people in struggling nation, Haaretz, 1 August 2022: Crony Capitalism, Corruption and Stagnation: Behind the Failures of the Arab Spring, Foreign Policy, 4 August 2022: Democracy Fades in the Arab Spring’s Success Story, DW, 10 August 2022: Instead of migrating to EU, Tunisians build new lives in southern Africa, Al Arabiya, 12 August 2022: Tunisia’s military clashes with ‘terrorists’, two soldiers injured: Statement.


Libya and Israel
There have been no diplomatic relations between Israel and Libya since Libya’s independence. In the years before the declaration of Libya’s independence (in 1951), there was an extensive operation to bring Libyan Jews to Israel, Israeli representatives stayed in Tripoli and conducted aliyah operations there, aliyah activists obtained the consent of the country’s leaders to continue their activities provided they served as Jewish Agency emissaries. The Israeli government, however, after Libya’s independence, closed the Ministry of Aliyah, expelled the activists and did not allow Israeli ships to visit its ports. In a 1951 vote at the United Nations on the accession of Libya to the Organization, Israel voted in favor and thus decided in favor of its admission to the United Nations, but a few years later Libya joined the Arab League and the Arab boycott of Israel and was among the leaders of the opposing Israeli voice. After the Six-Day War, France imposed an embargo on Israel, thus supplying 50 Mirage 5 aircraft, developed in cooperation with Israel, to Libya instead of to Israel. In February 1973, the Israeli Air Force shot down a passenger plane Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 in the lobby. The plane’s interception occurred after it accidentally penetrated Israeli airspace over northern Sinai Peninsula, an area that was under Israeli control at the time. As a result of the plane crash, 108 passengers and crew were killed. During the Yom Kippur War, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi sent a large sending force to Egypt in order to assist it in its war against Israel. The Expeditionary Force included armored forces, artillery and 2 Mirage 5 squadrons that took an active part in the fighting on the southern front. When Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi realized that King Hussein of Jordan had rejected requests by Arab leaders to join the war and attack Israel from the east, he began to insult him and called on the Jordanian people to revolt and join the war on their own. In 1976, Libya assisted in the hijacking of an Air France passenger plane by allowing the aircraft to refuel in Benghazi. The hijackers were eliminated and the passengers of the plane were released in Operation Entebbe. In 1977, Gaddafi sharply attacked Egypt, which was then in talks with Israel for a possible peace agreement, and saw it as an Egyptian violation of the Khartoum Conference Declaration. Against the background of the developing relationship with Israel, Libya initiated hostilities with the aim of undermining the rule of Egypt, which escalated into a war between Libya and Egypt. In May 2011, during the First Libyan Civil War, the Gaddafi government allegedly offered Israel to open an embassy and maintain diplomatic relations between the two countries, but Israel refused the offer, arguing that it preferred “not to have relations with an outcast state.” In December 2019, during the Second Libyan Civil War, Libyan Foreign Minister Khalifa Hafter said he expressed hope for a normalization of Israel-Libya relations. In June 2020, Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam al-Badri said that his country was not an enemy of Israel, and never had been (History of Libya, Foreign relations of Libya and Israel–Libya relations) – France24, 30 July 2022: US judge orders Libya’s Haftar to compensate families of victims of Tripoli campaign.


Morocco and Israel
Morocco had a large Jewish population prior to Israel’s establishment in 1948, and hundreds of thousands of Israeli Jews have lineage that traces to Morocco. The 1948 riots of Oujda and Jerada prompted the majority of Moroccan Jews to flee from the country. Under Hassan II, the relations where controversial due to his secret connection with Israel. In the 1965 Arab League Summit in Casablanca, Hassan II invited Israeli spies from Shin Bet and Mossad to spy on the other Arab leaders’ activities, thus was instrumental in causing the Arabs’ humiliating defeat to Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. During 1980s, Hassan II attempted to break the deadlock to recognize Israel by meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres in Rabat in 1986, but was met with backlash and protests from the Arab League and Moroccans alike, forcing Hassan II to withdraw his attempt. Nonetheless, Hassan II maintained a bond with Peres, and Peres voiced his condolences when Hassan II died in 1999. Accirding to The New York Times some diplomats said the Moroccan king’s initiative to meet Mr. Peres, was the product of several factors. One factor, they said, was that King Hassan was increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process, which has been stalemated. Even more important, diplomats said, was King Hassan’s unsuccessful efforts to convene an Arab summit meeting here, despite months of maneuvering and overtures to “moderate” Arab leaders. Like late Hassan II, his son King Mohammed VI of Morocco, whose reign began in 1999, maintained unofficial relations with Israel. Mohammed VI’s advisor, André Azoulay, is an instrumental Jewish Moroccan who facilitated the growth of Morocco in both economic and political terms. Morocco also attempted to solve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict by dispatching another Jewish aide close to Israel, Sam Ben Shitrit, to solve the conflict and make peace between the two. The two countries established low-level diplomatic relations during the 1990s following Israel’s interim peace accords with the Palestinians, which were suspended after the start of the Al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000. The two countries have maintained informal ties since then, with an estimated 50,000 Israelis (moroccan jewish) traveling to Morocco each year on trips to learn about the Jewish community and retrace their family histories. Due to the growing anti-Iranian sentiment on both sides, as both countries have problems with the Iranian regime led by conservative Islamists, Morocco and Israel have sought to make their ties closer. Both countries participated in the US-led February 2019 Warsaw Conference, aimed to be anti-Iranian. In January 2020, Morocco received three Israeli drones as part of a $48 million arms deal. In September 2020, U.S. President #45 announced he was seeking direct flights between Rabat and Tel Aviv. On 10 December 2020, #45 announced that Israel and Morocco had agreed to establish full diplomatic relations. Morocco then communicated to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu its recognition of Israel. On 22 December, El Al launched the first direct commercial flight between Israel and Morocco following the normalization agreement. Senior Advisor to the U.S. President Jared Kushner and Israel’s National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat were among the high-level officials on board the flight. On 25 July 2021, two Israeli carriers launched direct commercial flights to Marrakesh from Tel Aviv. On 11 August 2021, Morocco and Israel signed three accords on political consultations, aviation and culture (Morocco, History of Morocco, Israel–Morocco normalization agreement, Moroccan Jews, Moroccan Jewish Museum, Foreign relations of Morocco and Israel–Morocco relations, The Algemeiner, 24 November 2021: Israel’s Gantz Signs Historic Defense Agreement With Morocco, Arab News, 24 November 2021: Israel, Morocco sign security deal as defense minister visits Rabat, Times of Israel, 24 November 2021: Israel-Morocco defense deal opens door to intel sharing, joint drills, Jerusalem Post, 25 November 2021: Morocco mulls buying Israeli radar, drones, jets upgrade – report, France24, 23 December 2021: Morocco, Israel celebrate anniversary of renewed diplomatic ties).


Algeria and Israel
Algeria and Israel do not have any official diplomatic relations at all, with Algeria being part of the Arab League boycott of Israel, and officially does not recognise the State of Israel. Algeria refuses entry to any person holding an Israeli passport or any other passport which has a visa from Israel. In 2016, an Algerian high school geography textbook that contained a map that included Israel was withdrawn. In January 2017 an Algerian was arrested after an online video interview with an Israeli official. Shortly after Algeria gained its independence in 1962, Israel recognized the country’s independence. However, Algeria passed its Nationality Code in 1963, denying citizenship to non-Muslims. During the Six-Day War in 1967, Algeria sent a battalion of infantry and a squadron of MiG-21s to Egypt, losing three Mig-21s to Israel. During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Algeria sent an expeditionary force to fight Israel, including 59 aircraft (Mig-21, Mig-17, Su-7), an infantry platoon and an armored brigade (with an estimated 19 artillery weapons). In the mid 1990s, while Israel and other North African states slowly started diplomatic relations, Algeria remained one of the last countries to refrain from such a move. It was only when Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Barak met President of Algeria Abdelaziz Bouteflika at the funeral of the Moroccan King Hassan II of Morocco on July 25, 1999, that alleged unofficial comments were made. In January 2012, both Algeria and Israel as part of the Mediterranean Dialogue attended the 166th Military Committee meetings with NATO members in Brussels. In 2020, amidst Gulf states‘ call to normalise relations, and the Hirak political renewal impact on the country’s internal affairs, some voices were calling on reviewing the country’s bilateral relations in a way that benefits the country, although Israel never figured in that list. Moreover, that only insists on the fact that Algeria seems like a country that is far from any normalisation with Israel. Mainly due to Algeria’s background of the anti-colonial struggle that is considered as part of the same struggle as the Palestinians in the 60s and 70s (History of Algeria, History of the Jews in Algeria, Foreign relations of Algeria and Algeria–Israel relations).


Iraq and Israel
Due to Iraq‘s non-recognition of Israel as a legitimate state since the latter’s establishment in 1948, the two countries have not had any formal diplomatic relations. The Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq was a part of the Arab coalition that declared war on and invaded Israel shortly after its establishment, sparking the First–Arab Israeli War, and the two states have since then been in a continuous state of hostilities. Iraqi forces also participated in the Third Arab–Israeli War and the Fourth Arab–Israeli War in 1967 and 1973, respectively. In 1981, Israel carried out Operation Opera in Ba’athist Iraq, in which the Israeli Air Force bombed and successfully destroyed an Iraqi nuclear reactor that was under construction at the Tuwaitha Nuclear Research Centre near Baghdad; the reactor had been attacked and partially damaged by Iran during its Operation Scorch Sword, which had been carried out a year prior to the Israeli strike amidst the Iran–Iraq War. During the 1990–1991 Gulf War, Iraq carried out a missile campaign against Israel, in which it launched 42 modified Scud missiles (designated Al-Hussein) at Israeli cities with the strategic objective of provoking Israel into launching retaliatory attacks and potentially jeopardizing the multinational coalition formed by the United States against Iraq, which had full backing and extensive contributions from other Muslim-majority states; Israel did not respond to the Iraqi missile attacks due to American pressure, and Iraq failed to gather support for its occupation of Kuwait. The post-2003 Republic of Iraq continues to be a strong supporter of the Arab League boycott of Israel. All Iraqi passports are invalid for travel to Israel and Israeli passports are likewise invalid for entry into Iraq. Alongside a number of other Arab and Muslim-majority countries, Iraq is designated as a hostile state under Israeli law, and Israeli citizens may not visit the country without a special permit issued by the Israeli Interior Ministry (History of Iraq, Iraqi Jews in Israel, Foreign relations of Iraq and Iraq–Israel relations). The Iraq war launched by US President George W. Bush under false assumptions under the motto of the “fight against the axis of evil” in 2003 (even Pope John Paul II had tried in vain to prevent the war) ultimately plunged the entire region into chaos and promoted the rise of terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State / Daesh. The USA itself has also suffered severe foreign policy damage as a result. Both of these continue to have an impact today and are responsible for refugee streams in and out of the region. There is currently no end in sight, of course also because highly corrupt cliques have hijacked entire countries and their economies and there are fewer and fewer future prospects for the populations. In some cases there is a lack of rudimentary livelihoods. Whether and how stable state structures will ever be created there remains questionable. Democratic approaches cannot be proven, elections are manipulated or do not even take place. While the populations are increasingly bleeding out, also because of high inflation rates and hardly available work, the leadership cliques are shamelessly enriching themselves and without any awareness of injustice (The National, 1 January 2022: Thousands gather in Baghdad to remember Iranian general, Reuters, 26 May 2022: Iraq makes it illegal to attempt normalising ties with Israel, Times of Israel, 26 May 2022: Iraq passes law making contact with Israel punishable by death, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2022: Israel condemns new Iraqi law criminalizing normalization with Jewish state, The National, 16 July 2022: Iraq and US to boost security ties to prevent ISIS comeback, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2022: Rockets target gas field in Iraqi Kurdistan, The National, 27 July 2022: Baghdad in crisis as protesters loyal to Moqtada Al Sadr storm Parliament, France24, 27 July 2022: Pro-Sadr demonstrators storm parliament in Iraq’s Green Zone, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Riot police repel protesters at Baghdad’s Green Zone, CNN, 27 July 2022: Iraqi protesters break into parliament denouncing the nomination of new premier, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: Protesters leave after storming Iraqi parliament, The National, 28 July 2022: Iraq needs ‘patriotic’ premier with strong domestic support, experts say, The Guardian, 28 July 2022: Analysis: Iran may eventually get its way in protracted power struggle in Iraq, The Algemeiner, 30 July 2022: Supporters of Iraqi Cleric Sadr Storm Baghdad’s Green Zone Again, Al Arabiya, 30 July 2022: Protesters storm parliament in Iraq, organize sit-in as council sessions suspend, Arab News, 30 July 2022: At least 60 Iraqi protesters injured after storming Baghdad’s Green Zone, France24, 30 July 2022: Iraqi cleric Sadr’s supporters announce parliament ‘sit-in’ amid political crisis, BBC, 30 July 2022: Iraq: Muqtada al-Sadr supporters storm parliament again, Al Arabiya, 30 July 2022: Protesters storm parliament in Iraq, organize sit-in as council sessions suspend, The National, 30 July 2022: Iraqi protesters occupy parliament as political tensions run high, Arab News, 30 July 2022: At least 60 Iraqi protesters injured after storming Baghdad’s Green Zone, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2022: What are the ramifications of Iraq’s protest unrest?, NPR, 31 July 2022: Protesters camp out in Iraq’s Parliament building as a power struggle unfolds, Al Arabiya, 31 July 2022: Hundreds camp at Iraqi parliament for second consecutive day, The National, 1 August 2022: Baghdad on edge after rival protesters gather near parliament, CNN, 1 August 2022: What’s behind Iraq’s explosive political crisis?, France24, 1 August 2022: Iraq tensions soar as thousands join counter-rally against parliament occupation, The National, 3 August 2022: Iraq’s Moqtada Al Sadr calls for early elections and rejects dialogue with rival coalition, Arab News, 3 August 2022: Iraq’s Sadr demands new polls as political crisis escalates, France24, 3 August 2022: Powerful Iraqi cleric calls for early elections as political crisis escalates, Arab News, 5 August 2022: Tens of thousands pray in show of force by Iraq cleric Sadr, France24, 10 August 2022: Iraq cleric Sadr urges judiciary to dissolve parliament by end of next week, Arab News, 10 August 2022: Daesh threat grows despite leadership losses, UN warns, France24, 12 August 2022: Is Iraq’s political chaos spreading to the Kurdistan region?, France24, 12 August 2022: Iraq: Political standoff continues as rival Shiite blocs rally, France24, 14 August 2022: Who are the Shiite politicians vying to rule Iraq amid its political impasse?, The National, 16 August 2022: Iraq’s stalemate deepens as finance minister Allawi resigns and Al Sadr postpones march, Arab News, 16 August 2022: Iraq in constitutional limbo as rivals take to the streets, Al Arabiya, 16 August 2022: Stolen ‘Picasso’ painting seized from Iraqi drug gang, Arab News, 22 August 2022: Civil war looms as Iraqis call time on power-grabbing militants, France24, 23 August 2022: Shiite cleric Sadr’s supporters launch sit-in outside top Iraq judicial body, DW, 23 August 2022: Iraq: Al-Sadr supporters launch sit-in outside judiciary).


European Union
Often Israeli politicians say that Israeli military interventions in the Middle East would contribute to the security of Europe. In fact, the opposite is true. In part, thanks to the support by Europe, Israel can still be found on the map today. Understandably, that isn’t the prefered point of view in Israel, especially as it would be a clear sign of domestic and external weakness, and would include the acknowledgment that EU support measures are part of the country’s livelihood survival strategy. In the opposite direction, the strategic significance is noticeably lower. In Europe, the religious and historical relevance play a significantly larger role (Holy Land and Christianity in Israel/Palestinian Christians (the number of religious Christians in Europe has been steadily declining for years (Religion in Europe, Religion in Germany and Secularization, Ark of the Covenant, Ten Commandments, Via Dolorosa, Stations of the Cross. When e.g. living in Germany according to the Basic Law and the Civil Law Book (BGB), the Ten Commandments are automatically met), and with it the relevance of places and sites important to Christianity in the Holy Land for Europe as a whole. Astonishingly, however, the significance of the Way of St. James and some other pilgrimages in Europe has been increasing steadily over the past years), Évian Conference, The Holocaust, and State of Israel/Israeli Declaration of Independence. From a specifically German point of view, there is another aspect to the importance of Europe for Israel: German influences have been of great importance to the region of present-day Israel since the 1850s and are still today. They were the first European colonists in Palestine, 700 years after the end of the Crusader era. Among other places, the foundations of Haifa as a port city and Tel Aviv (this includes The White City) go back to the colonists of The German colony in Palestine. The second official residence of the Israeli Prime Minister is still located in buildings of the former German colony in Tel Aviv. Parts of Jerusalem and most of the other cities of Israel are strongly influenced by the German colonists. Quality always prevails, everywhere and long term. The German colonists were particularly important because they brought progress, social, economic and technical developments to Palestine, including the most advanced, agricultural methods that provided rich income and continue to do so to todays Israeli viticulture and other agricultural activities. The German colonists have thereby inspired the ideas of Zionism, because at that time Jews started to dream of founding colonies in Palestine as well. The Jews coming to Palestine have profited enormously from the German land developments in the region and continue to do so today. What is being propagated today as “great Israeli achievements” actually goes back to the German colonists. Even todays common natural stone facades and todays less common kibbutzim are going back to the German colonies. Some time ago, Israelis began to confront themselves and visualize this German cultural, social, technical and economic legacy in Palestine/Israel – with the exception of the right-wing nationalist Likud, of course, who still prefers to deny and/or falsify Israel’s past history). Moreover, for decades Europe has been the largest donor to all countries of the enlarged Levant. There are also obvious counter-strategies and counter-interests: While Europe sees the solution to the conflicts in the region in the countries political and economic stabilization, Israel’s goal is to leave countries destabilized for as long as possible (which is very good for Iran and its proxies (Iran–Israel proxy conflict, Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict), because they also need destabilized “host states” in which they establish themselves and gradually take over positions of power with the help of which they significantly influence the control over the “host states”. Israel’s strategy ensures that Iran and its proxies are systematically strengthened), especially as these countries then pose no threat to Israel, while at the same time are risk-free targets for the IAF. At the same time, the country sees itself as a hegemonic power of the region, which is downright grotesque. The country has become a regional military power, thanks to generous arms donations from the United States and Europe, but, understandably, not a single Arab country would ever recognize Israel’s leadership in the region. The region’s most powerful country thus remains to be Saudi Arabia (not only because of its economic omnipotence, but also because of its enormous impact in the Muslim world. With Mecca and Medina, two of the three most important sites of Islam are located in Saudi Arabia, visited by several million Muslims each each. If the Saudi leadership were to advocate a moderate interpretation of Islam instead of a radical one, the move would gradually be transferred to other Islamic countries and Muslims worldwide), followed by Iran (the importance of the United Arab Emirates is growing constantly), while Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey take on the roles of “stability anchors of the region”. The statement that “Israel defends the security of Europe” is probably to be interpreted only as propaganda to the outside world and pure wishful thinking of the government. At the same time, of course, it is also part of the defense strategy. By claiming to be part of a large alliance, they are forcing Europe to take a stand, or at least not to actively contradict it (when two nationalists are of the same opinion concerning Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Illiberality and EU Hostility, then open anti-Semitism apparently no longer matters: France24, 18 July 2018: Hungary’s Orban set for controversial visit to Israel, Reuters, 19 July 2018: Hungary’s Orban tells Israel that Jews in his country can feel safe, CNN, 19 July 2018: Why Netanyahu is cozying up to Europe’s renegades, Deutsche Welle, 19 July 2018: Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu caught on microphone slamming EU in Budapest, France24, 19 July 2018: Middle East: Hungary’s Orban vows ‘zero tolerance’ for anti-Semitism on Israel visit, UNESCO.org – Education about the Holocaust and genocide and UNESCO.org – Addressing anti-Semitism through education).

But it is obvious that the European Union lags behind its possibilities in the Middle East, especially as mainly common economic interests are pursued (among others, one focus here is on oil from Iran). In other fields (politics and military), there is only a small number of common interests given. Here, Europe speaks with 28, partly contradictory voices, especially because there are only limited common geopolitical interests in the Middle East given. And this hasn’t been necessary, given the overwhelming interests and enforcement of the same by the United States in the Middle East over the past decades, and that Europe is seen little more than an mostly uninvolved observer (or being biased in favor of Israel) anyway, although the pacification and stabilization of the entire region is Europe’s historical heritage (Colonialism, Sykes–Picot Agreement, World War I, Balfour Declaration, Mandatory Palestine, World War II, United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, Cold War, and other aspects). While some EU members have tried to influence the situation through diplomatic channels, the results have been modest.

With the US withdrawal from the Middle East, the EU increasingly has a role that it doesn’t want at all, but still has to learn swiftly to deal with it, and to become more active politically and militarily on the ground when Brussels wants to become more than just an observer and actually wants to contribute to solutions. The alternative would be to establish a very high and extremely well-guarded border security facility, while at the same time completely withdraw from the Middle East in every and any given way. A solution in between doesn’t exist or would merely be the continuation of the current “active passivity” due to the disagreement within the EU members (Times of Israel, 1 November 2018: Netanyahu urges EU to end its ‘hypocritical and hostile stance’ toward Israel, BBC, 20 May 2019: Why Israel eyes the EU with distrust, Arab News, 31 October 2019: EU Mideast envoy: Two-state solution ‘only viable option’ to end Palestinian conflict with Israel).

Meanwhile, Russia and Iran are filling the resulting power vacuum in the Middle East. The EU certainly can’t be interested in this at all. In particular, Iran’s aggressive actions and its ongoing support of rebel and terrorist groups in the region will not be resolved by the EU in the context of group-dynamic discussion groups to which non-aggresive jasmine tea is served. There are much more robust approaches needed, unless the EU really want to leave Western Asia to Moscow and Tehran, which are already enforcing their interests with utmost brutality. In Syria, the Israeli government barely talks to Washington. Instead, there are continuous talks with Moscow (which is insofar understandable as the bombing of Russian bases and soldiers in Syria by the IAF would immediately lead to a backlash from Moscow, so that Israeli fighter jets after the inhumane approach (a tactic adopted from Hamas) over Lebanese territory to Syria would immediately be shot down after the violation of Syrian airspace). Brussels isn’t even informed by Israel anymore. This is the result of a still non-functioning Common Foreign, Security and Defence Policy and the resulting, tentatively and hesitantly developing Common EU military structure, which in turn leads to absurd situations: In the absence of a common EU military structure, the German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen want a complete repositioning of the Bundeswehr with a cost of over 60 billion euros (in 2018 and in the heart of Europe), because some EU members with their Nationalist small-minded mentalities don’t want to set up a EU Army and therefore jeopardize Germany’s security, instead of landing a big coup and at the same time setting accents in the economically weak external areas of the EU, by locating EU Army bases there which will be funded jointly by all EU members. The advantage would not only be in a much higher, general operational military readiness, but in the enormous cost advantages against individual armies of the Eu members – common procurement of weapon systems and equipment, and maintaining military branches only where they are strategically needed. This seems to be causing some headaches, especially in the EU’s eastern enlargement. The key question, which critics of the solution in particular have to face more and more often, is “What happens if we do not deploy the army, what are the risks and challenges and how could they be dealt with alternatively?” The answers are as sobering as they are enlightening, because there are no viable alternatives given. The earlier everyone realize this, the sooner we can start building the EU army. The above aspects are only a part of what contributes to why the EU is ridiculed politically and militarily in the Middle East (France24, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy calls Netanyahu ‘a liar’ in remarks to Obama, BBC, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy exposed by gaffe over Israel’s Netanyahu, The Guardian, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy: Netanyahu’s a ‘liar’, CNN, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy, Obama bemoan Netanyahu over open mic, Arab News, 31 October 2019: EU Mideast envoy: Two-state solution ‘only viable option’ to end Palestinian conflict with Israel, Arab News, 1 June 2020: The decline of Europe’s strategic Middle Eastern role, Israel Hayom, 18 June 2020: EU approves ‘Open Skies’ agreement with Israel (what is now to be sold as a “success” has actually led to employees of Israeli airlines paralyzing aviation in 2013 in protest of the agreement because they fear for their jobs because of the low-price flight agreement. European low-price airlines in particular have benefited from it – Haaretz, 08 June 2017: Five Years of Open Skies in Israel: Lower Airfares, More Destinations, Not Enough Pilots), Times of Israel, 18 June 2020: EU okays landmark Israel ‘Open Skies’ aviation deal, despite annexation tensions, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2020: Europe’s NGO cold war to ‘mitigate pro-Israel voices’ (the EU is protecting itself against hostile activities by third countries. Nothing new here. Netanyahu better stop his tries to divide the EU, if he wants to prevent a full blown revenge move. It is certainly frustrating to know that during his lifetime he will not see Israel becoming a candidate for EU membership. But therefore starting anti-EU hate campaigns does not improve the situation at all), Palestine Chronicle, 7 September 2020: The EU is Rewarding Israel for Merely Postponing Violations of International Law, Jerusalem Post, 21 September 2020: EU-Israel Association Council back on agenda after annexation scrapped, European Council, 29 April 2021: New EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process appointed, The Algemeiner, 9 June 2021: Israeli Foreign Ministry Boycotted EU’s Middle East Envoy During Recent Visit: Report (and at the same time they really wonder why no one wants to see a hostile Israel becoming a NATO or EU member country), Times of Israel, 9 June 2021: Israeli officials snubbed EU peace envoy during recent visit — report, Jerusalem Post, 9 June 2021: Foreign Ministry snubs EU envoy over Gaza conflict stance, Jerusalem Post, 8 July 2021: For first time in over 12 years Israeli FM to address top EU body, Haaretz, 8 July 2021: France Expected to Back Israel’s Entry Into EU Program That Bars Settlement Funding, Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2021: Lapid must keep eyes open when dealing with EU – editorial, Times of Israel, 12 July 2021: Stressing new coalition’s liberal values, Lapid looks to revive ties with EU (everyone was playing nice, while at the same time the danger of a possible return of Netanyahu looms, if and when the actual Israeli coalition might collapse. This is why Brussels will carefully look at further developments in Israel, before negotiating anything will or can happen. Should Netanyahu be able to make a comeback, anything would be put on hold once again anyway, as Brussels and all big EU member countries are fed up with him. At the same time, it is very clear that the EU could live well with the already given status quo because bilateral relations, whether good or bad, have hardly any noticeable effects on the EU as a whole. Only the incentive to finally retire Netanyahu offers an incentive to help the new Israeli governing coalitions gaining some foreign policy successes. For Israel things look very different. The EU is by far Israel’s largest trading partner and the prospect of at least being able to give the impression that the EU is backing Israel on other issues also includes security-related gains for the country), Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2021: Yair Lapid: Europe must recognize Israel is under attack, Haaretz, 13 July 2021: One Month In, the World Sees a Difference in Israel’s New Government, Times of Israel, 13 July 2021: In meetings with Lapid, EU expresses eagerness to improve Israel ties, Jerusalemn Post, 26 October 2021: Israel rejoins EU science program excluding Judea and Samaria, Times of Israel, 26 October 2021: Israel announces hard-fought deal with EU on joining flagship R&D program, Haaretz, 26 October 2021: Israel to Join Key EU Research Program That Bans Use of Funds in Settlements, The Algemeiner, 26 October 2021: Israel to Join Europe’s Largest, $110 Billion Research and Development Program, Palestine Chronicle, 27 October 2021: Israel to Join EU Research Program that Denies Funds to Illegal Settlements, Palestine Chronicle, 3 November 2021: Words without Action: The West’s Role in Israel’s Illegal Settlement Expansion, The Algemeiner, 4 November 2021: European Parliament Members in First Post-COVID Trip to Israel Seek Stronger Ties, Cooperation on Climate Crisis, Times of Israel, 24 May 2022: Europe will always back Israel’s right to exist, Times of Israel, 13 June 2022: EU chief, Italian PM in Israel, with Russia-sparked energy crisis topping agenda, Times of Israel, 14 June 2022: Blasting Russian ‘blackmail,’ EU chief calls for more energy cooperation with Israel, Haaretz, 14 June 2022: EU Unfreezes Palestinian Funds, Top Official Confirms in Ramallah, Times of Israel, 14 June 2022: Visiting Ramallah, EU president confirms resumption of some Palestinian aid, Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2022: Von der Leyen: Israel will help free EU from depending on Russian energy (that’s not what von der Leyen said, but probably what some Israeli right-wingers wanted to make of it), Times of Israel, 15 June 2022: In landmark deal signed in Cairo, Israel to export natural gas, via Egypt, to Europe (unlike the political project and running gag “EastMed pipeline”, this deal might become a success), The National, 15 June 2022: Egypt, Israel and EU sign deal to increase LNG exports to Europe, Al Arabiya, 15 June 2022: EU, Israel, and Egypt sign deal to boost East Mediterranean gas exports to Europe, DW, 15 June 2022: EU signs gas deal with Egypt and Israel to curb dependence on Russia, Jerusalem Post, 12 July 2022: Nine EU states reject Israeli ban on 6 Palestinian NGOs for terror ties, Times of Israel, 12 July 2022: European countries say Israel hasn’t backed up terror label for 6 Palestinian groups, Haaretz, 12 July 2022: ‘Insufficient Evidence’: Nine EU Nations to Keep Ties With Palestinian NGOs Israel Blacklisted as Terrorist Groups, The Algemeiner, 18 July 2022: European Foreign Ministers to Renew High-Level Council With Israel After 10-Year Pause (wait and see how long it takes this time until things will fall apart again. If Netanyahu is re-elected Prime Minister of Israel on 1 November 2022, then the Association Agreement will be on hold again indefinitely from 2 November 2022), Jerusalem Post, 18 July 2022: EU-Israel Association Council to be revived after a decade, Times of Israel, 18 July 2022: EU announces resumption of suspended dialogue forum with Israel, Haaretz, 18 July 2022: EU Foreign Ministers Agree to Renew Annual Dialogue With Israel, Frozen Since 2012, Times of Israel, 23 July 2022: Israel fears major diplomatic crisis with Russia over Jewish Agency, Jerusalem Post, 23 July 2022: Jewish Agency in Russia is secretly planning on relocating to Israel, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2022: Norway, the EU are hypocrites when it comes to the Oslo Accords (it would be bitter if the story were true, but it isn’t. It is plain propaganda and fake news. Norway and the EU are the wrong contacts here. When the Israeli government asked for the organizations in question to be declared terrorist organizations, the EU and Norway asked for relevant evidence that would prove that the organizations are in fact terrorist organizations. To date, this evidence is lacking, so Norway and the EU could not decide otherwise. Contrary to what appears to be the case in Israel, neither Norway nor the EU can use mere conjecture, insinuation or hearsay to classify a person or entity as a terrorist or terrorist organization. This requires reliable and solid evidence. Writing an email that says “Hey guys, we think X and Y may or may not be terrorist organizations, so we just put them on the terror list anyway. It would be nice if you would do the same.”, is not enough), Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Europe Has Given Up on the Palestinians, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: ‘Europe Needs Working Hands’: Kahanist Leader Calls to Deport ‘Disloyal’ Israelis (Israel has repeatedly called on Germany and the EU to freeze funds for Palestine as long as they don’t stop “supporting terrorists and agitating against Israelis and Jews.” To compensate, Germany and the EU should consider freezing all funds destined for Israel as long as the country supports Israeli terrorists (in this case even a member of the Knesset) and they don’t stop inciting against Germany and the EU), Jerusalem Post, 16 August 2022: If elected, I will deport anyone who acts against the State of Israel – Ben-Gvir, Times of Israel, 22 August 2022: EU top diplomat ‘deeply concerned’ by Israeli raids on Palestinian NGOs, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: IDF raid on Palestinian NGO offices unacceptable – Borrell, JCall, Arab League–European Union relations, Foreign relations of the European Union, and Israel–European Union relations, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic).

In view of the embarrassing developments in Afghanistan, one has to admit that the West has presented itself as incompetent and irresponsible. This has some implications for the region and future developments. The US has been making it clear for a number of years that the Middle East is no longer its top priority. The withdrawal from Afghanistan and the impending withdrawals from Iraq and Syria make this very clear. The resulting vacuum is noticeably filled by Russia, China, Iran and their proxies, while the EU shines with inaction, although the stabilization of the entire region is of high security interest for the EU. To date, however, the EU is neither willing nor able to develop the necessary military capabilities needed, although it has had more than a decade to do so. Quite embarrassing, but of course also a clear signal to the region: “We like to chat a lot, but we really don’t get anything done.” This was known in the region beforehand, but there was still a certain hope that this could change. Since Afghanistan it has become abundantly clear that the hope was and is completely unfounded. So here too the EU is continuing its self-dwelling at unbridled speed.

imbalance-in-mutual-perceptions-between-europe-and-israel-77734ef5a76add640ce7f227b91175a95a7ecfe0


United States of America
The relationship between the US and Israel isn’t easy to classify. Whether it was ever really a matter of the heart, or was followed by domestic political calculations and constraints only, can’t be clearly answered. It is probably a very small portion of the first and a very large portion of the second. When addressing Americans directly about Israel, one could confuse the reactions often with a competition in eye rolling without getting a real answer.

The road to become Israel’s hegemonic, and protecting power was long, initially anything but wanted, and sometimes rocky – and who knows what #45 will think of it in the next few days or at least tweet about it. From the complete withdrawal from all agreements with Israel to the appointment of Israel as a US Overseas Territory or the acceptance of Israel as the 51st state of the US, everything is possible. During the conference of Évian in 1938, the US, among 32 other countries, refused to accept Jewish refugees from the German Reich and Austria, as well as from Eastern Europe (The “Voyage of the Damned”). In addition to the Holocaust itself, the conference is considered to be a key moment for the later founding of Israel (Exodus 1947). The US wasn’t a stranger to anti-Semitism at the time (just one prominent example: The International Jew. Since Henry Ford also helped arm the Third Reich, he was even awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle with star by Adolf Hitler himself in 1938), currently experiencing a renaissance under and because of # 45. Today, there are more Jews living (History of the Jews in the United States) in the US than in any other country in the world, including Israel. The Jewish lobbying associations are very well networked in the political US and thus successful in their lobbying work. At the same time, today, the vast majority of US Jews under the age of 40 can’t identify with either the State of Israel or its government (The New York Times, 13 August 2018: Israel, This Is Not Who We Are). Especially during Netanyahu’s terms, this gap has grown larger and larger. For the Democrats and Republicans, even though they make up only about 2% – 3% of the population (by comparison, in Germany the proportion of the population is at just around 0.4%), American Jews are, above all, voters (mostly voting in favor of the Democrats and at the same time a majority rejecting Netanyahu’s policies. In the meantime, he has become so alienated from the US diaspora that the majority of those under 40 do not want to have anything to do with Israel at all anymore – Haaretz, 4 August 2019: Why Young American Jews Don’t Care About Israel). To the astonishment of observers, regular protests of ultra-Orthodox Jews takes place in front of the main entrance of the UN building in New York under the motto “Judaism Yes, Zionism No!, State of Israel must go!”, in additon to numerous other demonstrations of this group against Netanyahu’s policies. This group now accounts for about 1/3 of the Jews living in the Tri-State Area. A much more significant group of voters are the evangelicals (mostly voting in favor of the Republicans and at the same time a majority looks favorable and supportive at Netanyahu’s policies – Israel Hayom, 8 November 2019: ‘Evangelical media can help Israel’s public diplomacy efforts’), who represent nearly 26% of the population and seriously believe that Israel and Palestine would have to be reunited into the original Holy Land so that Jesus would return to earth (maybe “Beam me up, Scotty”-like. The disadvantage, however, is that a devastating firestorm (Armageddon) would hit the earth beforehand, so that the planet would be freed from human sins. Afterwards, of course, there would be no more life on earth, including evangelicals who, however, see it differently, just as they generally rely on freedom from facts. They also believe that evolution does not exist and that the earth has existed for around 7,000 years at the most – Mike Pence, the US Vice President, belong to this group), which is why this group explicitly endorses the illegal Israeli settlements and promotes and supports further Israeli land grabs (The Washington Post, 14 May 2018: Half of evangelicals support Israel because they believe it is important for fulfilling end-times prophecy, Haaretz, 20 November 2018: U.S. Evangelicals Put Their Faith in Netanyahu as Trump Readies Mideast Peace Plan and Times of Israel, 5 February 2019: As US readies peace plan, official says no need to be seen as ‘honest broker’). Both groups together form 28% of the population, so that every party and certainly any presidential candidate has to make some concessions with regard to Israel, if she/he wants to be elected (in the past, these were mostly concessions that couldn’t been kept, except for the steady increase in economic and military aid – Haaretz, 28 November 2018: Pro-Israel Groups Launch Campaign Against Rand Paul Over Bid to Block Military Aid). In addition, there are the for #45 important voters, who he calls “very fine people” (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, because his father was already known to the New Yorker police as an activist of the Ku Klux Klan, along with other well-tried offenses) – the American right-wing radicals and terrorists (in the US often referred to as a militia in a sporty and at the same time trivializing way). This leads to sometimes unbelievable, pointless, and devastating decisions of the US governments, which can lead European observers to shout at the screen during the TV news (The New York Times, 22 September 2018: Sheldon Adelson Sees a Lot to Like in Trump’s Washington, Times of Israel, 7 March 2019: New poll: Americans’ support for Israel falls to lowest point in a decade and The New York Times Magazine, 28 March 2019: How the Battle Over Israel and Anti-Semitism Is Fracturing American Politics, The New Yorker, 3 February 2021: Joe Biden Is Playing It Cool with Benjamin Netanyahu).

With this background given, America’s entire appearance in the Middle East is easier to classify. At the end of the day, it’s all about the safety of Israel (seemingly, actually about the re-election at home) and if, from the point of view of American governments, the one or the other war in the Levant or in North Africa has to be waged, in parts to entertain the audience at home and to unite the population behind the flag, then this is exactly what will happen. After all, a war in the region almost automatically leads to a second term in the White House. Surprisingly, not even #45 failed to see this. Immediately after the cancellation of the Iran deal, US government circles are already talking about a regime change in Iran with the help of American assistance (Reuters, 13 May 2018: Bolton: ‘Regime change’ in Iran not policy of Trump administration (by now) – February 11, 2019 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. For the US right-wingers it would be the greatest satisfaction to at least be able to contribute or help to perform a regime change in Iran (Iran hostage crisis and Operation Eagle Claw). The Iranian hardliners are already looking forward to taking power from President Hassan Rouhani and installing the old regime with the help of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). As a result, the situation is often worsened in the region, but destabilized countries are unable to attack Israel but, on the contrary, are easy targets for the IAF (Israel is the only regional nuclear power of Western Asia (Haaretz, 3 May 2019: How a Standoff With the U.S. Almost Blew Up Israel’s Nuclear Program). Someone who wants to attack such an opponent (and with it the USA), would either have to have own nuclear weapons or would have been repeatedly bathed too hot, because here, too, the top maxim of warfare applies: “Do not fight if you can’t win.” – Times of Israel, 7 April 2019: Senator proposes US enter defense pact with Israel, Haaretz, 16 January 2021: How Israel Built a Nuclear Program Right Under the Americans’ Noses).

Already under President Barack Obama, the decision has been made to withdraw from the region militarily, in order to relocate the forces instead to the Pacific region. #45 has given up on the latter goal. That said, the US Air Force continues to have a base (Mashabim Air Base) west of Dimona and Yeruham in the Negev Desert in Israel.

At this point, the circle closes and the role of the European Union begins or ends, depending on which path Brussels will take in the future. Although Barack Obama has repeatedly and clearly pointed to the withdrawal of the US armed forces, this obviously wasn’t believed in Brussels or held for a tactical game. As it turns out, this was a big mistake, while Russia and Iran are already creating new facts on the ground (France24, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy calls Netanyahu ‘a liar’ in remarks to Obama, BBC, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy exposed by gaffe over Israel’s Netanyahu, The Guardian, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy: Netanyahu’s a ‘liar’, CNN, 8 November 2011: Sarkozy, Obama bemoan Netanyahu over open mic, Politico, 9 October 2014: Why the Middle East Still Doesn’t Matter, Palestine Chronicle, 24 January 2018: ‘Apartheid State’: UNHRC Condemns Israel for Human Rights Abuses, Times of Israel, 24 April 2019: Poll: Most Americans like Israelis – but not their government, J Street, United States foreign policy in the Middle East, History of United States–Middle East economic relations, Arab–American relations, Israel–United States relations and Israel–United States military relations).

Accompanied by international lack of understanding, the United States resigned from the UN Human Rights Council on 19 June 2018 – again on flimsy grounds, again executed by the wilful US Ambassador Nikki Haley and again against the core interests of the United States. Due to the educational status of the 45th US President, even the previous withdrawal from the UN cultural and educational organization UNESCO wasn’t that surprising. Only Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu like both steps and has terminated the Israeli UNESCO membership as well. In the light of the actual developments in Israel, his point of view is hardly surprising. Both, #45 and Netanjahu, have very similar personalities (The New York Times, 19 June 2018: Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. From U.N. Human Rights Council, Jerusalem Post, 31 December 2018: Israel, U.S. slated to leave UNESCO today to protest anti-Israel bias, Times of Israel, 1 January 2019: 69 years after joining, Israel formally leaves UNESCO; so, too, does the US, DW, 1 January 2019: Goodbye, UNESCO: Israel and US quit UN heritage agency, Algemeiner, 17 January 2019: Why the US and Israel Were Right to Leave UNESCO, Times of Israel, 9 July 2019: Ahead of fraud trial, US lays bare ‘multitude of lies’ of Israeli binary options, Times of Israel, 17 July 2019: US prosecutor in landmark trial: Israeli oversaw $145M binary options fraud, Haaretz, 30 October 2019: Military Aid to Israel Becomes New Battleground in Democratic Party, Haaretz, 6 November 2019: Israel’s Right Wing Revels in Trump’s Gifts. But the Next U.S. President Will Make Israel Pay, Israel Hayom, 8 December 2019: Is now the right time for a US-Israel defense pact?, Times of Israel, 7 March 2020: US Army scraps $1b. Iron Dome project, after Israel refuses to provide key codes, Jerusalem Post, 13 April 2020: US aid to Israel mostly – but not totally – safe in coronavirus recession, Times of Israel, 1 May 2020: Bank Hapoalim to pay $904 million for role in FIFA bribe scandal, US tax evasion, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2020: Israel caught in the middle of growing US-China tensions – analysis, Times of Isarel, 13 May 2020: New US group seeks to ensure young Jewish donors keep giving to Jewish causes, Jerusalem Post, 10 June 2020: 10 takeaways from US CENTCOM’s McKenzie discussing the Middle East, Haaretz, 15 June 2020: Pompeo Warns American Jewish Committee: China Is ‘Growing Challenge’ for Israel, U.S., Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2020: Two thirds of Americans think it’s okay to question US-Israeli ties – poll, The New York Times, 6 July 2010: Tax-Exempt Funds Aid Settlements in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2020: Defense Ministry failed to see holes in US-Israel military aid – report, Jerusalem Post, 26 December 2020: Actress Alyssa Milano faces criticism after tweet targeting Israel, Arab News, 28 December 2020: Untold story of US aid to Israel (from the US taxpayer’s point of view, it’s even far more unbelievable than Alyssa Milano actually thinks it is. One only has to remember the height of the financial and real estate crisis in the US, when thousands lost their homes, were homeless and had to live in tent cities. At the same time, billions from the US state budget did not go to distressed Americans, but to Israel. Israel is not in a position to finance itself on its own. That was never a secret either, so that development aid is comprehensible and understandable in various forms, just as it is ultimately made available to other countries to a much lesser extent per capita. Nonetheless, the governments of the donor countries must of course bear in mind to whom their first priority and loyalty are to be given. BTW, Germany is the second largest donor to Israel, so add another 100 billion to the $146 billion from the US. Pretty much every Western European country donated generously to Israel, which, on the other hand, clearly says how (little) competitive the country really is), Israel Hayom, 1 January 2021: Pandemic bites into trade as Israeli export down 3% in 2020, Israel Hayom, 1 January 2021: Tourist arrivals to Israel drop 81% in 2020, Globes, 4 January 2021: Tesla cars on their way to Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 February 2021: Guardian columnist fired after controversial tweet about Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 12 February 2021: The Guardian Revealed Its True Face in Sacking a Columnist for Criticizing US Military Aid to Israel, Times of Israel, 11 May 2021: 10 key takeaways from the new Pew survey of American Jews, Haaretz, 1 June 2021: Sen. Graham Says Israel Plans to Ask for $1b in U.S. Aid Following Gaza Fighting, Israel Hayom, 18 July 2022: Will American Jews continue to follow Democrats as they abandon Israel?, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States).


Russia
Russia’s view of Israel can best be described by the term “ambivalent“, above all because of the history of the Jews in Russia, especially since pogroms against Jews were one of the first steps for settling Palestine by Jews from Eastern Europe and the later founding of Israel. This extends to today’s relations, although today Israel has the second largest share of Russian-speaking/Russian-born people in the world (percentage) after Russia (maybe that’s why Israel has problems being perceived and taken seriously in the West. The mentality differences between Russia (in Israel additionally supplemented by the Arabic, Mashriq and Maghreb components) and the West are just too big). For Israel, this is a socio-political challenge insofar as the population share with a Russian background increasingly calls for citizenship and home rights in Israel, while at the same time there are still very strong ties to Russia (Haaretz, 29 October 2018: Survey: 41 Percent of Israelis Think Anyone Calling for Boycott Should Be Denied Entry). Although much is still today reminiscent of the socialist beginnings of Israel and the majority origin of their Jewish inhabitants, above all, of course, the still existing kibbutzim, leaning on the Eastern European kolkhozes, on foreign policies the two countries often found themselves on the respective opposite sides, among others during the Cold War or today in the Syrian Civil War. Russia was one of the first countries to recognize the founding of Israel. A short time later, the Cold War began and thus Russia’s turning away from Israel, while turning towards the Arab states. This also led, among other things, to the fact that Soviet Jews were no longer allowed to leave for Israel, especially since they “like all other inhabitants of the Soviet Union, live happily ever after”. Until the collapse of the Soviet Union, little changed. Since the early 2000s, during the tenure of Vladimir Putin, relations between the two countries initially relaxed until Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war on the side of the Assad terror regime. Since then, it has become increasingly difficult to cover the inter-state differences. Joint trade and strategic coordination on Syria are intended to help, but in the war zone both parties are getting often dangerously close (Haaretz, 23 September 2018:: Russia: Israel to Blame for Downed Plane Over Syria, Deliberately Misled Us, The Washington Post, 23 September 2018: Russia revives allegations of Israeli culpability in downed plane in Syria, Haaretz, 23 September 2018: Russia’s Claims on Downed Plane Over Syria Are Dubious, but Will Usher in New Reality for Israel and The Washington Post, 23 September 2018: Russia revives allegations of Israeli culpability in downed plane in Syria). It is also interesting to see how Putin is fueling anti-Semitic conspiracy theories in Russia, while on the international level he tries to leave the impression that bilateral relations are relatively normal and calm. On the other hand, one can of course always wonder about the skills of the trapeze artist Netanyahu, who does business with Putin and the heads of governments of the Visegrád Group like business as usual while completely ignoring their anti-Semitism, as well as being best buddy of the newly elected (like Trump in the US, supported by the large group of evangelicals), right-wing Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro (The Guardian, 1 November 2018: Brazil president-elect Bolsonaro says he plans to move embassy to Jerusalem, France24, 29 December 2018: Netanyahu and Bolsonaro play up ‘brotherhood’ but avoid embassy talk, Haaretz, 28 March 2019: Bolsonaro Backtracks on Jerusalem Embassy Move, Says He May Open ‘Business Office’ Instead and Times of Israel, 31 March 2019: Brazil to open trade office in Jerusalem ‘as a part of its embassy’), while at the same time the British civil rights activist and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is publicly grilled for unproven anti-Semitism charges (especially because of his commemoration of the victims of the Israeli attack on Tunisia – Operation Wooden Leg), although he clearly, unmistakably and unequivocally distanced himself from anti-Semitism and announced extensive cooperation in the investigations against individual party members. Corbyn is considered a sharp critic of Israeli settlement policy (The Guardian, 2 November 2018: Police open antisemitism inquiry into Labour members, Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2019: Why Labour’s antisemitism is a crisis for the world, Israel Hayom, 5 October 2019: Syria’s future looms large over Russian-Israeli ties, Gulf News, 14 October 2019: Russian president Vladimir Putin lands in Saudi Arabia, Haaretz, 14 October 2019: Putin Greeted by King Salman and MBS as He Arrives in Saudi Arabia, Arab News, 14 October 2019: From the Cold War to the long thaw, Saudi’s ambassador to Russia explains what prompted relations to warm, Al Arabiya, 14 October 2019: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, Russian President meet in Riyadh, Haaretz, 11 January 2020: The Secret Israel-Soviet Union War Nobody Knew About, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: Russian envoy: Israel – not Iran – is the problem in the Middle East, Jerusalem Post, 27 December 2020: Moscow ‘confused’ by Israeli anger at envoy’s remarks to ‘Post’, Haaretz, 2 May 2022: From Antisemites to Golda Meir, Ukraine Plans to ‘de-Russify’ Street Names, Times of Israel, 2 May 2022: Israel: ‘Message made clear’ in rebuke of Russian envoy for Lavrov’s Hitler remarks, Jerusalem Post, 2 May 2022: Lavrov’s antisemitism means Israel no longer neutral on Ukraine-Russia (for Israelis, Lavrov’s anti-Semitic provocation is challenging in two ways: For security reasons (Syria), the Israeli government did not want to take a clear position on Putin’s war of aggression and annihilation against Ukraine. That is now changing and it remains to be seen what direct consequences this will have for the country. At the same time, there is solidarity at least with the Ukrainian President Selenskyj, although many Jews find it difficult to show solidarity with Ukraine, especially because of the role of some Ukrainians during the Holocaust and the rather slow historical processing up to now), The New York Times, 2 May 2022: Israel condemns Russian foreign minister’s comments as antisemitic., Haaretz, 2 May 2022: Bennett Condemns Russian FM’s Hitler ‘Lies’ (what’s interesting is that the Russian leadership has been arguing anti-Semitic nonsense inside the country for years, but that seems fine. It was only after Lavrov made his statements on Italian television that they resonated internationally. That’s quite astonishing, especially since under Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Putin was still considered a “true friend of Israel”. Apparently, the categorization “true friend” has slipped in a very right-wing manner), Times of Israel, 2 May 2022: Ukraine FM responds to Lavrov: ‘He can’t hide the deeply rooted antisemitism’, Palestine Chronicle, 2 April 2022: Israel Summons Russian Ambassador over Lavrov’s Comments on Hitler, Antisemitism (VIDEO), Haaretz, 2 May 2022: Lavrov’s ‘Grotesque’ Hitler Remarks Fuel ‘Global Antisemitic Fire,’ U.S. Jewish Leaders Say, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2022: Zelenskyy: Lavrov a ‘great Hitlerism connoisseur’, will Russia-Israel ties remain?, The National, 2 May 2022: Israel denounces Lavrov’s ‘Hitler had Jewish blood’ claim and summons Russian ambassador, Al Arabiya, 2 April 2022: Israel denounces Lavrov’s Hitler comments as ‘unforgivable,’ summons Russian envoy, Politico.eu, 2 May 2022: Israel condemns Sergey Lavrov’s remark that Hitler ‘had Jewish blood’, The Guardian, 2 April 2022: Sergei Lavrov Israel summons Russia envoy over minister’s Hitler comments, France24, 2 May 2022: Outrage in Israel as Russia’s Lavrov claims Hitler had Jewish roots, CNN, 2 May 2022: Russia’s Sergey Lavrov asserts Hitler “had Jewish blood,” prompting Israeli government fury, BBC, 2 May 2022: Israel outrage at Sergei Lavrov’s claim that Hitler was part Jewish, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2022: Russia claims Israel supports neo-Nazis in Ukraine after Lavrov-Hitler flap, The Hill, 3 May 2022: Russia doubles down on diplomat’s Hitler remarks, Times of Israel, 3 May 2022: Moscow, under fire for Hitler comments, says Israel backing ‘neo-Nazis’ in Ukraine, Arab News, 3 May 2022: Israel, furious over Lavrov’s Hitler comment, cannot burn its bridges with Russia, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2022: Why Russia thought its ‘Nazi’ claims would be convincing, The Times, 3 May 2022: Russia accuses Israel of supporting Kyiv ‘neo-Nazis’, The Guardian, 3 May 2022: Russia: Moscow accuses Israel of backing ‘neo-Nazis’ in Kyiv as diplomatic row grows, Haaretz, 4 May 2022: Israeli President: ‘Lavrov Is Spreading Antisemitic Lies. I Expect Him to Apologize’, Times of Israel, 4 May 2022: Lavrov’s ‘Jewish Hitler’ comments are latest manifestation of an old, dangerous myth, Haaretz, 4 May 2022: Moscow: Israeli ‘Mercenaries’ Fighting Alongside Ukrainian neo-Nazis, Palestine Chronicle, 4 May 2022: Israeli Mercenaries Fight alongside ‘Ukrainian Neo-Nazis’, Moscow Says, Times of Israel, 4 May 2022: Russia’s Antisemitic Attack on Israel Is Shocking and Deliberate, Haaretz, 4 May 2022: Russia’s Antisemitic Attack on Israel Is Shocking and Deliberate, CNN, 4 May 2022: Is Lavrov’s Hitler remark the last straw for Israel?, Al Arabiya, 4 May 2022: Amid tensions with Russia, Israel considers expanding military aid to Ukraine: Report, BBC, 5 May 2022: Putin sorry for Lavrov’s claim Hitler was part Jewish – Israel PM, Jerusalem Post, 5 May 2022: Putin apologizes to Bennett for Lavrov’s Hitler comments, Haaretz, 5 May 2022: Bennett Says Putin Apologized Over FM Lavrov’s Nazi Comments, The National, 5 May 2022: Putin apologises to Israel for foreign minister Lavrov’s anti-Semitic remarks, Al Arabiya, 5 May 2022: Israel says Putin apologized for foreign minister’s Hitler remarks, CNN, 5 May 2022: Putin apologized over FM’s Hitler comments, Israel says, Jerusalem Post, 6 May 2022: Will Lavrov’s ‘Hitler’ comments change Israel’s Ukraine policy?, Haaretz, 6 May 2022: Why Putin Apologized to Bennett and Why It Doesn’t Really Change Anything, Times of Israel, 10 May 2022: Russian envoy leaves Knesset V-Day event after MKs voice Ukraine war criticism, The Algemeiner 11 May 2022: ‘The Rhetoric is Very Dangerous’: Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Urges Jewish Community in Russia to Leave, Times of Israel, 27 May 2022: Israel refused US request to transfer anti-tank missiles to Ukraine (when your country’s population includes the second largest Russian-speaking population in the world, then you cannot stand up for justice, freedom and democracy, but must make concessions to Putin), Jerusalem Post, 6 June 2022: Israeli-Russian trade still prospering despite Ukraine War, Times of Israel, 21 July 2022: Russia officially calls for Jewish Agency operations to be ‘dissolved’ — state media, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2022: Russia picks on the Jewish Agency because it can, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: Israel Says Shutting Down Jewish Agency in Russia Would Harm Ties, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: Lapid warns Russia: Jewish Agency closure would be ‘grave event’ with impact on ties, Haaretz, 24 July 2022: Thanks, Putin, for Outlawing the Jewish Agency in Russia, Times of Israel, 24 July 2022: Israel gears up to fight, as Russia puts screws to Jewish Agency for unclear reasons, The National, 24 July 2022: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Egypt at start of African tour, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: Israeli Delegation’s Departure to Moscow Delayed Amid Jewish Agency Crisis, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2022: Russia’s war causes more aliyah than Jewish Agency -ex-chief Moscow rabbi, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: Jewish Agency’s Russia Problem Started Long Before Ukraine War, Haaretz, 25 July 2022: ‘Let’s Be Careful’: What Israel Can Do Against Russia’s Jewish Agency Threat, Jerusalem Post, 26 July 2022: Lapid on Jewish Agency crackdown: Israel is ready to talk to Russia, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Reason for Russia’s Unnecessary Diplomatic Crisis With Israel May Lie Thousands of Miles Away, The Guardian, 26 July 2022: Russia: Kremlin seeks to play down closure of Israel migration agency, Haaretz, 26 July 2022: Jewish Agency Crisis Is Israel’s Opportunity to Take a Moral Stance on Russia’s War in Ukraine, Al Arabiya, 27 July 2022: US says it has not seen any signs of Russia buying drones from Iran, CNN, 27 July 2022: Russian threats to close Jewish Agency strike a nerve in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 28 July 2022: Russian court considers Jewish Agency liquidation lawsuit, Haaretz, 28 July 2022: Can Israel Preach to Russia About Occupation and War Crimes?, Haaretz, 29 July 2022: Jews Are Never Safe Under Dictators – and Putin’s No Exception, Times of Israel, 1 August 2022: As Moscow moves to shutter Jewish Agency, Israeli ambassador meets Russian deputy FM, Times of Israel, 9 August 2022: Herzog calls Putin in effort to convince him to halt looming Jewish Agency closure, The Algemeiner, 9 August 2022: Israeli and Russian Presidents Discuss Threat to Close Jewish Agency, Times of Israel, 10 August 2022: After Gaza fighting, Russia says Lapid’s Ukraine war criticism is ‘double standard’, Haaretz, 10 August 2022: ‘Double Standard’: Russia Blasts Israel’s Lapid Over Gaza Operation, The Algemeiner, 10 August 2022: ‘Isolated’ Russia Seeks to Pressure Israel Through Squeeze on Jewish Agency, Says Sharansky, Haaretz, 11 August 2022: Amid Drone Deal, Revolutionary Guards-linked Flights to Russia Surge, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2022: Jewish Agency reviewing options ahead of possible Russia shutdown, Times of Israel, 19 August 2022: Russian court postpones verdict in Jewish Agency case by 30 days and Israel–Russia relations, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Russia).


China
An interesting aspect are the Sino-Israeli relations, especially becausee of the calm and pragmatic Chinese foreign policy, which builds good relations with all states that are of interest to them without being involved in regional disputes (except those around its own borders). Thus, the Chinese leadership has been able to establish as good relations with Israel as it does with Russia, the Arab states and Palestine without significant problems and has thus accomplished something that the US has not succeeded to this day. This achievement alone is already worth recognition. Official diplomatic relations between China and Israel exists since 1992. Between 1948 and 1992, secret solutions and agreements sufficed. The story of China and Israel could not be more different: while China looks back on a millennia-old history, on which even partially ancient Egypt was build, while Israel is a very young country that has yet to find its place in history (Jewish history). China is the fourth largest country in the world, while you have to take a closer look to find Israel on the map. With a population of 1.4 billion, China is the most populated country in the world, with more than 100 cities with over one million inhabitants, of which more than 20 have a larger population than Israel’s total population. Both countries have in common, that, during the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, both countries were agricultural states until the 1980s, while at the same time suffered severe economic problems. Over the past decades, they have increasingly become high-tech locations from different start positions and want to further accelerate these developments. This is where most common points of departure are today, which is why China has stepped up cooperation over the past few years and increased state investments in Israel. In addition, Israel is of interest to China for logistical reasons, which now also manages the port of Haifa alongside the port of Ashdod in the context of the One Belt, One Road project (in addition to units of the Israeli Navy (including the German submarines of the Dolphin class) there are units of the 6th Fleet of the United States stationed in Haifa. With the takeover of the commercial port by a Chinese company, the US sees its security interests violated and is therefore likely to withdraw its units from the port. Since the port of Ashdod has been taken over by another Chinese company, the US Navy is expected to completely withdraw from Israel (Reuters, 10 May 2018: Striking dockers shut down Israel’s Haifa and Ashdod ports, Newsweek, 14 September 2018: Chinese deal to take over key Israeli port may threaten U.S. naval operations, critics say and Times of Israel, 13 April 2019: Trump said to warn PM security ties could suffer due to Israel-China relations, Times of Israel, 14 June 2019: US Senate warns Israel against letting China run Haifa port)). Israel willingly opened its doors to the future world power China (Council on Foreign Relations, 21 June 2018: What’s Behind Israel’s Growing Ties With China?, BBC, 19 July 2018: Unlikely partners? China and Israel deepening trade ties, AP News, 22 October 2018: Chinese VP Kicks Off Visit to Israel, Haaretz, 22 October 2018: Opinion: Israel-China Ties Are a Very Good Thing, South China Morning Post, 24 October 2018: Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan meets Israeli and Palestinian officials on Mideast tour, Haaretz, 29 October 2018: Survey: 41 Percent of Israelis Think Anyone Calling for Boycott Should Be Denied Entry, Jerusalem Post, 24 March 2019: China expected to be raised in Trump, Netanyahu talks on Tuesday, Times of Israel, 26 May 2019: Israeli firms fly out to woo China investors despite myriad of potential hazards, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2019: understanding Israeli-Chinese relations, The New York Times, 16 November 2019: ‘Absolutely No Mercy’: Leaked Files Expose How China Organized Mass Detentions of Muslims, The Guardian, 17 November 2019: ‘Show no mercy’: leaked documents reveal details of China’s Xinjiang detentions, Israel Hayom, 17 November 2019: Chinese delegation in Israel talk policy, US-China rift, The Guardian, 24 November 2019: ‘Allow no escapes’: leak exposes reality of China’s vast prison camp network, BBC, 24 November 2019: Data leak reveals how China ‘brainwashes’ Uighurs in prison camps, Irish Times, 24 November 2019: China Cables: ‘The largest incarceration of a minority since the Holocaust’, The Guardian, 25 November 2019: UK calls for UN access to Chinese detention camps in Xinjiang, France24, 27 November 2019: Muslim countries’ silence on China’s repression of Uighurs, Jerusalem Post, 12 May 2020: Israel caught in the middle of growing US-China tensions – analysis, The New York Times, 11 July 2020: Defying U.S., China and Iran Near Trade and Military Partnership, Jerusalem Post, 14 July 2020: Proposed China-Iran deal is bad news for Israel, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2020: After the China-Iran deal, why is Israel still working with Beijing?, Israel Hayom, 17 July 2020: Israel and the Sino-Iranian alliance (China is Iran’s biggest customer when it comes to crude oil. Like with many other countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, China is securing raw materials, in this case oil, for very favourable prices and long term. Iran can choose, to either sell oil for a low price and in large quantities or to not sell a drop of oil for a high price. When looking at the economic situation of Iran, even a layperson can see what the country had to choose in order to remain able to act .. and “no”, Trump can’t trigger “snapback sanctions”, not only because he is an incompetent clown, but foremost because he pulled the US out of the Iran deal, so that the US are no longer part of the deal. Very simple and just like in real life), Haaretz, 18 July 2020: Plagued by a String of Blasts and Fires, Iran Gets a Helping Hand From China (nobody can seriously blame China for using the Trump administration’s considerable weaknesses for its own benefit), Arab News, 19 July 2020: China’s new Silk Road passes through Tehran, Arab News, 20 July 2020: Iran regime accused of auctioning country off to China and China–Israel relations, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China).


Question of guilt
As in almost no other conflict in the world, the findings on the question of guilt in the Middle East conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are extremely complex, as are the conflicts themselves. The starting points here are the arbitrary border demarcations by the former French and British colonial powers, which still cause disputes today (Rise and decay of the Ottoman Empire, Sykes–Picot Agreement), and the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which could not function right from the outset because of the very idiosyncratic and unrelated land allocations (if you look at the Greater Region (North Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East), then there are some for centuries ongoing nationalist and religious conflicts which have survived to modern times). However, the fact that the conflicts continue until today can only partially be shifted to and blamed on the former colonial powers or the UN, because in addition there are the regional-typical ideological, nationalistic and religious nonsense and exaggerations, complemented by respective extremism and terrorism, which are distributed very evenly among all participants in the region. In this respect, the “innocent” as well as the “guilty” determination is valid for all regional participants, whereby the latter of course is vehemently denied by all participants or in other words: Only the purest innocent lambs have bombarded and shot each others for about a century, and it’s, of course, always the other side which is responsible for it – as everyone knows from the sandbox in kindergarten (even though the Middle East is a pretty big sandbox). After all, this adds at least a humorous component to observers of the whole conflict. In fact, however, none of the parties involved (no, there is no exception) can free itself from the question of guilt and over the decades, all parties involved have triggered and amassed many negative incidents, which certainly did not contribute to the overall improvement of the situation on the ground. For decades, sometimes for centuries, brothers there have been hating brothers, neighbors have been killing neighbors, and each subsequent generation is even more violent, hateful and radical than the previous generation, which leads to even more cemented hatred and rampant violence (this applies to all countries in the region). This ultimately led to an entire region being devastated and economically ruined, and terrorist organizations such as Daesh, Hamas, Taliban, Hezbollah and others were able to grab whole countries in order to establish their bloody Islamist dictatorships or the butcher and torturer of Baghdad, Bashar al-Assad, take his people under a hail of bombs and grenades because they finally want to get rid of him and his extremely criminal clique. Assad is actively supported in his war crimes by the state terrorists Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. And what is the EU doing in view of the enormous challenges in the region? Nothing! It doesn’t even has a common strategy for dealing with the region, let alone military approaches to take on parts of the role of the US, which, as long announced, is continuing to withdraw from the region. Instead, the EU prepares for the arrival of further migrants without tackling the causes of their flight on the ground. The EU remains clearly behind its possibilities without facing its co-responsibility or even wanting to make itself aware of it. Every refugee arriving in Europe does it instead for them.

Referring specifically to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on the region, one can say that without the founding of Israel, only the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and those with Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Egypt wouldn’t have arisen. At first, that still sounds like “a lot”, but today there are only no solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the conflict with Syria left yet. All the other conflicts are solved. On the other hand, if one looks at the area on which the conflicts took place, then this can be described as “very small”. It would have had no influence on many other conflicts that arose between Shiites and Sunnis or because of clan affiliations. These conflicts would have arisen even without the founding of Israel. In this respect, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is of existential importance to Israelis and Palestinians only (although it wasn’t clear to the Palestinians at the beginning. They couldn’t imagine that one day someone would come by, steal their land and then even claim that it would be “his” land anyway). For most of the other parties in the region, it is more of a bothersome and annoying sideshow, which one could do without. But now that the conflict exists, people are dealing with it and the regional parties are doing it according to their different interests. In particular, Iran, which sees itself in the great tradition of the Persian Empire (based on Persepolis, where archaeologists found the world’s first ever human rights declaration), would either way try to rebuild the empire (today, the efforts are called “Shiite Crescent”, which shall actually become a “Shiite full moon” (including the Arabian Peninsula)). Although the Israelis want to beleave that Iran’s efforts are aimed only at the destruction of Israel, the Iranian plans are actually much larger in size and aim to subjugate all the states of the region and unite them into a Shiite empire. If you look at the original extent of the Persian Empire, you get a rough idea of what is actually planned and why the Sunni states are opposed to the plans and involve the Israelis in order to deal with the resulting challenges (Jerusalem Post, 21 December 2019: UAE foreign minister tweets article about Israel, Arab alliance). In this sense, Israel is for Iran about the Amaretti with the espresso after an extended six-course meal. This against the background that around 500 million people live in the entire region, of which only, depending on who counts, between 7 and 9 million are living in Israel (Haaretz, 28 October 2019: Israel, Make Peace With the Region – this is a very interesting article that makes it very clear how the relationship between Israel and its neighbors is currently shaping up. Very vividly, it is pointed out that contrary to all the war drum beating and “the whole world is against us and wants to wage war against us” griping by Netanyahu, the neighboring countries for the foreseeable future aren’t interested in conflicts with Israel at all, because they are busy with themselves (civil wars, wars, domestic political, foreign policy or economic crises or all at once) and this conditions will continue for some years. Instead of taking the time to build meaningful neighborly relations, Netanyahu and his followers continue to beat the war drum – not to Israel’s advantage. Hopefully, Benny Gantz, if he might become prime minister, will change that in a timely and sustainable manner. He definitely has the options at hand to do so).

Overall, the Middle East conflicts are a mix of drama and tragedy: If all the countries in the region were housed on islands, they would probably be all economically, socially and culturally prosperous and happy countries. As soon as they are housed in a single region, they are getting into conflicts with each others for reasons that are sometimes incomprehensible or outrageous. Especially with regard to the reception of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by the West, one has to state that the originally axiomatic assumption “Israel good, Palestine bad” has, for understandable reasons, got considerable cracks since the turn of the millennium and it does not give the impression as if this perspective will change sometime soon. It rather gives the impression that the democracy wrecking ball Netanyahu has deepened the cracks considerably during his time in office and so a majority of 1.5 generations of (prospective) executives and politicians have grown up with a clearly mixed, not very flattering image of Israel. Correcting this can only work through “leading by example” by the future Israeli governments, among other things by taking the course back to democracy and the rule of law. The reason for the changed perception of Israel in the Western public lies less in the changed behavior of Israelis or Palestinians, than in greater transparency and much easier availability of public information, data and reports. This makes it difficult, even for those who deal with the challenges in the Near and Middle East on a regular basis, to classify individual events precisely, especially since something is seldom what it seems at first glance. It only becomes easier for those who have decided for/against a side, because then the ideological glasses seem to help effortlessly over imponderables and stumbling blocks., What applies to the general public also applies to the Jewish diaspora around the world. In particular, the Jewish diaspora in the USA, which is important for Israel, is deeply divided. It goes so far that a steadily growing group of under 40-year-olds no longer want to have anything to do with Israel. Israeli politics should have reacted to this long ago, but the exact opposite has happened: Instead of, for example, sending a moderate diplomat as Israeli ambassador to the USA and the UN, it was preferred to send the Hasbara and Likud propaganda troll Gilad Erdan, which deepens the division in the diaspora. One thing is obvious: if Israel loses the support of US Jews, it is itself lost.

In summary, the state of Israel can be described as many Israelis do themselves: on the one hand there is “bright Israel” in the borders of 1967, in which, after the Netanyahu years, which were catastrophic for the country’s democratic orientation, new attempts are made to achieve the “full democracy” status. On the way there, there are still a whole series of challenges that have now not only been identified but also named. “Bright Israel” is characterized by relative openness, relative security, relative democracy and can now even boast some remarkable economic successes. Compared to its neighbors, bright Israel appears almost shines. Compared to Western Europe, however, it is rather dimmed, which of course also has to do with the sometimes completely different realities of life. On the other hand there is “dark Israel” with legitimate military occupation and military law in the Syrian Golan Heights, the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem and their very illegal Israeli settlements, as well as the full blockade of the Gaza Strip with the help of Egypt. If one were to rate light and dark Israel equally when determining the Democracy Index ranking, the country would fall significantly behind. In this respect, it remains to be seen in which direction nation-building will go further. In the best case it will be a two-state solution or a federation between Israel and Palestine (common external border, no internal border) and thus “full democracy” attainable, in the worst case it will be a Greater Israel (while maintaining the annexations of the Syrian Golan Heights and Palestinian East Jerusalem and additionally the annexation of the entire West Bank) with the status of “apartheid state” because there will never be equal rights for non-Jews in order not to endanger the “Jewish state” and in this respect would not differ from the Islamic states. By far the worst option would be for the West Bank to be annexed and all Palestinians to be expelled to Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. On the one hand, that would mean an official declaration of war on Lebanon, Syria (although Israel and Syria are already at war) and Jordan, and on the other hand, it would inevitably put Israel at the bottom of the democracy index and stay there as a pariah state for quite a while would stay.


Religious aspects of the conflict
Some groups opposed to the peace process invoke religious arguments for their uncompromising positions. The contemporary history of the Arab–Israeli conflict is very much affected by the religious beliefs of the various sides. The Land of Canaan or Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel) was, according to the Hebrew Bible, promised by God to the Children of Israel/“chosen people”. In his 1896 manifesto, The Jewish State, Theodor Herzl repeatedly refers to the Biblical Promised Land concept. The ultra right-wing, nationalistic and religious part of Likud is currently the most prominent Israeli political party to include the Biblical claim to the “Promised Land” and the “Chosen City” of Jerusalem in its platform. Muslims claim rights to that land in accordance with the Quran. Contrary to the Jewish claim that this land was promised only to the descendants of Abraham‘s younger son Isaac, they argue that the Land of Canaan was promised to what they consider the elder son, Ishmael, from whom Arabs claim descent. Muslim teaching is that Muhammad passed through Jerusalem on his first journey to heaven. Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, claims that all of the land of Palestine (the current Israeli and Palestinian territories) is an Islamic waqf that must be governed by Muslims. Additionally, Muslims also revere many sites holy for Biblical Israelites, such as the Cave of the Patriarchs/Ibrahimi Mosque and the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif. In the past 1,400 years, Muslims have constructed Islamic landmarks on these ancient Israelite sites, such as the Dome of the Rock/Qubbat As-Sakhrah and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the holiest site in Judaism. This has brought the two groups into conflict over the rightful possession of Jerusalem. Christian Zionists often support the State of Israel because of the ancestral right of the Jews to the Holy Land, as suggested, for instance, by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans, chapter 11, in the Bible. Christian Zionism teaches that the return of Jews in Israel is a prerequisite for the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the Temple Mount is of religious significance, because the Temple in Jerusalem is said to have been home to the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Ten Commandments that Moses allegedly received from God on Mount Sinai. Other places of interest in Israel and Palestine (Holy Land) are, e.g., Church of the Holy Sepulchre (East Jerusalem), Via Dolorosa (East Jerusalem), Gethsemane at the foot and the Chapel of the Ascension on the highest point of Mount of Olives (generally classified as belonging to East Jerusalem), Nazareth (Basilica of the Annunciation, Jesus Trail, Sermon on the Mount) (Israel), Cana (Israel), Sea of Galilee (Israel/Syria), Historical Jesus (with places of action in Israel, Palestine and Jordan), and Bethlehem (West Bank) (Politico.eu, 8 January 2019: US pivots from Obama’s Mideast vision, BBC, 18 July 2019: Israel mosque find: Archaeologists unearth 1,200-year-old ruins in desert, DW, 18 July 2019: Israel: Archaeologists uncover 1,200-year-old mosque, CNN, 20 July 2019: Israeli archaeologists find ancient mosque in Negev desert, Israel Hayom, 12 October 2019: ‘At the end of the day, Christians and Jews come from the same root’).

Cost of conflict
A report by Strategic Foresight Group has estimated the opportunity cost of conflict for the Middle East from 1991–2010 at $12 trillion (Arab League boycott of Israel). The report’s opportunity cost calculates the peace GDP of countries in the Middle East by comparing the current GDP to the potential GDP in times of peace. Israel’s share is almost $1 trillion, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia having approximately $2.2 and $4.5 trillion, respectively. In other words, had there been peace and cooperation between Israel and Arab League nations since 1991, the average Israeli citizen would be earning over $44,000 instead of $23,000 in 2010.

Solution approaches
For some time now, various approaches have been circulating to end the conflict. They are based on the 1967 borders, supplemented by land exchanges and land compensation, in order to meet the security requirements of Israel and Palestine, but also to ensure the equitable distribution of fertile farmland and access to water. The Gaza Strip (Reuters, 22 February 2018: Qatar says Gaza aid spares Israel war, shows Doha does not back Hamas) was evacuated by Israel in August 2005 (Disengagement from Gaza). Since then, there has been a massive blockade by Israel and Egypt (Blockade of the Gaza Strip). Efforts are being made to develop, operate and secure the Port of Gaza into a trading port (various private investors and countries, including Turkey, would undertake investment, operations and security), as well as significantly expand the fishing zone to improve the self-supply situation. In addition, efforts are underway to renovate Yassir Arafat International Airport, which is severely affected by war damage and retaliation for the deaths of four Israeli soldiers, and to develop it into a commercial airport. Various investors and operators are available for this purpose. More recently, a project idea (Gaza Island – Times of Israel, 1 December 2019: Bennett orders IDF to conduct feasibility study on artificial Gaza island plan) has been added, which includes the construction of an artificial island 4.5 kilometers off the coast of the Gaza Strip. A power plant, a desalination plant and a port and airport shall be built on the island in order to improve the supply of the Gaza Strip. Access to the island shall be via a bridge, controlled by Israeli security forces. The project has great potential, especially to provide qualified jobs for Palestinians (Deutsche Welle, 27 May 2018: Israel erecting sea barrier to prevent Gaza infiltrators). At the same time, Egypt is trying to avert the ever-escalating escalation provoked by the Netanyahu government into a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip by opening its borders more frequently.

The UN Partition Plan foresaw Jerusalem as the common capital of Israel and Palestine. The previous division into West and East Jerusalem would be eliminated in the future and an important and essential issue between the parties would be off the table. So far, the Palestinians have maintained Ramallah and Gaza City as provisional capitals of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Israel’s claim to Jerusalem as its capital is tolerated by the UN for West Jerusalem only. The status isn’t recognized by the UN. The Israeli Jerusalem Law was annulled by the UN Security Council Resolution 478, which preserved the basic idea of a joint Israeli-Palestinian capital on the one hand, and keep the pressure up on Israel on the other hand, to declare Tel Aviv to Israels only internationally recognized capital by UN decision, if necessary (this was underlined again in 2016 in UN resolution 2334, which once again sets Israel’s borders at the 1967 borders and at the same time makes it clear that the West Bank and East Jerusalem are not Israeli. Thereupon the US President, who approved by far the highest military and economic US development aid for Israel ever, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Barack Obama, was declared an “antisemite” by Netanyahu’s brown shirts because he adhered to international law (it is well known that brown shirts from all over the world have considerable problems with justice and laws) and let the UN resolution pass through. He did not agree and only rightly let it be passed through, but still saw himself exposed to the racist hate abuses, hostilities and vilifications by the repulsive, obnoxious and disgusting Netanyahu mob). All international embassies are already located in Tel Aviv (Daniel Barenboim in The Guardian, 22 December 2017: After Trump’s Jerusalem gambit, the world must recognise a Palestinian state).

UN General Assembly Resolution 194 from 1948 defines the establishment of an international zone comprising Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the West Bank under UN administration for the protection of members of the Abrahamic religions and their free access to the holy places, which the two parties to the dispute obviously aren’t able to provide. According to the current status, the zone would probably include Hebron (Ibrahimi Mosque massacre) in the West Bank. The absurdity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is again fully visible here: Both sides reject this option because it would “interfere in state sovereignty.” Factually, neither party has recognized sovereign rights over the holy places. The Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif in East Jerusalem and the Ibrahimi Mosque/Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron are under Jordanian administration (Jerusalem Islamic Waqf) and the Palestinian West Bank, including East Jerusalem, under Israeli military administration. The establishment of an international zone would completely defuse a core issue of the conflict (Haaretz, 28 January 2019: Israel to Expel International Monitoring Force in Hebron After 20-year Presence, Middle East Eye, 28 January 2019: Netanyahu to eject international observers in Hebron, Times of Israel, 2 February 2019: UN head backs international observer mission booted from Hebron, Protocol Concerning the Redeployment in Hebron and Temporary International Presence in the City of Hebron).

A seemingly big problem are the massive settlements in the West Bank. On closer examination, the problem is relativized, since the massive increase in construction activity from the government’s point of view is of purely political nature and, from the point of view of majority residents, follows purely economic interests. Only a relatively small proportion of the people living there are actually ideologically/religiously radicalized. The majority of the population lives there because the Israeli government has created corresponding economic incentives (cheap land prices, financing and rents, tax benefits and better social benefits than in Israel, etc.). If the Israeli government would create affordable housing where it is actually needed, ie where there is work, around and within the metropolitan areas and within the 1967 borders, the settlements, internationally viewed as illegal (Geneva Conventions), would become swiftly vacated. Of the approximately 600,000 settlers at present, it is estimated that only between 50,000 and 70,000 ideological settlers would remain, which would still be a significant eviction problem, of which over 50% can be convinced to move with the help of appropriate disincentives (demolition of security measures, demolition of buildings) and infrastructure, withdrawal of police and army, withdrawal of Israeli citizenship, etc.). There will also be solutions for the remaining 20,000 to 30,000 people, especially as it is unlikely that they would actually want to become Palestinians, Lebanese or Syrians. Of course, the deconstruction of the settlements takes time. A transitional period of 10 to 20 years is therefore to be expected. One strong aspect to clear the settlements is the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which made clear that the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Golan Heights isn’t Israeli lands, which declared Jews living there to Palestinians, Lebanese or Syrians, making Palestine, before Iran, home to the second largest Jewish community (600,000) in Western Asia, and the third largest in the world after the United States and Israel, well ahead of France, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany (a farewell gift from Barack Obama to Netanyahu for annoying him for eight years straight. In addition to Obamacare, the Iran deal and other major successes, UN resolution 2334 is also part of his awesome political legacy). Another aspect was the release of a secret government-maintained database of all settlements in 2009 by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which revealed that over 75% of all settlements are illegal under Israeli law (The Guardian, 19 November 2018: Airbnb to take rentals in Israeli West Bank settlements off website, BBC, 20 November 2018: Airbnb: Israeli uproar as firm bars West Bank settlements, CNN, 20 November 2018: Airbnb removes Israeli West Bank settlements listings and The Washington Post, 21 November 2018: Israel steps up boycott fight after Airbnb settlement ban, Times of Israel, 10 July 2019: Amnesty urges TripAdvisor workers to demand company shun West Bank settlements). The significant increase in settlement activity since 2009 leads to an increase of illegal settlement activities as well (Haaretz, 7 January 2018: Israel Publishes BDS Blacklist: These Are the 20 Groups Whose Members Will Be Denied Entry).

On the other hand, the withdrawal from the illegal settlements could mark the beginning of major land, building and anti-corruption (which is as of today like the corruption in the 1950s to the 1980s in the western EU states and North America or as of today in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Russia, both, in the private sector and institutionalized (above all the prime minister, the ministries under his command and his clan economy) – Times of Israel, 13 January 2019: Now a member of anti-money-laundering body, has Israel truly cleaned up its act?, Haaretz, 21 October 2019: The Good Life of Criminal Suspects Who Flee to Israel, Times of Israel, 9 November 2019: US indicts six more binary options operatives, reveals names of another six and Corruption in Israel) reforms in the construction and real estate sectors, in particular attracting foreign investors investing in the increasingly renewal needy infrastructure and building substance, and especially counteract to the unsatisfactory situation in the housing market. The land area of Israel is largely owned by the state (69% by the state itself, 12% by the development agency and 12% by the Jewish National Fund (Times of Israel, 14 January 2019: Accusing leader of cronyism, ministry report urges century-old KKL be dismantled), together 93%, managed by the Israel Land Authority) and can be leased from the state under certain conditions and over different terms, whereby non-Jews and non-Israelis are significantly disadvantaged when trying to acquire land, not least because nepotism and corruption play a notable role here and at the same time also play a significant role in the completely excessive property prices and rents . Only 7% of the country’s territory, mostly around the large agglomerations, are freely tradable and freely available for non-Jews and foreigners. Among the private landowners are religious institutions. Due to the scarce availability, corresponding sales prices are given, which ultimately lead to rental prices that are unrelated to the service offered. At the same time, however, it gives the impression that there would be a valuable property stock in Israel. An impression that the Bank of Israel is clearly opposing. In the most recent forecast, market adjustment effects amounting to an average of 20%, in the peaks at over 40%, are assumed. The rental and purchase price trend would approximate the actual property values. When setting up a business, it is necessary to look more closely at the details (Israeli representative, composition of management, advisory board and supervisory board, etc.), although the start-up costs are pleasingly low (about 2,700 euros) and implementation is fast (about 14 days).

The Israeli government has been trying for several years to shift responsibility for the Gaza Strip and the West Bank to Egypt and Jordan. Understandably, both countries are unwilling to accept the responsibility for problems, challenges and consequences of the Israeli occupation. At the same time, the Israeli government is trying to legalize the annexation of East Jerusalem, which in turn is understandably being rejected by the international community, especially by the Arab world.

In addition, there are some other hypothetical options: Right-wing nationalistic to radical Israelis, some of whom are represented in the Likud government today, insist that all Palestinians should be forcibly relocated to Jordan or Lebanon (One-state solution). As is the case for the most part, these nationalists also provide abstruse and baseless justifications, half-truths and lies to promote these options. Faktually, the proposals will remain to be hypothetical options. Ever since the beginning of the 2000s, reports have repeatedly circulated in English-language Arabic and Israeli newspapers about possible assignments of parts or the whole of the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt to Palestine to build a state there (“Greater Gaza” or “Gaza-Sinai State” – The Jerusalem Post: ‘Gaza-Sinai’ state idea a danger under Trump, warns Gaza analyst, 21 February 2017). Egypt itself has made preparations to the extent that the North has been largely omitted from the overall economic development of the country, whereby parts of the population have significantly radicalized itself and now commit terrorist attacks and fights against the Egyptian army. However, this option has the charm of being not only supported by the most important player in the entire region, Saudi Arabia. Even concrete support measures are already planned. The same applies to the economic support by Egypt and Israel. Regardless of this, Saudi Arabia recently took over the formerly Egyptian islands Sanafir and Tiran on the Gulf of Aqaba to build the state-of-the-art technology center Neom, that will not only become the most modern technology center of the Middle East but presumably the world, on the mainland and the islands. Infrastructure measures will provide a direct land connection between North Africa (2020 coronavirus pandemic in Africa, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Algeria, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Egypt, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Morocco, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Tunisia) and the Arabian Peninsula, bypassing Israel. These measures will unlock significant growth potential on the Sinai, regardless of whether the peninsula remains Egyptian or becomes Palestinian. The options described also imply that the originally as democracy planned state of Israel would become a Jewish theocracy (when looking at today’s governing coalition, then it obviously can’t go fast enough into this direction), which would fit well into the region in this conception, but would end far away from the founding considerations of Theodor Herzl and his ideological successors (The Guardian, 20 May 2018: The fight to define the very essence of Israel, i24news.tv, 10 July 2018:Rivlin warns against clause in proposed law allowing ‘Jewish-only’ communities, Al-Monitor, 11 July 2018: Israeli president stands up against Arab discrimination, France24, 12 July 2018: Israel summons EU envoy in row over controversial bill and The Irish Times, 13 July 2018: EU ambassador to Israel under fire for criticising ‘racist’ Bill, Times of Israel, 29 July 2019: Nobody hijacked Israel. It’s just not what its pioneers thought they’d created). Moreover, it would ensure that the surrounding theocracies could sit back and relax and argue “When the Jewish state, a very small country, isn’t able to establish a functioning and complete democracy, even with massive support of all kinds from the, artificially inflated by the West and 70 years after the founding of the state, why should we even try?” (on May 14 (according to the Jewish calendar in 2018 on April 19), the Independence Day (New York Times, 17 April 2018: Israel Celebrates Its 70th Israeli Style: With Rancor and Bickering) is celebrated in Israel (2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the state, accompanied by several weeks of mass protests under the slogan “Great March of Return” (The Guardian, 31 March 2018) by the Palestinians. Numerous protesters were shot dead or heavily injuried through the shelling with live ammunition and tear gas grenades by the Israeli army). On May 15 (according to the Jewish calendar in 2018 on April 20), the Nakba (Catastrophe) Day (The Nakba Files, Al Jazeera: Al Nakba, ABC Australia, 17 May 2013: Illegal mourning: The Nakba Law and the erasure of Palestine, The Guardian, 15 May 2016: As Palestinians mourn their Nakba, the UK must acknowledge its responsibility, BBC, 15 May 2018: Why Nakba is the Palestinians’ most sombre day, in 100 and 300 words, Middle East Eye, 15 May 2000: Israel’s annexation plan is the Nakba revisited, Middle East Eye, 25 May 2000: Will this new BBC drama do justice to the Nakba?, The Atlantic, 14 May 2018: A ‘Catastrophe’ That Defines Palestinian Identity, ABC Australia, 7 August 2018: Israel’s Nakba Law is an explicit expression of what has been happening to Palestinians from 1948 until today – namely, an assault on their collective memory, history, equality and dignity., Middle East Eye, 31 May 2000: Nakba: Why the Zionists expelled Palestine’s Arab population, Middle East Eye, 15 April 2021: Palestinians in Israel mark 73 years since Nakba, affirming right of return – the international community must still ask itself today why it did nothing against the Nakba. The answers are as tough as they are enlightening: Europe and the US had to do with the aftermath of World War II, the stabilization of countries, and the housing of and care for millions of displaced Europeans. There were neither time nor money for the Palestinians, which is why they were simply hidden from the European and American public (“out of sight, out of mind”). In addition, and this can be assumed to be an important aspect, the “Jewish problem” was finally solved by simply getting rid of them from Europe (passively and actively). At that time, it was not foreseeable that this would result in much larger and longer-lasting problems. For Israel, the actions of Europe and America were not only advantageous, but David Ben-Gurion even assumed that “in two generations at the latest the Arabs will have forgotten from where we drove them by force”. A grandiose misjudgment, as can be seen on a daily basis even today – Haaretz, 1 October 2011: Knesset Legal Adviser: ‘Nakba Law’ Is Constitutional, Haaretz, 5 January 2012: High Court Rejects Petition Against Israel’s Controversial ‘Nakba Law’) is celebrated in Palestine. The Guardian, 5 May 2018: Israel fears ‘explosion of violence’ as US prepares to open embassy in Jerusalem, New York Times, 13 May 2018: Israel Feels Pride but Senses Peril as U.S. Moves Embassy, Haaretz, 14 May 2018: Jerusalem Embassy and Gaza Protests: 41 Palestinians Reported Killed by Israeli Gunfire at Border, Washington Post, 14 May 2018: Jerusalem welcomes the new U.S. Embassy as Palestinians decry ‘hostile’ move, The Guardian, 14 May 2018: Palestinians do not want to negate Israel. We just want a future, New York Times, 14 May 2018: At Least 37 Palestinians Die in Protests as U.S. Prepares to Open Jerusalem Embassy, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2018: At least 37 Palestinians killed by Israeli army at Gaza border, Washington Post, 14 May 2018: Israelis kill dozens of Palestinians in Gaza protesting U.S. Embassy move to Jerusalem, New York Times, 14 May 2018: Israel Kills Dozens at Gaza Border as U.S. Embassy Opens in Jerusalem, The Guardian, 14 May 2018: Israel: Trump’s new embassy opens – and dozens are killed, The Guardian, 15 May 2018: Palestinians to bury 58 people killed in US embassy protests, New York Times, 14 May 2018: Jerusalem Embassy Is a Victory for Trump, and a Complication for Middle East Peace, New York Times, 14 May 2018: Death in Gaza, New Embassy in Jerusalem, and Peace as Distant as Ever, The Guardian, 15 May 2018: Pastors at embassy opening highlight evangelicals’ deal with The Donald, The Guardian, 16 May 2018: Israel’s violent rule increasingly driving liberal American Jews on to the streets, Times of Israel, 14 May 2019: Year after US embassy move, Jerusalem diplomatic influx fails to materialize – another result of “successful cooperation” between Netanyahu and Trump (Jerusalem Post, 1 June 2019: Jerusalem Day: Has U.S. embassy move impacted world’s view on capital? – spoiler alert: No, of course not, Haaretz, 5 July 2019: Burying the Nakba: How Israel Systematically Hides Evidence of 1948 Expulsion of Arabs, Middle East Eye, 5 July 2019: Secret Israeli unit hiding documents to undermine history of Nakba: Report, Haartez, 15 July 2019: Benny Morris: Israel’s Concealing of Nakba Documents Is Totalitarian, The Middle East Monitor, 6 July 2019: Israel hides documents about crimes against Palestinians during Nakba, Haaretz, 27 May 2020: When Israel Placed Arabs in Ghettos Fenced by Barbed Wire). Both try to sell their renewed defeat as “politically motivated”. Since they have no understanding of the law and order (except when it comes to use it to fight against their political opponents), they can not develop a different view. In addition, their previous approaches on various issues presented to the international community have forced the countries of the international community to go back to pure legal positions, significantly reducing diplomatic manoeuvring space. Congratulations to this expected as well as short-sighted result). How the (after May 14, 2015 still only planned) relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to West Jerusalem and the one-sided US recognition of West Jerusalem as the Israeli capital will affect the peace process is still uncertain. On the one hand, there are the voices that have declared the peace process finally failed because of the one-sided US exit from the decades old consensus of the international community, on the other hand, there are the voices who are more optimistic here and continue to believe that a two-state solution is possible, and that “the Palestinians would only have to give up on East Jerusalem.” At the moment, the dice seem to have fallen in favor of the occupying power Israel, given the background in the extended Levant (Syria and Iran) and the approaching rapprochement between Israel and the Gulf States. The conflict, however, could never have lasted for so long if there weren’t more than enough (which includes Israel explicitly) loonies (sorry, but there isn’t a nicer word to describe these folks), which, moreover, has excellently earned for decades and therefore have a strong interest in continuing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, so that the topic can turn easily in the opposite direction one day again. During the UN Security Council Special Session on 14 May 2018, which dealt with the Israeli excesses of violence against Palestinian demonstrators, during which more than 120 people died and more than 2,500 were injured, the Trump administration opposed an independent investigation into the incidents as expected. The current US administration, represented here by US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley (CNN, 31 July 2019: Kelly Craft confirmed to be next US ambassador to the UN, BBC, 1 August 2019: Kelly Craft: Congress confirms UN ambassador pick), has already made it clear on previous occasions that it basically won’t ever sanction Israel in the UN Security Council (see role of the United States of America). The Israeli government itself, which during the Netanyahu government didn’t comply with a single decision by the international community, responded to the special session in the meanwhile well known whining-accusing manner, mostly because it can’t refute the fully accurate allegations (Reuters, 13 June 2018: United Nations condemns excessive Israeli force against Palestinians).

What’s interesting about the scenarios described above is that hypothetical options to resettled Jewish Israelis outside of today’s settlement area (Israel) are commonly considered to be anti-Semitic, whereas the permanent expropriations and resettlements of the landowners themselves, the Palestinians, seems to be unproblematic for some commentators. Since the response of the Palestinians to all the above mentioned options is clearly negative, they will remain hypothetical models. In addition, it wouldn’t end the conflict as a whole, because the Jerusalem question, free, unhindered access to the holy places of Muslims, and the future status of the West Bank (Reuters, 31 December 2017: Likud party calls for de-facto annexation of Israeli settlements, Haaretz, 6 April 2019: Netanyahu: I Told Trump I Wouldn’t Agree to Evacuate Even a Single Settler From West Bank, Haaretz, 15 June 2019: Any Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Will Lead to Civil War) would still be unresolved.


Solution proposal
If one were to assume that the parties to the dispute were rational and pragmatic negotiating partners, the following solution could come into consideration. However, since they are obviously irrational and emotional negotiating partners (Netanyahu has already ruled out a two-state solution or peace agreement during his terms in office – Times of Israel, 5 March 2019: Jimmy Carter: Israeli-Palestinian peace impossible with Netanyahu at helm and Times of Israel, 11 June 2019: It is time for Israel to end the occupation), it at least doesn’t matter to formulate the proposal in a simplified form:

  • Creation of a subterranean and thus well secured land connection (one railroad track and one lane for cars, trucks, buses/ambulances/taxis in both direction) between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Depending on the route, the distance is between 40 and 45 km. As a result, relations between Gaza City and Ramallah can be normalized, but also the movement of persons and goods can be significantly increased, while Israel and Egypt can further expand their border security (There are already a number of interesting proposals, e.g. a 50 meter-deep moat around the Gaza Strip, which would ensure that all tunnels from the Gaza Strip to Israel and Egypt would be automatically flooded by the Mediterranean Sea). This would also ease the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The supply of the Gaza Strip would be relatively unproblematic and in large quantities through Jordan and the West Bank. If point 2 of 5. were to apply, this topic could be dropped entirely.
  • Construction of a transportation airport in the West Bank, as a replacement for the Israeli bombed now former airport in the Gaza Strip. Construction, expansion and operation of a trading port in the Gaza Strip by Saudi Arabia or China (this, of course, includes the extension of the fishing zone – Haaretz, 6 July 2019: Years Later, Israel Returns Gaza Fisherman’s Boat – Damaged, Without a Motor). In this way, both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip would be directly involved in international trade, and the Palestinians would have something to lose for the first time in decades, if both, for whatever reason, would disappear again.
  • Solution of the water question, with consideration of 5.
  • The following two topics are likely to be difficult, especially since these are core interests of the parties to the dispute, namely the Israeli settlements in Palestine, the Jerusalem question and the access to Bethlehem and Hebron:
    • Palestine renounces East Jerusalem as the capital, as it is already hopeless today that Israel will give up its appetite for the whole of Jerusalem.
    • In return, Israel guarantees free, unhindered and constant access to the Temple Mount (a demand of the Arab states as a whole). Logistically, this can be easily solved by appropriately secured access.
    • Palestine guarantees free, unhindered and constant access to Bethlehem and the Abraham grave in Hebron. The latter is logistically not easily solvable, because Hebron is located 30 km deep in the West Bank.
    • The administration and operation of all three sanctuaries is carried out by the Jordan Waqf Authority, by an international body with a parity of Christians, Jews, and Muslims, or by a UN mission, as the parties to the dispute themselves are obviously neither capable, nor willing or able to do so.

  • Dismantling settlements and/or adequate land exchange:
    • Eviction of all Israeli settlements and withdrawal of all Israeli settlers behind the 1967 border.
    • Alternatively, exchange of land, so that a contiguous Palestinian state area is created, which would make 1. unnecessary, but 3. would be of greater importance, which would simultaneously create a buffer and security zone between Jordan, Egypt and Israel.
    • The allocation of land is necessary so that the Palestinians in the various refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan can return to their homeland and as citizens of Palestine are no longer stateless. At the same time, one of the major miscalculations of the UN Partition Plan (fragmented land distribution) would be resolved.

  • All projects are given absolute priority over all other measures to ensure the fastest possible implementation.
  • Instead of a calling it peace treaty or two-state solution, it could be named neighborhood or friendship treaty, so that both sides can continue their over the decades beloved saber-rattling, howling and gnashing of teeth, until one day a peace treaty can be reached.
  • Should it come to such a comprehensive agreement, the only question ramaining would be that of the financing. As the international community continues to be interested in resolving the conflict, it can be expected that the member states will help find a solution to this challenge.
  • Finally, the most important ingredient is missing, the only person on this planet who has the power to force this solution on both parties: The President of the United States of America. This would have to be a candidate of the Democrats, because the majority of the Republican electing evangelicals would not support this solution.
  • It can be assumed that a timeframe of 15 to 20 years will be needed before all measures can and will be implemented.
  • There is still a solution to the conflict surrounding Israel’s illegal annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights needed, but this is written on a different page anyway.
  • In 2010, a completely outlandish law (“Law for Preservation of the Rights to Compensation of Jewish Refugees from Arab countries and Iran”) was passed in Israel stating that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be resolved if all Arab states compensate for expelling Jews from Arab states, as a response to the expulsion of the Palestinians by Israel before and after the Israeli state foundation (Jewish exodus from Arab and Muslim countries). In the opposite direction, Israel doesn’t want to grant Palestinians their right of return, nor compensate for land grabbing, continued expropriation and destruction of Palestinian property and livelihoods. A calculation that of course can’t work, but another example that the Netanyahu government at no time was interested in a peaceful solution or the end of the conflict.

An alternative to a two-state solution would be a type of confederation, consisting of an Israeli and Palestinian state, which would be interwoven in a similar way to the EU – with free movement of persons, goods, services and capital. Both countries would agree to jointly manage the entire land area so that most other challenges (borders, evacuation of the Israeli settlements, East and West Jerusalem, etc. pp.) would be off the table. However, the right of return of the Palestinian refugees would be finally off the table as well. Of course, that would be a difficult attempt, especially as nationalists, extremists and terrorists on both sides are expected to respond with rioting and maximum violence (parts of the Israeli settlers in Syria and Palestine and Hamas are more similarly than they would ever admit or admit to themselves), but in view of the already substantial urban sprawl of Palestine by Israeli settlements, it certainly makes a lot of sense (this idea stems astonishingly from one of the very, very few liberal Israeli settlers in the West Bank). Overall, however, the security requirements of both sides can be reached. Palestine would not need its own army (The New York Times, 2 February 2014: Palestinian Leader Seeks NATO Force in Future State), especially since the Israeli army would take over the protection of the common external borders. The occupation army would become a defensive army. The police and intelligence services of both countries are already working together, so that a deepening of cooperation can happen, with the Palestinian police taking over government functions throughout the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem (Jerusalem Post, 9 September 2019: The two-state solution can be achieved through a confederation).


Incentives for a peace treaty and the two-state solution
Of course, the incentives set by the international community are an important issue for positive developments. Why would, in particular, Israel want to agree to a peace treaty and a two-state solution (The New York Times, 5 January 2018: As a 2-State Solution Loses Steam, a 1-State Plan Gains Traction, One-state solution and Haaretz, 22 March 2019: Israel, the Palestinians and the conflict)? Over the past few decades, the country has been doing very well with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Neither economically, scientifically, technologically nor militarily would Israel be today, together with Turkey and Jordan, anchor of stability in the Levant, if there wouldn’t be the annual billion-dollar contributions from the US and the EU (in light of the questionable political situations in the three countries, observers have a good impression of the politically desolate overall state of the region). To date, the western community has not claimed adequate compensation. In particular, the demographic change in the Jewish community in the US could change this. The under 40-year-old Jewish Americans can’t identify themselves neither with the state of Israel nor with its politics. This has consequences. The largest lobbying organization, the conservative American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), is increasingly distancing itself from the Israeli government, while support organizations are holding back tens of millions in donations or setting up their own offices in Israel to implement projects locally and above all under their own direction, to ensure that the donations are actually used as intended.


Observers of the Middle East and Israeli-Palestinian conflict
At this point, the role of the “observers of the Middle East and Israeli-Palestinian conflict” shall be considered in more detail, especially as the majority opinions are, of course, always included in the expressions of interest of the member states of the international community and are therefore reflected in corresponding resolutions. Further explanation requires a short excursion to “Botany” or in online language “off topic”: For almost ten years now, the entries in this blog are mainly about cities, places, squares and buildings around the globe (above all to make these places visible and thus tangible. The previous project, which was only about the EU, was successful in demonstrating how diverse the Union is, that there are beautiful places that hardly anyone has heard of, but that their residents proudly call home. It also makes it clear how important cohesion and cooperation are, because the individual federal states cannot survive in global competition on their own. The step towards the global alignment of the blog was the next logical step. According to website statistics, this is well received. On 15 January 2020 there were the most page views to date with 38,130 and on 29 November 2019 the highest number of visitors to date with 19,611). Of course, this includes places in Israel and Palestine. The corresponding contributions to Israel and Palestine are remarkably under-visited (ironically, the most read blog post is The German Colony in Palestine) or, to put it more plastically: In retrospect, it would generally have been enough to find catchy headlines and a beautiful cover picture for these contributions and to embed the weather forecast of weather.com for the respective location in the text segment – very few readers would have noticed it. While this was somewhat unsatisfactory, visitors of this blog may well be interested in other topics (contributions about locations in the EU, the US, and the Gulf States (in this order) are always well attended) – so was the guess (on the other hand, according to statistics, Israelis and Palestinians are interested significantly below average in the rest of the world). After a press report on the subject and the contact to blogs with comparable orientations, it turned out that we seem to have the same type of readers, because there, the numbers of visits to contributions about Israel and Palestine are very low as well. How is this possible, when the national and international media are constantly reporting about the topic, giving the impression that there is a general interest in it? Why else should they report about it so continuously, when it really is of very little interest for the vast majority (apart from free travel through the country for foreign journalists and celebrities at the invitation of the state in return for positive coverage (Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2019: Israel needs to take a break from government-funded celebrity tourism))? Especially when it comes to the Middle East conflict, the comment sections in social media seem to outright explode. That was and is strange and does not really fit together. As a small test balloon religious buildings in Israel and Palestine were included in the blog contributions, as well as the Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. It didn’t change anything, so the post you are actually reading would have been the “farewell” from Israel and Palestine if not something quite amazing had happened: In fact, thanks to your support, the post, which is one of the youngest of the blog, has been visited seven times as often (meanwhile over 185,000 visits from 137 countries, with a surprisingly large number from the states on both sides of the Arabian/Persian Gulf (1 September 20222) and meanwhile three requests to write a book about it, including a rather complex reference work. The latter is interesting enough to be kept in mind as a project idea. 2,000 pages of history and present of the MENA region do not write themselves) than the about 60 contributions about Israel and Palestine together (after all, the publication of this article has led to a slight upward trend of the other blog entries, so that they are no longer on the second statistics basement level, but have arrived at the regular basement level), and at the same time, interesting content-related discussions have emerged, so that the originally 8 pages of compressed Middle East conflict have now become 556 pages and an end to the extensions and additions is currently not foreseeable (of course, there were the expected voices that fabulated about the entire blog post as being “anti-Israeli”, “anti-Palestinian”, “anti-Jewish” or “anti-Islamic” (roughly divisible into Hasbara propaganda trolls and JDL terrorism fans/supporters on the one hand and BDS trolls and Hamas/Hezbollah terrorism fans/supporters on the other hand) or from “obsession with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”. If someone want to learn more about my “obsession”, just click here and you will find about 50 articles on various topics related to the European Union. However, their objections weren’t taken into account at all. The equable split of such comments shows that the core of the topic is well and accurately described. Because of some comments, one can vividly imagine the marches with torches and pitchforks through the internet. Since both, the Israeli and the Palestinian governments, are obviously resistant to consultations, there is no basis given for whatsoever partisanship. It is clear and enshrined in laws, that the duties of occupiers go well beyond those of the occupied (which Israel only takes over in parts. In fact, the bulk of Israel’s economic obligations toward Palestine are paid by the EU because Israel isn’t able to do so economically and is unlikely to be in the position to do so in the coming decades as well. The self-proclaimed “start-up nation” is far less successful than Netanyahu would like to make believe, At the same time, it is of course a welcome occasion for him to shirk responsibility), which have exactly two tasks to fulfill, namely to show resistance, as well as to signal the willingness to negotiate). On the one hand this is of course nice and a cause for joy, on the other hand, it also raises the one or the other question:

  • Why is someone interested in the political situation on the ground, when there is actually no interest (this can be assumed on the statistic basis) in Israel and Palestine?
  • How can one form a qualified opinion about the conflict if one isn’t interested in the countries, the populations, their ways of life, living conditions, habits and cultural characteristics?
  • How would the own view on the conflict change, if one knew how the local populations is living and on which small space they live there?
  • Are Israelis and Palestinians right in assuming they are more and more left alone by their classic support groups (Israelis from the West, Palestinians from the Arab States)? What could be the reason for this and how could the parties to the conflict find an overall solution that is sustainable for both sides?

These are questions that everyone need to answer individually. For this blog, the consequence of this is to better describe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the example of Jerusalem, as the germ cell of the conflict and at the same time as the “Middle East conflict under the magnifying glass”, within a Theme Week. Unlike the regular Theme Weeks, however, this will include not just the usual six contributions, but 12 or more, each from the point of view of the international community (East Jerusalem and West Jerusalem) with some Israeli and Palestinian points of view.


Naftali Bennett, chairman of the right-wing religious party The Jewish Home and current Israeli Minister of Education, works in the spirit of his party with emphasis on historical revision of the education system, the further erosion of the democratic fabric, and together with the “Jewish Home” Justice Minister Ajelet Schaked on the devaluation of the legal system towards a Torah-based basic law (Haaretz, 7 May 2018: Destroying Democracy). The Israeli population, especially the under 30 years old, has an increasing right- and extreme right wing problem, which manifests itself in corresponding nationalistic, xenophobic and Islamophobic comments, expressions and actions, fueled by members of the government, the prime minister in particular. This includes a first-reading (of three readings) and adoption of a bill in May 2018, which foresees the establishment of purely Jewish places and with it removes step by step the visions of Theodor Herzl for a democratic to the benefit of a theocratic Israel. The two further readings are to take place in the coming parliamentary term. Now one did not need to be a prophet to foresee the corresponding developments years ago, especially as the signs were unmistakably there. However, this does not make the situation any better, especially since the international community can only watch how Israel’s democratic future is gradually being sacrificed. The dealing with refugees is just another example of the de-democratization process and the disregard of international law: Deutsche Welle, 19 November 2017: Israel to deport 40,000 African refugees without their consent, and The Washington Post Israel is betraying its history by expelling African asylum-seekers.

Israelis mostly ignore the 50th anniversary of the occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Syrian Golan Heights, the blockade of Gaza, and the spread of illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories in 2017, of course, so as not to deal with the inevitable consequences of the occupation (Haaretz, 28 November 2018: It’s Not So Simple for Israel to Just ‘End the Occupation’). At the same time, Israeli NGOs are coming under significant pressure from the government, including the peace movements Peace Now (The New York Times, 28 December 2018: Amos Oz, Israeli Author and Peace Advocate, Dies at 79) and Breaking the Silence, founded by IDF veterans (Israel Defense Forces), and the human rights organization B’Tselem, which are dedicated to peace and reconciliation. The same can be seen in the art scene. In particular, subsidy-dependent art and cultural enterprises are getting state pressure to offer performances and exhibitions and/or to establish branches in the illegal settlements in order to continue to be funded by the state in the future as well (Haaretz, 23 September 2018: Regev’s Loyalty Law, Haaretz, 25 October 2018: Regev’s Cultural Loyalty Law Represents the Israeli Patriotism of Cowards, i24News, 26 November 2018: Vote on controversial Israeli ‘loyalty in culture’ law postponed, Jewish Museum Berlin: Exhibition Welcome to Jerusalem, The New York Times, 1 May 2009: In Berlin, Teaching Germany’s Jewish History, i24 News, 9 December 2018: Merkel receives Israeli request to cut funding to Berlin’s Jewish Museum: report, Haaretz, 9 December 2018: Israel Demanded Germany Cut Funding to Jewish Museum in Berlin, Report Says, The New York Times, 23 December 2018: Jerusalem Criticizes Berlin’s Jewish Museum for ‘Anti-Israel Activity’, Jerusalem Post, 8 June 2019: ‘Anti-Jewish’ Museum in Berlin under fire for supporting BDS, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2019: German Jews say Jewish Museum “out of control” due to BDS support, Times of Israel, 12 June 2019: Berlin Jewish Museum takes heat for tweeting link to pro-BDS story, Jerusalem Post, 14 June 2019: German minister ignors antisemitism at ‘anti-Israel’ Jewish Museum, Times of Israel, 14 June 2019: Director of Berlin’s Jewish Museum quits after tweet linked to pro-BDS story, Haaretz, 16 June 2019: Why neo-Nazis Love the BDS Movement So Much, Jerusalem Post, 19 June 2019: How the Berlin Jewish Museum became a political lightning rod, Jerusalem Post, 21 November 2019: ‘Anti-Jewish’ Museum gives award to anti-Israel German FM, DW, 27 November 2019: Jewish Museum Berlin appoints Hetty Berg as new director, Jewish Heritage Europe, 27 November 2019: Germany: Hetty Berg Named New Director of the Jewish Museum in Berlin, Jerusalem Post, 27 August 2020: Berlin Jewish museum director on Jewish life in Germany, beyond BDS).


BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions)
In contrast to the numerous peace initiatives and human rights activities, the BDS (Israeli Apartheid Week – the other side of the medaille: Times of Israel, 19 May 2019: Brother where art thou? A call to join the defense of Israel’s right to exist) international initiative is actually counterproductive, with the aim of completely isolating the state of Israel economically, socially, culturally and politically. The basic idea of BDS, the boycott of products from the Israeli settlements (which generate only 1.5% of the Israeli GDP) has at first made its impact, was a legitimate, above all non-violent approach (which was also supported by major German corporations) and would have had to be accepted by Israel as the “price for the settlements” (Haaretz, 26 October 2017: From Motorola to Ahava: The UN Blacklist of Companies Doing Business in Israeli Settlements and Times of Israel, 13 February 2019: UN set to publish blacklist of Israeli companies operating over Green Line. Most of the 150 to 190 companies that would be eligible for listing are completely unknown in Europe).

A_HRC_43_71

As so often in the region, the action then swiftly got out of hand, especially by participants who are mostly not in the region. Relatively quickly the originally outlined basic idea was changed against a general and full-fledged campaign against the territories occupied by Israel and Israel itself. Cooperations in the fields of society, economy, art, culture, science and sports form the basic communication between states. By cutting these off, no situation changes can be brought through, so that important instruments are given out of hand without the need to do so. In addition, private initiatives from North America and the EU have no chance of lasting success if they run counter to the interests and in some cases laws (anti-discrimination laws/general equality laws) of the countries of origin. BDS has become such an initiative. It can not be ruled out that the initiative was surprised by its own success and therefore did not prepare itself with the resulting responsibilities. Israel is a very small country and therefore vulnerable to international campaigns. In addition, since the all-time record tourist season 2013 with 3.5 million visitors (in comparison: the Oktoberfest in Munich is visited annually on average by about 6 million people from all over the world within 14 days, the city of Hamburg has an annual 14 million overnight stays, and Berlin has an annual 31 million overnight stays (DW, 8 February 2018: Germany sees another record year for tourism and Xinhuanet, 14 January 2019: Tourism in Germany expected to hit record level in 2018). Given the number of stays in Israel, it’s for sure not to much to ask BDSers to simply allow the country this modest success), the numbers of visitors decreased in 2014 massively due to Protective Edge, in 2016 the numbers were up to about 2.7 million visitors. For 2017, the numbers are puzzling. While the private tourism board claims that there have been a bit over 3 million tourists, the tourism authority claims that there were 3.6 million. It’s on you which number you want to believe, but a jump of over 35% from 2016 to 2017 is at least very unlikely. For 2018, the officially mentioned numbers look even far less credible. But then, right-wing governments have never been good at mathematics and statistics ;-) (Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2019: Israel welcomes 10% increase in tourists in 2019, Jerusalem Post, 2 March 2020: Up to 100,000 Israelis in isolation as Israel expands traveler quarantine, France24, 4 March 2020: Israel adds travelers from five European countries to coronavirus quarantine list, Times of Israel, 4 March 2020: Israel dramatically widens coronavirus rules, adds EU nations to quarantine list, Times of Israel, 5 March 2020: German airlines cancel Israel flights over virus restrictions, Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2020: 21 Israelis have coronavirus as country defends travel bans, quarantines, Times of Israel, 7 March 2020: Two more airlines cancel flights to Israel amid coronavirus crisis, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2020: Coronavirus and Israel’s tourism industry: Loss and hope, CNN, 9 March 2020: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares anyone entering the country from abroad – including citizens – must self-quarantine, NPR, 9 March 2020: Coronavirus: Israel Will Require Quarantine For Everyone Entering Country, Haaretz, 9 March 2020: Israel Extends Coronavirus Quarantine Orders to All Arrivals, 50 Cases Confirmed, Times of Israel, 9 March 2020: Fighting virus, Israel orders all arrivals from abroad into 2-week quarantine, Times of Israel, 9 March 2020: ‘Israeli tourism industry on the brink of collapse’, Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2020: Coronavirus: Israel’s tourism industry faces its fiercest battle, Times of Israel, 14 March 2020: Looking indispensable, Netanyahu urges Israelis to wage ‘war on invisible enemy’, Jerusalem Post, 14 March 2020: Israeli supermarkets are staying open, Health Ministry confirms, Times of Israel, 14 March 2020: All leisure venues closing as Netanyahu urges Israel: Adjust to new way of life, Times of Israel, 15 March 2020: Solitary guides leading tours in empty museums: Jerusalem’s new tourism plan, Haaretz, 17 March 2020: Netanyahu: Israel to Massively Expand Coronavirus Tests, Tracking of Suspected Patients, Haaretz, 17 March 2020: Explained: New Coronavirus Guidelines Edging Israel Closer to Total Lockdown, Times of Israel, 19 March 2020: Israel will become Italy if ultra-Orthodox keep gathering, official said to warn, Jerusalem Post, 20 March 2020: Virtual tourism, business and education take off amid coronavirus, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2020: The real reasons coronavirus is spreading in my Hasidic community, Times of Israel, 29 March 2020: Number of Israeli coronavirus cases surges past 4,000, Haaretz, 29 March 2020: Inside Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Corona Hot Spots – Where Even the Mayor Is Sick, Times of Israel, 29 March 2020: Around half of Israelis hospitalized with coronavirus are ultra-Orthodox – TV, Times of Israel, 30 March 2020: Quarantine hotels set to open for ultra-Orthodox as fight against virus steps up, Jerusalem Post, 30 March 2020: Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn fight COVID-19 and antisemitism, Times of Israel, 31 March 2020: Nearly a quarter of Israel’s workforce unemployed due to virus outbreak, Times of Israel, 1 April 2020: The only place where Israelis are gathering to party: Virus quarantine hotels, Haaretz, 2 April 2020: Coronavirus, the Greatest Challenge to ultra-Orthodox Jewish Life Since the Holocaust, Times of Israel, 2 April 2020: Cabinet declares Bnei Brak ‘restricted zone,’ will do same for other epicenters, Haaretz, 2 April 2020: Israel Imposes Closure on ultra-Orthodox Coronavirus Hot Spot, Jerusalem Post, 3 April 2020: Bnei Brak – the coronavirus capital of the Jewish state, Times of Israel, 4 April 2020: Medics attacked en route to virus test in Jerusalem Haredi neighborhood; 1 hurt, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: Gov’t to approve additional closures on Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh and others, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: 1,000 police officers enforcing a lockdown on Bnei Brak, Haaretz, 5 April 2020: LISTEN: Haredi Leaders Learn Harsh Corona Lesson as Israel Sends in the Troops, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: Haredi neighborhoods in Jerusalem have higher infection rate than Bnei Brak, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2020: Belgian Jews concerned about large haredi population and coronavirus, ynet news, 7 April 2020: Criticism of Haredi coronavirus conduct is not racism, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2020: Israel under lockdown: Updated guidelines in English, Times of Israel, 10 April 2020: No gatherings or flights until September: How Israel may be planning to exit, Times of Israel, 12 April 2020: Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods to be locked down starting Sunday, Times of Israel, 15 April 2020: Police said to remove most Bnei Brak roadblocks, anticipating end of closure, Times of Israel, 17 April 2020: Riot in Jerusalem Haredi area over virus rules; girl hit by police stun grenade, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2020: Haredi rioters clash with police in Mea Shearim over lockdown, Times of Israel, 17 April 2020: Israel likely to allow outdoor prayer quorums amid mounting ultra-Orthodox anger, Times of Israel, 17 April 2020: Cabinet likely to OK far-reaching efforts to open up Israeli economy on Sunday, Times of Israel, 22 April 2020: Rocks thrown at troops bringing food to Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox neighborhood, Times of Israel, 22 April 2020: Extremist Haredim in Beit Shemesh don yellow stars to protest synagogue ban, Times of Israel, 28 April 2020: Hasidim clash with police in quarantined Beit Shemesh neighborhood, Times of Israel, 4 May 2020: Israel said to join tourism compact for countries bringing virus under control, Times of Israel, 5 May 2020: National Emergency Authority said to fear 2nd virus wave will be twice as bad, Times of Israel, 7 May 2020: Netanyahu: Israel wants to join travel pact for countries beating back virus, Haaretz, 9 May 2020: Drubbed by Coronavirus, Small Israeli Businesses Demand Cash – and Shadow Economy Grows, Times of Israel, 10 May 2020: Two ultra-Orthodox bastions account for 37% of Israel’s virus deaths, Times of Israel, 10 May 2020: Police gear up to enforce Lag B’Omer restrictions; violators to be fined NIS 500, Times of Israel, 10 May 2020: ‘God is telling us something’: Deri says 70% of Israel’s virus cases are Haredim, Times of Israel, 11 May 2020: Hundreds of Haredim ignore ban, crowd Jerusalem streets to celebrate Lag B’Omer, Times of Israel, 11 May 2020: Economy Ministry said to urge reopening restaurants; beaches may also be okayed, Haaretz, 12 May 2020: Over 200 Arrested as Lag Ba’Omer Celebration Flouts Coronavirus Restrictions, Times of Israel, 12 May 2020: Fears of 2nd virus wave rise as 300 arrested in Meron; 2,000 gather in Jerusalem, Times of Isarel, 13 May 2020: Slammed by COVID-19, ultra-Orthodox Jews try to understand what God hath wrought, Times of Isarel, 13 May 2020: Israel said aiming to resume travel with low-infection bloc in July, Jerusalem Post, 25 May 2020: Israel’s Ben-Gurion unlikely to welcome foreigners until mid-July, Jerusalem Post, 27 May 2020: Israel is opening: The latest COVID-19 restrictions and how to keep them (yeah, let the corona parties begin!), Times of Israel, 28 May 2020: Israel’s Ben-Gurion unlikely to welcome foreigners until mid-July, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Israel, Times of Israel, 29 May 2020: Israel reports sharp jump to 115 infections as Health Ministry warns lax public, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2020: Coronavirus restrictions may be tightened amid wave of infection, Haaretz, 31 May 2020: Is a Second Coronavirus Wave Hitting Israel? Warning Signs Are Certainly There, Times of Israel, 31 May 2020: Health minister expands virus testing amid fears of broadening outbreak, Times of Israel, 1 June 2020: 98 new coronavirus cases confirmed in 24 hours, as upward trend continues, Middle East Monitor, 1 June 2020: Israel facing ‘greatest economic crises in its history’, Times of Israel, 2 June 2020: With no tourists on the horizon, tour guides scramble to adapt to a new reality, Haaretz, 5 June 2020: Nearly 100 Schools Closed Since Reopening as Coronavirus Cases in Israel Rise, Jerusalem Post, 5 June 2020: Hundreds of thousands will not receive unemployment benefits for June (right-wing politics always lead to financial downfalls), Haaretz, 5 June 2020: Israel Had the Chance to Eradicate the Coronavirus. But It Knew the Price, Haaretz, 7 June 2020: How the Coronavirus Is Forcing Eilat, Israel’s Vacation Capital, to Reinvent Itself, Times of Israel, 8 June 2020: Ministers ‘pull emergency brake’ on further easing restrictions as cases rise, Haaretz, 9 June 2020: Coronavirus Israel Live: Health Minister Cautions Over ‘Dramatic’ Rise in New Cases, Haaretz, 10 June 2020: Israel Failing to Break Chains of Coronavirus Infection – and Numbers Are Rising, Israel Hayom, 14 June 2020: Israelis banned from Montenegro over coronavirus fears, Times of Israel, 15 June 2020: Coronavirus death toll up to 302 as Tel Aviv flagged as new epicenter, Haaretz, 17 June 2020: A Coronavirus Disaster Looms Over Israel, but Can Still Be Avoided, Times of Israel, 20 June 2020: IDF taskforce: 2nd virus wave is here; thousands could fall ill and hundreds die Haaretz, 27 June 2020: EU Set to Bar Travelers From Certain Countries – Including Israel – Over Coronavirus, Times of Israel, 27 June 2020: Travelers from Israel said among those to be excluded from EU as borders reopen, Haaretz, 28 June 2020: Israel Has Lost Control of Coronavirus Outbreak, Experts Warn Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: 859 new virus cases confirmed, in highest 24-hour tally since outbreak started, Haaretz, 1 July 2020: Israel Is Paying the Price for Netanyahu Refusing to Appoint a ‘Corona Czar’, Times of Israel, 1 July 2020: Knesset approves law allowing Shin Bet virus tracking to resume for 3 weeks, Times of Israel, 2 July 2020: Closures in Lod, Ashdod as cases near 1,000 a day; new restrictions considered, Haaretz, 2 July 2020: As Coronavirus Cases Skyrocket, Israel Is Making Decisions in the Dark, Times of Israel, 2 July 2020: As virus soars, Netanyahu declares renewed limits on gatherings, prayers, events, Times of Israel, 3 July 2020: Cyprus says it won’t waive quarantine requirement for Israeli tourists, Times of Israel, 4 July 2020: 977 infections confirmed in 24 hours as Israel scrambles to halt fresh outbreak, Haaretz, 4 July 2020: Over 30,000 Israelis Ordered Into Quarantine as Coronavirus Digital Tracking Resumes, Times of Israel, 4 July 2020: Ultra-Orthodox, Arab neighborhoods again centers of Jerusalem virus surge, Haaretz, 5 July 2020: ‘Israel Has Days to Contain Coronavirus Outbreak, or Health Services Could Collapse’, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2020: Netanyahu’s deadly COVID-19 blunders, Times of Israel, 5 July 2020: Haredi protesters in Jerusalem scrap with cops over mask enforcement, Haaretz, 6 July 2020: Jewish Agency Chairman Predicts Coronavirus Will Drive Dramatic Increase in Immigrants to Israel (Aliyah), Haaretz, 6 July 2020: Coronavirus Israel Live: Government Decides to Close Bars, Gyms, Limit Public Transportation, Times of Israel, 6 July 2020: MKs advance bill allowing ministers to enact virus measures without Knesset okay, Haaretz, 7 July 2020: Coronavirus Israel Live: 1,137 New Cases Confirmed in 24 Hours in Biggest Daily Rise, Times of Israel, 7 July 2020: ‘We’re collapsing’: Netanyahu roasted by ailing businesspeople in Zoom call, Haaretz, 7 July 2020: After Annexation Fiasco, Netanyahu Returns to Deal With Coronavirus. But It’s Too Late, Times of Israel, 7 July 2020: Bennett’s wife: PM prefers ‘economic holocaust’ over ceding management of crisis, Haaretz, 7 July 2020: Israel Hits the Brakes Too Late in Its Fight Against the Coronavirus, Globes, 7 July 2020: Netanyahu meets Stanley Fischer to discuss economic crisis, France24, 7 July 2020: Israel reimposes restrictions amid new surge in coronavirus cases, Times of Israel, 9 July 2020: Unveiling aid package, Netanyahu acknowledges reopening of economy was premature, Haaretz, 9 July 2020: Coronavirus Israel Live: Netanyahu Presents Aid Package, Admits Economy Reopened Too Soon, Times of Israel, 9 July 2020: Bloated and sidetracked, Netanyahu-Gantz gov’t is failing Israel in COVID fight, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2020: Israel hits another corona record: More than 1,500 new cases in a day, Jerusalem Post, 11 July 2020: Thousands of enraged protesters gather in Tel Aviv: ‘No more games!’, BBC, 12 July 2020: Thousands protest in Israel over handling of economy, Haaretz, 12 July 2020: Netanyahu Can’t Divert Attention From the Coronavirus Protests. It Could Be the Beginning of His End, Times of Israel, 13 July 2020: 2 arrested as ultra-Orthodox protest neighborhood lockdowns for second night, Jerusalem Post, 13 July 2020: Haredi call police ‘antisemitic nazis’ in coronavirus lockdown protests (obviously the sectarian Haredi will never learn), Times of Israel, 13 July 2020: Polls: Most Israelis dissatisfied with Netanyahu’s handling of pandemic, Times of Israel, 13 July 2020: Israel’s virus cases pass 40,000 as official says full lockdown ‘a step away’, Haaretz, 14 July 2020: Coronavirus Israel Live: Confirmed Cases Top 40,000 as Daily Rise Breaks Record, Times of Israel, 14 July 2020: Netanyahu reportedly ‘furious’ with Gantz for blocking new virus restrictions, Haaretz, 14 July 2020: Thousands Protest Outside PM’s Residence Demanding Netanyahu’s Resignation, DW, 14 July 2020: Thousands of protesters call on Netanyahu to resign, Times of Israel, 15 July 2020: Health minister: Israel needs a ‘medical miracle’ to avoid nationwide lockdown, Times of Israel, 15 July 2020: Gantz demands more authority for the Defense Ministry in pandemic response, Haaretz, 15 July 2020: How to Rescue Israeli Tourism From a Fatal Virus, Times of Israel, 16 July 2020: Netanyahu takes fire from coalition partners, Treasury over virus handout plan, Haaretz, 18 July 2020: Thousands-strong Protests Against Netanyahu Rock Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Times of Israel, 18 July 2020: In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, thousands rail against Netanyahu, COVID-19 policies, France24, 19 July 2020: Netanyahu corruption trial to resume in January 2021 amid Israeli anger over Covid-19, Times of Israel, 19 July 2020: How Netanyahu lost focus, and his coalition lost control, in fight against COVID, Haaretz, 19 July 2020: ‘We’ll Be Here as Long as It Takes:’ Anti-Netanyahu Protests Grow Across 200 Junctions in Fourth Week, Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2020: Politics and populism — not coronavirus — are making Israelis sick, Haaretz, 20 July 2020: Young Israelis Are Finally Taking to the Streets. Here’s What’s Driving Them, Times of Israel, 20 July 2020: Israel to remain closed to foreign visitors until at least September, Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2020: Iran, and others, watching Israel stumble over coronavirus, Israel Hayom, 20 July 2020: Corona crunch sees bankruptcy applications soar by 75%, Haaretz, 22 July 2020: Thousands Protest Israeli Gov’t Handling of Economic Crisis, Call for Netanyahu’s Resignation in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2020: 34 arrested amid mass anti-government protests in Jerusalem, The Guardian, 22 July 2020: Israelis protest against Netanyahu in Jerusalem – in pictures, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2020: Coronavirus peak: 1,977 new cases in a single day; death toll hits 430, Times of Israel, 22 July 2020: 13 arrested in Jerusalem at ultra-Orthodox protest against arrest of student, Haaretz, 23 July 2020: Fifty-Five Arrested as Thousands Gather in Jerusalem for anti-Netanyahu Protest, Times of Israel, 23 July 2020: Thousands mass outside Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence in latest protest, Times of Israel, 24 July 2020: Israel ranks 6 in world for daily cases per capita; 2,022 more in last 24 hours, The Guardian, 25 July 2020: Netanyahu faces anger as virus surges and unemployment rises, Haaretz, 25 July 2020: Thousands of Israelis Protest Against Netanyahu Government Across the Country, Times of Israel, 25 July 2020: Thousands taking part in anti-graft demonstrations against Netanyahu, Al Arabiya, 25 July 2020: Israel struggles to contain resurgence in infections as coronavirus cases top 60,000, Haaretz, 26 July 2020: Protest Turbulence Threatens to Destabilize Netanyahu – or Israeli Democracy, Haaretz, 28 July 2020: Israel’s Leading Demographer Warns of post-COVID-19 Exodus by Young, Educated Israelis, Times of Israel, 28 July 2020: Daily planners show Israel’s health chiefs waited weeks before discussing virus, Haaretz, 28 July 2020: Far-right Israeli Extremists Hunt for ‘Antifa A-holes’ at anti-Netanyahu Protests, Jerusalem Post, 28 July 2020: Under COVID-19, Israel must see ‘the world is Red’, aviation official says, Haaretz, 28 July 2020: Netanyahu’s Enforcer Is Trying to Stymie the Right to Protest. The Attorney General Must Intervene, Israel Hayom, 28 July 2020: Fearing spike in corona cases as borders reopen, EU excludes Israel from travel list, Israel Hayom, 30 July 2020: Netanyahu in pure survival mode, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: Israeli virus deaths rise to 500, as ministers weigh removing weekend closures, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: At anti-Netanyahu protests, no clear leaders — and that’s how activists like it, Haaretz, 30 July 2020: Far-right Activists Attack Media as 1,000 anti-Netanyahu Protesters Gather in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 30 July 2020: Some 2,000 rally against Netanyahu in Jerusalem; 8 far-right protesters arrested, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protest movement to go global over weekend, Haaretz, 31 July 2020: Chasing Down Palestinians, Threatening anti-Netanyahu Protesters: A Night With Far-right Group, France24, 1 August 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protests in Israel continue to grow (the Israelis are finally waking up from the Netanyahu nightmare. It was about time. The mixture of Trump and Edogan has done considerable damage to the country for years), Haaretz, 1 August 2020: Israelis From San Francisco to Berlin Join anti-Netanyahu Protests, The Guardian, 2 August 2020: Thousands demonstrate against Netanyahu as protests gain strength, Jewish Business News, 2 August 2020: Israel’s Treasury Estimates: The Economic Crisis Will Last About 5 Years, Times of Israel, 2 August 2020: Netanyahu: Protesters are trampling on democracy; Gantz: They must be protected (Netanyahu is just the right person to complain about “trampling democracy”, after all he’s been doing it for over a decade very successfully. Very weak attempt to distract from his criminal actions), The Guardian, 2 August 2020: Analysis: Israel protests may dent Netanyahu’s ego, but do they threaten his power?, The National, 2 August 2020: Israel’s Netanyahu compares media to North Korea over protests against him, The National, 2 August 2020: Can the anti-Netanyahu protests grow into a larger movement?, NPR, 3 August 2020: Airline Food For Sale. No Plane Ticket Required, Haaretz, 3 August 2020: Israel’s Illness Rate Is Among Highest in the World, Prime Minister Says, Times of Israel, 6 August 2020: Israel has world’s highest per capita COVID-19 morbidity rate, virus czar says, Jerusalem Post, 6 August 2020: ‘Israel must drop to hundreds of daily coronavirus patients by September’, Times of Israel, 6 August 2020: Criminal probe opened into mass ultra-Orthodox wedding in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 7 August 2020: Tourism officials: We’re ready for foreign visitors when skies open up, DW, 8 August 2020: Israel protests: Anger mounts over Netanyahu government, pandemic response, Times of Israel, 8 August 2020: ‘Let my people go’: Thousands gather in new round of anti-Netanyahu protests, Haaretz, 9 August 2020: More Than 10,000 Join Growing Protest in Jerusalem, for Fourth Week in a Row, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2020: Anti-government, anti-Netanyahu protests gain momentum outside Israel, Haaretz, 9 August 2020: From Washington to Basel, Israelis Abroad Join Growing anti-Netanyahu Protests, Times of Israel, 9 August 2020: Police to probe peace activist’s killer for inciting against anti-PM protesters, Jerusalem Post, 11 August 2020: Israel tops China in number of coronavirus cases, Arab News, 11 August 2020: As Israel’s protesters go high, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sinks lower and lower, Haaretz, 12 August 2020: 17 Dead Since Tuesday in Largest Spike in Deaths Since Outbreak Began, Arab News, 13 August 2020: Political novices drawn to rally against Netanyahu, Times of Israel, 17 August 2020: Lapid: In ‘dangerous’ move, Netanyahu denying economic crisis, The Washington Post, 18 August 2020: Netanyahu’s diplomatic sleight of hand can’t hide his failures at home, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: Despite worst economy in years, anti-Netanyahu protests struggle to grip nation, Jerusalem Post, 19 August 2020: Fake Facebook accounts comparing Netanyahu to Hitler taken down, Times of Israel, 19 August 2020: Virus death toll leaps to 779 with inclusion of previously uncounted fatalities, Haaretz, 21 August 2020: Failing to Stem Infection Among Arabs and ultra-Orthodox, Israel Gets Closer to Full Lockdown, Times of Israel, 21 August 2020: Israel passes 100,000 coronavirus cases, death toll crosses 800, Haaretz, 23 August 2020: 30 Arrested at 10,000-strong Protest Against Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Times of Israel, 23 August 2020: More than 500 Israelis have died from COVID-19 in July-August, Haaretz, 24 August 2020: Netanyahu’s Become All-powerful, but Most Israelis No Longer Believe a Word He Says, New York Post, 25 August 2020: NYC banquet halls hosting large weddings despite COVID-19 ban, Haaretz, 25 August 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Won’t Bring Him Down. But They’ve Already Made Him Blink, The Guardian, 27 August 2020: Yair Netanyahu: Israel’s ‘crown prince’ leads fight to protect father (Haaretz, 7 August 2020: Netanyahu and His Son Laugh Up There, While Down Below Others Weep), Times of Israel, 30 August 2020: At biggest anti-Netanyahu rally yet, police are restrained and Hasidim join in, Palestine Chronicle, 30 August 2020: Thousands of Israeli Protesters Demand Netanyahu to Resign (VIDEO), Jerusalem Post, 3 September 2020: Gamzu, Kanievsky battle over COVID-19 rules in the haredi sector, Times of Israel, 4 September 2020: Israel has highest rate in world of new coronavirus infections per capita — TV, Haaretz, 4 September 2020: Coronavirus Israel Live: Hot Spot City Considers Cutting Ties With Health Ministry Over Proposed Lockdown, Times of Israel, 4 September 2020: Top health official says renewed national lockdown still possible ‘if no choice’, Jerusalem Post, 4 September 2020: IDF troops to once again help police enforce lockdown, Haaretz, 4 September 2020: When It Comes to COVID-19, Haredim Will Do Their Own Thing and No One Can Stop It, Times of Israel, 4 September 2020: Israel closes in on 1,000 COVID deaths as 2,516 cases confirmed in 24 hours, Jerusalem Post, 4 September 2020: Ehud Olmert to ‘Post’: Israel’s divisions have reached near-violent levels, Haaretz, 5 September 2020: Jerusalem Police Clash With anti-Netanyahu Demonstrators as Protest Enters 11th Week, Times of Israel, 6 September 2020: 12 arrested, 2 cops hurt at protest outside Netanyahu’s Jerusalem home, Haaretz, 7 September 2020: For Second Day, Netanyahu’s Cabinet Fails to Implement Curfews, Times of Israel, 7 September 2020: Greece opens to Israeli tourists, lifts restrictions on numbers and destinations, Jerusalem Post, 8 September 2020: The coronavirus chaos is caused by one person: Netanyahu – comment, Haaretz, 8 September 2020: While Most Jews Can’t Enter Israel, 70 Evangelicals Allowed in to Volunteer in Settlements, Haaretz, 10 September 2020: Israel Is Heading Down Lebanon’s Failed State Trajectory, Times of Israel, 11 September 2020: Virus task force: At least 3 months needed to bring cases down to 400 a day, Jerusalem Post, 11 September 2020: Coronavirus is overwhelming Israel’s hospitals – here’s how, Haaretz, 11 September 2020: Israel’s COVID-19 Tragedy: How Hubris, Hasbara and Netanyahu Downed the Start-Up Nation, Times of Israel, 12 September 2020: In last major rally before lockdown, Anti-PM activists joined by business owners, Haaretz, 12 September 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protesters Warn of ‘Anti-democratic’ Coronavirus Lockdown Ahead of Vote, Jerusalem Post, 12 September 2020: Demonstrators denounce Netanyahu for untimely trip to US amid coronavirus, Arab News, 12 September 2020: Thousands of Israelis protest outside Netanyahu’s residence, Al Arabiya, 13 September 2020: Israeli protesters keep up pressure on PM Netanyahu over alleged corruption, Times of Israel, 13 September 2020: As fresh shutdown brews, anti-lockdown sentiment permeates Balfour protests, Haaretz, 13 September 2020: Haredi Minister Quits Netanyahu Gov’t to Protest Holiday Lockdown (hey, the job of the housing minister has become vacant. I’ll take it over. If even a non-real estate specialist and Torah freak could do that, then the previous requirements are well below average. It is time to turn this into the opposite and replace religious affiliation with professional qualifications), Times of Israel, 13 September 2020: Housing Minister Litzman resigns in protest of looming holiday lockdown, France24, 13 September 2020: Israel to impose new nationwide lockdown as Covid-19 surges, The Guardian, 13 September 2020: Israel: Government become first to impose second Covid-19 national lockdown, Times of Israel, 15 September 2020: Daily infection rate surges to nearly 5,000 ahead of lockdown, Haaretz, 15 September 2020: Israeli Expats Protest Against Netanyahu Outside White House Ahead of UAE-Bahrain Deal, Times of Israel, 15 September 2020: IDF troops in uniform harass demonstrators outside PM’s residence, Times of Israel, 16 September 2020: As lockdown set to begin, Rivlin apologizes for leaders’ virus failures, Jerusalem Post, 16 September 2020: President Rivlin: ‘We will only prevail together’, Haaretz, 17 September 2020: ‘Stupid, Scandalous, All Because of Bibi’: In Quiet Tel Aviv Suburb, Rage Over Israel’s Second Lockdown, France24, 18 September 2020: Hundreds of Israelis protest against new Covid-19 lockdown, Haaretz, 18 September 2020: Fake Lockdown, Imaginary Reality: Netanyahu Is Leading Israel Into Darkness, Haaretz, 18 September 2020: The Real Reason Israel Failed, Times of Israel, 20 September 2020: Demonstrators gather for weekly anti-Netanyahu rally, amid new restrictions, Times of Israel, 21 September 2020: Ultra-Orthodox protest lockdown, with some suspected of evading travel rules, Times of Israel, 21 September 2020: Israeli virus cases per capita overtake US, deaths surpass global average, Haaretz, 22 September 2020: With No Clear Goal for Second COVID Lockdown, Israeli Economy Could Spiral Out of Control, Jerusalem Post, 22 September 2020: How low will Netanyahu go to save himself as his legal cases heat up?, Haaretz, 22 September 2020: Netanyahu Calls to Curb ‘Farce’ of Protests Against Him Under Coronavirus Restrictions (trying to silence protesters is what suits politicians not that well, when at the same time they are claiming to lead a “democratic” country, except when they think that autocracy is a weird form of democracy), Times of Israel, 22 September 2020: Cabinet delays decision on new virus rules as Netanyahu pans protest ‘farce’, Haaretz, 22 September 2020: Netanyahu’s Cardinal Sin: Making Israelis Feel Like Suckers, Haaretz, 23 September 2020: Israel’s Cabinet Decides on Stricter Lockdown, Limiting Protests, Times of Israel, 23 September 2020: Ministers said to agree on full lockdown, more severe than Israel’s first, Al Arabiya, 24 September 2020: Israel tightens coronavirus restrictions as cases continue to surge, Jerusalem Post, 24 September 2020: Israel’s political wars have become that of religious wars, Haaretz, 25 September 2020: Netanyahu’s Tirade Against Protests Reprises German ‘Stab in the Back’ Myth, Times of Israel, 25 September 2020: Over 8,000 infections recorded in all-time high as full lockdown takes effect, Haaretz, 25 September 2020: Inside the Jewish Fundamentalists’ Joyous, Deadly Strategy for COVID-19, France24, 25 September 2020: Israel tightens lockdown as critics accuse Netanyahu of trying to curb protests, Times of Israel, 25 September 2020: Netanyahu mulls using emergency regulations to limit protests; Gantz, AG opposed, Haaretz, 25 September 2020: Netanyahu Wages a Holy War Against Protests. It’s Already Claimed the First Casualty, France24, 26 September 2020: Israelis protest against Netanyahu despite virus lockdown, Haaretz, 26 September 2020: Thousands Protest in Front of Netanyahu’s Residence After Attempts to Curb Demos, Times of Israel, 26 September 2020: Thousands take part in protests against Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 26 September 2020: Captain Netanyahu Sets the Passengers Against Each Other as Mother Ship Israel Sinks, Jerusalem Post, 26 September 2020: Watch: Virtual ‘Balfour protest’ draws over half a million online viewers, Haaretz, 28 September 2020: How Netanyahu’s Attempt to Limit Anti-government Demonstrations Backfired, Times of Israel, 28 September 2020: Protests held near ministers’ homes ahead of renewed fight over limiting rallies, The Guardian, 28 September 2020: Politicians argue over Covid curbs on protests and prayers, Haaretz, 29 September 2020: Limiting Protests Back in Focus as Netanyahu Gets Conditional Support From Gantz’s Party, Times of Israel, 29 September 2020: Israel’s virus death toll passes 1,500, with 500 victims added in three weeks, Times of Israel, 1 October 2020: Hundreds of small, local anti-Netanyahu protests nationwide ahead of new limits, Haaretz, 1 October 2020: Hundreds of Small Protests Mushroom Across Israel Over ‘Draconian’ Restrictions, Times of Israel, 1 October 2020: Health officials issue complex sukkah virus rules amid Haredi health crisis, Times of Israel, 1 October 2020: Flailing in the face of COVID-19, Israel is now on the brink of catastrophe, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2020: Four essential steps that need to be taken immediately to fight the virus, Israel Hayom, 2 October 2020: Corona death toll exceeds 1,600; data shows 40% of patients are Haredi, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2020: Israelis must face the reality of the pandemic in order to stop it, Financial Times, 2 October 2020: Coronavirus puts Israel’s Haredi Jews at centre of political storm, Jerusalem Post, 2 October 2020: ‘Rabin was a Nazi’ spray-painted under anti-Netanyahu protester’s home, Haaretz, 3 October 2020: Lockdown II, Two Weeks In: Record Cases, Hospitals on the Brink and COVID Czar Out, Times of Israel, 3 October 2020: Tens of thousands protest Netanyahu across Israel; activists assaulted, arrested, Haaretz, 3 October 2020: Hundreds of anti-Netanyahu Protests Held Across Israel; Arrests, Clashes in Tel Aviv, Times of Israel, 3 October 2020: Israel’s COVID-19 death toll rises by 49 over the weekend, to 1,682, Arab News, 3 October 2020: How their prime minister is making Israelis sick, Haaretz, 4 October 2020: PODCAST: Bibi Learns the Hard Way: You Can’t Lock Down Dissent, Times of Israel, 6 October 2020: Police said to agree to let Hasidim hold mass events as long as they’re discreet, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2020: Protest leader slammed for allegedly racist comment at Ethiopian officer, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Chaos Raging on Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Streets Reveals Unraveling Leadership, Times of Israel, 6 October 2020: Embarrassed and pummeled by outside criticism, Haredim despair of virus fight, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Continue in Tel Aviv in Shadow of Lockdown, Police Violence, Times of Israel, 6 October 2020: Chaos as police break up large ultra-Orthodox funeral in Jerusalem, arrest 11, Haaretz, 6 October 2020: Netanyahu Flees Coronavirus Fight Out of Fear of Being Infected With Responsibility, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2020: Cabinet to vote on extending limit on demos as protests surge, CBS News, 7 October 2020: Protesters burn masks in Brooklyn coronavirus hotspot over Cuomo’s crackdown on religious gatherings, The New York Times, 7 October 2020: Backlash Grows in Orthodox Jewish Areas Over Virus Crackdown by Cuomo, Independent, 7 October 2020: Ultra-orthodox Jewish New Yorkers protest new coronavirus restrictions as Cuomo threatens to close synagogues, New York Magazine, 7 October 2020: A Brooklyn Protest Against Lockdown Measures Turns Violent, NBC News, 8 October 2020: Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn rebel against Cuomo’s Covid-19 clampdown on their neighborhoods, Daily Mail, 8 October 2020: Jewish man is left critically injured after being branded a ‘snitch’ by ultra-Orthodox rioters in Brooklyn who attacked him and a photographer for recording COVID-19 violations amid spike in coronavirus cases, Times of Israel, 8 October 2020: Jewish journalist assaulted by ultra-Orthodox mob at Brooklyn virus protest, The Washington Post, 8 October 2020: Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jews burn masks in violent protests as New York cracks down on rising coronavirus cases, Haaretz, 8 October 2020: Why ultra-Orthodox Trump-worshipping Mobs Are Attacking Fellow Jews in New York, Times of Israel, 8 October 2020: NYC mayor pans ‘disgusting’ attack on reporter at ultra-Orthodox virus protest, Jerusalem Post, 8 October 2020: Jewish reporter assaulted by ultra-Orthodox mob in Brooklyn, Haaretz, 8 October 2020: There’s a War Outside, and Netanyahu Has Gone Missing, Haaretz, 8 October 2020: Thousands Protest Against Netanyahu Across Israel; Demonstrators Report Attacks, Jerusalem Post, 8 October 2020: 51% of school COVID-19 infections in ultra-Orthodox system – report, The New York Times, 9 October 2020: Cuomo’s Restrictions on Synagogues in Virus Hot Spots Can Go Forward (it’s pretty unbelievable: even before the second corona wave, the New York administration carried out active prevention, and this time too, parts of the ultra-orthodox are actively working against it. The New York State Police should completely seal off their residential areas to protect the rest of New York from these sectarians. The rate of those infected with Covid-19 is around 10 times higher among the ultra-Orthodox than in the rest of the population. Those who are inside the residential quarters can then continue to carry out their rituals without endangering others. Corona is not interested in religions or holidays. It is there and takes every opportunity to spread, which is why the restrictions apply to all parts of the population and every day – without exception. It’s not as if the communities in question don’t know about it. It is simply being actively ignored and there are indeed MPs on the city council trying to justify this ignorant wrongdoing), Haaretz, 9 October 2020: Netanyahu Turned ultra-Orthodox Jews Into Enemies of the People, Times of Israel, 9 October 2020: Hundreds of anti-Netanyahu protesters march in Tel Aviv despite virus lockdown, DW, 9 October 2020: Ultra-Orthodox communities top coronavirus hot spots, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2020: Orthodox group sues Cuomo over NY religious gathering restrictions, Times of Israel, 10 October 2020: Brooklyn anti-lockdown protest leader says he’ll be arrested for ‘inciting riot’, Haaretz, 10 October 2020: Tens of Thousands Protest Against Netanyahu at Hundreds of Locations Across Country, Times of Israel, 10 October 2020: In Brooklyn, ultra-Orthodox Jews defiant in face of virus shutdown, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2020: Clashes erupt between ultra-Orthodox and police, youth set fire to city, Haaretz, 10 October 2020: Police Shut Down Protest Outside Netanyahu’s Home, Hand Out Fines to Participants, Times of Israel, 10 October 2020: Tens of thousands nationwide protest against Netanyahu in over 1,000 locations, Jerusalem Post, 10 October 2020: 16th week of protests kick off with tension between demonstrators, police, New York Post, 11 October 2020: Defying COVID-19 restrictions, Brooklyn’s Ultra-Orthodox sing and pray in crowds, The National, 11 October 2020: Israel’s anti-Netanyahu protests draw tens of thousands despite Covid rules, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Secret ultra-Orthodox program treating thousands of COVID patients at home, Newsweek, 12 October 2020: Orthodox Jews vs Bill De Blasio and Andrew Cuomo—Why New York is Battling Anti-lockdown Protests, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Mass anti-Netanyahu rallies planned as government ends lockdown curb on protests, NPR, 12 October 2020: Police Arrest Anti-Lockdown Protest Leader In New York’s Orthodox Jewish Community, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Jewish Democrats and Republicans jointly condemn Brooklyn attack on journalist, Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Data shows police have fined very few ultra-Orthodox for mass prayer gatherings, Haaretz, 12 October 2020: As Israel Passes 2,000 COVID Deaths: The Lives Behind the Numbers (Trump sacrificed over 200,000 Americans just to make it to the next presidential election. Since Netanyahu is politically permanently under water, it will be interesting to see how many Israelis he is willing to sacrifice to appease his sectarians), Times of Israel, 12 October 2020: Israel passes 2,000 COVID-19 deaths — doubling its toll in just 5 weeks, Haaretz, 13 October 2020: Like Trump, Netanyahu Has Sabotaged Israel’s War on COVID, and Everyone Knows It, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2020: Tensions high at Jerusalem protests as anti-protest incitement increases, Times of Israel, 13 October 2020: Home on bail, NY anti-lockdown leader vows to keep up fight, but not violence, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2020: Understanding the haredi perspective on the coronavirus – analysis, Haaretz, 13 October 2020: How evangelicals working in settlements bypassed Israel’s COVID-19 entry ban, Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2020: More than half of over-65s with COVID are from the ultra-Orthodox community, Haaretz, 14 October 2020: Ultra-Orthodox Extremists Reopen Schools, Violating Israel’s COVID Lockdown, The Guardian, 15 October 2020: Blood and tears as Israeli police storm wedding during lockdown, Times of Israel, 15 October 2020: After wedding shutdown, family of bride say cops shattered bottle on son’s head, Haaretz, 15 October 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protesters Report Attacks as Weekend of Demos Kicks Off Across Israel, The New York Times, 15 October 2020: Inspired by Trump, Hasidic Backlash Grows Over N.Y.C. Virus Rules, Times of Israel, 15 October 2020: ‘Moser’ is one of the ugliest words in Judaism, Jerusalem Post, 15 October 2020: What is a ‘moser’? The ugly history of Judaism’s most dangerous accusation, Haaretz, 15 October 2020: Israel Eases COVID Lockdown: Distance Limit to Be Lifted, Preschools, Beaches to Reopen, Jerusalem Post, 16 October 2020: How New York Jews feel watching the unrest in Borough Park, Times of Israel, 17 October 2020: Dear New York, here’s how not to seem anti-Semitic during COVID, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2020: Demonstrators flock to Balfour after mass protest ban lifted, Haaretz, 17 October 2020: Ultra-Orthodox Leader Orders Schools to Fully Reopen Against Regulations, Times of Israel, 17 October 2020: Thousands mass at PM’s residence as major protests resume after restrictions, Haaretz, 17 October 2020: Anti-Netanyahu Protests Resume in Jerusalem, Across Israel, in Shadow of Right-wing Violence, Times of Israel, 17 October 2020: Prominent rabbi orders Haredi schools to reopen; Netanyahu warns against move, ABC News, 17 October 2020: NY shuts down 10,000 person wedding as Cuomo reveals new COVID-19 plan, NBC New York, 17 October 2020: NY Health Officials Order Shutdown of 10,000 Person Wedding in Brooklyn, New York Post, 17 October 2020: Wedding of Hasidic leader’s grandchild was expected to draw 10K to NYC, Times of Israel, 18 October 2020: New York said to halt planned Orthodox Jewish wedding with up to 10,000 guests, The Washington Post, 18 October 2020: Israel ordered a second lockdown in response to coronavirus resurgence. It’s not going so well., Jerusalem Post, 18 October 2020: Is Israel a failing state? – analysis, Haaretz, 18 October 2020: After Today’s ultra-Orthodox Rebellion, Netanyahu Looks Weaker Than Ever, Times of Israel, 18 October 2020: Threatened with fines, top Haredi MK says community will not shut down schools, Jerusalem Post, 18 October 2020: Jerusalem Post photographer attacked by haredim, Jerusalem Post, 20 October 2020: NYC ‘End Jew Hate’ protest demands apology from Cuomo (what is wrong with these people? The sectarian ultra-Orthodox/Hasidic death cult of Brooklyn inexcusable endangered public health and life in New York City by violenting virtually all rules and regulations concerning Coronavirus/Covid-19 prevention, so that both, the mayor and the governor, had to react on it, and yet these ultra-Orthodox idots are asking for an apoligy because the mayor and the governor did their jobs by actively protecting other New Yorkers who don’t want to die because of the Coronavirus. The ultra-Orthodox even wanted to start a over 10,000 visitor’s strong wedding party. On the “End Jew Hatred” part: It’s quite simple. Don’t behave like an ignorant, selfish and irresponsible asshole, and you won’t be treated as such), New York Post, 20 October 2020: De Blasio apologizes to ultra-Orthodox leaders over lack of COVID-19 communication, Israel Hayom, 20 October 2020: Ultra-Orthodox leadership has failed, Haaretz, 21 October 2020: What Fuels ultra-Orthodox Jews’ Unsettling Fervor for Donald Trump, Times of Israel, 21 October 2020: I blew the whistle on the planned 10,000 person Satmar wedding, Jerusalem Post, 22 October 2020: Police allow participation of 300 hassidim in illegal funeral – report, Haaretz, 22 October 2020: How the Lockdown Only Bolstered anti-Netanyahu Dissent, Times of Israel, 22 October 2020: Thousands demonstrate against government in Tel Aviv, Haifa (weekend after weekend, Israeli democracy supporters have been taking to the streets for months (including during the corona pandemic) to save their country from the complete loss of democracy prescribed by Netanyahu. In comparison: when 100,000 demonstrators protest in Israel, then 1 million protesters against the Merkel government would have to come together in Germany – we are at least 900,000 people away from it. From this it can be deduced how much the Israeli democracy has come under pressure in comparison. Another difference is that in Israel there are demonstrations for essential and existential reasons, while in Germany a few crazy musicians, cooks and anti-Semitic, racist agitators are yelling on the marketplaces of the republic because they supposedly would not have their say heard (although here you need to differentiate between the actually legitimate concerns and pure nonsense – unfortunately the boundaries are becoming more fluid by the day). There is a considerable difference in quality in comparison), Haaretz, 23 October 2020: ‘We Simply Fled Israel. We Abandoned a Sinking Ship’, Haaretz, 25 October 2020: I Love My Haredi Community. But Our Persecution Complex Is Killing Us, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2020: Contradictions in Orthodox Jewry highlighted at NY ‘Jews for Trump’ rally, Times of Israel, 1 November 2020: Ministers okay higher lockdown violation fines, but Haredim vow to foil measure, Times of Israel, 7 November 2020: ‘Trump’s out and Bibi’s next’: Thousands at weekly protests against Netanyahu, Jerusalem Post, 7 November 2020: Protestors celebrate Biden win, call out Likud Iran accusations, Daily Mail, 8 November 2020: De Blasio broke rules, so why can’t we? Hundreds of Orthodox Jews ignore social distancing for funeral of prominent rabbi in NYC’s Lower East Side – a day after mayor did the same to celebrate Biden’s victory, Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2020: Israel in advanced negotiations for Pfizer corona vaccine, officials claim (on the commemoration day of the November pogroms, a German company announced to the world that it is expected to be able to rid the world of Covid-19. Remarkable), Jerusalem Post, 9 November 2020: Coronavirus: Infection rate rising in haredi sector – again, Times of Israel, 21 November 2020: Anti-Netanyahu protesters defy wintry weather to hold weekly rallies, Times of Israel, 1 December 2020: ‘This is an emergency’: Top health official warns Israel is at start of 3rd wave, Arab News, 1 December 2020: Zarif ‘desperate’ to blame Saudi Arabia for anything negative that happens in Iran: Al-Jubeir, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2020: Coronavirus crisis: ‘This is the beginning of the third wave’, Haaretz, 2 December 2020: SCOTUS ‘Religious Freedom’ Ruling: Supremely Irresponsible, Immoral and Profoundly unJewish, Times of Israel, 2 December 2020: Iranian panel okays bill to end UN nuclear inspections, increase enrichment, The National, 2 December 2020: Adel Al Jubeir: Iran desperate to blame Saudi for killing scientist, Israel Hayom, 4 December 2020: Thousand attend funeral of revered rabbi despite restrictions, Slate, 6 December 2020: Faith-based: “Somehow, I’ve Become the Threat”, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2020: ‘We are not Americans,’ says Satmar grand rabbi, Times of Israel, 8 December 2020: Thousands again defy restrictions to attend Brooklyn ultra-Orthodox funeral, Jerusalem Post, 8 December 2020: Large crowds gather for Hasidic rabbi’s funeral in Brooklyn, Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2020: After COVID-19, will Israeli tourism recover or relapse in 2021?, Times of Israel, 11 December 2020: Efforts by NY Jews to unify and fight violent anti-Semitism undone by pandemic, Jerusalem Post, 11 December 2020: Dream vacation turns nightmare as Israelis argue about masks on flight, Times of Israel, 14 December 2020: Israel passes grim milestone of 3,000 coronavirus deaths since start of pandemic, Times of Israel, 18 December 2020: Hundreds of maskless Haredim crowd in Jerusalem for Hanukkah candle-lighting, Times of Israel, 20 December 2020: Bnei Brak, Beitar Illit, Elad in top infection tier as cabinet to meet on rules, Israel Hayom, 24 December 2020: Poll: Half of secular Israelis unwilling to have Haredi neighbors, Haaretz, 25 December 2020: Israel to enter full lockdown on Sunday, Times of Israel, 25 December 2020: Ministers okay rules of 3rd lockdown, expected to cost NIS 2.5 billion a week, Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2020: Coronavirus lockdown starts Sunday. Here’s what you can and cannot do, Times of Israel, 3 January 2021: A quarter of all new virus cases diagnosed are among ultra-Orthodox, Jerusalem Post, 3 January 2021: COVID haredi unit head: Enforcement ineffective, Times of Israel, 6 January 2021: Israel still world’s best for vaccination, but now among worst for contagion, Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2021: Hundreds attend hassidic wedding in city with highest rate of infections, Haaretz, 6 January 2021: Cops Suspended for Allowing Mass Wedding That Flouted Israel’s Coronavirus Rules, Times of Israel, 6 January 2021: As infections surge, mass ultra-Orthodox weddings held despite lockdown rules, Haaretz, 6 January 2021: Haredi Leader Orders to Open Religious Schools Despite Stricter Lockdown, Israel Hayom, 7 January 2021: 3rd lockdown to cost Israeli economy $1.3B a week, Israel Hayom, 8 January 2021: Haredim will respond to financial sanctions, not force, Jerusalem Post, 9 January 2021: Haredi newspaper photoshopped masks onto rabbis, Haaretz, 18 January 2021: With Enforcement Lax and Politicians Mostly Silent, Virus Runs Wild Among Israel’s Haredim, Haaretz, 19 January 2021: Haredi Values Have Been Erased in Our Failed Response to COVID-19, Times of Israel, 21 January 2021: Travelers returning from Dubai turn violent at Jerusalem quarantine hotel, Times of Israel, 21 January 2021: With Haredi lockdown violations rampant, health minister says jail the offenders, Haaretz, 22 January 2021: A Battle Over COVID Rules Breaks Out in Israeli Haredi City. This Is What It Looked Like, The Times, 22 January 2021: Police break up wedding party with 400 guests (Yesodey Hatorah Senior Girls’ School), BBC, 22 January 2021: Covid: Wedding party in Stamford Hill broken up by police, Times of Israel, 22 January 2021: London cops bust mass wedding at Haredi girls school for violating lockdown, Haaretz, 22 January 2021: Coronavirus Israel Live: Police, ultra-Orthodox Groups Clash Over Restrictions; Minister Urges Calm, Irish Times, 22 January 2021: Wedding with 400 guests discovered at north London school, Haaretz, 22 January 2021: The COVID Sacrifice: The ‘New Jewish Martyrs’ Dying to Defend Israel’s Haredi Autonomy, The Times, 22 January 2021: ‘We feared for our lives,’ says cop attacked by ultra-Orthodox mob, Jerusalem Post, 22 January 2021: Haredi autonomy needs to stop so Israel can beat COVID-19, Haaretz, 23 January 2021: Leading Israeli Rabbi Okays Opening More ultra-Orthodox Schools During Lockdown, Times of Israel, 23 January 2021: Site of mass Haredi wedding in London: A school whose principal died of COVID, Haaretz, 23 January 2021: Police Pledged Minimal Enforcement of COVID Rules in Haredi Communities, Barring Attacks on Officers, Jerusalem Post, 23 January 2021: Viznitz grand rabbi instructs schools to open, Times of Israel, 24 January 2021: Hasidic rabbi calls for reopening ultra-Orthodox schools, then backtracks, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2021: Haredi rioters clash with police across country – WATCH, Times of Israel, 24 January 2021: Cop shoots in air after ultra-Orthodox rioters surround and shove police, Haaretz, 24 January 2021: Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Clash With Police Over COVID Rules, Attack Bus Driver, Times of Israel, 24 January 2021: Fresh clashes in Bnei Brak as Haredi leaders blame police for violence, Haaretz, 25 January 2021: After Days of Clashes With ultra-Orthodox Over COVID Rules, Israeli Police Brace for More, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2021: Skunk spray, burning bins highlight govt impotence to haredi resistance, Times of Israel, 25 January 2021: Police, firefighters stood by for an hour as ultra-Orthodox mob torched bus, Jerusalem Post, 25 January 2021: Haredi protests in Jerusalem continue against light rail construction, Haaretz, 26 January 2021: The ultra-Orthodox Street Has Been Ablaze for 5 Days, and Rabbis Can’t Stop the Flames, Jerusalem Post, 26 January 2021: Haredi rioters clash with police over lockdown enforcement, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2021: Israel’s ultra-Orthodox and the future of the state, Times of Israel, 27 January 2021: Enfeebled and enraged, Haredi society feels forsaken on all sides, Jerusalem Post, 27 January 2021: Police warn hassidic communities not to hold Tu Bishvat celebrations, Jerusalem Post, 28 January 2021: Understanding haredi defiance to COVID-19 regulations – opinion, CNN, 29 January 2021: Violence and slurs from some of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jews in battle over coronavirus lockdowns, Jewish Chronicle, 29 January 2021: The Charedi mindset is no excuse for this behaviour, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2021: Oholei Menachem – The Chabad school blazing a trail with secular subjects, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2021: It is time for the Ultra-Orthodox to be drafted by the IDF, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2021: Haredi Jews in London hold illegal weddings regularly, Haaretz, 31 January 2021: This Picture Shows How Israel’s COVID Battle Is Spiraling Out of Control, Times of Israel, 31 January 2021: For 2nd time in day, thousands attend funeral of rabbi, flouting lockdown rules, Haaretz, 31 January 2021: For Second Time in One Day, Thousands Attend Funeral of ultra-Orthodox Rabbi in Jerusalem, Jerusalem Post, 31 January 2021: Thousands break COVID rules at Rabbi Meshulam Soloveitchik’s funeral, Haaretz, 31 January 2021: Shameless Netanyahu Turns a Blind Eye to ultra-Orthodox Anarchy, Haaretz, Post, 1 February 2021: Netanyahu’s Partnership With the ultra-Orthodox Is Facing Its Greatest Challenge Yet, Times of Israel, 1 February 2021: Organizers of mass Jerusalem funerals said summoned for police questioning, Haaretz, 1 February 2021: Rabbi’s Funeral Amid COVID Lockdown Makes a Mockery of Israelis’ Trust in Gov’t, Times of Israel, 2 February 2021: Ten thousand flout rules in Tamra at funeral of student slain in police shootout, Jerusalem Post, 3 February 2021: Orthodox Jewry reels as rabbis die during COVID-19 pandemic, Haaretz, 3 February 2021: U.S. Chabad Rabbi Fired for Barrage of Anti-vaccine Social Media Posts, Times of Israel, 3 February 2021: Anti-vaxxer rabbi fired by Chabad over social media posts, Jerusalem Post, 3 February 2021: Coronavirus: Gov’t fails to meet on lockdown as cases remain high, Haaretz, 4 February 2021: How the Haredi Street Turned Racist and Ultra-nationalist, Times of Israel, 7 February 2021: Thousands pack Bnei Brak streets for funeral of senior rabbi who died of COVID, Jerusalem Post, 8 February 2021: 10,000 mourners gather for funeral of senior ultra-Orhtodox rabbi, Times of Israel, 10 February 2021: Israeli Society and the Haredim: A Turning Point?, Times of Israel, 12 February 2021: 15,000 Muslim worshipers pack Temple Mount in defiance of COVID restrictions, Haaretz, 13 February 2021: Can Israel Force People to Get Vaccinated for COVID? Legal Experts Weigh In, France24, 15 February 2021: Israel study touts Pfizer jab’s effectiveness as country fights Covid disinformation, BBC, 15 February 2021: Covid-19: Vaccine as good in ‘real world’ as in trial in Israel, CNN, 15 February 2021: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine sharply reduces symptomatic Covid-19 in the real world, Israeli researchers say, The New York Times, 17 February 2021: ‘How Many Funerals Will Come Out of This One?’, DW, 17 February 2021: COVID-19: Israel’s vaccination drive hits stumbling blocks, The New York Times, 17 February 2021: As Ultra-Orthodox Defy Israel’s Rules, Virus Exacts a Grim Toll., The Guardian, 19 February 2021: Vaccinated people to enjoy bars and hotels with ‘green pass’, DW, 20 February 2021: Vaccine prevents 98.9% of COVID-19 deaths — Israel, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2021: Coronavirus: Haredi, Arab cities had high unemployment during lockdown, Haaretz, 22 February 2021: Coronavirus Israel Live: Bill to Give Authorities Details of Unvaccinated Citizens Passes First Vote, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2021: Buy one, get jabbed free: IKEA, Big offer vaccines to shoppers, DW, 24 February 2021: Israel launches ‘green pass’ for vaccinated people, Haaretz, 24 February 2021: Drop in Israel’s COVID Infection Rates Comes to a Halt, Raising Concerns of Renewed Outbreak, CBS News, 25 February 2021: New law lets Israeli Health Ministry share personal info of citizens who decline COVID vaccine, Times of Israel, 26 February 2021: Police break up over 100 parties, give 2,500 fines on 1st night of Purim curfew, Times of Israel, 27 February 2021: Traffic to Jerusalem blocked on 3rd night of Purim curfew to curb virus spread, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2021: Passover reliefs could be at risk as thousands break Purim guidelines, Times of Israel, 27 February 2021: More illegal Purim partying Saturday as hundreds converge on Jaffa Flea Market, Times of Israel, 27 February 2021: Gantz, opposition scrutinize claim Haredim let into Israel while secular denied, Times of Israel, 28 February 2021: After Purim breaches, Health Ministry said to weigh delay in easing restrictions, Jerusalem Post, 28 February 2021: COVID crisis: Amid scenes of mass Purim gathering, ‘R’ approaches 1, Times of Israel, 28 February 2021: Mass gatherings in Jerusalem as thousands get together for banned Purim parties, Haaretz, 2 March 2021: Israel Rolls Out ‘Green Passport’ for Vaccinated. It’s a Security Disaster, Jerusalem Post, 4 March 2021: COVID-19: Haredim drift further from Israeli mainstream – opinion, Haaretz, 4 March 2021: Black Death Weakened the Catholic Church. COVID-19 Will Do the Same for Israel’s Rabbis, Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: As transmission rate rises above 1, virus czar says 4th lockdown a possibility, France24, 5 March 2021: Glimpse of normalcy: Hundreds of vaccinated Israelis attend Tel Aviv concert, Times of Israel, 5 March 2021: Tel Aviv hosts its first ‘Green Pass’ concert for the vaccinated, Jerusalem Post, 6 March 2021: Most red cities are Arab and Druze, says Arab sector commissioner, Haaretz, 7 March 2021: Israel Reopens Restaurants, Venues for Vaccinated, Lifts Restrictions on Arrivals, Times of Israel, 7 March 2021: Poll: Only 30% of Israelis see Arabs, ultra-Orthodox as integral part of society, Arab News, 7 March 2021: With many vaccinated, Israel reopens economy before election, Haaretz, 9 March 2021: The Weekend COVID-19 Changed the Jewish World Forever, Jerusalem Post, 11 March 2021: Coronavirus and the haredim: By the numbers, Times of Israel, 12 March 2021: Netanyahu speaks to Ukrainian leader, vows to renew Hassidic pilgrimages to Uman, Jerusalem Post, 12 March 2021: We must stop enabling haredi domination of religion and state – opinion, The Algemeiner, 13 March 2021: Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Jews Get COVID Vaccine But Still Face Resentment, Jerusalem Post, 13 March 2021: Quebec’s Hasidic Jewish community submits challenge on COVID-19 curfew, Jerusalem Post, 18 March 2021: Coronavirus: Israel’s rule-breakers defend their right to party, Jerusalem Post, 18 March 2021: Israel post-COVID-19: Haredi integration or end of liberal democracy?, Haaretz, 19 March 2021: Coronavirus Israel Live: Cases Continue Decline as Nearly Half of Israelis Fully Vaccinated, Jerusalem Post, 21 March 2021: COVID-19: Israel’s tourism industry renovates for post-pandemic tourists, The Algemeiner, 26 March 2021: Israel Relaxes Into a Passover Much Freer of COVID Closures Than Last Year, Times of Israel, 27 March 2021: For Israelis, this year, Passover marks a celebration of freedom from virus, Israel Hayom, 2 April 2021: Christians mark Good Friday in Jerusalem as pandemic winds down, The New York Times, 3 April 2021: ‘Like a Miracle’: Israel’s Vaccine Success Allows Easter Crowds in Jerusalem, New York Post, 3 April 2021: Easter crowds return to Jerusalem as more than half of Israel has been vaccinated, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2021: Pfizer halts corona vaccine shipments to Israel after country fails to pay, Al Araby, 5 April 2021: Pfizer suspends Covid-19 vaccine shipments after ‘banana republic’ Israel fails to pay (in this case, the categorization “banana republic” comes from a friend of Israel – mentioned only for a better understanding of the statement), Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: Coronavirus damage on economy is four times worse than 2008 crisis, Times of Israel, 9 April 2021: Pfizer said to warn Israel: Pay up or go to the back of vaccine line, The Atlantic, 9 April 2021: Hasidic, Devout, and Mad as Hell About COVID-19, Haaretz, 11 April 2021: Why Are 700,000 Doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine Meant for Israel Being Held Up?, Al Arabiya, 13 April 2021: Israel reopening to foreign tourists after year-long break (several decades ago I promised to go on vacation to Israel and Palestine as soon as there was a viable peace agreement between the parties to the dispute and a lasting two-state solution. Back then, both were much closer than people can imagine today. Since then, however, both sides have contributed to the considerable deterioration of the initial situation, so that the promise made will probably outlive me. Somehow it’s a shame, but it’s not the first time that politics has put a stop to vacation plannings. Due to Corona, in addition almost all professional projects had to be abandoned. But the latter doesn’t have to be bad. The subsequent “re-sorting” after Corona can result in other constellations, so that previously unrealizable projects can appear more feasible. Movement in the political landscape of Israel can also favor this after the crippling Netanyahu years. This remains to be seen and is expected to become more visible from 2022 on), Jerusalem Post, 16 April 2021: Hasidic pilgrimage worries Hungarian villagers under COVID strain, Jerusalem Post, 17 April 2021: Leader of anti-Zionist haredi group Neturei Karta dies from coronavirus, NPR, 22 April 2021: How Israel Persuaded Reluctant Ultra-Orthodox Jews To Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19, Times of Israel, 6 May 2021: European Union recommends reopening to Israeli tourists, Haaretz, 7 May 2021: Does Anyone Really Care About the Haredim?, Forbes, 24 May 2021: Hit Hard By The Pandemic, Orthodox Jews Are Choosing The Covid-19 Vaccine, Jerusalem Post, 29 May 2021: NYC initiative partners with communities to fight hate crime, antisemitism, Haaretz, 22 June 2021: PM Bennett: Israel Facing ‘New Coronavirus Outbreak’, Times of Israel, 22 June 2021: Bennett urges Israelis not to travel abroad amid rise in COVID infections, Haaretz, 22 June 2021: Explained: Is Israel Facing Another COVID-19 Wave as the Delta Variant Spreads?, Jerusalem Post, 27 June 2021: Coronavirus in Israel: Cabinet convenes to discuss new restrictions, Times of Israel, 10 July 2021: Israel said likely to delay reopening borders to most tourists until September, Haaretz, 17 July 2021: Daily COVID Infections in Israel Top 1,000, Serious Cases Climb, Times of Israel, 17 July 2021: Over 1,000 COVID cases recorded Friday in nearly 4-month high, Haaretz, 18 July 2021: Israel Toughens COVID Restrictions as Delta Infections Rise, Times of Israel, 26 July 2021: US advises unvaccinated to avoid travel to Israel amid surge in virus cases, The Algemeiner, 29 July 2021: Israel’s ‘Green Passport’ Takes Effect Again Amid Latest Coronavirus Outbreak, Times of Israel, 29 July 2021: NYC mayor calls on Jews to get vaccinated in time for Rosh Hashanah, Times of Israel, 30 July 2021: ‘Nazi murderer’: Anti-vaxxers protest outside senior health official’s home, CNN, 5 August 2021: Israelis told to ‘stop embracing’, elderly urged to get booster as Covid-19 cases spike, Haaretz, 5 August 2021: Talk of a Another COVID Lockdown Is Sending Tremors Through the Israeli Economy, Haaretz, 9 August 2021: U.S. Adds Israel to Highest COVID Risk Level, Urges Americans to Avoid Travel, Haaretz, 11 August 2021: Guess Who’s Fueling Israel’s Disastrous COVID Anti-vaxxer Movement?, The National, 12 August 2021: Israel tightens coronavirus restrictions as new cases surge, Haaretz, 16 August 2021: Why So Many anti-Bibi Protesters Have Become COVID Anti-vaxxers, Haaretz, 16 August 2021: Flouting Travel Recommendations, Netanyahu Spotted Sitting Atop Luggage Trolley in San Francisco Airport, Haaretz, 17 August 2021: Australians Outraged After Jewish Family Defies COVID Rules for Engagement Party, The National, 18 August 2021: Israel tightens restrictions as virus cases leap, Haaretz, 18 August 2021: As Israel’s COVID War Reaches Critical Stage, Bennett Has Many Dilemmas but Few Answers. Times of Israel, 18 August 2021: Bennett pushes vaccines over lockdown as serious cases hit 5-month high, Haaretz, 18 August 2021: Israel’s COVID Delta Wave Seemed to Skip the ultra-Orthodox. Then Their Schools Reopened, Haaretz, 22 August 2021: Israel’s Public Hospitals Say They Won’t Take in More COVID Patients, Times of Israel, 22 August 2021: Nearly 200 COVID deaths reported in past week, but booster data raises hopes, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2021: Anti-vaxxer causes mass-infection in special needs kindergarten, Jerusalem Post, 23 August 2021: All major haredi centers now corona red cities, Haaretz, 25 August 2021: Serious COVID Cases in Israel Plateau; Antibody Testing for Children Halted, Jerusalem Post, 30 August 2021: Country sees 7,000 COVID deaths since start of pandemic, Times of Israel, 30 August 2021: Israel’s COVID death toll passes 7,000; over 500 felled by virus in August alone, Haaretz, 31 August 2021: Only 16% of West Bank, Gaza Adults Got Two Shots of COVID Vaccine, The Guardian, 31 August 2021: Coronavirus Israel registers record daily coronavirus cases, Times of Israel, 31 August 2021: With tests and masks, some 2.5 million kids return to school despite COVID surge, Haaretz, 31 August 2021: Israel Gambles on Success of COVID Booster Campaign as Schools Reopen, Times of Irael, 1 September 2021: Police officers assaulted after asking bus passenger to put mask on, Times of Israel, 3 September 2021: Portugal, Sweden slap COVID entry ban on Israelis, including those vaccinated, Al Arabiya, 4 September 2021: Israel’s COVID-19 adviser calls country to prepare for a fourth booster vaccine shot, Times of Israel, 5 September 2021: Israel to reopen borders to some vaccinated tourist groups in two weeks, Arab News, 6 September 2021: Israel to reopen for small foreign tour groups, Jerusalem Post, 8 September 2021: COVID lockdown: Crowd at Australian synagogue fined for gathering, Times of Israel, 9 September 2021: Dozens of infected pilgrims caught returning from Uman with faked negative tests, Jerusalem Post, 10 September 2021: COVID from Uman: 156 returnees test positive, says Health Ministry, Haaretz, 20 September 2021: After Pilgrimage, Ukraine Becomes Israel’s Top Source of Imported COVID Cases, Times of Israel, 1 October 2021: Cabinet scraps remaining ‘red’ countries, allowing Israelis to travel anywhere, Jerusalem Post, 4 October 2021: Tourism Ministry working to allow visitors into Israel from November, Jerusalem Post, 4 October 2021: Coronavirus: Serious patients, hospitalizations at lowest since August, Haaretz, 4 October 2021: Israel Hits Record Number of COVID Patients Hooked to Life-saving ECMO Machines, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2021: Israeli hospitals: Hundreds of med students march in support of resident resignations, Times of Israel, 17 October 2021: Virus czar warns against easing COVID restrictions too quickly, fearing 5th wave, Jerusalem Post, 17 October 2021: Coronavirus in Israel: Less than 1,000 new cases in 24 hours, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: Antisemitism should be challenged everywhere and everytime (“..just as we saw random violent attacks on Orthodox Jews in the US.” – one possibility for this would be, for example, not to provide a reason for it. In particular, the ultra-Orthodox in New York, London and other places behaved like the last cavemen by ignoring all Covid-19 measures and thus putting their fellow human beings in mortal danger. Deaths as a result of Covid-19 infections were even celebrated like martyrs. Only then did attacks on this population group occur – also in Israel, by the way. In this article, cause and effect are deliberately twisted), Jerusalem Post, 28 October 2021: Police investigates anti-vaxxers’ threats against senior health official, Times of Israel, 1 November 2021: How vaccinated tourists can now enter Israel: The full guide, Haaretz, 1 November 2021: Israel’s New Entry Rules for Tourists Cause Chaos. What You Need to Know, Haaretz, 3 November 2021: Israel’s Buggy Opening: Travelers Grapple With a Busted System, Haaretz, 4 November 2021: Israel Is So Happy to Have Tourists Back, It’s Even Being Nice to Them, Times of Israel, 6 November 2021: ‘It goes to some very dark places’: Health expert on rising threats against her, DW, 11 November 2021: Israel’s bet on early COVID booster shots pays off, Jerusalem Post, 14 November 2021: New York man tells hometown of his desire to run over Jews (things are getting more and more absurd. So now it’s about who has the right to walk safely along a street at night and who doesn’t? While I can fully understand that parts of the non-Jewish population are very angry about parts of the ultra-orthodox communities and especially their unacceptable behavior during the corona restrictions, this is no reason to run over someone), Jerusalem Post, 20 November 2021: As COVID infection rises, Bennett to evaluate holding Hanukkah events, Times of Israel, 20 November 2021: Some signs of COVID rise continue as reproduction rate climbs to 1.02, Haaretz, 23 November 2021: Experts: Vaccine Immunity Waning, Signs Israel Facing Fifth COVID Wave, Forward, 26 November 2021: Israel bars travelers from Africa as new COVID variant puts country ‘on the verge of a state of emergency’, Jerusalem Post, 26 November 2021: Israel bans foreigners from entering country to stop Omicron variant, Haaretz, 30 November 2021: Moderna CEO Raises Vaccine Efficacy Doubts Against Omicron: ‘I Think It’s Going to Be a Material Drop’, Times of Israel, 1 December 2021: Gov’t adviser: ‘Truly don’t know’ if travel ban will end in time for winter tourism, Jerusalem Post, 7 December 2021: Israel hits highest number of COVID cases in weeks, Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2021: Antisemitic hate crimes in New York increased by nearly 50% since 2020 (unpleasant but expected, especially since there were often backlashes to the blatant misconduct and non-compliance of some Haredi communities during corona measures that turned into super spreader events. One does not justify the other, but it is understandable nonetheless. Anyone who sees their life threatened by others defends themselves), Jerusalem Post, 10 December 2021: Israel begins fifth COVID wave with 55 Omicron cases confirmed, Haaretz, 12 December 2021: How Vaccinated Really Is Israel? Over 40 Percent at Risk From Omicron Variant, Times of Israel, 14 December 2021: Minister Liberman, you don’t want us to retrain, Haaretz, 14 December 2021: Once a World Leader, Israel Lags Behind on COVID Vaccinations, Haaretz, 16 December 2021: For Israel’s Tourism Industry, the Latest COVID Scare Is Only One Problem, Jerusalem Post, 17 December 2021: Avi Nissenkorn: Don’t sacrifice the tourism industry for COVID-19, Haaretz, 18 December 2021: Israel Bought Time Against Omicron, but Is Shooting Itself in the Foot, Jerusalem Post, 18 December 2021: One Israeli family causes mass Omicron outbreak – here’s how, Haaretz, 19 December 2021: Bennett Warns ‘Fifth Wave Arriving’ as 17 Suspected Omicron Cases Found on Flight From U.S., Forward, 21 December 2021: Jewish studies scholars gather under the shadow of Omicron, heartening many and rankling others, Forward, 21 December 2021: Fighting anti-vaxxers among Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jews, nurses write a 140-page rebuttal (if you look at the behavior during the previous corona waves, then that won’t help. The simpletons among the ultra-Orthodox celebrated each other as martyrs when they were infected with Covid-19, although they were well informed about Corona and its consequences), France24, 22 December 2021: Israel announces 4th Covid jab for over-60s, medics to curb Omicron, The Algemeiner, 22 December 2021: Israel to Offer Fourth Covid Shot to People Over 60, Haaretz, 23 December 2021: COVID in Israel: Infection Rate Reaches Four-month Peak, Khaleej Times, 25 December 2021: Israel orders Pfizer’s new at-home Covid-19 treatment pill, Haaretz, 25 December 2021: Confirmed Omicron Carriers in Israel Double Over Weekend; Serious COVID Cases Remain Stable, Jerusalem Post, 25 December 2021: ‘Israel could be completely unprotected against COVID-19 in a month’ – report, Haaretz, 26 December 2021: Despite Omicron, Israel Allows Potential Superspreader Events: ‘Dangerous Situation’, Times of Israel, 27 December 2021: New daily COVID cases climb above 2,000 as hospitals brace for surge, Haaretz, 27 December 2021: Government Warns of COVID Catastrophe – and Israelis Are Out Partying, Jerusalem Post, 30 December 2021: COVID-19: Outdoor mask mandate for over 50 comes into effect – Ash, Jerusalem Post, 1 January 2022: COVID: Israel tops 5,000 new cases, 100 serious patients, Haaretz, 3 January 2022: Israel’s Omicron Strategy Makes Sense but Still Looks Like a Mess, Forward, 3 January 2022: Israel to begin administering 4th coronavirus shot to medical workers and adults over 60, Haaretz, 3 January 2022: Israel Doesn’t Have a ‘Herd Immunity’ Policy, COVID Czar Says, BBC, 3 January 2022: Covid: Israel Omicron spike could bring herd immunity but with risks – health boss, Times of Israel, 4 January 2022: Daily COVID cases surge past 10,000, near all-time record, Haaretz, 5 January 2022: PCR or Antigen, and What About the Unvaxxed: Israel’s New COVID Testing Rules, Explained, Times of Israel, 6 January 2022: For 2nd day in row, new daily COVID-19 cases hit all-time high: 16,115, Times of Israel, 6 January 2022: Israel to open up international travel as COVID spike renders ban obsolete, Haaretz, 9 January 2022: Israel’s Battle Against Omicron Turns to Chaos, Testing Public’s Patience, Times of Israel, 9 January 2022: Bennett appeals for ‘patience’ amid public dismay over shifting, unclear COVID rules, Haaretz, 10 January 2022: Tourists Return to Israel, Exactly When Omicron Takes Over the Country, Times of Israel, 11 January 2022: Bennett vows to keep economy open ‘as much as possible’ during Omicron wave, Haaretz, 11 January 2022: Israel Saved Billions by Forgoing a Lockdown. Now It’s Paying the Price, Jerusalem Post, 12 January 2022: COVID: Almost 5,000 health staff in quarantine as cases rise by 44,000, Times of Israel, 12 January 2022: 10% of Knesset absent due to virus as COVID spreads among lawmakers, The National, 15 January 2022: Israel’s Covid-19 situation and the lessons learnt, Jerusalem Post, 19 January 2022: Israel passes 2 million COVID-19 cases since pandemic began, Times of Israel, 20 January 2022: Israel world #1 in daily COVID cases per capita; exposed schoolkids won’t quarantine, Khaleej Times, 21 January 2022: Israel is waiting to welcome Emirati tourists, says country’s first ambassador to the UAE, Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Israel sees 70,000 new COVID cases, with 638 hospitalized in serious condition, Haaretz, 21 January 2022: COVID in Israel: Serious Cases Double in a Week as Country Braces for Omicron Peak, Jerusalem Post, 24 January 2022: COVID-19 in Israel: Serious cases increase tenfold in span of a month, continue to rise, Jerusalem Post, 28 January 2022: Israel among ‘populist’ nations which mishandled pandemic in 2020, Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2022: COVID-19: Israel passes 1,000 serious cases as R rate drops to 1.01, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2022: Is Israel’s tourism recovering or will it remain in a slump?, The Algemeiner, 5 February 2022: Israel: Highest Number of Serious Covid Cases Since Start of Pandemic, Times of Israel, 20 February 2022: Israel to open to unvaccinated tourists starting March 1, The National, 20 February 2022: Israel opens borders to unvaccinated tourists, Times of Israel, 21 February 2022: Israel’s COVID death toll crosses 10,000 as fifth wave wanes, Haaretz, 19 March 2022: COVID in Israel Expanding Again, Data Shows, in First in Two Months, Haaretz, 29 March 2022: Coming to Israel? Here’s What’s New Since You Last Visited, Times of Israel, 19 April 2022: After two years, Israel scrapping indoor mask mandate from Saturday night, The Algemeiner, 20 April 2022: Israel Scraps Indoor COVID-19 Mask Order for Second Time, Times of Israel, 23 April 2022: Israel’s indoor mask mandate ends after two years, Haaretz, 7 May 2022: Anti-vaxxers Wanted to Turn Their Backs on Society. COVID Was Just an Excuse, Jerusalem Post, 8 May 2022: COVID-19 in Israel: PCR testing system at airport set to end, no longer required, Haaretz, 31 May 2022: Israel to Lift Isolation Requirement for COVID Carriers Next Month, Haaretz, 7 June 2022: COVID Cases on the Rise Again, and Israel Urges At-risk Population to Wear Masks Indoors, Times of Israel, 12 June 2022: Key COVID-19 reproduction figure hits 3-month high as renewed outbreak intensifies, Times of Israel, 1 July 2022: After 2 pandemic years, global tourism industry itching for ‘revenge travel’ summer, Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2022: Moshe Feiglin: Those under 30 need to avoid COVID-19 vaccine like fire, Times of Israel, 11 August 2022: Tourism levels continue climb toward pre-COVID records, COVID-19 pandemic in Israel – should the losses in tourism actually be as severe as feared by the tourism association, it would have the advantage that the implementation of the plan to signpost the public space in English and provide information from authorities, public offices and economic development agencies, especially for investors, in English, could be started with emphasis, because then the time would be there and well used to be prepared for the 2021 season. The plan was developed around the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv 2019, but has not yet got going). As soon as larger violent clashes occur in the region, European tourists traditionally stay away for some years before the numbers recover. In order to be better able to absorb the associated drop in turnover, the tourism authority has began to market the country as a tourism destination in Asia (especially in China and Japan). So far with moderate success. In principle, it should be differentiated between religious package tourism and individual tourism. While religious package tourism reaches its capacity limits several times a year, individual tourists can choose from a wide range and number of overnight stays all year round) in tourism, which is an important part of the country’s economy. This and all other negative trends in the economy are reflected in the national accounts in a timely manner. Neither North America nor the EU are interested in it, especially as it has taken many years of time, effort and billions of taxpayers’ money to get the country where it is right now. BDS activists should be aware that their own additional tax money will eventually be used to close the gap in Israel’s state budget given because of boycott measures. Not to discriminate Palestinians, but to permanently secure the survival of the state of Israel, regardless of the sensitivities and often very problematic policies of the respective Israeli governments. When looking at the import figures from Israel to the EU, then the numbers are so small, that a boycott would be a little suitable means anyway. If, for example, selling all Israeli-imported products and services in Germany through retail and online retail (which is not possible because they are often intermediate goods that become part of end-products), it would take less than a day to sell all of them, leaving over 310 more sales days for selling truly in-demand products and services. With usual consumption as an average consumer one will rather come in contact with products from Israel by coincidence than wanted. Kosher products are usually produced at a distance of less than 300 kilometers from the own place of residence (or are from US-American productions than from Israeli ones), consumer electronics (computers, notebooks, tablets, cell phones, smart phones, etc.) is predominantly made in China. The processors from the US manufacturer Intel are produced in the US and Malaysia (Haaretz, 18 March 2019: Israel’s Intel Computer Chip Sales to China Jump by 80 Percent). The list can be continued indefinitely. In view of the tiny import figures from Israel, the question is what sense a boycott should have, when you first have to search for products from Israel for two weeks straight, and then rejoice “HA! I will not buy this”, except that, after this procedure, one should perhaps think about a medical review of his/her own state of mind (if the sales person does not call an emergency doctor as a precaution – Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2019: Comedian Bill Maher calls BDS ‘a bulls**t purity test’)? The Israeli government has reacted furiously to BDS. Among other things, since this year, people who want to boycott Israel, products from Israel and from the Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories or who want to prevent international social, cultural, scientific and sporting cooperation with Israel are no longer allowed to enter Israel (Haaretz, 7 January 2018: Israel Publishes BDS Blacklist: These Are the 20 Groups Whose Members Will Be Denied Entry). From an international point of view, this is amusing, because someone who wants to boycott Israel as a whole, will hardly travel the country or at least doesn’t understand the concept of a boycott if he/she still intends to do so (in addition, the Israeli government provides another reason for those who don’t want to travel to Israel: “As a government critic, they don’t let me in anyway”). However, this is problematic in that many Jewish activists, particularly from North America and the EU (in part with second homes in Israel), are campaigning for a boycott of products from the occupied territories, hoping for a support for the two-state solution and in doing so are affected by the entry ban as well. By doing so, the Israeli government has recently given up the Israeli status of being the “home of all Jews” in favor of restrictions on freedom of expression and consumer freedom in order to deny access to the land, especially demanded by right-wing Israelis, to so-called self-hating Jews. Some states of the Western Community have adopted their own regulations to make BDS activities more difficult. This includes the excluding of companies from public contracts when they are supporting BDS campaigns. In addition, there are some political parties and associations that have published symbolic statements without any practical relevance against BDS. Finally, the question need to be asked as to whether the goals set by BDS can be achieved through boycott measures? The answer turns out to the disadvantage of BDS. In particular, agricultural production in the occupied territories is to a certain extent Israel’s illegal fruit and vegetable garden, with the help of which the self-sufficiency base is strengthened (due to irresponsible high water extractions from the Jordan, the inflow of the Dead Sea, by Israel for agricultural purposes, the water level of the Dead Sea has dropped by 40 meters and continues to drop by at least a meter per year, which is why large parts of the bank on the Palestinian and Israeli sides have already been blocked for public access, which, of course, has significant negative consequences for tourism). So if a few pounds of oranges, tomatoes, aubergines or a few bottles of Syrian wine from the Golan Heights are sold less abroad, the products are being sold in markets in Israel. Often technical products and services are part of international supply chains that will not be interrupted unless alternative solutions have been set up, but they are not even sought because of a short to medium-term phenomenon like BDS. It is certainly not pleasing if a few musical events or theatrical performances have been canceled in the country and will continue so in the future, but a resounding success would look quite different. In particular, BDS wanted to pressure the Israli government. In the face of the partially blind activism of the Netanyahu government, this has worked in part (Netanyahu should be nominated by BDS for the “best employee of all time” and “honorary member for life”, because without him and his supporters (especially (Counter) Propaganda Minister Gilad Erdan, official job title: Minister of Strategic Affairs and Hasbara – Haaretz, 9 January 2018: Israel Sets Up Secret Firm With Top Ex-generals, Envoys for Online ‘Mass Awareness’ Campaign ‘To Fight Delegitimization’, Haaretz, 2 May 2019: Stop Trying to Justify Israel, Times of Israel, 3 June 2019: Netanyahu said to offer UN ambassador post to Gilad Erdan, Jewish Internet Defense Force (JIDF), Jewish Defense League (JDL), Israel Hayom, 8 August 2019: A new diplomatic arena) BDS would never have gotten as much international publicity (would a sample survey be done in Germany and the question would be ask “What do you think of BDS?”, the majority would probably answer “I haven’t heard of this soccer club yet. In which league class are they playing?”) and success, as it is now the case worldwide – Haaretz, 16 December 2018: BDS Isn’t anti-Semitic, Says Gideon Levy. Listen to Our Podcast, While It’s Still Legal). However, the given results look completely different than they were thought out in the beginning. In fact, the right-wing government emerges strengthened from the scene by communicating always the same, as hackneyed as it is inaccurate, “The whole world is against us” image (even the results of the annual Eurovision Song Contest points in the opposite direction in 2018 – The Guardian, 7 September 2018: Boycott Eurovision Song Contest hosted by Israel, The Guardian, 29 January 2019: British cultural figures urge BBC to boycott Eurovision in Israel, Haaretz, 30 January 2019: British cultural figures urge BBC to boycott Eurovision in Israel, Times of Israel, 4 May 2019: UN envoy says working with Egypt in bid to end Gaza fighting, France24, 5 May 2019: Hamas commander killed as violence in Israel, Gaza intensifies, The New York Times, 5 May 2019: Clashes Between Israel and Gaza Intensify as Death Toll Rises, The Washington Post, 5 May 2019: Death toll rises as Gaza militants fire more than 500 rockets into Israel and Israel responds with airstrikes, Times of Israel, 5 May 2019: Not Gaza’s toy? 7 things to know for May 5, Haaretz, 5 May 2019: Eurovision Ticket Sales Low, Less Tourists Flock to Israel as Gaza Flare-up Refuses to Simmer Down, Guardian, 7 May 2019: Israel says it will not allow in activists planning to ‘disturb’ Eurovision, Palestine Chronicle, 10 May 2019: Announcing ‘Gazavision’, Gaza Artists Call for Boycott of Eurovision 2019, Haaretz, 10 May 2019: BDS = Beautiful, Diverse, Sensational: Israel Fights Eurovision Boycott Campaign Using Google Ads, Times of Israel, 11 May 2019: Israel quietly launches online anti-BDS campaign ahead of Eurovision, PNN, 11 May 2019: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Israeli occupation exploits the “Eurovision” to consolidate its colonialism, Independent, 11 May 2019: Nakba Day: What is the ‘Day of Catastrophe’ observed by Palestinians and why do marchers wave keys? (Nakba Day), Times of Israel, 14 May 2019: Anti-occupation billboard greets Eurovision visitors to Israel, The New York Times, 14 May 2019: Eurovision Arrives in Tel Aviv, in Range of Rockets and the Focus of Protests, Haaretz, 15 May 2019: 10,000 Gazans Gather for Nakba Day, 60 Injured by Israeli Fire, Times of Israel, 15 May 2019: Thousands of Palestinians mark ‘Nakba’ with Gaza protests, West Bank marches, Haaretz, 16 May 2019: Hosting Eurovision Doesn’t Make Israel Part of Europe, Times of Israel, 16 May 2019: Eurovision, the kitsch song extravaganza, may be coming to America, Jerusalem Post, 16 May 2019: My word: Roger Waters and the dark side of BDS, Times of Israel, 17 May 2019: Syria says Israel carried out strike, claims to intercept missiles, Haaretz, 18 May 2019: Syrian Air Defenses Intercepted Projectiles Fired From Israel, State Media Reports, The Guardian, 18 May 2019: Eurovision finals to air in Tel Aviv in politically charged contest, France24, 19 May 2019: Netherlands mulls host city for Eurovision 2020, The Guardian, 19 May 2019: Eurovision song contest 2019 won by the Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence, The Washington Post, 19 May 2019: The Netherlands wins Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, Haaretz, 19 May 2019: Madonna Surprises Eurovision With Palestinian Flag on Dancer’s Back, Times of Israel, 19 May 2019: Madonna politicizes Eurovision with 2 dancers wearing Israeli, Palestinian flags, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2019: Madonna, Iceland, include Palestinian flags at Eurovision, Times of Israel, 19 May 2019: Politics (mostly) kept off center stage as Israel hosts Eurovision mega-event, The Guardian, 19 May 2019: There should be nothing wrong in waving Palestinian flags at Eurovision, Haaretz, 19 May 2019: Netanyahu Refused to Fund the Eurovision but Reaps Its Fruits (Roger Waters and the BDS crew should take a closer look, because this is how it is done: You do not boycott the event, but use it instead to bring your concerns (Madonna) to the attention of around 200 million viewers. With positive messages you can change things. Of course, like Waters and BDS, you can just have a bad day instead, but that doesn’t change the overall problem at all – Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2020: Roger Waters sings: ‘We’ll take back the land, from the Jordan to the sea’), Haaretz, 20 May 2019: Madonna Surprises Eurovision With Palestinian Flag on Dancer’s Back, Haaretz, 20 may 2019: After Eurovision, Israel Is Hoping for Tourism Boom – almost funny again that for a year a huge political issue was made from the Eurovision, recently underlain with rocket fire, in order to achieve that the competition does not take place, while even before the confrontation hardly anyone has been interested in a visit (hoteliers expect 5,000 to 15,000 visitors. The state had predicted over 100,000 visitors. By comparison, the 2019 Port of Hamburg birthday party was once again visited by just over 1 million visitors from all over the world). There are still tickets for the final and the ticket sale for the semi-finals has been canceled because hardly tickets can be sold for it), which its followers are all to willingly want to believe. At the same time, the already not very strong and clearly fragmented opposition has been further weakened, that is, the forces that have great sympathy for BDS ideas, demand a peace treaty at eye level and the two-state solution, and therefore rely on domestic and international support to replace the current governing coalition. BDS seeks to block these supportive measures, presumably unknowingly, and thereby blocks itself, while the governing coalition in turn hardens the opposition’s thumbscrews. Since the founding of the BDS movement, Israel has steadily increased its international trade, but not to the extent that Netanyahu dreams off. Apparently, as a result of feverish relapses, he has recently fabled that the country would be competing with the world’s major economies (Haaretz, 15 July 2019: OECD Report: Israel Hasn’t Closed GDP Gap With Top Western Economies, Times of Israel, 22 July 2019: Is Netanyahu an economic wizard? The numbers beg to differ), while completely hiding that his country is still dependent on international economic and military aid (Haaretz, 19 December 2018: Israel’s Crusade Against BDS Comes at the Cost of Its Own Democracy, Irish Times, 23 January 2019: Focus on Independent Alliance over occupied territories Bill, Haaretz, 18 March 2019: In Europe, the BDS Movement Is Weaker Than Its Image Would Lead One to Believe and Gulf News, 31 March 2019: Ireland’s case against Israeli colonies needs our support, The New York Times, 29 July 2019: Does Anyone Take the B.D.S. Movement Seriously?, The New York Times, 27 July 2019: Is B.D.S. Anti-Semitic? A Closer Look at the Boycott Israel Campaign, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2019: Discussing what the New York Times got right and wrong about BDS). The corona pandemic has demonstrated how fragile the Israeli economy still really is. Within a very short time, the unemployment rate rose from 4 to over 20%, leaving a trail of devastation (Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: ‘Israel’s strategy failed, economy won’t be able to reopen’, Times of Israel, 5 April 2020: Unemployment in resort city Eilat soars to nearly 70% as virus ravages tourism, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: Employment Service: Unemployment rate reaches 25% of workforce, Jerusalem Post, 5 April 2020: Israeli hi-tech raises record funds, starts to feel coronavirus slowdown).

Obviously, the explanations on the topic of “BDS” lead to confusion from time to time, which is why here is another little trip to botany: A boycott, of whatever kind and against whom, makes no sense at all, because it means ultimately only overtime without actually achieving better results. It is much more important to define clear purchasing strategies. The easiest way to explain this is with the purchasing policy of companies: companies pursue clear goals. These goals are achieved in different ways. This also includes the purchasing policy, which results from the overall and individual goals of a company and are therefore sensibly defined and communicated. The guiding principle should be “think global, act local”. The basic idea behind it is as follows: If a company decides to do business locally, regionally, nationwide or internationally, then it looks for partners at the appropriate level. This, of course, mainly for business reasons. If you want to build a property in Hamburg, it makes no sense to buy the necessary building materials in Tel Aviv. Instead, it makes a lot more sense to buy from manufacturers from the greater Hamburg area. Ideally, you also look for all other partners on site and keep in mind that “If we commission company X with the task Y, they will later be able to place an order for a completely different service with us.” This creates profitable networks for all sides – except, of course, for those who do not belong to these networks, but that is a completely different topic. The same would of course apply in the opposite direction for a new building in Tel Aviv. Other projects require specialized know-how, which is often not available on site, but has to be purchased nationally or internationally, so that a company from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Tehran or Havana might be a possible supplier. Why should this company be excluded from the tender if it can possibly offer the best value for money according to the tender requirements? That makes no sense. It is about finding the best solution for the given challenges. That in turn excludes boycott measures, because how should the best result be achieved if one had already taken the best supplier out of the race in advance?

Ultimately, the same approaches to purchasing policy apply to consumers. Does it make sense to fly in fruits or vegetables from Israel, even though the products in at least the same quality may be produced by the farmer right around the corner or at least within the EU? In the opposite direction: Why should Israelis import fruits or vegetables from the EU if they can be obtained from the fruit and vegetable gardens from the Israeli settlements in Palestine and Syria? The use of common sense is more sensible when it comes to “purchasing” than to be guided by any kind of campaigns/counter-campaigns and from whatever side. Here and there, of course, ethical or moral aspects play a role, whereby these are not guided by emotional / political or zeitgeist approaches and are not one-way roads. Rather, it is about making rational and fact-based investment decisions that generate both tangible and intangible profits in the medium and long term.

That’s one part. The other part is that, of course, Israel, like all other countries, is in the international competition for business settlements, corporate investments and equity/venture capital. The necessary state advertising for this sometimes drives interesting blossoms, like, among other things, equating the medium size city of Tel Aviv (the number of inhabitants is that of cities like Albuquerque, Tucson, Leipzig, Dortmund, Liverpool or Lyon) with serious metropolises such as Berlin, Paris, London, New York, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Singapore, Chongqing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Due to the obvious exaggerations, this ensures regular amusement among the recipients of the advertising messages. In advertising, everything is allowed, which is not prohibited. Filtering out the exaggerations in other areas is less easy, especially since the statements on the alleged “Start-up Nation” (Times of Israel, 23 March 2016: The wolves of Tel Aviv: Israel’s vast, amoral binary options scam exposed, Times of Israel, 5 June 2019: Losing our best minds: Startup Nation sees brain drain, fall in productivity, Times of Israel, 8 May 2020: Israeli-Canadian binary options brothers charged in alleged $233 million scheme, Times of Israel, 25 January 2021: EU firms punching below their weight in Israeli tech scene, report shows (the hostlilities, incitements and hatred towards the EU, that can be found in many comment sections of English-language Israeli newspapers, even coming from Israels political spectrum up to the PM’s office, getting even weirder by the day, is one of the reasons why EU companies and investors aren’t that interested and attracted to establish ties with Israeli companies. Why should this behavior be rewarded with funds and commitments from companies and investors from the EU? Another reason is, that the startup industry within the EU is constantly growing and flourishing for years, so that there aren’t enough or good enough reasons to seek for opportunities in the Middle East), Jerusalem Post, 29 January 2021: ‘Israeli tech successes in the EU? I can’t think of any’, Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2021: Israel’s stigma: A country of prosperity suffers from poverty, Times of Israel, 4 June 2021: Israeli and European police arrest suspects in Israel-run investment fraud, DW, 21 July 2021: Pegasus — the favorite cyber weapon of dictators (no wonder that Netanyahu has massively promoted the exports. After all, he himself has constantly shown that he has no understanding or sympathy for democracy and the rule of law. In addition, he has expressed himself increasingly hostile toward the EU in recent years, so that no one need to be surprised about such actions), Times of Israel, 25 July 2021: Firms like NSO are causing direct harm to Israel, says diaspora affairs minister, CNN, 25 July 2021: Global phone hacks expose darker side of Israel’s ‘startup nation’ image, Times of Israel, 29 July 2021: 2 North America ‘idealistic immigrants’ charged with close to $50 million fraud, Times of Israel, 6 October 2021: 26 alleged forex fraudsters arrested in Tel Aviv in joint investigation with FBI, Haaretz, 20 October 2021: Four Israelis Arrested for Defrauding Millions of Euros From Germans, Times of Israel, 20 October 2021: Police nab 15 in suspected forex investment scam of German citizens, The National, 28 October 2021: Israeli gang caught after theft of millions from German clients in scam, Times of Israel, 29 October 2021: In major shift, Germans begin targeting platforms driving Israel’s online fraud, Times of Israel, 29 October 2021: October surprise: Who’s who in the unprecedented wave of investment scam raids, Haaretz, 4 November 2021: NSO Blacklisting Shows Israel’s Cyber Diplomacy Is a Double-edged Sword, The Washington Post, 5 November 2021: Blacklisting this Israeli spyware firm is only a first step, Haaretz, 6 November 2021: NSO Blacklisting: Global Reckoning Begins for Spyware and Its Tools of Repression, Haaretz, 7 November 2021: Blacklisting Is Not Enough: Democrats Want Sanctions on Israeli Spyware Firm NSO, Times of Israel, 8 November 2021: Report: Palestinian activists’ phones hacked with controversial NSO Group tech, Haaretz, 8 November 2021: NSO Spyware Used Against Palestinian Activists From NGOs Israel Outlawed, Report Says, The Guardian, 16 November 2021: Technology: Israeli firm’s spyware linked to attacks on websites in UK and Middle East, Palestine Chronicle, 17 November 2021: From Pegasus to Blue Wolf: How Israel’s ‘Security’ Experiment in Palestine Became Global, Times of Israel, 3 January 2022: Israeli tech companies raised $25.6 billion in ‘extraordinary’ 2021 — report, Start-up Nation Central, Times of Israel, 18 January 2022: Israel Police accused of using NSO spyware on civilians for years without oversight, Jerusalem Post, 18 January 2022: Knesset asked to probe Israel Police use of NSO spyware on citizens, Times of Israel, 18 January 2022: Comptroller to probe spyware use on citizens, as outraged lawmakers demand inquiry, Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Israel’s Attorney General Asks Police to Explain Use of NSO Spyware, Watchdog Opens Probe, Politico.eu, 18 January 2022: Polish leader under fire over Pegasus hack scandal, Times of Israel, 18 January 2022: Polish chief auditor seeks to question leader over NSO-aided illegal surveillance, Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Police Using Pegasus Spyware Against Israelis Shows: NSO Is an Arm of the State, The Guardian, 18 January 2022: Israel: Citizens targeted by police using Pegasus spyware, report claims, Arab News, 19 January 2022: Israel probes alleged Pegasus use to spy on citizens, Jerusalem Post, 20 January 2022: Half of Israeli stocks on Wall Street are down over 50% – senior analyst, Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: Police chief defiant amid NSO scandal: ‘Some want to harm our crimefighting ability’ (well, when the Chinese Government is doing it to their people, why shouldn’t Israel do it, too?), Times of Israel, 21 January 2022: The NSO scandal should be an earthquake for the Israel Police, Haaretz, 21 January 2022: NSO Scandal: Israel Police Chief Tells Cops Technology Will Still Be Used, Upgraded, The New York Times, 28 January 2022: The Battle for the World’s Most Powerful Cyberweapon, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: Saudi crown prince called Netanyahu to renew kingdom’s NSO spyware license – report, Haaretz, 28 January 2022: NSO Played Key Role in Israel’s Gulf Diplomacy, NYT Finds, Confirming Haaretz Reports, Times of Israel, 28 January 2022: Finland alleges diplomats’ phones hacked with Israeli spyware, DW, 29 January 2022: Pegasus scandal: In Hungary, journalists sue state over spyware, Times of Israel, 30 January 2022: NSO chief calls blacklisting by US ‘an outrage,’ rejects ‘hypocritical’ criticism (well, he got caught and is now trying to blame others. That won’t work), Times of Israel, 3 February 2022: Second Israeli company exploited Apple flaw to hack into iPhones – report (a significant part of malware and internet fraud platforms work with Israeli codes and are based on massive criminal energy. The self-chosen term “start-up nation” obviously means something completely different than one might think), Reuters, 4 February 2022: U.S. State Department phones hacked with Israeli company spyware – sources, Haaretz, 6 February 2022: Israelis Didn’t Care About NSO and Pegasus – Until This Scandal, Jerusalem Post, 8 February 2022: Pegasus intelligence capabilities threaten state security (so, when it’s used against others then it’s all fine, but when it’s used against yourself then it’s a threat. Interesting, right? Welcome to the real world and enjoy), Times of Israel, 1 March 2022: Another 2 leading Israeli blockchain pioneers named as suspects in vast crypto scam, The Algemeiner, 16 March 2022: ‘High-Tech Is the Engine of the Israeli Economy and the Banks Must Be There’: LeumiTech CEO, The Algemeiner, 30 March 2022: The Startup Nation Myth and Israel’s Struggle for Social Justice, The Guardian, 5 April 2022: Victim’s iPhone hacked by Pegasus spyware weeks after Apple sued NSO, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: ‘Great Alarm’: First Detected Use of Mysterious Israeli Spyware on EU National, Times of Israel, 18 April 2022: UAE used Israeli-made spyware to hack UK PM Johnson’s official residence — report, Politico.eu, 18 April 2022: Pegasus spyware targets top Catalan politicians and activists, Haaretz, 18 April 2022: U.K.’s PM Johnson’s Office Among Dozens of EU Targets of NSO Spyware, Report Says, The Guardian, 18 April 2022: No 10 suspected of being target of NSO spyware attack, Boris Johnson ‘told’, The Guardian, 19 April 2022: Catalan president calls for investigation as spyware targets pro-independence leaders, Politico.eu, 20 April 2022: Catalonia calls for EU ‘protection’ from Pegasus cyber snooping, Haaretz, 27 April 2022: Why Every Democracy Should Fear Israeli Spyware, Politico.eu, 20 May 2022: Pegasus’ complex structure hinders EU spyware probe) or the self-proclaimed “second most important technology location after the Silicon Valley” are neither right nor completely wrong (China and Japan are leaders in the field of artificial intelligence, even ahead of the USA). By omissions and additions, it could actually create the impression, as if it were the case. In fact, both statements are neither plausible nor assignable (there are currently around 380 foreign companies active in Israel. This number also makes it clear that the country still has a long way to go from a “start-up village” to a “start-up nation”. In addition, Portugal, and here in particular the greater Lisbon area, after London (Tech London) and Berlin (StartUP Berlin), has been establishing itself better and better in the European startup scene for some years now and has achieved very presentable growth rates. The framework data are roughly comparable to those in Israel but within the EU and this are great advantages for European companies. Almost all major German companies are already represented with notable investments. BMW is even preparing to move its complete software development to Lisbon. VW, Mercedes and Siemens are of course also represented accordingly (Startup Lisboa)). The reason why companies from the Western EU and North America spent money to carry out research and development work here is, because they can have four or more done in Tel Aviv for the cost of a single R & D project in the EU or North America. What China is on a large scale for the West, “the extended workbench,” Israel is on a far smaller scale. No more and no less. It is all about business and economics and not about politics, and the aforementioned investments happen within the 1967 borders, mostly in the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area. The Tel Aviv Business Development is just one example. Less interesting locations, like Beersheba, try their luck in a similar way. West Jerusalem, as the country’s religious and administrative center, has its own, no less quiet, ways, but it can not compete with the economic success of Tel Aviv at all. However, wanting to boycott the business development in Israel would lead to higher consumer prices at home and have the same effect as the boycott of Israeli end products: Increased tax and development aid from the West to cover Israel’s public deficit.

It would be interesting to create a counter-initiative that only and exclusively promotes and implements projects that promote the similarities of Israelis, Palestinians, Arabs, Jews and Muslims and that are equally staffed. Smaller projects have been around for a while, but so far they have rarely made it into the focus of the (world) public. If an initiative were to strive to create a common platform for these projects, creating publicity, te marketing and, above all, emphasizing the positive effects would be much easier – with all the positive accompaniments. Hig-ranking personalities, companies and corporations with the right media contacts and marketing power would be needed to make this positive campaign successful within a relatively short time frame. In order to gain the support and resources of the initiative, it would almost certainly be the case that a large number of projects would emerge within a short period of time. After all, there are more than enough divisions among the parties to the Middle East conflict, and on all sides there is an ever-increasing hardening of opposing points of view and thus a continuation of the conflict for eternity. It doesn’t make sense to be one-sided (and thus automatically against the other side), if one want to be part of a solution and not part of the problem (The New York Times, 14 February 2014: A Conflict of Faith: Devoted to Jewish Observance, but at Odds With Israel, The Guardian, 14 August 2018: BDS: how a controversial non-violent movement has transformed the Israeli-Palestinian debate, Times of Israel, 14 August 2018: To sway the teachers’ union to love Israel, Randi Weingarten criticizes it, The Guardian, 24 October 2018: European parties urged to agree Israel boycott tactics are antisemitic and Haaretz, 29 October 2018: Survey: 41 Percent of Israelis Think Anyone Calling for Boycott Should Be Denied Entry, Haaretz, 16 May 2019: German Parliament to Pass Motion Condemning BDS as anti-Semitic, Times of Israel, 16 May 2019: German parliament to denounce boycott movement as ‘anti-Semitic’, Haaretz, 17 May 2019: German Parliament Passes Motion Condemning BDS as anti-Semitic, The Guardian, 18 May 2019: German parliament declares Israel boycott campaign antisemitic, The New York Times, 18 May 2019: German Parliament Deems B.D.S. Movement Anti-Semitic, Times of Israel, 18 May 2019: As rowdy German parliament okays landmark anti-BDS law, far-right AfD wants more (restrictions on freedom of expression and consumer freedom). A so-called “motion for a resolution” (Entschließungsantrag) is legally non-binding, but merely a proposal of the Bundestag to the Federal Government, so that it has only symbolic character. What is interesting about this step is above all that BDS actually does not play any role at all in Germany. When the Bundestag is dealing with such trifles, it’s like shooting with cannons on sparrows or is making mosquitoes elephants, than it is no wonder that there is so little progress in the country (in any case, the silly season obviously started very early this year). Trump’s Troll in Germany, Richard Grenell, once again is trying to practice great politics and once again failed completely: Jerusalem Post, 18 May 2019: US ambassador: German anti-BDS motion should apply to Iran’s regime, Jerusalem Post, 19 May 2019: Germany’s anti-BDS measure not only about BDS – analysis (what isn’t said in the report is, that the AfD proposal is nothing else but driven by xenophobia in general (which includes antisemitism) and hostility towards Muslims and Islam in particular. Another reason why no one with brain for 10 cents would agree to the proposal, because it is on top in conflict with the German Basic Law), Times of Israel, 19 May 2019: Arab League calls on Germany to reverse anti-BDS motion, Haaretz, 20 May 2019: Germany, Shame on You and Your anti-BDS Resolution, Jerusalem Post, 22 May 2019: Israelis incite against Arabs on social media every 66 secoonds – report, Haaretz, 24 May 2019: Bundestag Members, Am I anti-Semitic? Throughout the discussion, especially in the Israeli media and social networks, it is erroneously assumed that the motion for a resolution (Entschließungsantrag) would be legally binding, which it isn’t, but instead is a suggestion/proposal of the Bundestag only. It is hardly to be assumed that the Federal Government will actually adapt this obviously inconclusive and insufficiently detailed proposal. On the other hand, it has already achieved its goal, because it is talked about internationally at least. In Germany, BDS is actually too insignificant to ever be able to get out of their niche existence, which is why a discussion about BDS hardly takes place. In the bigger picture, parts of the BDS movement, which is made up of around 200 organizations around the world with clearly different orientations, are in fact anti-Semitic. It does not apply to the entire movement. The general suspicion is certainly not helpful. In this respect, the Federal Government will be able to implement at most parts or a correspondingly adapted version of the proposal. Of the BDS support organizations in Germany, the smallest part is in fact anti-Semitic. Also against the background that other organizations such as e.g. AfD, Pegida, Identitarian movement etc. were not classified as antisemitic and had not been banished, it would be legally difficult to fully exclude BDS on the basis of the Bundestag proposal. It would make more sense, if one would take a closer look at the individual BDS support groups in order to sustainably weaken and exclude the anti-Semitic organizatons. Thus, the perfectly legitimate part, often initiated and organized by Jews, would be preserved, while the anti-Semitic part would be sanctioned (possibly also legally punishable). Another criticism of the Bundestag proposal is the lack of distinction between Israel and the Palestinian and Syrian areas occupied by Israel (UN Resolution 2334). This would be covered neither by the so-called “German National Interest”, nor by the EU position on the Middle East conflict and could be understood as recognition of the illegal Israeli settlements through the back door. Hardly to assume that the Federal Government will engage in such a game with the fire. The aspect is also important because the core idea of BDS only and exclusively refers to the territories occupied by Israel, but not to Israel itself. Even when the basic idea of the Bundestag proposal, the containment of the growing anti-Semitism in Germany, Europe and North America, is absolutely to be welcomed and supported, a great deal of detail is obviously still to be readjusted (Jerusalem Post, 28 May 2019: German neo-Nazi parties aggressively push boycott of Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2019: 240 Israeli, Jewish academics urge against calling BDS antisemitic, Haaretz, 11 June 2019: Israel Lobbies German Government to Enforce Motion Defining BDS as anti-Semitic, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2019: 30 financial accounts associated with BDS-promoting NGOs shut down, Haaretz, 12 June 2019: Mossad Involved in Anti-boycott Activity, Israeli Minister’s Datebooks Reveal, Times of Israel, 14 June 2019: No to BDS: French Muslim leaders tour northern West Bank as guests of settlers). It is occasionally stated by the BDS side that, after all, many Jewish families, especially families affected by the Holocaust, have been boycotting German products for years. This is true, but at the same time a comparison between apples and pears (not to mention that in view of the small number of Jews worldwide, this boycott has a symbolic effect only). This boycott is based on a concrete genocide and not on political games. Israel does not engage in genocide against the Palestinians (or the word would have a different meaning in the Arab world than in the West. In fact, the Palestinians displaced during the Nakba have now grown to more than 4.8 million within Palestine (Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem) and about the same number in the diaspora. If this is genocide, then Israel has failed utterly), but partial ethnic cleansing, especially in the occupied territories today (in Palestinian East Jerusalem and the West Bank and in the Syrian Golan Heights). As bad as the consequences are for the people involved, they have a completely different quality (Times of Israel, 20 June 2019: Rivlin says calls for Israel boycott are ‘modern blood libels’, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2019: Boomerang: Economic pressure hite BDS campaigners, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2019: German Protestant Church cancels BDS event linked to Palestinian terrorism, Middle East Eye, 23 June 2019: Pal Expo: The biggest Palestine event in Europe, Times of Israel, 3 July 2019: At massive UK PalExpo, they’ll play BDS bowling, learn to ‘decolonize Palestine’, Palestine Chronicle, 3 July 2019: Pro-Israel Legal Group Tries to Ban Palestine Event in UK, Palestine Expo, Wikipedia Palestine Expo, Times of Israel, 15 July 2019: German Jewish group says news article ‘fuels anti-Semitism’, Times of Israel, 17 July 2019: Fresh from row with Trump, Ilhan Omar pushes pro-BDS resolution in House, Arab News, 17 July 2019: US support for Israel goes beyond party lines, Times of Israel, 18 July 2019: PM to decide if BDS supporters Omar and Tlaib allowed to visit Israel — report, Haaretz, 18 July 2019: Ilhan Omar Introduces Resolution to Defend Americans’ Right to Boycott, Times of Israel, 18 July 2019: German Jewish group slams Speigel article on pro-Israel lobby as anti-Semitic, Times of Israel, 19 July 2019: J Street says it supports right to boycott, and anti-BDS legislation, Times of Israel, 19 July 2019: Israel will allow BDS-backing congresswomen Omar, Tlaib to enter country, Times of Israel, 20 July 2019: Congress tackles the anti-Israel boycott, but bipartisanship is fleeting, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2019: Anti-BDS appeal to German government by top academics gaining momentum, Palestine Chronicle, 20 July 2019: US versus BDS, Politico.com, 23 July 2019: House condemns Israel boycott over liberal objections, Haaretz, 27 July 2019: AIPAC May Be Celebrating Now, but the BDS Battles in Congress Have Just Begun, Times of Israel, 27 July 2019: US House’s big anti-BDS vote won’t be last word on Israel boycott legislation, Times of Israel, 27 July 2019: Rep. John Lewis backs the right to boycott Israel — even though he opposes BDS, Israel Hayom, 31 July 2019: Bottom-up foreign policy proves effective way to challenge BDS, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2019: Massive delegation of Democrats arrive in Israel despite efforts by far left, Jerusalem Post, 5 August 2019: Bucking Omar, Tlaib, Democrats in Israel show support of Jewish state, Israel Hayom, 6 August 2019: Is the BDS movement on the rise?, Haaretz, 7 August 2019: After Outcry, European Academic Group Reconsiders Plan to Cancel Conference in Israel, Israel Hayom, 7 August 2019: Israel-German relations: No room for ambivalence, Israel Hayom, 17 August 2019: Bringing BDS to its knees, Israel Hayom, 21 August 2019: Campus BDS threat shifting to academic boycotts, Times of Israel, 4 September 2019: BDS movement deemed anti-Semitic by state office in Germany, Jerusalem Post, 11 September 2019: German city bans four Palestinian NGOs from event due to antisemitic BDS, Israel Hayom, 13 September 2019: Why is the BDS movement dangerous?, Jerusalem Post, 16 September 2019: German commissioner says local BDS chapter incited against U.S. synagogue, Israel Hayom, 18 September 2019: Report finds alarming spike in Israel-related anti-Semitism on US college campuses, Jerusalem Post, 28 September 2019: Austrian Parliament MPs pledge to classify BDS as antisemitic, Jerusalem Post, 5 October 2019: Caving to BDS, Haaretz, 6 October 2019: Israel’s Interior Ministry Looking Into Revoking BDS Co-founder Omar Barghouti’s Residency, Jerusalem Post, 6 October 2019: The BDS Movement: Sinister ramifications for Israel, Times of Israel, 7 October 2019: Anti-BDS group backed by Adelson heads to 6 countries outside US, Times of Israel, 23 October 2019: UN Palestinian rights official calls for ban on Israeli settlement products, Israel Hayom, 23 October 2019: Illinois student body passes anti-Israel resolution, hundreds protest, Times of Israel, 26 October 2019: EU official welcomes Czech resolution that calls Israel boycott anti-Semitism, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2019: German gov’t company may be working with Iranian terrorist group IRGC (the same guys, who claim that criticism of Israeli policies, illegal land grabbing and settlements by Israelis in Palestinian East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights would be anti-Israeli and BDS would be anti-Semitic, consider the irrational and laughable unsuccessful boycott of Iran to be legitimate – this is how double standards look like in practice. Germany and the EU are fortunately still contract partners to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Trump’s United States canceled unilaterally – Times of Israel, 31 October 2019: US to reportedly okay waivers for foreign firms at Iran nuclear sites), Times of Israel, 5 November 2019: Supreme Court upholds expulsion of Human Rights Watch local director (BBC, 9 May 2018: Israel orders Human Rights Watch activist to leave for ‘supporting boycott’, The Washington Post, 18 April 2019: Omar Shakir: Israel wants to deport me for my human rights work, Haaretz, 24 July 2019: Expulsion of Human Rights Watch Director Would Be Big Show of Israeli Hypocrisy, Haaretz, 24 September 2019: Israel’s Top Court Hears Appeal Against Deportation of Human Rights Watch Director), New York Times, 5 November 2019: Israel to Expel Human Rights Worker, Citing Anti-Boycott Law, Irish Times, 5 November 2019: Israeli court upholds order to deport human rights official, The Guardian, 5 November 2019: Israel can deport Human Rights Watch official, court rules, NPR, 5 November 2019: Israel’s Top Court Approves Expulsion Of Human Rights Official, Israel Hayom, 9 January 2020: Turning BDS into ‘Buy directly from Samaria’, Israel Hayom, 19 January 2020: US professors visit Israel for bridge-building college mission, Israel Hayom, 11 February 2020: As BDS runs rampant on UK campuses, Jewish students are fighting back, Jerusalem Post, 27 February 2020: Austrian Parliament condemns BDS movement as antisemitic, Arab News, 28 February 2020: Anti-BDS laws undermine US claim of freedom, Palestine Chronicle, 2 March 2020: Pro-BDS Store Wins Major Legal Victory against Pro-Israel Advocates in the US, Israel Hayom, 6 March 2020: Democrats in US House of Representatives block anti-BDS bill, Israel Hayom, 15 May 2020: Missouri lawmakers pass bill against boycotting Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 11 June 2020: European Court of Human Rights Delivers Major Blow to Israel’s War on BDS, Times of Israel, 11 June 2020: European rights court faults France for convicting Israel boycott activists, Israel Hayom, 12 June 2020: European court rules against France in Israel boycott activist case, Jerusalem Post, 21 June 2020: Biden blasts BDS: Why it matters, Jerusalem Post, 24 June 2020: New website lists Israeli professors who are anti-Israel (these Im Tirtzu guys apparently adopted their tactics from the European neo-Nazis), Israel Hayom, 1 July 2020: The battle over BDS: Trends, lessons and future trajectories, Jerusalem Post, 19 July 2020: BDS can be defeated on the political battleground – opinion, Haaretz, 29 July 2020: Israel Set Up a Front Company to Boost Image and Fight BDS. This Is How It Failed, Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2020: German antisemitism commissioner praises verdict against BDS activist, Jerusalem Post, 13 August 2020: Government reevaluating ban on BDS activists entering Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2020: Does Israel need a ministry to fight BDS?, Palestine Chronicle, 24 October 2020: Rush to Judge BDS as Antisemitic is Naive, Jerusalem Post, 26 October 2020: UN Security Council must enforce settlement blacklist – UNHRC official, DW, 19 November 2020: Mike Pompeo backs West Bank settlements in landmark visit, France24, 19 November 2020: In first, top US diplomat visits occupied West Bank, labelling local goods ‘Made in Israel’, The Guardian, 19 November 2020: Mike Pompeo US secretary of state makes provocative visit to Israeli settlement, BBC, 19 November 2020: Pompeo makes unprecedented visits to Israeli settlement in West Bank and Golan, Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: ‘It’s a cancer’: Pompeo says US will brand BDS ‘anti-Semitic,’ crack down on it, CNN, 19 November 2020: Pompeo’s West Bank trip would be unthinkable for any other US Secretary of State. But not him, NPR, 19 November 2020: Trump Administration Labels Movement To Boycott Israel ‘Anti-Semitic’, Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: Pompeo makes unprecedented Golan Heights visit: ‘This is Israel’ (no, it clearly isn’t, but as he is from the totally incompetent Trump clan, how should he know better? Thankfully, the American voters kicked them out), The Washington Post, 19 November 2020: Pompeo sets off debate on boycott of Israel, calling it an anti-Semitic ‘cancer’, Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: ‘It’s a cancer’: Pompeo says US will brand BDS ‘anti-Semitic,’ crack down on it, The National, 19 November 2020: Pompeo visits occupied West Bank and Golan Heights, Haaretz, 10 December 2020: In Germany, a Witch Hunt Is Raging Against Critics of Israel. Cultural Leaders Have Had Enough (Israel Hayom, 17 December 2020: Germany versus BDS – Islamophobia Israeli-style. What is particularly interesting about the whole discussion in Germany is what the cultural scene is concerned with while normal life continues unimpressed, because unlike in the United Kingdom and the USA, BDS doesn’t take place in the general public in Germany at all), Palestine Chronicle, 14 December 2020: Antisemitism Claims Mask a Reign of Political and Cultural Terror across Europe, Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2020: German NGOs, MPs make Wiesenthal list of top 2020 antisemitism outbreaks (and the Simon Wiesenthal Center immediately provides proof of the correctness of the assumptions made by the signatories, namely the attempt of sigmatization and the exertion of pressure by one or more lobby groups to assert their very own interests that have nothing to do with the core issue and the discussion around it. In this case, however, this is done so publicly that everyone can come to own conclusions), Israel Hayom, 5 January 2021: How Germany tricked Jewish organizations worldwide (there is no trick at all. A look at the corresponding Wikipedia entry (a hurdle, obviously to high for a journalist from Israel Hayom) would have been enough to know that Bundestag resolutions are recommendations only. At the same time it was repeatedly pointed out in the press (in this blog entry as well), but certain circles, especially Israeli right-wingers, didn’t want to understand that and instead blew it out of proportion to use it for some propaganda. Now they know better. Good journalism means above all research, so that the later reports and articles are containing as little nonsense as possible. Some people have to learn this basics obviously over and over again. And the rest of the article is hilarious, especially as BDS in Germany is far away from being relevant at all. Compared to other hate groups, it’s a micro organization with very little impact, mostly in some very tiny corners of the entire cultural scene of which the mainstream will most likely never see or hear anything about. Germany is among the only 20 “full democracies” on the planet. Israel doesn’t belong to this very exclusive club. So, whom do you want to trick?), The Algemeiner, 11 January 2021: Jewish Comedian Sarah Silverman Explains Why She’s ‘Not Against BDS,’ Accuses Israel of Occupation in New Podcast Episode, The Algemeiner, 14 January 2021: BDS Continues to Fizzle Out, Haaretz, 18 January 2021: How Israel is Harming The War on Antisemitism, Haaretz, 24 January 2021: Trump Plan to Label pro-BDS Groups Antisemitic Is Off the Table, Arab News, 2 February 2021: Anti-racist boycott of Israel widely misunderstood in US, The Guardian, 4 February 2021: Artists like me are being censored in Germany – because we support Palestinian rights, Palestine Chronicle, 8 February 2021: Israel’s Crimes, Legitimacy and Free Speech, The Algemeiner, 9 February 2021: Evoking Antisemitic Tropes to Deny That BDS Is Antisemitic, Palestine Chronicle, 14 February 2021: American Newspaper Wins Case Challenging Anti-BDS Law in Arkansas, The Algemeiner, 1 March 2021: IHRA Definition of Antisemitism Becomes a BDS Battleground, Times of Israel, 4 March 2021: How to debate BDS on campus? Jonathan Marks says be reasonable, Jerusalem Post, 8 March 2021: BDS groups from US and Europe team up with Iran and Hamas against Israel, The Algemeiner, 23 March 2021: ‘Antisemitism-Lite’ in Contemporary Germany, Israel Hayom, 31 March 2021: Israel trounces BDS in the marketplace, but its struggle in the public square continues, The Algemeiner, 2 April 2021: ‘We Cannot Take for Granted’ Support for US-Israel Ties, Argues Progressive Congressman Torres in Interview, The Algemeiner, 5 April 2021: Sorry Professors, But BDS and Double Standards for Israel Are Antisemitism, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2021: Butler University postpones talk with ‘antisemitic’ BDS advocate, Jerusalem Post, 8 April 2021: High Court lets Gallant deny Israel Prize to pro-BDS math professor, Arab News, 13 May 2021: Johnson clears path for anti-BDS legislation – Irish Times, 20 May 2021: Boyd Barrett calls for boycott of Israeli goods as 1,000 protest in Dublin, The Algemeiner, 25 May 2021: BDS Advocates Claim Major Victory After Federal Judge Overrules Georgia Anti-Boycott Law (it seems to be turning more and more into a tangible small economic war. On the one hand the BDS activists, on the other hand the BDS opponents, who pretend to be against boycott measures, while at the same time calling for boycott measures on their part at every opportunity. Unless both sides begin to disarm, it will not work out well for neither side. There are no winners anyway), Haaretz, 28 May 2021: Rage Against The Machine Among Over 600 Artists Calling to Boycott Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 12 June 2021: Pension Fund Divests from Israeli Bank as Anti-Apartheid Campaign Grows, Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2021: Court approves rule to stop MKs from visits abroad funded by BDS groups, The Algemeiner, 1 July 2021: Anti-Israel Activism Expands on Campus and Elsewhere, The Algemeiner, 2 July 2021: Fighting Public School Teachers Who Attack Jews and Israel, Times of Israel, 5 July 2021: Norway’s largest pension fund divests from firms linked to West Bank settlements, Al Arabiya, 5 July 2021: Norway’s KLP no longer investing in 16 companies linked to Israeli settlements, Reuters, 5 July 2021: Nordic fund KLP excludes 16 companies over links to Israeli settlements in West Bank, The Algemeiner, 15 July 2021: Bay Area Labor Union to Weigh Endorsing BDS, Blocking of Israeli Ships at Port, Times of Israel, 17 July 2021: US teachers’ unions increasingly debate Israel, and in some places back boycotts, The Guardian, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s to stop sales in occupied Palestinian territories (interesting decision and just another reminder for every investor and every international company that wants to operate in Israel to ensure clear framework conditions and sales conditions right from the start (e.g. in connection with the note “The distribution and sales takes place only within Israel’s 1967 borders”), so as not to get into troubled waters later or not to do business there at all in order to not get your brand damaged by some weirdos. Otherwise you end up very quickly in the middle of the BDS bullshi!t bingo between Israelis and Palestinians, even if you don’t take sides with either side at all, while respecting international law, above all the Geneva Conventions. But it also becomes clear how tense the country’s economic situation must be once again, if every time a (partial) withdrawal of a company from the illegal Israeli settlements is decided, even the prime ministers and presidents mutate to Hasbara and JDL trolls and unpack the BDS and anti-Semitism bazookas to blackmail as many unskilled jobs as possible for their settlers, who almost all belong to the violent or terrorist precariat. In this way, the Israeli government ensures that the end customers of the companies in the West finance uneconomical and unproductive jobs for Israel’s underclass through sales prices. Investment locations like Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, China or South Africa suddenly look much friendlier. After all, business decisions are respected there), Reuters, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s to end ice-cream sales in occupied Palestinian territories (Ben & Jerry’s, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Will End Sales of Our Ice Cream in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Unilever, 19 July 2021: Unilever statement on Ben & Jerry’s decision), Times of Israel, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s says it will end sales in ‘Occupied Palestinian Territory’ (if you read through the statements of the previous Israeli distributor of Ben & Jerry’s, you will immediately find the next reminder that you have to select your local business partners very carefully so as not to jeopardize later exit strategies. In the Levant, it usually makes more sense to establish own production and sales channels instead of having to rely on dubious local partners), Haaretz, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Freezes Ice Cream Sales in Israeli Settlements, NBC News, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s withdraws sales from Israeli settlements but clashes with parent company Unilever, NPR, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Says It Will Stop Ice Cream Sales In Occupied Territories, BBC, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s to stop sales in Palestinian territories, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, 19 July 2021: How the Jewish world is responding to Ben & Jerry’s decision to exit Israeli settlements, The National, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s to stop sales in West Bank and East Jerusalem (Apart from the mutual boycotteritis between Palestinians and Israelis (only that the Israelis have so far not given their campaign a separate name), the PR and image campaign of Ben & Jerry’s was as simple as it was ingenious. For the few “anti-Geneva Conventions” fans who will now only secretly eat Ben & Jerry’s in the basement, they have gained tens of thousands of “pro-Geneva Conventions” fans, triggered by a single press release. The cost-benefit analysis of the PR and image campaign is dramatically in favor of Ben & Jerry’s and the brand is once again on everyone’s lips in a figurative sense. Congratulations to the marketing department), Times of Israel, 20 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s could make BDS flavor of the month, warns Foreign Ministry source (great idea to create the “Ben & Jerry’s BDS”, with a large portion of extra cream and a maraschino cherry on top, if the Iraeli government blackmails Unilever to force Ben & Jerry’s to deliver ice cream to Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They could as well create “Ben & Jerry’s Sore Grapes” in blue and white and a bit cheesy, or in other words: frozen Roquefort cheese), Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s melts under BDS pressure, to stop selling in settlements, France24, 20 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s to stop selling ice-cream in Israeli-occupied territories (I never bought Ben & Jerry’s ice cream because of the political views of the company’s founders (btw., both are Jews), but because it tastes very good. I’ll stick to this decision, also because we have visitors who apparently only come by in summer because a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is waiting for them: Ben & Jerry’s. Times of Israel, 21 July 2021: Settlement boycott latest in series of progressive stances by Ben & Jerry’s), Times of Israel, 20 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s did the right thing, CNN, 20 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s will stop selling ice cream in Palestinian territories, Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s melts under BDS pressure, to stop selling in settlements, The Guardian, 20 July 2021: Israeli PM: Ben & Jerry’s sales ban will have ‘serious consequences’ (the main ‘serious consequences’ will be, that international companies will fundamentally think about whether they want to invest in Israel at all, if in return they are forced by the State of Israel (and the corresponding laws actually exist already) to do business in the Israeli settlements in Palestine and by doing so to participate in the violation of international law (Geneva Conventions) by Israel), The Algemeiner, 20 July 2021: Warning Ben & Jerry’s of ‘Legal Consequences’ Over West Bank Ban, Israel Looks to US State Anti-BDS Laws, BBC, 20 July 2021: Israel PM warns Ben & Jerry’s owner Unilever of consequences over sales ban, Times of Israel, 20 July 2021: In Unilever call, PM vows ‘vigorous’ response to Ben & Jerry’s settlement ban, Jerusalem Post, 20 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott a BDS game changer – five reasons why, Haaretz, 21 July 2021: Israel’s President: Ben & Jerry’s Boycott Is Part of ‘A New Form of Terrorism’ (and this guy really is Israel’s preisdent. No wonder that so much is going in the wrong direction in Israel), DW, 21 July 2021: Pegasus spyware allegations leave Indian democracy hanging by a thread, Times of Israel, 21 July 2021: After Ben & Jerry’s snub, Herzog calls Israel boycotts a ‘new kind of terrorism’, The Algemeiner, 21 July 2021: Ayelet Shaked Visits Ben & Jerry’s Israel Factory in Show of Support, Arab News, 21 July 2021: Palestinians welcome Ben and Jerry’s decision; claims of antisemitism rejected, Haaretz, 21 July 2021: Dear Yair Lapid, Ben & Jerry’s Is Right, Israel Hayom, 21 July 2021: Ice cream that leaves a bad taste in our mouths, Jewish Journal, 21 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s “Values” Are Fueling Jew-Hatred, Times of Israel, 21 July 2021: Australian kosher authority delists Ben & Jerry’s ice cream over West Bank ban (Jews make up about 0.19% of the world’s population. Ben & Jerry’s would not even notice a global boycott, especially since it can be assumed that many more new customers can be won in the Arab-Muslim region than are lost through the boycott. The Israelis are shooting themselves in both feet again and are strengthening BDS at the same time. An already under Netanyahu beloved approach), Jerusalem Post, 21 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s board wanted to boycott all of Israel, J Street, 21 July 2021: What You Need to Know About the Ben & Jerry’s Israel Debate, The Wall Street Journal, 21 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Israel Boycott Could Cost Unilever, Haaretz, 21 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Aren’t Nazis and Their Settlement Boycott Isn’t Antisemitic, J Street, 21 July 2021: What You Need to Know About the Ben & Jerry’s Israel Debate, Times of Israel, 21 July 2021: How ‘Ted Lasso’ and Allen Iverson explain the uproar over Ben & Jerry’s, Palestine Chronicle, 22 July 2021: Israeli President Accuses Ben & Jerry of ‘Committing New Form of Terrorism’, The Algemeiner, 22 July 2021: Unilever Chief Expresses ‘Full Commitment’ to Israel as States, Supermarkets Consider Action Over Ben & Jerry’s West Bank Boycott (if you are subject to legislation e.g. in Texas, the main question is whether you should start doing business in Israel at all, although you are not allowed to have an exit strategy, on the contrary, you have to continue losing businesses in Israel until you are completely bankrupt in order not to risk any disadvantages in the US, because Israel’s far right interpret any withdrawal from Israel as “motivated by BDS”, so that they don’t have to ask themselves any questions about the overall economic situation), Israel Hayom, 22 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s kashrut in Australia melts away over anti-Israel stance, Times of Israel, 22 July 2021: Texas considers divesting from Ben & Jerry’s following settlement boycott, The Guardian, 22 July 2021: Why Israel is more concerned about Ben & Jerry’s than the Pegasus revelations, Times of Israel, 22 July 2021: The world isn’t buying what Israel’s selling in the West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s is opening old scars with newest BDS policy – editorial, Times of Israel, 22 July 2021: Bennett: US consumers don’t think taking Hamas’s side is ‘cool’ (Israel has definitely lost the battle for Ben & Jerry’s and its politicians have significantly damaged the country as a business location. Companies from all over the world will take a very close look at this and then review their expansion and exit strategies. Should Ben & Jerry’s be forced to continue business in the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem against their will, the company can claim “American and Israeli laws force us to do business against our will with the land and its illegal settlements in Palestine to give the impression that we support Israel’s violations of the Geneva Conventions. We clearly do not support these actions and are expressly against it, as are the vast majority of companies, organizations, and associations that are forced by Israeli law to do business in the settlements or to maintain branches their. The Israeli government is trying to give the impression that breaches of international law are or should be tolerable. Of course they are not. We made this clear again with our press release of 19 July 2021. International law is not a matter of negotiation where you can choose what you want to adhere to and what not, but the basis of all responsible, state action worldwide. States may or may not be part of this club. In both cases, of course, this has consequences that are either positive or negative. The states themselves decide through their actions what will ultimately apply to them” (interestingly, Israel compares itself on such occasions with North Korea, China or Iran, countries with pronounced dictatorships, and is not wrong, at least with regard to its illegal settlements in Palestine. At the same time, it makes the overall dilemma visible, which could only be triggered and can only be resolved by the State of Israel itself). The damage this will cause to Israel as a business location in the medium and long term cannot be outweighed by three sundaes of ice cream. The price Israel has to pay for this was not caused by Ben & Jerry’s decision, but by the thoughtless, ill-advised and completely exaggerated reactions of Israeli politicians. You only need to put yourself in the position of a company leader who is thinking about starting an engagement in Israel and what effect the treatment of Ben & Jerry’s by Israeli politicians will have on the decision-making process. Spoiler: it won’t be a positive effect. The effect will be even more lasting if Ben & Jerry’s were to suffer economic damage as a result. The treatment of Ben & Jerry’s says loud and clear “If you start doing business in Israel, your entrepreneurial freedom will irrevocably end or your company will be seriously damaged if you make unpopular decisions.” Which responsible company should take such a risk? The profit expectations certainly doesn’t justify such a step. Just like the Pfizer CEO just announced: “Israel is a banana republic!”, you will see a lot of this statements from around the world. The US legislation and the thinking behind it becomes more understandable when one knows that Israel has been the number 1 recipient country of material and immaterial US development aid for decades. Instead of being able to invest billions in the ailing US infrastructure, it is leaving the country and this is increasingly being questioned by US taxpayers. This is why US politicians try to influence companies so that productions that have to be relocated abroad for cost reasons are not going elsewhere in Asia, but to Israel and are expanded when they are there. Along the way, at some point in the future it will be possible to cut development aid and instead benefit the US budget and thus US taxpayers directly), Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2021: Texas looking into divestment from Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s boycott, Times of Israel, 23 July 2021: Five US states take aim at Ben & Jerry’s over settlement boycott, France24, 23 July 2021: Israel in cold war over Ben & Jerry’s ice cream ban, USA Today, 23 July 2021: Israeli leaders are asking states to sanction Ben & Jerry’s after Palestinian boycott, Haaretz, 23 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s and ‘Terrorism’? Lapid and Herzog Are Embarrassing Israel (Whenever the self-proclaimed “defenders of Israel” babble about “anti-Semitism”, “anti-Israel”, “anti-Zionism” etc., in reality they have long ran out of reasonable arguments or haven’t had them at all. Another reliable constant in the Middle East conflict), The Atlantic, 23 July 2021: What the Ben & Jerry’s Decision Reveals About Israel, Times of Israel, 23 July 2021: You’d think BDS (and Ben & Jerry’s) would have learned from SodaStream, New York Post, 23 July 2021: Coming soon to Israel: Judea and Samaria’s Ben & Jerry’s, a copycat brand (if you believed that theft of intellectual property was a Chinese specialty, you will be taught otherwise), Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2021: Israeli NGO trademark Ben & Jerry’s knockoff after Israel boycott – report, Jerusalem Post, 24 July 2021: Five states considering sanctions on Ben & Jerry’s after West Bank pullout, Times of Israel, 25 July 2021: Longtime graphic designer for Ben & Jerry’s quits over settlement boycott, Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2021: BDS: New York, New Jersey activists to block Israeli cargo ship (if you ask yourself why the activists want to block a ship in America (from an economic point of view, it makes no sense at all, because in the end the American end customers pay the additional costs caused by the protest, while it doesn’t harm a single company in the Israeli settlements in Palestinian West Bank or East Jerusalem), you have to look at the shipping company’s corporate history. It’s interesting to see how interconnected the world is today – thanks to globalization. At the same time, it also shows how vulnerable the individual parts of the supply chain can be: Block The Boat, Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.), The Guardian, 25 July 2021: Corporate activism is too often cynical. In Ben & Jerry’s case, it offers hope, Haaretz, 26 July 2021: Jewish Groups Urge U.S. Governors Not to Use anti-BDS Laws Against Ben & Jerry’s (and all that because of the availability/unavailability of some ice cream in illegal settlements in a desert at the arse of the world. Hilarious. The well-entertained, moderately amused, popcorn-munching or Ben & Jerry’s spooning viewer gets something on offer. However, one of the important questions has not yet been answered: If “Ben & Jerry’s Israel” will no longer be allowed to produce Ben & Jerry’s from the end of next year on, but instead another commitment will be made, what will the new company be called “Ben & Jerry’s Hello Again”,”Ben & Jerry’s We were never gone” or “Ben & Jerry’s Levant”? Proponents and critics should worry about that. If the question is not resolved, Ben & Jerry’s will no longer be produced in Israel at all, but will have to be imported from the Netherlands or the US), Arab News, 26 July 2021: How Ben & Jerry’s exposed Israel’s failing anti-BDS strategy, Times of Israel, 26 July 2021: Angry over settlement boycott, NYC grocery chain to limit Ben & Jerry’s sales, The Washington Post, 26 August 2021: Israel’s spat with Ben & Jerry’s overshadows its spyware scandal, The New York Times, 28 July 2021: We’re Ben and Jerry. Men of Ice Cream, Men of Principle., Amadeu Antonio Stiftung, 28. July 2021: Open Letter to Ben & Jerry’s: An ice cream boycott doesn’t solve any conflicts, but stirs hate and promotes antisemitism, ABC News, 28 July 2021: Israeli lawmakers urge Ben & Jerry’s to drop settlement ban, Palestine Chronicle, 28 July 2021: How Ben & Jerry’s has Exposed Israel’s Anti-BDS Strategy, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s founders say they’re ‘proud’ of company’s Israel boycott, The Algemeiner, 29 July 2021: Ben, Jerry, and the Hilarity of Privilege (in the future, I’ll be eating Ben & Jerry’s with a head-shaking grin, because even such a small sundae can make clear the idiocy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the sidelines and various direct and indirect players in its entirety), Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: Parashat Eikev: The land of milk and ice cream, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: American Jews Aren’t Soldiers in Israel’s Political Wars, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2021: Israeli academics praise Ben & Jerry boycott in newspaper ad, Haaretz, 29 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Co-founders ‘Unequivocally Support’ Ending Sales in Israeli Settlements, Times of Israel, 29 July 2021: More moral shades than flavors of Ben & Jerry’s, Democracy Now!, 30 July 2021: Anti-BDS Jewish Orgs Back Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Sales Ban in Settlements Despite Israeli Pressure, Jerusalem Post, 30 July 2021: #ShameOnBenAndJerrys: Pro-Israel activists slam ice cream firm on Twitter (instead of boycotting Ben & Jerry’s, the activists in Israel should better eat as much of their ice cream as possible, otherwise they’ll give the parent company even more reasons why production should be shut down altogether. Otherwise their own behavior will be responsible for why 160 employees and workers will lose their jobs), The Algemeiner, 30 July 2021: Responding to Bennett Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, Jerusalem Post, 30 July 2021: Artists cut ties with museum over owners’ alleged connection to Israel, The Wall Street Journal, 30 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Israel Meltdown: Ice Cream Doesn’t Need Boycotts, Democracy Now, 30 July 2021: Anti-BDS Jewish Orgs Back Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Sales Ban in Settlements Despite Israeli Pressure, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s is the tip of the iceberg – a meltldown is coming, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2021: GOP senators introduce bill for Israel label on West-Bank products, The Algemeiner, 1 August 2021: Ecuador’s Largest Grocer Takes Ben & Jerry’s Off the Shelf (summary of the drama: Just as licensor around the globe terminate contracts with licensee by the thousands every day, Ben & Jerry’s, as licensor, terminated the contract with Ben & Jerry’s Israel, as licensee, at the end of 2022. So far so normal. Ben & Jerry’s is a company that depends on sales, earnings and profits. Apparently, the numbers of the Israeli licensee are so bad or so below expectations (in the meantime, the CEO of Ben & Jerry’s Israel has admitted that not even license fees are paid to Ben & Jerry’s International. That alone would have been reason enough to terminate the contract years ago) that a “simple” termination has been expanded to include a dramaturgical component, with the company, known for its political activism, citing the licensee’s businesses in the Israeli settlements in Palestine as the reason for the termination of the contract. Of course, one have to ask why it happend that way, because in Vermont they will have dealt with the expected reactions from Israel in advance, which then came in in the form of overreactions and complete gaffes. So why does a company leave scorched earth behind and thus take itself out of the market? This can only have to do with insufficient or nonexistent income/profits and that is why the “experiment” should now be finally come to an end after three decades. Obviously, a return is not being considered. After all, political activism is always an accessory and part of the advertising strategy. The fact that the licensee freaked out in connection with accusations that were as inappropriate as they were inaccurate is of course in the nature of business. If you can only produce and pack Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, you will be out of business after the contract expires and you can finally lock the shop from the outside. The production is located in one of the underdeveloped parts of the country (high unemployment rate, many low-wage jobs), so that it is perceived as a “major employer” there, also because suppliers come from the region. Against this background, the complete overreactions and total failures of the Israeli prime minister, president and foreign minister can be better understood. After all, no alternatives can be offered. They were signs of complete helplessness, which, however, caused much greater damage to the image of Israel as a business location than simply letting Ben & Jerry’s go. When a state president accuses an innocent ice cream company of “economic terrorism” (apart from the fact that the choice of words makes you the least competent person in God’s wide world to fill the job position you are holding), there is no way back and certainly nothing more to discuss. In addition, every company will in future consider very carefully whether it wants to do business in and with such a country at all. How could it go on? Holding Unilever accountable as the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s, as some US governors and the Israeli government try to convince themselves, will probably not succeed. As is now known, Ben & Jerry’s Board of Directors has the final say in corporate decisions. Ben & Jerry’s will increase its market presence elsewhere in the world and will easily offset the expected drop in sales in Israel and some Jewish supermarkets in other parts of the world. Israel’s government will have to invest time and money in advertising campaigns in order to iron out the damage it has caused itself to the country’s image. On the one hand, trying to market yourself as a liberal business location, but on the other hand prove the opposite at the next opportunity, costs a lot of trust and credibility and, of course, investments. Gaining back trust and credibility takes a lot of time. After all, to the whole story has been added a humorous component by supposed and therefore all the more simply knitted pro-Israel activists, especially in social media, by assuming that Ben & Jerry’s is acting anti-Semitically, “because the company is only boycotting illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and in the West Bank. Other countries that also violate international law and human rights, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, North Korea, Russia or Cuba, are not boycotted. That is clearly anti-Semitic! ” Not only do they think they are right, it is spread thousands of times on the Internet. If the poor souls knew what they are talking about, they would of course know that Ben & Jerry’s was never active in any of the countries mentioned or, in the case of Russia, withdrew from the entire country a while ago. That’s what you call a “classic own goal.”), Tallahassee.com, 3 August 2021: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis starts food fight with Ben & Jerry’s over ice cream in Israel (there is no such thing as a “boycott of Israel” by Ben & Jerry’s. The company is about to stop selling it’s products in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. It would be a PR meltdown for e.g. Florida Governor DeSantis and Israel if Ben & Jerry’s were successfully blackmailed into doing business in the illegal Israeli settlements. For DeSantis, because then it becomes widely visible that he is being driven like a donkey through the circus ring by a foreign power and for Israel, because then it becomes visible worldwide how the country forces companies to pretend that they support Israel’s illegal activities, by blackmailing them into doing business in the illegal settlements), The Algemeiner, 5 August 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Franchisees Running 30 US Stores Call on Company to Reverse West Bank Boycott (obviously, the critics of Ben & Jerry’s decision are not aware that the damage to the image of Israel as a business location, which the Israeli government itself has caused, is constantly increasing because people keep stirring the soup, instead of moving on), The Guardian, 5 August 2021: We got Ben & Jerry’s to stop selling in Israeli settlements. Here’s how we did it, The Jewish Chronicle, 5 August 2021: Ben & Jerry’s is not being antisemitic – it’s being principled, The Algemeiner, 8 August 2021: An Open Letter to the Board of Directors of Ben & Jerry’s, Foreign Policy, 9 August 2021: An Israeli-Palestinian Ice Cream Sandwich, The New York Times, 10 August 2021: The Cheap & Easy Sanctimony of Ben & Jerry, Israel Hayom, 10 August 2021: A cold war over a very hot topic (“We’re completely Israeli. We don’t even pay royalties to the international company.” – another pretty good reason why Ben & Jerry’s is not interested in renewing the license. Why should a company allow its brand, recipes and everything else to be used for free? Ben & Jerry’s isn’t a charity, but a for-profit company. What is wrong with the guys from Ben & Jerry’s Israel, that they assume they can use a global brand for free and take that for granted? At least it is becoming increasingly clear that the decision by Ben & Jerry’s International was a purely economic decision. Perhaps they should point this out to the Israeli audience), The Algemeiner, 10 August 2021: March Against Ben & Jerry’s to Take Place in New York Ahead of Worldwide ‘Call for Action’ (these “activists” are just too funny. Instead of admitting, like everyone else, that they no longer have ice cream cups at home and therefore have to buy new ones, they call it “March on Ben & Jerry’s” to give an ice cream purchase a political spin :-D ), Jerusalem Post, 10 August 2021: ‘End Jew Hatred’ to protest against Ben & Jerry’s decision in NYC, Times of Israel, 12 August 2021: Ben & Jerry’s recent decision is not antisemitic, Israel Hayom, 12 August 2021: The BDS ice-cream war creates political taste test, Times of Israel, 13 August 2021: Dozens march to Ben & Jerry’s Times Square shop demanding it ‘end Jew hatred’, Times of Israel, 13 August 2021: Ben & Jerry: Consider a Few Facts About the ‘Occupation’ and Why It Has Lasted Since 1967, Times of Israel, 16 August 2021: Arizona is 8th state to weigh sanctioning Ben & Jerry’s over settlement boycott, New York Post, 16 August 2021: Ben & Jerry’s moves to thwart knockoffs of its ice cream in West Bank, Haaretz, 17 August 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Co-founder, Board Chair Speak Out About Decision to Freeze Ice Cream Sales to Settlements, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2021: Unilever moves to block Israeli knock-off of Ben & Jerry’s brand, Palestine Chronicle, 18 August 2021: Israeli Company Illegally Seizes Ben & Jerry’s Trademark in the West Bank, The Hill, 18 August 2021: Florida senator seeks probe of Ben & Jerry’s halting sales in Israeli settlements, Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2021: Ben & Jerry’s condemns backlash over Israel boycott (there is no such thing as a “boycott of Israel” by Ben & Jerry’s. The company is about to stop selling it’s products in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine), Miami Herald, 21 September 2021: Florida officials find Ben & Jerry’s business decision in Israel distasteful, Haaretz, 22 September 2021: Now Ben & Jerry’s Finds Itself Facing a Real Boycott, Israel Hayom, 26 August 2021: Will there be a BDS movement against the Taliban? (if you think the usual propaganda whining and crying in the article away, than that’s an interesting approach), Israel Hayom, 27 August 2021: The antisemitic uneducated Jew, New York Post, 28 August 2021: Head of Ben & Jerry’s board accused of alleged self-dealing, The Algemeiner, 29 August 2021: Architect of Ben & Jerry’s Israel Boycott Accused of ‘Self-Dealing’ by Legal Watchdog, Haaretz, 8 September 2021: Arizona Divesting From Ben & Jerry’s Parent Company Over Settlement Boycott (so, Kimberly Yee has given in to the pressure of a foreign power. Arizona’s voters will love to hear it and learn more about why their government employees are reacting allergic to the Geneva Conventions, because if they don’t apply to Israel, why should they apply elsewhere?), Jerusalem Post, 8 September 2021: Arizona divests from Ben & Jerry’s over its ‘antisemitic’ Israel boycott, Times of Israel, 10 September 2021: Arizona divesting all state funds from Ben & Jerry’s due to settlement boycott, Jerusalem Post, 10 September 2021: New Jersey moves to divest from Ben & Jerry’s over anti-Israel boycott, Times of Israel, 15 September 2021: New Jersey moves to divest from Ben & Jerry’s, parent firm over settlement BDS, Israel Hayom, 15 September 2021: New Jersey set to shed $182M in Unilever assets over Ben & Jerry’s boycott (New Jersey made a decision based on false assumptions: Neither Unilever nor Ben & Jerry’s are boycotting Israel. Ben & Jerry’s is boycotting the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, while Unilever is still selling it’s products in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine), Palestine Chronicle, 8 October 2021: ‘We Will Appeal’: German Court Dismisses Palestine Activists’ Efforts aimed at Reversing Anti-BDS Law, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2021: Ben & Jerry’s decision was not a boycott of Israel – founders (this whole affair is one big selfmade PR disaster, but not for Ben & Jerry’s. Israeli government representatives have made it clear that Israel is anything but a liberal, democratic business location. Some US senators have made it clear that they are so deep in Israel’s pockets that they have forgotten to represent US interests. Those who led the witch hunt against Ben & Jerry’s business decisions have gotten so deeply lost that they cannot find a way back. Sometimes you have to learn, understand and accept when you’ve lost your self inflicted battle (one indication is that all Unilever ice cream brands were able to increase their sales noticeably compared to previous years even during the Covid-19 years 2020 and 2021) in order to find new battlefields where you might be more successful, get over it and move on in order to stop damaging yourself even further. If the lawyers at Ben & Jerry’s still need one or the other idea in order to be able to develop a nice strategy against the announced attempts at coercion and blackmail from Israel and the USA, then there would be something: Since 2013, Israel, although not a European country and much less an EU member state, has been participating in the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, which aims to get Israel to pocket European taxpayers’ money for research projects and in return produces mor eor less useful research results. It gives the impression that it is a matter of covert university funding because the country cannot afford its universities, which is why the EU seems to be okay with the high costs while at the same time having little benefits out of it. The interesting part for Ben & Jerry’s (and all other companies with the wish not to be active or do business in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and Syria) comes now: The State of Israel signs a contract that the funds from the “Horizon Europe” program can and will only be used for projects in Israel within the borders of 1967, and in no way in the West Bank, East Jerusalem or Syria or the illegal Israeli settlements there. Even Benjamin Netanyahu signed it, and now, as a representative of the successor government, also Yair Lapid. Failure to comply with the agreement may lead to the freezing of parts or all funds or even the termination of the program participation altogether. So there is obviously room for negotiation, especially since it is clear even to the most right-wing Israeli governments that the state borders are only those of 1967 (Green Line)), Times of Israel, 11 October 2021: Ben & Jerry’s founders: It’s a boycott of settlements, not of Israel, Jerusalem Post, 11 October 2021: Ben & Jerry suffered an AOC moment – comment (comparing Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine with US states that are fighting for/against certain laws is so far removed from any reality that one has to ask which kind of drugs they take to come up with such nonsense?), The Algemeiner, 11 October 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founders Challenged Over Backing Boycott in West Bank But Not in US States With Policies They Oppose, CNN, 12 October 2021: Sally Rooney refuses to sell Hebrew rights for latest book to Israeli publisher, citing political objections, The Guardian, 12 October 2021: Sally Rooney turns down an Israeli translation on political grounds, Los Angeles Times, 12 October 2021: Sally Rooney won’t sell rights to Israeli publisher, The Algemeiner, 17 October 2021: Pro-Israel Advocacy Groups Send Letter to Unilever Asserting It Can Overturn Ben & Jerry’s Israel Boycott (there is no boycott of Israel by Ben & Jerry’s, as the West Bank and East Jerusalem aren’t Israeli), Haaretz, 20 October 2021: The Harsh Truth Biden Needs to Tell Israelis Now About Their Future (that’s a must-read for anyone who is interested in resolving the given problems and challenges), Jerusalem Post, 20 October 2021: Unilever’s Ben & Jerry’s crisis is escalating (even more fact-free Hasbara trolling. In the real world Israeli officials have massively harmed Israel’s reputation as a business location over handling this issue and make them even look like full scale morons and idiots while naming Ben & Jerry’s a “terrorist ice cream company”. In fact, they were much more successful than BDS could ever have been. Perhaps that is why BDS should award them a Medal of Honor), The National, 24 October 2021: Florida prepares to pull Ben & Jerry’s investments over Israeli settlement boycott (you only have to look at DeSantis’ handling of the corona pandemic and know that he is simple enough to actually take this step. As a Trumpist, he has no other choice. If he suddenly acted intelligently, he would end up being completely implausible), Jerusalemn Post, 27 October 2021: Florida halts new investments in Ben & Jerry’s parent company over West Bank sales boycott, Times of Israel, 27 October 2021: Israel shuts down culture festival in East Jerusalem, claiming PA funding (Interesting: Israel’s BDS campaign against Palestinan Muslims and Christians in Palestinian East Jerusalem), Jerusalemn Post, 27 October 2021: Senate Republicans urge Unilever CEO to ‘reverse course’, Israel Hayom, 29 October 2021: NY restricts Unilever holdings over Ben & Jerry’s boycott (the self-inflicted PR damage is getting bigger and bigger for Israel. After all the bullsh!t bingo was caused to disguise that Ben & Jerry’s never boycotted or will boycott Israel, but at the same time trying to impose punitive measures against Unilever with the help of said lies, one has to realize that neither one nor the other has worked. Ben & Jerry’s will not have to sell its products in the illegal Israeli settlements in the future and the few US states that have even dealt with the process have mostly decided not to buy any additional shares in Unilever for the time being – given the returns that can be achieved with Unilever shares the said states even punish themselves. A “victory” would have turned out very differently. None of this will, of course, prevent activists from continuing their totally unjustified hate campaigns against Ben & Jerry’s, thereby further maximizing the damage to themselves and others, while Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s will maximize their profits. It’ll be fun to watch – stay tuned! As a result of the corona pandemic, Unilever’s share price, like many other companies, has come under pressure, so that a (re) entry will pay off), Jerusalemn Post, 29 October 2021: New York pension fund joins exit from Unilever over Israel restrictions, The Algemeiner, 29 October 2021: New York Pulls $111 Million in Unilever Investments Over Ben & Jerry’s West Bank Boycott, Times of Israel, 30 October 2021: NY’s pension fund halts investments in Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s Israel stance, Palestine Chronicle, 4 November 2021: Palestinian-Owned Company Challenges Texas Anti-BDS Law, Forward, 5 November 2021: Israel’s largest booksellers pull Sally Rooney’s novels (that’s a freaking joke, right? Countering BDS with an Israeli-style BDS will in the end lead to self isolation. At the same time, with such an action, of course, you achieve the opposite of what you hoped for: the translation of the current book is even prevented by your own efforts. If this process continues, there will be fewer and fewer books translated into Hebrew. Apparently there are people who overestimate the relevance of the Hebrew book market at least a little bit. Of course, the question also arises how much it will damage Rooney economically? 20 to 30 € in royalties a month, the loss of which she won’t even notice, but the printers, the middlemen and the bookstores themselves? A few people probably drank too much Syrian wine from the Golan Heights before the decision has been made), The Guardian, 5 November 2021: Israel Sally Rooney novels pulled after translation boycott, Irish Times, 5 November 2021: Sally Rooney books removed from Israeli shops after translation boycott, Jerusalem Post, 7 November 2021: Israeli bookstores remove Sally Rooney’s books over boycott, Times of Israel, 7 November 2021: Sally Rooney’s Israeli publisher keeps selling her books even as chains shun her, Jerusalem Post, 11 November 2021: Ben & Jerry’s may lose US kashrut renewal over settler boycott, Forward, 12 November 2021: New York State warns Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s that it will divest over Israel boycott (if this will happen, companies should better not do any business in Israel in the first place. Otherwise they are lost and completely deprived of their entrepreneurial freedoms), Haaretz, 12 November 2021: New York State Warns Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s That It Will Divest Over Israel Boycott, Forward, 12 November 2021: Losing kosher certification over politics? It could happen to Ben & Jerry’s., Jerusalem Post, 13 November 2021: Ben & Jerry’s: Kashrut made political (just another worthless certificate, only meant to make money of it), New York Post, 21 November 2021: Cold shoulder: NJ ad blitz slams Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott (in the face of such reports, one can only advise companies in general, and US companies in particular, not to invest in Israel at all in the first place. Because if they take exit measures, they run the risk that political extremists will try to damage their companies or brands with the help of fake news, lies, hate speech and defamation campaigns. At the same time, the picture that is drawn in such reports is a pure catastrophe for Israel as an investment location. Who, in his right mind, would or should ever take such a risk? This is like Russian Roulette on a daily basis), Times of Israel, 22 November 2021: Yes, Ben & Jerry – you did pull out of Israel (Ben & Jerry’s still has more than a year to find a solution to replace the previous licensee (or import from the US or the Netherlands to gain some more time to seek for an alternative solution), e.g. by setting up its own production facility in Israel, so as not to fall for a dubious licensee again who, by his own account, hasn’t paid any license fees to Ben & Jerry’s in years. This would also have the advantage that the company would have full control over the distribution channels, i.e. could make sure to only sell it’s products within the 1967 limits. Given that Israel’s President Herzog has called Ben & Jerry’s “an economic terrorist ice cream company”, the question naturally arises why Ben & Jerry’s should bother moving to Egypt or the United Arab Emirates in the first place, instead of producing in a business hostile environment?), Jerusalem Post, 22 November 2021: SWU ads slam Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott at Unilever HQ (the lies are going on and on: there is no boycott of Israel by Ben & Jerry’s. There is a rightly boycott of the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian East Jerusalem and West Bank), Forward, 22 November 2021: Sally Rooney’s boycott of Israel publishers gets backing of 70 writers, The Algemeiner, 23 November 2021: A Dozen US Attorneys General to Unilever: Stop Ben & Jerry’s West Bank Boycott, Don’t ‘Deflect Accountability’ (‘“Unilever has embarked on an unfortunate and financially misguided path of testing our States’ resolve by refusing to stop Ben & Jerry’s from boycotting selected regions within the State of Israel,” the attorneys general stated.’ – interesting to learn, that totally unqualified people can become Attorney General in the US. From the legal point of view, it is absolutely claer that the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem doesn’t belong to Israel. There are a number of UN Resolutions that point to this fact. The latest was UN Resolution 2334 from December 2016, passed in a 14–0 vote. With this, the entire “argumentation” of the signatories collapses. Apart from insubstantial BlaBlaBla and lobby chatter, the main thing that remains is the threat that if Unilever does not bow to the thousands of violations of international law pursued by Israel and support the country in doing so by doing business in the illegal Israeli settlements, US Attorneys General would be ready to punish the company. What does it say about the US legal system if attorneys general could force corporations to commit serious crimes and violations of international law?), Forward, 23 November 2021: State attorneys general urge Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever to reverse West Bank decision, New York Post, 23 November 2021: Rep. Torres asks SEC to review Unilever filings over Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott (Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever once again had a field day, enjoying state sponsored advertising and every broker is telling his clients to buy more Unilever shares, whil the Israeli BDS movement is still heavily engaged in it’s own down hill race), Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2021: Finland’s capital attack on Israel, Haaretz, 1 December 2021: Democratic Progressive Refused to Endorse BDS. Now He’s Under Fire From the Left, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2021: German bank closes Hamas/BDS group account – exclusive, Jerusalem Post, 2 December 2021: House members call on SEC to review Unilever filings over Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott (Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever once again had a field day, enjoying state sponsored advertising and every broker is telling his clients to buy more Unilever shares, whil the Israeli BDS movement is still heavily engaged in it’s own down hill race), The Algemeiner, 9 December 2021: Seven US State Treasurers Urge Unilever to Reverse Ben & Jerry’s West Bank Boycott (in the real world there are no “Israeli territories” in Palestine, but “Illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories (West Bank and East Jerusalem)” and those are the territories Ben & Jerry’s rightly refuse to sell their ice cream. After all, it is funny that Kimberly Yee has sold Arizona’s holdings in Unilver in order to then demand explanations from Unilever. Apparently any fool can become a State Treasurer in Arizona today, as the only recruitment requirements obviously are the “right” party membership and the “right” ideology. I’m starting to find it fun to watch these guys and the selfproclaimed “pro-Israel activists” (while in the real world they are acting 100% against Israel’s core (economic) interests to attract more foreign investments by instead actively chasing them away) shooting themselves in both feet over and over again. At the same time I personally have to admit, that I’ve probably never eating that much Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in one single year while watching the various episodes of the show), Forward, 9 December 2021: LA city council members push measure to explore divesting from Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever, The Algemeiner, 17 December 2021: Law Professors Condemn NYU Legal Journal’s Israel Boycott, Warning of ‘Political Censorship’, Forward, 23 December 2021: Illinois divests from Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s Israel move (a great opportunity to buy more Unilever shares and make some money to buy more of Ben & Jerry’s fantastic ice cream! What is interesting is that in Germany I am considered a conservative voter, so I should actually take the whole thing very seriously. Unfortunately, I can’t help but laugh heartily at it. How can you get so bogged down and keep shooting yourself in your own feet without even realizing it? This is one big PR disaster for Israel. Each decision maker will now think four times whether he will invest in Israel at all. In view of the expected consequences, this is tantamount to an announcement of suicide. If the Israeli government does not counter this slowly but surely and clearly, it will only be able to hope for the extensions of the Abraham Agreements in order to open up markets and investors there. The earning prospects in Israel are already rather slim (apart from the high-tech industry). If they are then additionally burdened by the curtailment (rather the loss of) entrepreneurial freedoms, there are actually only ideological or religious reasons to get involved there. In addition, due to Corona, Israel will have a much more difficult path back to economic normality than the West has, where it will happen automatically and without many interventions after the logistics and supply chain difficulties have disappeared. Israel faces much greater challenges. This includes the tourism/gastronomy/hotel industry, which is important for the country and on which thousands of jobs and billions in sales depend. It will be years before, with luck, it slowly starts to recover from 2023 onwards before it reaches pre-pandemic levels. There are now fears that it may even take more than a decade. Other areas of the economy are also being hit much harder than people in the West can or would like to imagine. A lot of hard nuts have to be cracked before everything gets going again, especially since the West will of course first do damage limitation for itself before it starts again with non-American/European adventures. It was somewhat sobering to see how quickly general business contacts in the Levant formally dried up, despite all assurances of how closely governments and private companies and organizations would work together. Wish and truth are quite far and clear apart. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop after Corona, but it doesn’t look all that rosy. Against this background, publicly messing with a multinational company like Unilever was certainly not a wise step, especially when something like this is happening in front of a much larger audience than usual due to Corona. Instead of declaring ethno-nationalist nonsense the leitmotif, it would make much more sense to act with expertise and a sense of proportion in order to minimize collateral damage), Times of Israel, 23 December 2021: Illinois divests pension funds from Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s settlement boycott, The Algemeiner, 23 December 2021: Illinois Votes to Divest State Pension Fund From Unilever Due to Ben & Jerry’s Boycott, Palestine Chronicle, 25 December 2021: Finnish Lawmaker Introduces Draft Law to Ban Illegal Settlement Goods, Israel Hayom, 29 December 2021: BDS: The latest chapter in the sordid history of anti-Jewish boycott, The Algemeiner, 1 January 2022: Senators Urge SEC to Investigate Unilever Over Ben & Jerry’s Israel Boycott (or in other words: “if you run an international consumer goods company, it is best to avoid Israel and Palestine at all, because otherwise you will be dragged into legal difficulties sooner or later and on top of that you will forfeit all entrepreneurial freedoms.”), Jerusalem Post, 6 January 2022: There is no diplomatic BDS tsunami against Israel, The Guardian, 6 January 2022: Gene Simmons, Deborah Conway join opposition to Sydney festival boycott as more acts pull out (Sydney Festival), Haaretz, 9 January 2022: Pro-Israel Group Strikes Back Against BDS Headway at Sydney Festival, The Algemeiner, 20 January 2022: New York Senate Weighs Bill to Keep Public Funds Away From Israel Boycott Efforts, Haaretz, 26 January 2022: This anti-BDS Initiative Failed. So Israel Throws Another $30 Million at It (awesome, countering propaganda with propaganda is a fantastic idea. What can possibly go wrong?!? At best, you can become the next Israeli ambassador to the UN), Palestine Chronicle, 26 January 2022: German Federal Court Rules Anti-BDS Policy to Be ‘Unconstitutional’, Jerusalem Post, 30 January 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Israel CEO calls for retaliation against ice cream maker (ridiculous. If that happens, Israel will end up losing thousands of jobs and having far less choice of products in the supermarkets, only to whine about the thousands of jobs lost and hundreds of fewer products to choose from in the supermarkets. Once again they will have shot themselves in both feet), Palestine Chronicle, 30 January 2022: US Federal Court Blocks Texas from Enforcing Anti-BDS Law, Jerusalem Post, 5 February 2022: Justice Min. Sa’ar enables retaliation against Ben & Jerry’s (attacking private business decisions with a law? That’s the final end of Israel as a free market), Haaretz, 5 February 2022: Justice Minister Blocks Israel Boycotters From State Tenders and Benefits, Jerusalem Post, 6 February 2022: Why isn’t everyone in favor of Israel’s Boycott Law?, The Algemeiner, 10 February 2022: Unilever Expects New Ben & Jerry’s ‘Arrangement’ for Israel by Year-End (“The brand’s sales grew 9% last year, Unilever said, outpacing overall underlying sales growth of 4.5%.” – so, the calls for boycott worked pretty well, just in another direction as wanted but in the direction as expected), Jerusalem Post, 10 February 2022: Unilever expects new Ben & Jerry’s ‘arrangement’ for Israel by year-end, Jerusalem Post, 26 February 2022: Antisemitism is back and Ben and Jerry’s is now feeding the beast – opinion (it is not clear to me why Ben & Jerry’s was used as an example here, especially since something completely different has become much clearer here, namely that in the case of Ben & Jerry’s it is not about anti-Semitism, but about the steadily increasing stupidity of the activists against Ben & Jerry’s campaign. Whether it’s the Israeli President Herzog accusing Ben & Jerry’s of “economic terrorism”, the operator of Ben & Jerry’s Israel, who hasn’t paid any license fees for years and then getting upset about having his contract revoked, or the employee of Ben & Jerry’s resigning accompanied by a political statement – none of this is intelligent. The numerous “Internet activists” against Ben & Jerry’s argue even more stupidly. If you want to run a winning counter-campaign it’s necessary to have the better and not the dumber arguments), Haaretz, 1 March 2022: While the West Stands Up to Putin, Israel Is Fighting Ben & Jerry’s, Forward, 3 March 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Israeli manufacturer sues the brand and Unilever over boycott, Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Israel asks New Jersey court to halt settlement boycott, Haaretz, 8 March 2022: Comparing BDS’s Failure Against Israel to the Stunning Boycott of Russia, Palestine Chronicle, 12 March 2022: BDS Victory: Australia’s Future Fund Excludes Israeli Elbit Systems from Future Investments, Haaretz, 23 March 2022: In Win for BDS Movement, U.S. Middle East Studies Association Endorses Israel Boycott, The Algemeiner, 28 March 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Israel CEO Says ‘I Refuse to Boycott My Neighbors,’ Calls Out Unilever ‘Hypocrisy’ (funny guy *hahaha* if he would had been interestzed in doing business with Ben & Jerry’s further on, he should have paid the licence fees he’s owing to the Ben & Jerry’s in the first place. Maybe then Ben & Jerry’s would had come to the conclusion that Ben & Jerry’s Israel isn’t just another loser company that only cost money while not bringing in enough turnover), The Algemeiner, 7 April 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Tries to Force a ‘Food Apartheid’ (one only has to imagine what would happen and, more importantly, mean if Zinger got away with the nonsense. It would mean that the occupiers would force companies against their will to operate in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian East Jerusalem and the West Bank. If Israel continues to vehemently oppose international investments in its own country, BDS will soon be obsolete), Jerusalem Post, 7 April 2022: Ben & Jerry’s contract is discriminatory – US product company (*hahaha*), Jerusalem Post, 30 April 2022: Melbourne University Student Union passes BDS resolution, Times of Israel, 30 April 2022: Harvard student paper ‘proudly’ endorses BDS movement, says it rejects antisemitism, Palestine Chronicle, 2 April 2022: Harvard University Student Newspaper ‘Proudly Endorses’ BDS Movement, Palestine Chronicle, 4 May 2022: European Task Force Joins Spanish Lawmaker in Supporting Ban Trade with Illegal Settlements (VIDEO), Jerusalem Post, 7 May 2022: Why ‘Harvard Crimson’ BDS support demands our attention, Times of Israel, 9 May 2022: ‘Disrespectful of Jews’: 70 Harvard faculty reject student paper’s BDS endorsement, Jerusalem Post, 10 May 2022: 70 members of Harvard staff slam Crimson’s BDS endorsement, The Algemeiner 11 May 2022: Queen’s Speech Announces UK Legislation Taking Aim at Israel Boycotts, Jerusalem Post, 14 May 2022: Commitment to pass anti-BDS bill included in Queen’s speech, The Algemeiner, 30 May 2022: As Semester Ends, the BDS Movement Picks Up Gains on Campus, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2022: Lapid working on plan to stop Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott (just another never ending story. To funny. In the meantime Ben & Jerry’s was able to strenghten it’s profits worldwide. That’s what excellent managers are doing: getting rid off underperformers, while strengthening the profitable ones, in order to ensure sustainable growth), The Algemeiner, 8 June 2022: Middle East Professors Boycott Israel — Where’s the Moral Outrage?, Haaretz, 12 June 2022: Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey Condemn BDS Group Project Mapping Boston Jewish Orgs, Jerusalem Post, 14 June 2022: Ben & Jerry’s employees watch videos on Israel, Palestinians for job training (Ben & Jerry’s, 19 July 2021: Ben & Jerry’s Will End Sales of Our Ice Cream in the Occupied Palestinian Territory), Times of Israel, 15 June 2022: Ben & Jerry’s said to force new employees to watch videos on Israel, Palestinians, Jerusalem Post, 16 June 2022: Unilever shareholder sues over Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott (interesting how much they love their Ben & Jerry’s and how hard they therefore try to concinvce to company to sell their products in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine), Times of Israel, 17 June 2022: Michigan pension fund sues Ben & Jerry’s owner over ice cream maker’s Israel policy (they better sue their idiotic colleagues and treasury secretaries from other US states, whose stupid divestments have caused stock prices to fall (along with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic). It is not Unilever’s problem that some shareholders use political nonsense as a basis for decisions on divestments, especially since it was clear from the beginning what consequences this would have for institutional investors such as pension funds – clearly negative ones), Jerusalem Post, 23 June 2022: BDS schism: BDS groups must reject Boston Jew map or lose BDS brand, Jerusalem Post, 27 June 2022: Anti-Israel NGO schism grows with faction defying BDS leadership, Times of Israel, 29 June 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Israel, parent company Unilever reach deal to end settlement boycott (instead of four losers, there are now five winners: Winner #1: Unilever sells the Ben & Jerry’s naming rights in Israeli and Arabic within the “Israel and its illegal settlements in Palestine” sales territory to Ben & Jerry’s former Israeli contractor and by doing so get rid of all that crap (similar deals have shown in the past that Israel is a deficit market (you can of course also see this in the so-called “partner programs” or “youth exchanges”, the costs of which are basically borne largely by the respective “partner countries” because Israel cannot afford the programs itself), with corporations willing to write off millions just to finally get out of the country. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone if similar news about this “deal” will be published in the coming months. At the same time, Unilever can look forward to this with equanimity, since Ben & Jerry’s has been able to achieve enormous leaps in earnings elsewhere in the world. That should ease the pain), Winner #2: Ben & Jerry’s stops selling in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine and gets rid of a annoying loss-maker thanks to Unilever’s elegant move. In the future there will be not only no Ben & Jerry’s products available in Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine, but also in Israel itself, Winner #3: BDS already won on the day Ben & Jerry’s issued its press release to stop selling it’s products in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, Winner #4: The former Ben & Jerry’s contractor can sell copies of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream under the Israeli and Arabic names as desired in Israel’s illegal settlements in Palestine. Of course, since he’s not part of Ben & Jerry’s or Unilever, he can mix together whatever he wants. Customers are not entitled to receive any type, recipe or quality of real Ben & Jerry’s products and Winner #5: The self-proclaimed activists on both sides, who are now claiming at least partial victories. The big question is, of course, what the medium and long-term consequences will be for the Israeli economy and what effect it will have on foreign investors after Ben & Jerry’s Israel and the Israeli government have caused this internationally highly visible pr and marketing meltdown themselves. A lot of decision-makers among producers and chain stores will now think about whether they want to invest in Israel at all, when they can be blackmailed at any time into either doing business against their will in Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem or to hand-over their businesses and millions in payments to an Israeli to buy one’s freedom from Israel (which in Europe would possibly amount to the crime of rapacious blackmail)), Haaretz, 29 June 2022: Unilever Strikes Deal to Resume Ben & Jerry’s Sales in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 29 June 2022: Ben & Jerry’s cancels plan to stop sales in Israel, BBC, 29 June 2022: Israel welcomes Ben & Jerry’s reversal over West Bank settlements, The Guardian, 29 June 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Unilever sells off brand in Israel to avoid West Bank row, Arab News, 29 June 2022: Sale puts Ben & Jerry’s ice cream back in West Bank … well kind of, The Algemeiner, 1 July 2022: BDS Puts Jews and Israel Under Attack, Times of Israel, 2 July 2022: BDS movement complains Unilever ‘succumbed to bullying’: Unilever investor: Ben & Jerry’s boycott fallout will be ‘lesson’ to multinationals (interesting how completely opposite the possible effects for Israel are assessed. Companies already based in Israel can only withdraw from both Israel and the Israeli settlements in Palestine if they accept international law as a basis for action. If, on the other hand, they apply other standards of action, then the aspect naturally plays no or at least a subordinate role. Companies that have not yet done business in Israel will have looked closely at the witch hunts against Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s and will therefore most likely decid not to do business in Israel at all), Jerusalem Post, 4 July 2022: Lessons of Ben & Jerry’s: Boycotting Israel isn’t low-risk (the pr and marketing disaster brought about by Ben & Jerry’s Israel and the Israeli government is of course a high risk for Israel as a business location. What responsible corporate management can embark on new investments in Israel now that it is obvious that they are dealing with Russian conditions? “You are doing business the way we want you to or otherwise we will rob you off your business!” At the same time, companies are being forced to appear to legitimize Israel’s illegal settlement activities in Palestine. Certainly no company can afford that. “Liberal market economy?” Ridiculous), Jerusalem Post, 5 July 2022: Ben & Jerry’s sues parent Unilever to block sale of Israeli business, The Algemeiner, 7 July 2022: Stopping BDS Cold: Five Lessons to Be Learned From Ben & Jerry’s Attempt to Cream Israel, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2022: ‘BDS National Committee supports liberal Zionist agenda’, Forward, 18 July 2022: After filing suit, Ben & Jerry’s now wants to mediate dispute with Unilever over Israeli operations, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2022: BDS: Divided in strategy, united in hate, Jerusalem Post, 29 July 2022: Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever talks on out-of-court deal on Israeli dispute break down (a still very entertaining topic, while enjoying Ben & Jerry’s Cookie Dough), Haaretz, 31 July 2022: Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever Talks Over West Bank Dispute Break Down, Jerusalem Post, 3 August 2022: Ben & Jerry’s says Unilever froze directors’ salaries, Haaretz, 3 August 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Says Unilever Froze Directors’ Salaries Amid Legal Battle Over Israel Business, Forward, 8 Auugust 2022: Ben & Jerry’s fears its new Israeli owner could sell ‘Judea and Samaria’ ice cream in latest court hearing, The Algemeiner, 10 August 2022: US Judge Sees No ‘Imminent’ Threat to Ben & Jerry’s After Unilever Sale of Israeli Business to Local Licensee (it is difficult to see a disadvantage for Ben & Jerry’s, especially since even Israeli customers should by now be aware that Ben & Jerry’s Israel belongs neither to Unilever nor to Ben & Jerry’s and can therefore mix whatever they want together. You cannot sue for the same qualities or varieties. So they must have Ben & Jerry’s products shipped to them from the US or Europe if they live within the 1967 borders), Times of Israel, 10 August 2022: Israeli students accuse Ben & Jerry’s of illegally occupying Native American lands (the students are shooting themselves in the foot. Jews in Israel and America live on land owned by other people. Ben & Jerry’s was at least consistent enough to withdraw from one of the countries. The students don’t), Haaretz, 11 August 2022: More U.S. Jews Moved to West Bank Settlements in 2021 Than Any Other Year in Past Decade, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2022: Anti-Israel orgs plan to protest 125th anniversary of the first Zionist Congress (bringing the conflict from the Levant to Europe and levantizing it here too will produce the same results as in the Levant itself: none. Instead, the intractability of the conflict is becoming more and more globalized), The Algemeiner, 22 August 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Loses Bid to Halt Sales In West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: Amnesty, BDS France to share stage at ‘how to end the Israeli apartheid’ event, Forward, 22 August 2022: Ben & Jerry’s loses bid to block its ice cream from being sold in the West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 22 August 2022: Ben & Jerry’s loses bid to halt sales in West Bank, Haaretz, 22 August 2022: Ben & Jerry’s Lose Bid to Halt West Bank Sales, Times of Israel, 22 August 2022: US judge freezes Ben & Jerry bid to halt settlement sales during legal battle, The Guardian, 22 August 2022: Israel: Ben & Jerry’s lose bid to block sale of ice-cream in West Bank settlements, Arab News, 22 August 2022: Court denies Ben & Jerry’s effort to prevent sales in Israeli settlements).

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On the other hand, of course, it would be pretty naïve to assume that attempts to demonize the BDS movement would lead to behavioral changes among those who disagree with Netanyahu’s policies in general, or with the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine (East Jerusalem and West Bank) and Syria (Golan Heights) in particular. The individual boycotts existed long before the BDS movement and will continue to exist in the future, because in the end there is no need for a movement or initiative at all. Those individuals will not travel to Israel or buy products from Israel or the occupied territories in the future (freedom of consumption) and, with some certainty, additionally feel fueled by state prohibition attempts against BDS. In this respect, it is at least questionable how it shall help the State of Israel, its citizens and companies, when the BDS movement is presented by public authorities in Western Europe and North America to a wider public audience, which had never heard of BDS before and might now feel inspired to participate in the movement. When the state wants to interfere in the consumer behavior of its citizens, the temptation to do the exact opposite has always been great.

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German raison d’être/German National Interest
It is the German national interest to secure the ability of the state of Israel to permanently survive as such, regardless of the sensitivities and sometimes very problematic proceedings of the respective Israeli governments – so it’s not about supporting the political snake oil vendor Netanyahu or his apparently severely corrupted clan, but ensuring the well being, survival and existence of the Israeli state as a whole (Neo-Zionism, Times of Israel, 21 June 2019: Lapid calls for Israel to be a state ‘of all citizens,’ but quickly recants). It is explicitly not about discriminating against Palestinians. The occupation of Palestinian East Jerusalem, the construction of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank and the blockade of the Gaza Strip (which in addition to the humanitarian situation include further self-made problems for Israel, e.g. the founding of Hamas is based on these problems as well) are not covered by the German raison d’être, because the Federal Government in general does not support the break of international law. In contrast, the occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights is covered in parts, especially since this region has a factual security relevance for Israel pending a peace treaty with Syria. As long as both states are at war, the occupation is legitimate. The settlement is, as in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, a violation of international law and therefore not covered. Part of the raison d’être is the promotion and implementation of the two-state solution, which is to bring not only a peace treaty but also solutions for East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Already since the 1950s, all West German governments support Israel with generous weapon gifts, and even after the reunification this wouldn’t result in automatic assistance obligation in case of war. For some good reasons, the Bundeswehr is very much limited in its actions abroad by law (international mandate, UN Mandate and decision by the Bundestag (parliamentary army)). If Israel had as much of everything as it has soldiers, the country wouldn’t need the permanent support of the West anyway. With this background given, the annual repetitions of the statement of the Bundestag on the “right to exist, the security of Israel and the unbreakable friendship of both countries” sounds pompous and ambitious at the first sight, but on closer consideration there is little to nothing left of any concrete military action obligations at the end of the day, except for the already obligatory arms deliveries (NATO Response Force, IOL, 28 Febuary 2011: Secret military mission into Libya, (usually German military missions abroad need approval by German parliament. In this special case the government decided on it’s own to send the rescue misson without asking the parliament for approval because of “imminent danger” (“Gefahr im Verzug”). As a result, the Greens have filed a lawsuit with the Federal Constitutional Court to have this procedure reviewed. In September 2015, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that this very specific case was lawful and could be decided on without asking parliament due to urgency. Following the mission, Parliament only needed to be informed extensively. In view of the ruling, it is sometimes argued that this would make deployment of the Bundeswehr to Israel possible even without a parliament mandate. Of course, this isn’t the case. As in the case at hand, Israel’s borders would need to be overrun and the IDF weakened to such an extent that the immediate threat to life and limb of EU citizens would be given, so that they need to be evacuated from Israel as quickly as possible. Although this scenario is conceivable, it is unlikely in practice. The last part of the 20-year Afghanistan mission also exemplified the limited possibilities of the Bundeswehr. Although she was already on a mandated mission in Afghanistan, a non-mandated rescue mission had to be carried out due to imminent danger, air force transport aircraft with appropriate special forces on board had to be used to set up an airlift and the entire rescue mission had to be retrospectively approved by the Bundestag)), whereas the strategies of Germany and the EU in and for Western Asia couldn’t hardly be more contradictory to the Israeli ones. In addition, the Bundeswehr, due to the already high capacity utilization by foreign missions, the national defense and the tasks within NATO doesn’t have the necessary capacity to engage in the decades-old adventure “Middle East Conflict”. After building an EU defense structure, things would be different. However, it is unlikely that the Israeli side is seeking for the intervention by the Bunderswehr at all, especially since the strong presence of the guarantor USA is completely sufficient for any eventualities.

In addition to the arms deliveries, since 1951, due to an agreement between the West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and David Ben-Gurion, the Israel receives economic aid from Germany. Particularly in the 1950s to the 1980s, Israel was broke – in today’s parlance a failed state (and to some extent the country still is today. After all, it is still dependent on international military, financial and development aid because it cannot finance itself. This is most evident in the supply of the occupied territories. This takes place entirely through the international community, although it is clearly regulated by law that this is entirely up to the occupiers. Since these, as in the present case, cannot even keep themselves afloat, the international community is kind enough to avert a humanitarian catastrophe caused by the inability of the occupiers) – and threatened by famine, which were averted by German funds (until 2007, the economic aid amounted to just over 25 billion euros, without taking inflation into account. As of today, about three times the sum in). To date, Israel, although one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of area and population, is one of the top beneficiaries of international economic, military and development aid, which in turn allows some conclusions about the actual state and performance of the country in general (Wiedergutmachung).

Both together (military and economic aid) finally led to the official establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and West Germany on 12 May 1965. Over time, it became the Special relationship between Germany and Israel (Germany–Israel relations), to today’s Unbreakable friendship between both countries. In view of the common history (history of the Jews in Germany, the Holocaust, but also the often unfortunate developments in the neighboring states of Israel) this isn’t self-evident and is still associated with many challenges and setbacks at all levels. A normalization of the bilateral relations will not and can not take place in the coming decades, especially since the emotional level plays a major role alongside the rational level. Even the diplomatic formulation of befriended countries make this clear. The two countries generally agree in the meaning of the relationship (just another small excursion into “botany”: With the support measures for Israel, Germany simultaneously secures access to the US market. Due to a law in the US, companies or entire countries may be excluded from public contracts if they don’t deliver to Israel in quality and quantity the country desires. For Germany, the Unbreakable friendship between both countries pays off very positive in other places); about what happens below this level much less. However, the principle mentioned in the introduction to secure the ability of the state of Israel to permanently survive as such, regardless of the sensitivities and sometimes very problematic proceedings of the respective Israeli governments applies to future German Federal Governments as well, especially since it became clear that Israel will continue to rely on military and economic aid in the future. After 2.5 years of the corona pandemic, it is interesting to see and hear at the beginning of 2022 how many projects no longer exist and how few initiatives have survived Covid-19. Beyond the purely political will, the substance is obviously only very moderately resilient. This should be kept in mind for future activities, especially as this results in some additional challenges. Again and again, both German tourists and business people report about unprovoked defamation of being “Nazis” or “Fascists” triggered by their mere presence. People have to learn to deal with that if they want to stay there for longer and not just for a “one time and never again” stay. In Israel, xenophobia and hatred of religion is not only aimed at Muslims, Arabs and especially Palestinians, but also at Christians and especially Germans.

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In the opposite direction, at the end of December 2018 a member of the Netanyahu government has once again affirmed that the “German-Israeli friendship” is little more than lip service and should be confined exclusively to the receipt of development aid. The Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, said that he does not advocate, support, promote or agree with Israelis who prefer to live, love and work in Germany rather than in Israel. At the same time, he is actually wondering why the said Israelis are largely uninterested in a contact with him or the Israeli embassy.

Not only in view of the 70th anniversary of the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 2018, the German Federal Government urges citizens, associations and companies several times a year to have a focus on Israel, the Middle East conflict, the two-state solution, the Holocaust, but to also tackle once again high-boiling xenophobia in general, and anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in particular, in Germany, Europe and throughout the world and to work for peace, freedom, equality and democracy. Most of the readers of this article didn’t experience in their lifetime that there was peace in the Middle East, not in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict anyway, and have little chance of experiencing both, so understandably a certain amount of fatigue and frustration has hit in. On the other hand, the topics mentioned are part of the German raison d’être as well, which can hardly be hidden or separated from one another, if one is interested in finding solutions (even if these solutions seems unlikely to be achievable). Anyone interested can make the change within their means, no matter what their attitude toward the conflict is, from which side the conflict is approached, whether they take sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for one, the other, or both parties to the dispute (while taking side for one of the conflicts parties led to today’s apparent insolubility of the conflict) or how small or big the proposed changes are – as long as the changes are positive, it’s a win for everyone (Bloomberg, 19 April 2018: Israel’s First 70 Years Have Surprised the World, The New York Times, 20 April 2018: Jewish Power at 70 Years, Deutsche Welle, 8 May 2018: 70 years of Israeli independence: a bitter-sweet celebration, The Guardian, 11 May 2018: Israel at 70: jubilant US embassy opening masks fevered times , France24, 11 May 2018: 70 years on, Israel facing different kind of conflict, Jerusalem Post, 20 June 2019: Holocaust survivors to receive increase in compensation from Germany, DW, 29 August 2019: Germany’s Merkel insists on two-state solution in Israel-Palestine conflict, Israel Hayom, 29 August 2019: Merkel meets PA President Abbas for talks in Berlin, Times of Israel, 29 August 2019: Merkel backs two-state solution in meeting with Abbas, Israel National News, 12 May 2020: Rivlin speaks with German president to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, DW, 17 August 2020: Israeli Air Force jets land in Germany for first time (this is another German-Israeli event that makes the different perceptions of meaning understandable. While the Israeli press has been reporting on the (imminent) event, its importance for Israel’s integration into NATO for weeks and sometimes name it “historic”, 90% of Germans will not have heard of it in advance and the majority of the rest will have heard of it by chance in the late-night news after the event. For Germany it is evidently a pure cost factor with no “profit factor” or “gain”, for Israel it is part of the survival strategy. Therefore observers can watch for a while now how a semi-NATO membership is tried out through the back door, especially since it says at the main entrance that “warring countries are not accepted as NATO members” and Israel has several open fronts), The New York Times, 18 August 2020: Israeli Jets Arrive for 1st Joint Military Exercises on German Soil, DW, 18 August 2020: Israel-Germany joint flyover symbolizes a ‘unique relationship’, Times of Israel, 18 August 2020: In historic tribute, Israeli and German air forces fly over Dachau, Olympic site, Jerusalem Post, 18 August 2020: IAF lands in Germany for historic first joint drill, DW, 17 May 2021: Hamas ‘needs to cease rocket fire,’ says Israeli ambassador (Bundestag election campaign or not: Supporting the Israeli Crime Minister of all things has a remarkable after taste. It will also be interesting to see whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) will come to the same assessment of the situation), Jerusalem Post, 4 October 2021: The message in Merkel’s swan-song trip to Israel – analysis, DW, 9 October 2021: Angela Merkel leaves lasting legacy in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 9 October 2021: Merkel in Israel Sunday for farewell visit, Gulf Times, 10 October 2021: Israel security will remain German priority: Merkel on farewell tour, Al Arabiya, 10 October 2021: Merkel and Israeli PM Bennett differ on key issues of Iran, Palestine, Israel Hayom, 10 October 2021: ‘Israel’s security will always be of central importance to every German government’, Times of Israel, 10 October 2021: Merkel on farewell trip: Israel’s security will always be a priority for Germany, Haaretz, 10 October 2021: While Bennett Smiled With Merkel, Kurz Made Netanyahu Look Bad, The Algemeiner, 10 October 2021: Israel’s ‘True Friend’ Angela Merkel Honored With Female Scientist Fellowship During Farewell Visit, DW, 10 October 2021: Merkel touts Germany-Israel relations at Bennett meeting, The Algemeiner, 10 October 2021: Germany’s Angela Merkel in Israel for Final Visit as Chancellor, Palestine Chronicle, 10 October 2021: In Farewell Visit, Merkel Vows German Commitment to Israel, Haaretz, 14 December 2021: ‘Merkel Entered Israelis’ Hearts, but She Had No Trust in Netanyahu’ (of course, she didn’t. Who, in his right mind, ever did so? No single trustworthy person on this planet. He’s a shameless, cleptocratic liar), Jerusalem Post, 16 December 2021: The future challenges of the German-Israel relationship, Jerusalem Post, 28 December 2021: Ron Prosor to be Israel’s ambassador to Germany (at least one positive note is that things cannot get much worse after the very difficult Netzanyahu years (Ron Prosor, Jeremy Issacharoff, Gilad Erdan). However, one shouldn’t have greater expectations of positive developments), i24news, 28 December 2021: Ron Prosor appointed Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Jerusalem Post, 17 January 2022: Israel could sign deal to buy three submarines from Germany, Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Israel to Pay Double for German Submarines in Light of Sudden Price Hike (even more nuclear first-strike capacity for Israel, “brought to you by German taxpayers”), Haaretz, 18 January 2022: Israel to Pay Double for German Submarines in Light of Sudden Price Hike (even more nuclear first-strike capacity for Israel, “brought to you by German taxpayers”), Jerusalem Post, 19 January 2022: New Israeli submarines to have new capabilities, Times of Israel, 20 January 2022: Israel signs scandal-ridden €3 billion deal with Germany to buy new submarines, The National, 1 February 2022: Why Germany isn’t turning its back on Nato (the current federal government is hoping to bring about a solution by appeasement of Putin and by dancing their names. Spoiler: It won’t work. International trust in the Scholz administration’s loyalty to the alliance has already eroded so much that no one seriously expects any serious support from Berlin. At the same time, of course, this also sends signals beyond Europe to Israel and what one can expect of “the security of Israel is German reason of state”. Should Israel need urgent military support, Berlin will send the country 5,000 orange juice presses, which it considers “a strong signal of solidarity with Israel” and will communicate it this way. After all, vitamin C is essential for life. Of course, the presses are delivered in sustainably produced jute bags so that the oranges can be transported home from the plantations. The bags are of course delivered with batik works by a well-known name dancer and peace movement participant to brighten up the grumpy mood a little), DW, 27 April 2022: Germany’s parliamentary president visits Israel for Holocaust remembrance, Times of Israel, 27 April 2022: Bundestag president in Israel to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jerusalem Post, 28 April 2022: Barbel Bas fills out testimony page in memorial of Holocaust victim, Times of Israel, 29 April 2022: Back from Berlin where every day was Holocaust Remembrance Day, Palestine Chronicle, 9 May 2022: Germany’s Position on Palestine: Twice on the Wrong Side of History? (on the one hand, an interesting contribution because it tries to clearly exaggerate Germany’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On the other hand, some intellectual errors have crept in here, which contributes to wrong basic assumptions are made. The Bundestag resolution on the BDS movement is not binding. No obligations for municipalities can be derived from this to prohibit BDS events in public buildings. Several German courts have already confirmed this. However, it is also true that there is a big difference between “justified objections” and “antisemitic nonsense”. The latter is a punishable offense in Germany. As a result of the Holocaust, the industrialized murder of 6 million Jews and thus the almost complete annihilation of European Jews, Germany is committed to support Israel with significant economic and military aid. In the meantime, “the security of Israel has become Germany’s reason of state.” This means that Germany helps to secure the continued existence of the State of Israel as such. However, this does not include influencing the policies pursued by Israel. It is of course understandable that many other countries in the world would like to have a similar arrangement so that Germany would sort out their often self-inflicted problems, but that will not happen. Not even for Palestine. The Israeli occupation of Palestine (East Jerusalem, West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights) and the blockade of Gaza are made up of two parts: The military occupation, which is perfectly legal under martial law and still exists today because the warring parties cannot or do not want to agree on any peace agreements. This contrasts with the very illegal settlements in Palestinian East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights. This is a war crime under international law. The West, including Germany, always condemns these actions and therefore Israel faces ever greater challenges in international bodies. But that is only one part of the truth. As the occupied party, the Palestinians have two duties: to negotiate and to resist, but there hasn’t been any negotiations for years. At the end of the day, it should be said that both sides have played their part in leading to the current situation. Therefore, only the two parties to the dispute can resolve the conflict. Attempts to involve other parties, while understandable, will fail), DW, 5 June 2022: German Economy Minister Robert Habeck seeks new partnerships with Israel and Jordan (it is remarkable that the EastMed pipeline fantasy is still haunting, although it is as clear as day that it would be a purely political project with no economic benefits. Since neither Israel nor Cyprus can afford the adventure, one can count on one finger who would have to pay for the billion dollar grave. So it’s no wonder that Italy and the USA have since dropped out of the project. On the other hand, Israel could ship to Egypt, where there are LNG terminals, so Israeli-Lebanese gas could be liquefied and shipped to Europe. That would even be economically viable. In parts of Israeli politics, people are also trying to get rich in other energy fields by making wild speculations, such as using a pipeline that has been embezzled from Iran to transport oil from the Arab Gulf States to Ashdod and ship it to Europe from there. However, neither the suppliers nor the recipients of the oil are enthusiastic about the idea), DW, 6 June 2022: Germany hopes to find alternatives to Russian gas in Middle East, DW, 7 June 2022: German economy minister commemorates the Holocaust on Israel trip, Jerusalem Post, 13 June 2022: Delegation of German lawmakers in Israel to deepen security ties, DW, 9 August 2022: Former Chancellor Merkel’s spokesman begins work as ambassador to Israel, Haaretz, 9 August 2022: Former Merkel Spokesman Takes Office as Germany’s Ambassador to Israel, Haaretz, 16 August 2022: Palestinian President Abbas Skirts Apology for 1972 Munich Attack (I still remember times when you could hear such speeches from all the colorful personalities of the MENA region almost every day. In comparison, the interaction today is downright calm, peaceful and almost friendly. That’s why such failures are of course all the more noticeable. Chancellor Scholz seems to have triggered a flashback in President Abbas, who isn’t quite fresh and fit anymore. Comparisons with the singular event of the Holocaust are of course not forbidden, especially since you need a comparative value, but it still doesn’t make sense, especially since a genocide would first of all have to be a genocide. For this to happen, however, the number of Palestinians would have to have been significantly reduced by murder. In fact, the number of Palestinians is growing year after year. Ethnic cleansing, i.e. the (violent) expulsion of Palestinians, cannot be dismissed out of hand, but this has absolutely nothing to do with genocide. The term “apartheid” is also not appropriate, at least not for Israel within the borders of 1967. There, tangible racism against non-Jews is represented. In Palestinian East Jerusalem and the West Bank, particularly in and around the illegal Israeli settlements there, this is far less clear. Despite all the excitement, one should not overlook the obvious: Abbas says it, while especially in the countries that have already concluded the so-called “normalization agreements” with Israel or want to conclude them, the image of Israel is largely unchanged, it’s just not said open/public. Then there is the question of what is better: Knowing where you stand or having to play guesswork? In the United Arab Emirates there is something like a code of conduct, which specifies how Emiratis should position themselves on certain topics and how the Emiratis should represent the Emirates to the outside world. It’s not particularly democratic, but it’s obviously effective), Times of Israel, 16 August 2022: At Abbas’s side, German leader rejects his use of ‘apartheid’ in reference to Israel (it is striking how in the summer of 2022 people are trying almost desperately to draw Israel and Jewish life in Germany into the center of public attention – and despite the use of overdrawing, overstretching and the economy of constant excitement, they do not succeed. It is probably also due to the fact that there are currently many more significant challenges and crises to be overcome. Maybe a different strategy is needed. In any case, the “market chanting” obviously leads to nothing. That’s good on the one hand, but on the other hand it doesn’t lead to objectification, at least not for the moment, and that’s not good), Haaretz, 16 August 2022: ‘The Most Heinous Crime in Human History’: Palestinian President Walks Back ’50 Holocausts’ Accusation After Drawing Worldwide Ire, CNN, 17 August 2022: Outrage over Palestinian leader’s ’50 Holocausts’ remark, DW, 16 August 2022: Germany’s Scholz rejects use of ‘apartheid’ to describe Israel, France24, 17 August 2022: Germany’s Scholz slams Palestinian leader’s ‘unacceptable’ Holocaust remark, Jerusalem Post, 17 August 2022: Palestinians defend Abbas’s holocaust remarks, denounce Israeli ‘incitement’, Times of Israel, 17 August 2022: Mahmoud Abbas’s lifelong falsification of Jewish history, DW, 17 August 2022: Olaf Scholz should have shut down Mahmoud Abbas — he failed (but you can overdo it too. Whether and when Scholz commented on Abba’s statements is ultimately irrelevant. After all, Abbas has been dropping such comparisons on various occasions for years, so that they no longer need to be commented on, especially since it is clear that they are inaccurate. Trying to blame Scholz for not immediately reciting memorized sayings is downright ridiculous. Scholz is not my chancellor, but wanting to turn such a big wheel because of such a trifle is clearly overshooting the mark), The Algemeiner, 17 August 2022: Jewish Leaders Rebuke Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for Trivializing Holocaust, DW, 17 August 2022: Scholz reaction to Abbas’ Holocaust remarks draws criticism, Haaretz, 17 August 2022: Not Even the Shoah Can Guarantee Germany’s Duty to Israel Today, Irish Times, 17 August 2022: A moment of hesitation that Olaf Scholz will have plenty of time to regret, Politico.eu, 17 August 2022: Olaf Scholz slammed over (non)reaction to Palestinian leader’s Holocaust remarks, Haaretz, 18 August 2022: Abbas’ Holocaust Scandal Reveals a Bitter Truth About Germany, Al Arabiya, 18 August 2022: Israeli PM speaks to Germany’s Scholz on Iran nuclear deal, DW, 18 August 2022: Olaf Scholz calls Israeli PM to slam Abbas’ Holocaust remark, The Algemeiner, 18 August 2022: Why the World Won’t Care About Abbas’ ‘Holocaust’ Lie, Haaretz, 19 August 2022: German Police Investigate Abbas’ Holocaust Comments, Times of Israel, 19 August 2022: Berlin police investigate Abbas for incitement to hatred over ’50 holocausts’ remark, Haaretz, 21 August 2022: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, This Is What’s Really Disgusting, The Algemeiner, 21 August 2022: Mahmoud Abbas Highlights a German Problem, The Algemeiner, 23 August 2022: Ron Prosor Takes Office as Israel’s New Ambassador to Germany). An often-overlooked aspect of Israel’s security is the question of Palestinian security and the question of how the actors in the region actually perceive their responsibilities in this context. After all, the livelihoods of the Palestinians are threatened not only by growing Israeli settlements on a daily basis, but also by influences from the region. By calls from the region to use violence against Israel and Jews, at the same time and to the same extent, the security and safety of the Palestinians is endangered as well. Instead of developing wild fantasies on how to destroy Israel best, the energies should be better used to develop wild fantasies on how to implement the two-state solutions in a timely manner, thus allowing the existence of two prosperous, equal states, side by side in peace and freedom, equal. Without the active and positive support of the states of the region, this will not be possible and the conflict will continue for another 100 years.


Since the late 1980s, there have been various small and large waves of immigration to Israel. In the large wave came economically weak Russian Jews, who moved to Israel with the help of donations and state support. In the following years the economic ascent did not succeed. Today, people in this group make up a large part of the economically weak, ideologized/radicalized Jewish Israelis. The second wave of Russian Jews brought people who had already made a career in their home country and were hoping for a career boost through relocation, which often didn’t happend. At the same time, however, members of the Russian organized crime have discovered their Jewish belief in order to transfer illegally acquired assets to Israel and to have easy access to Western countries with the help of the Israeli passport. Meanwhile, career-minded Russians are leaving the country and, in part, are moving back to Russia, along with allegations because of cost of living, wages, lack of prospects, but as well in connection with the accusation “even in Russia there is not as much racism and xenophobia as we experienced it in Israel.” Several polls about it have been published in Haaretz (Times of Israel, 16 November 2018: Israelis are blunt and rude. You got a problem with that?). From France there has been a small wave of immigration to Israel. Reports from returnees in French newspapers are alarming. An obviously not small part of the emigrants has been robbed of their assets less well-intentioned persons, so that the return to France took place in order to have to start from scratch. In addition, Ethiopian Jews complain about discrimination and exclusion at all levels.

In addition to all of the above, Jewish Israelis are not allowed to enter some Muslim-dominated countries because of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Israeli companies may not do business in some countries for the same reason (Jerusalem Post, 3 May 2021: Israel’s stigma: A country of prosperity suffers from poverty).

In the immediate neighborhood and on the Arabian Peninsula, the two-state solution within the 1967 borders will lead to the complete removal of entry and trade restrictions. The restrictions have been explicitly imposed with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When the conflict ends, the reasons for the restrictions are removed. This will lead to a significant increase in trade flows and thus to economic prosperity, as well as to the gradual normalization of state and social relations.


Israel and the European Union
Since the beginning of the 2000s, the Israeli government has sought membership in NATO and the EU (while at the same time want to see the EU disappear: The Guardian, 19 July 2017: Netanyahu attack on EU policy towards Israel caught on microphone). Both are failing because Israel is actually at war and has no nationally and internationally recognized borders. NATO has granted observer status to Israel, along with Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait, allowing the country to occupy an office at NATO Headquarters and participated in a NATO maneuver of NATO members and non-members in Poland and the Baltics (Saber Strike) for the first time ever in June 2018. An automatism for the later membership doens’t results from it. At the same time, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made it clear at the beginning of June 2018 that Israel couldn’t expect any support from NATO, especially since it isn’t participating in the Middle East conflict. Neither NATO nor the EU granting membership to countries at war in order not to have to take on back-up commitments immediately after accession and thus become part of the problem instead of contributing to solutions. The border disputes between Croatia and Slovenia, which were already EU states at the time of the dispute, have resulted in changes to the recruitment of future members. Future EU candidates must have all border/neighborhood disputes settled in a binding, comprehensive and lasting manner before admission.

The way in which the Netanyahu government was trying to negotiate Israel’s accession to the EU led to the decision of the EU to oppose the membership of the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s ridiculous and presumptuous demand for Israel to become an EU member without the compulsory admission and harmonization procedure probably reflects the deep concern about the legal situation in Israel and the need to adapt the rules of law from the EU. The full democratization and equal treatment of all citizens, demanded by Israeli human rights organizations for years, would have to be implemented (on the other hand, there are a number of sometimes well-known Israeli commentators who argue that Jews in Israel with a European migration background would indulge in an illusion when they assume that Israel is European. In fact, the country can defined by the region where it is located at and belongs to, namely the Middle East). This would go hand in hand with the country’s reclassification in the Democracy Index from “Incomplete Democracy” to “Full Democracy” (like Hungary, Israel is labeled today a illiberal democracy). This frightens the right-wing Likud government (The Huffington Post, 1 February 2018 Right-Wing Israeli Government Moves Even Further Away From 2-State Solution – by comparison, if there were such a government coalition in Germany, this would amount to a coalition between AfD, NPD, Pegida, Reichsbürger, Identitarian movement and a Christian-nationalist sect, with the difference that, due to German history and the numerous “excursions into the neighborhood”, the Allies would rightfully take precautionary measures). Without harmonization of all spheres (the negotiations are divided into 35 chapters, ranging from the free movement of goods to security, freedom and justice to institutional issues), Israel’s membership is given only small chances. Apart from a few die-hard Israel lobbyists (Hasbara as a very special interpretation of public diplomacyThe Israel Project, Times of Israel, 2 July 2019: Israel Project CEO leaves as group struggles to raise funds, Jerusalem Post, 7 July 2019: CEO stepped down, emloyees laid off – is this Israel Project’s end?, Israel Hayom, 9 July 2019: Is the demise of The Israel Project a political defeat?, Haaretz, 1 August 2019: The Israel Project’s Collapse and What It Means for the Future of Hasbara, Jerusalem Post, 2 August 2019: Israel Project closes its offices, Israel Hayom, 4 August 2019: ‘The world understands – Israel isn’t the problem’ (United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, Gaza flotilla raid, Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2021: Israel’s hasbara can’t combat Jew-hatred – opinion (hasbara is nothing other than very easy to unmask and at the same time a synonym for “Israeli state propaganda”, made up of half-truths, distortions, historical revisionism and false claims. It is a good sign that the Israeli version of state propaganda works just as little as it does for propaganda from other states, like Poland, Hungary, China, Russia, etc.)), Jerusalem Post, 20 May 2021: Israel’s hasbara can’t combat Jew-hatred – opinion (hasbara is nothing other than very easy to unmask and at the same time a synonym for “Israeli state propaganda”, made up of half-truths, distortions, historical revisionism and false claims. It is a good sign that the Israeli version of state propaganda works just as little as it does for propaganda from other states, like Poland, Hungary, China, Russia, etc.)), there is currently no one in Brussels who, under the given current circumstances, seriously believes that Israel will be accepted into the EU (and thus saved the European Court of Justice (ECJ) from having to look after the next long-term care case after Poland and Hungary). With current policies and legislation and the associated further erosion of democratic values, the country is increasingly bartering away the opportunity of a future EU membership (Haaretz, 24 July 2018: Israel Is Inventing a Crisis With the EU, Jerusalem Post, 6 April 2019: A brief history of EU-Israel relations (Jerusalem Post, 3 March 2020: EU ambassador to Israel must upgrade their verbal acrobatics – just another fine example, why a full EU-Israel partnership will never work. Both sides deeply distrust each other for a variety of reasons) and Times of Israel, 16 May 2019: Rivlin hails ‘flourishing relations’ with European Union after years of tensions, The Algemeiner, 2 July 2019: The EU Bias That Feeds the PA’s ‘Pay for Slay’ Policy (there are a lot of questions surrounding the mentioned topics: Why is the EU paying to Israel and Palestine at all? Israel is not a member of the EU and, as things stand, it will not be in the coming decades. As the occupying power, Israel is solely responsible for supplying the Palestinians. If Israel demands to cease payments to Palestine, then the same must apply to payments to Israel. Just like in the Middle East conflict on a large scale, answers to questions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are anything but easy), Israel Hayom, 10 August 2021: Europe kneels before Raisi, Jerusalem Post, 5 January 2021: Israel-Europe ties improving, warming up to Abraham Accords – exclusive (wishful thinking. Some irrelevant backbenchers and Hasbara lobbiysts in the EU are trying to push the topic in the main light, but it isn’t working at all, as Europe has far more important topics on the plate in 2021 and 2022 and no endless capacities at hand (Brexit and the consequences, Coronavirus and the consequences, EU reforms and their consequences, New Deal with the Biden adminstration, to name just a few of them). Given that Netanyahu will be able to form the 4th failing government coalition within two years, the political stand still between the EU and Israel will continue anyway, as he is seen more or less a “persona non grata” in most EU member countries. A lot of politicians don’t even want to be pictured together with him. Besides all that, the normalization processes between some Arab states and Israel are seen positive in the EU in general, but will unlikely change government positions on other topics. When looking at the comments underneath the article (and articles concerning the EU in general), Israelis are hating the EU full-hearted anyway, so that it doesn’t matter what is happening on the political stage. In this respect no rush needed, the next EU-Israel Association Council meeting will have to wait for better conditions and circumstances), Israel Hayom, 6 January 2021: Building bridges: 2020 proves successful for Israel-Europe relations). In fact, Israel is already participating in some EU programs today, with significant upsurge on both sides on account of the illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories on a regular basis, especially as the EU understandably desires to ensure that Israel’s participation in EU programs won’t legitimize the settlements through the back door (Times of Israel, 6 June 2019: EU flagship innovation program gave grants to 423 Israel projects in 2018). Therefore, since 2014, every treaty between the EU and Israel has been supplemented with the exclusion of all Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory from promotion, research and development projects, which the EU itself is actively undermining by financing some projects just there, thus signaling Netanyahu that he has green light for further expansions of the illegal settlements: NoArielTies.org, 23 March 2021: Ariel University and Horizon 2020: The EU is legitimizing Israel’s illegal settlements, Jerusalem Post, 9 August 2021: How Iran helped the European Union lose its credibility – opinion (the EU will not allow itself to get dragged into Israel’s wars and that is the right decision. It also shows why Israel in its current constitution will not and cannot become an EU member state. It would pose a big security risk for the EU. On the positive side: Unlike Israel, the EU still can lose some credibility), The Algemeiner, 9 August 2021: European Parliament Members Blast EU for Sending Diplomat to ‘Honor’ Inauguration of New Iranian President (“His presence risks giving the impression that the EU’s overwhelming concern is the nuclear agreement.” – JCPOA actually is EU’s overwhelming concern when it comes to Iran. All the rest are side shows at best. Without a working JCPOA, there will be no progress on other topics at all), Israel Hayom, 10 August 2021: Europe kneels before Raisi (some people don’t seem to have understood the concept of diplomacy. It is important in good weather times, but especially when intergovernmental relations are difficult. In this case, there is also the fact that the EU has clearly set different priorities with regard to Iran than Israel and has therefore made these clear through the EU ambassador himself and through the ambassadors of its federal states in Iran. As in the negotiations around the JCPOA (nuclear program of Iran), Israeli positions play a subordinate role. Ultimately, it is a matter of safeguarding the (security) interests and needs of the EU and its 450 million inhabitants, that will not be surrendered to the dubious interests of cross-driving third countries, who can expect a lot of further consequences if the hustle and bustle should go on like this. However, it is gratifying that the Biden administration, unlike its predecessor, appreciates the efforts of the EU) (Israel–European Union relations).


Designation of origin
The dispute over the labeling requirement (designation of origin, Politico.com, 11 November 2015: Israel slams ‘shameful’ EU, France24, 13 June 2019: Israel settlement goods should be labelled, EU court advised, Haaretz, 13 June 2019: France Should Label Israeli Wine From Settlements, EU Advocate General Says, DW, 13 June 2019: Products from Israeli-occupied areas and settlements should be labeled — EU court adviser (Times of Israel, 5 March 2019: UN again delays ‘blacklist’ of companies doing business with settlements), Times of Israel, 6 July 2019: Dutch Christians rebuff officials seeking labeling of Israeli settlement goods, Times of Israel, 29 July 2019: Settlement wines cannot be labeled ‘Made in Israel,’ Canadian court rules, Bloomberg, 14 August 2019: Product Labels Aren’t the Place for the EU to Play Politics, Israel Hayom, 22 August 2019: European anti-Semitism is out of control, again, Times of Israel, 15 September 2019: ‘German money kills Jews’ graffitied on European Union mission in Israel, Haaretz, 15 September 2019: Israeli Right-wing Activist, Caught on Video, Admits to Vandalizing EU Embassy in Israel, Jerusalem Post, 31 October 2019: Pending court ruling could force EU states to label settlement products, Israel Hayom, 8 November 2019: Israel scrambles to prevent EU from labeling settlement products – laughable to think that products or goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Golan Heights or in East Jerusalem would get exemptions from the general rule, that all products and goods sold in the EU need to be labeled with the country of origin. In case of products and goods from the West Bank, Golan Heights or East Jerusalem, the country of origin is clearly not Israel, but Palestine respectively Syria. In the case of goods and products from the West Bank, the Golan Heights or East Jerusalem, “Israel” is not the proper country of origin, but “From the by Israel occupied part of Palestine” respectively “From the by Israel occupied part of Syria”. Instead of relying on the facts, Israel will probably be accommodated insofar as a softly-softly formulation, such as, e.g. “from the territories occupied by Israel”, will be chosen), Times of Israel, 11 November 2019: Grapes of wrath: Israel sours on West Bank winery in spat over EU labeling – BBC, 11 November 2019: EU sets guidelines on labelling Israeli settlement goods, DW, 11 November 2019: Israeli settlement products must be labeled as such, EU’s top court rules, The Guardian, 12 November 2019: Products from Israeli settlements must be labelled, EU court rules, Times of Israel, 12 November 2019: In landmark ruling, EU’s top court says settlement product labeling mandatory, Haaretz, 12 November 2019: EU States Must Label Products From Israeli Settlements, Top Court Says, Arab News, 12 November 2019: Court says EU states must label Israeli settlement products, The National, 12 November 2019: Court says EU states must label Israeli settlement products, Jerusalem Post, 12 November 2019: In BDS victory, top European Court rules settlement products must be labeled, Reuters, 12 November 2019: EU court rules goods from Israeli settlements must be labelled, The Washington Post, 12 November 2019: Court says EU states must label Israeli settlement products, Jerusalem Post, 13 November 2019: US blasts EU decision in Psagot case, Israel Hayom, 13 November 2019: EU court rules goods from Israeli settlements must be labeled, Times of Israel, 13 November 2019: US condemns ‘anti-Israel bias’ in EU court verdict on settlement labeling, Haaretz, 13 November 2019: U.S. ‘Deeply Concerned’ Over EU Ruling to Label Products From Israeli Settlements, Times of Israel, 15 November 2019: Knesset speaker warns settlement labeling could ‘undermine’ EU-Israel ties, The Guardian, 15 November 2019: Ban import of Israeli settlement goods, Israel Hayom, 15 November 2019: Our European ‘friends’ (in the real world, the ECJ ruling is about the labeling of products from the illegal Iraeli settlements in the Syrian Golan Heights, the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem. These territories were never Israeli or recognized as such, so that products produced in these areas shall be labeled accordingly. That’s it), Jerusalem Post, 16 November 2019: Former head of Jewish Agency among those welcoming West Bank labeling, Haaretz, 21 November 2019: Something’s Rotten at This Settlement Winery – and We Don’t Mean the Grapes – hopefully this will bring a long-standing dispute to an end, since the ECJ here is the last resort and the from the judgment resulting rules are binding and mandatory for all EU states. Finally, it should be said that there are a lot of EU regulations, which should actually already be implemented in the respective state law, not only these, but this has not happened yet. Until that happens, the EU states may tacitly interpret these regulations more generously – until, for example, the ECJ deals with it and issues judgments. In the two cases at issue (taxation and designation of origin of products from settlements in the occupied territories), complaints were received from companies dealing with these products in order to clarify the situation for the whole of the EU. For its part, the EU has merely responded. The results are now given. Tactically and strategically smarter, it would have been better to just wait and see, so that the EU would probably have obtained no compulsory judgments on its own initiative, but would have given recommendations, on how about to deal with it, to the member states only. But if people forces judgments, they have to live with the results. Getting upset about the self-inflicted judgments is a bit silly, to say the least. So, if someone thought that he is the most clever guy in the room by asking the ECJ for a ruling, he now has found out that he clearly isn’t., The real flurry may be that the ECJ is not willing to recognize the Israeli settlements in Palestine and Syria as “Israeli” through the back door, but implements instead UN Resolution 2334 into current EU law – Israel Hayom, 14 November 2019: European Court of Justice courts BDS, Israel Hayom, 16 November 2019: ‘Labeling’ Israel as an unequal player on the world stage, Israel Hayom, 17 November 2019: Paving the way to total boycott, Jerusalem Post, 25 November 2019: The EU and settlement products – what’s true, what’s not (how about some very fine pro-Israel propaganda and anti-EU hatred? Here you go: Isarel Hayom, 26 November 2019: Why European opposition to Israel should not be dismissed, Israel Hayom, 27 November 2019: US should sanction the European Court of Justice), Haaretz, 26 November 2019: Dutch Gov’t Defends Labeling Israeli Settlement Products Despite Challenge From Parliament, Jerusalem Post, 1 December 2019: Law criminalizing W. Bank products casts shadow over Irish FM visit, Times of Israel, 2 December 2019: On labeling settlement goods, the European Union is far from united, The Jewish Star, 4 December 2019: Why winery challenged Europe’s labeling regime. Comparing the total value of all products, goods and services traded in the EU with the import figures from Israel, the result is that they make up less than 0.3% (and of that only a very tiny fraction (0.006% of the total trading volume) comes from the settlements) of the total trade volume. Why such a cask has been opened for this very small amount of goods, is a question that still has to be answered. When the ECJ says that the ruling should help consumers from the EU to make “informed purchasing decisions”, then the first step should be to ask consumers about how they come up with the crazy idea to import fruits, vegetables, olive oil or wine from non-EU countries and fly them half around the globe, instead of strengthening domestic farmers. There is virtually nothing that is not produced in high and very high quality within the EU) of products from the occupied territories under EU law has exemplified the problem (Haaretz, 12 February 2020: UN Releases List of 112 Companies With Ties to Israeli Settlements (this puts an end to a long guesswork even in Israel, because until now it was unclear which companies would be listed at all. Israeli media have so far assumed that there are 150 to 190, so that the UN was more friendly in its assessment than the Israelis would have been to themselves. In this respect, the fuss about the list is difficult to convey. On the other hand, when looking through the list, it becomes clear that the vast majority of companies are completely unknown in Europe, which at the same time deprives the BDS movement of its business model in Europe, because, after all, companies that are not represented locally cannot be boycotted), The New York Times, 12 February 2020: U.N. Publishes List of Firms Doing Business With Israeli Settlements, BBC, 12 February 2020: UN lists 112 businesses linked to Israeli settlements, The Guardian, 12 February 2020: UN publishes list of companies with ties to Israeli settlements, Palestine Chronicle, 12 February 2020: See Full List Below: UN Blacklists 112 Businesses that Enable Israeli Occupation of Palestine, Arab News, 13 February 2020: Pompeo ‘outraged’ by UN list of firms with settlement ties, Gulf Times, 13 February 2020: UN lists 112 firms linked to illegal Israeli settlements, Haaretz, 13 February 2020: Israel’s Rejection of UN List of Companies Tied to Settlements Reveals Stark Truth About Annexation, CBS News, 13 February 2020: United Nations list targets companies doing business in Israeli settlements, NPR, 13 February 2020: List Of Companies Working With Israeli Settlements Made Public, CNN, 13 February 2020: UN publishes ‘blacklist’ of companies doing business in Israeli settlements, DW, 13 February 2020: UN lists companies linked to Israeli settlements in West Bank, Jerusalem Post, 14 February 2020: Erdan: Israeli int’l network protects firms from ‘antisemitic’ blacklist, Arab News, 15 February 2020: UN ‘blacklist’ on Israeli settlements boosts boycott movement, Palestine Chronicle, 19 February 2020: UN List of Firms Aiding Israel’s Settlements was Dead on Arrival, Times of Israel, 20 February 2020: Settlement winery unveils ‘Pompeo’ wine in show of appreciation, Jerusalem Post, 22 February 2020: Israeli settlement winery introduces label named for Mike Pompeo, Jerusalem Post, 16 July 2020: Dutch gov’t to fine store selling wine from Hebron, labeled from Israel, Palestine Chronicle, 17 July 2020: Netherlands to Fine Store for Selling Wine from Occupied West Bank as ‘Made in Israel’, DW, 19 November 2020: Mike Pompeo backs West Bank settlements in landmark visit, France24, 19 November 2020: In first, top US diplomat visits occupied West Bank, labelling local goods ‘Made in Israel’, The Guardian, 19 November 2020: Mike Pompeo US secretary of state makes provocative visit to Israeli settlement, BBC, 19 November 2020: Pompeo makes unprecedented visits to Israeli settlement in West Bank and Golan, CNN, 19 November 2020: Pompeo’s West Bank trip would be unthinkable for any other US Secretary of State. But not him, Haaretz, 19 November 2020: During Pompeo’s Visit, U.S. Announces Settlement Goods Can Now Be Labeled ‘Made in Israel’, Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: Pompeo makes unprecedented Golan Heights visit: ‘This is Israel’ (no, it clearly isn’t, but as he is from the totally incompetent Trump clan, how should he know better? Thankfully, the American voters kicked them out), NPR, 19 November 2020: Trump Administration Labels Movement To Boycott Israel ‘Anti-Semitic’, Times of Israel, 19 November 2020: For maker of West Bank ‘Pompeo’ wine, emphasizing product’s legitimacy is key (growing wine on stolen land is anything but legit, no matter what the incompetent Trump clan is bubbling about it. Illegal means illegal in every language of this planet), Haaretz, 19 November 2020: Chateau Occupation: How Settlers’ Red Wines Are Blurring the Green Line (visiting the “Scapegoat Whinery” in the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine to make it clear that the Trump clan has absolutely nothing to do with democracy, the rule of law and international law is one of Pompeo’s last official acts, but highly problematic for both the Palestinians as well for the credibility of US foreign policy. Joe Biden has a lot of repair work to do), The National, 19 November 2020: Pompeo visits occupied West Bank and Golan Heights, Times of Israel, 24 December 2020: US begins to label settlement products as ‘Made in Israel’, Palestine Chronicle, 24 December 2020: US Labels Illegal Jewish Settlement Products as ‘Made in Israel’, Jerusalem Post, 10 January 2021: Settlers begin exporting ‘made in Israel’ products to Dubai, HuffPost, 24 February 2021: Key Jewish Groups Ask Joe Biden To Revoke Trump’s Parting Gift For Israel’s Netanyahu, Jewish News Syndicate, 24 February 2021: Left-wing Jewish groups urge Biden not to enforce Trump’s ‘Made in Israel’ label policy, The Algemeiner, 12 March 2021: Jewish Groups Ask Homeland Security Chief to Maintain ‘Made in Israel’ Label Policy, Jerusalem Post, 16 April 2021: Dutch shop fined for omitting ‘settlement’ from label of Israeli wine, The Algemeiner, 5 May 2021: Canadian Court Overturns Barring ‘Product of Israel’ Labels on Judea, Samaria Wine, Jerusalem Post, 31 July 2021: GOP senators introduce bill for Israel label on West-Bank products, Haaretz, 20 October 2021: The Harsh Truth Biden Needs to Tell Israelis Now About Their Future (that’s a must-read for anyone who is interested in resolving the given problems and challenges), The Algemeiner, 24 November 2021: Israeli Diplomat Cancels Meetings With Belgian Officials Over Move to Label Settlement Products (the illegal Israeli settlers in the Palestinian West Bank will learn that within the EU they will play according to EU rules or not at all, like others before them learned their lessons. If pressure is required to enforce the rules because there is obviously little that can be achieved with common sense, then this is the way to go. The “anti-Semitism and demonization-mimimi” from Israeli government circles, which was just as expected and it is unfounded, was not long in coming, because there they consider breaches of international law in the occupied territories to be completely legitimate. It would be interesting to see what happens if foreign companies don’t want to play according to Israeli rules. You don’t have to seek that far, because the case of the ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s is still in the press. Because Ben & Jerry’s no longer wants to sell its ice cream in the illegal settlements and instead wants to comply with international law, the company was actually accused of “economic terrorism” by Israeli President Herzpg (remember: a world renownn ice cream company. They have ice cream with nuts on offer, while others obviously are). He can refer to an Israeli law that, unlike international law, does not differentiate between Israel and the illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem, so that companies who want to do business in Israel are obliged to do business in the illegal settlements as well in order to make Israels illegal actions in the occupiend territories look less illegal or even that these companies would support Israels illegal actions. To make a long story short: It isn’t working at all. In the underlying case, there is also a law in the USA that provides for government investments in companies to be restricted or liquidated if companies refuse to do business in the illegal Israeli settlements in addition to doing business in Israel – one of the leftovers from the fatal presidency of #45), Jerusalem Post, 24 November 2021: Israel slams Belgian plans to label settler products (“The Belgian government’s decision to label products from Judea [and] Samaria strengthens extremists …” – no, it isn’t strengthening extremists. In contrary, it is actively weakening the extremist Israeli settlers and that are pretty good news), Palestine Chronicle, 1 December 2021: Belgium is on the Right Track, but Europe has Failed Palestine, Jerusalem Post, 18 April 2022: Left-wing Jewish American orgs. blast Biden admin. for serving wine from Israeli settlement, Jerusalem Post, 31 May 2022: Israel Prize winners call for Belgium to boycott West Bank products, Jerusalem Post, 11 June 2022: Norway’s labeling of settler goods could harm ties with Oslo, Israel warns, Haaretz, 11 June 2022: Israel Slams Norway for Marking Products Made in West Bank Settlements, Arab News, 12 June 2022: Arab League welcomes Norway’s decision to label products from Israeli settlements, Jerusalem Post, 22 June 2022: Norway’s new labeling policy is a double standard against Jews, Jerusalem Post, 22 July 2022: Norway’s new labeling policy is a double standard against Jews (funny attempt, but unfortunately only propaganda. The products from the illegal Israeli settlements are alone on the list because not even the governments of Russia or Turkey are stupid enough to try to market products from areas they have occupied (in the case of Russia, these are parts of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, and in the case of Turkey, northern Cyprus) internationally, because of course they know exactly what to expect then, namely a whole series of international sanctions. So Israel is in a much better position and is treated much better here than any other country. But that can be changed. Just ask for it)).

asso_agree_en
(Israel–European Union relations and EU-Israel Association Agreement)

Products_originating_in_the_West_Bank_do_not_qualify_for_preferential_customs_treatment_under_the_EC-Israel_Agreement

CELEX_32011R1169_EN_TXT

cp190140en


Due to the anger of the EU over Netanyahu’s settlement policy, relations have recently been put on hold. Even the bilateral German-Israeli relations described as the Special relationship between Germany and Israel are clearly burdened. Chancellor Angela Merkel has suspended indefinitely the German-Israeli intergovernmental consultations, that have been taking place regularly since 2008, due to her understandable, clear anger about Netanyahu in early 2017.

In light of the increasingly hostile rhetoric of Likud government members, and especially the Prime Minister himself, towards the EU, Netanyahus’s attempt to divide the EU by allying with other right-wing leaders of the Visegrád Group, further expansion of illegal settlements and further annexations of Palestinian territory, Netanyahu’s attempt to persuade the EU to follow the Trump line in relocating the embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, although this would clearly run counter to EU interests, the abandonment of the already fragile Jewish democracy in favor of a Jewish theocracy (due to legal restrictions in parts “home of all Jews” or to be more specific “home of a lot of Jews”) by Knesset resolution, and, most importantly, the endangerment of Europe’s security in favor of the completely meaningless abandonment of the Iran deal by Trump due to pressure from Netanyahu, and Netanyahu’s attempt to persuade the EU to support US sanctions against Iran, even though they are clearly against the interests of Europe, the question arises as to whether there are still sufficient approaches to discussing a currently only theoretical possibility of a EU membership of Israel (Haaretz, 29 October 2018: Survey: 41 Percent of Israelis Think Anyone Calling for Boycott Should Be Denied Entry, Times of Israel, 12 July 2019: Franco-Israeli sentenced to 9 years in prison, fined for vast tax fraud scam, Times of Israel, 14 July 2019: German, Austrian police raid offices, arrest suspects in Israel-linked scam).

There are currently association agreements between Egypt, Algeria, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and the EU – but without a membership perspective. There is an interim association agreement with the PLO, which, according to recent information from French President Emmanuel Macron, is to be swiftly upgraded to an association agreement, and negotiations are ongoing with Lebanon. The unclear situation surrounding Turkey’s accession to the EU may also have a significantly negative impact on the aspirations of membership of the above named countries if the negative trend continues. In the light of recent developments, one even need to unintentionally praise Turkish President Recep Erdoğan, who was smart enough to put Turkey on the list of candidate countries first, before he started a dispute with the EU. Even for this simple strategy, Netanyahu lacks the necessary circumspection and prudence.

A largely untapped option is the Union for the Mediterranean (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Mediterranean Dialogue), which has a lot of potential but, unfortunately, is little more than a paper tiger by now. The EU has taken a too passive role in it. Instead of first pushing the feasible steps, ie strengthening the Union for the Mediterranean, by bringing together the countries of the Levant and North Africa and only then talk about possible EU accessions, regional and national leagues are skipped, while discussing the entry into the Champions League (EU membership) in the first step. The results of this procedure are as predictable as they are frustrating for the participants. There are two other serious issues for the development of the Union for the Mediterranean: The withdrawal of the United States from the Middle East and the failure to build up the European Defense Union enabled Russia, Iran and China to fill the power vacuum. How this affects the region can already be seen in the Syrian Civil War (in which Israel participates since 2011 with more than 100 known air strikes). Within a short time, the land bridge around the Mediterranean was broken and Syria divided among Russians, Iranians and now Turks. A conceivable EU enlargement in the eastern Mediterranean is thus stopped for the time being. Hezbollah is a part of the government in Lebanon, so that Iran has significant influence here as well. Depending on the development, the interruption of the land bridge could extend even further. This would be in the interest of Russia and Iran, and increasingly of Turkey. This would require a fundamental reassessment of the situation, especially since the EU would then definitely end in Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. From there it gets complicated. It will certainly take years for the Union for the Mediterranean to become operational, especially since the consequences of the Arab Spring, which was accompanied by high hopes, need to be overcome, but each path begins with the first step, the more promising the more feasible the achievement of the first (intermediate) goal appears.


A peace treaty between Israel and Palestine and the two-state solution envisaged by the West would significantly change the positions to the positive on all points mentioned above. This should be clearly and publicly communicated by NATO and the EU.

Read more on Lists of UN resolutions concerning Israel and Palestine and Wikipedia Arab–Israeli conflict (Smart Traveler App by U.S. Department of State).  (Smart Traveler App by U.S. Department of State - Weather report by weather.com - Global Passport Power Rank - Travel Risk Map - Democracy Index - GDP according to IMF, UN, and World Bank - Global Competitiveness Report - Corruption Perceptions Index - Press Freedom Index - World Justice Project - Rule of Law Index - UN Human Development Index - Global Peace Index - Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index). Photos by Wikimedia Commons. If you have a suggestion, critique, review or comment to this blog entry, we are looking forward to receive your e-mail at comment@wingsch.net. Please name the headline of the blog post to which your e-mail refers to in the subject line. If you have a suggestion, critique, review or comment to this blog entry, we are looking forward to receive your e-mail at comment@wingsch.net. Please name the headline of the blog post to which your e-mail refers to in the subject line.


Sources
The sources used for this article are beside own research and own conclusions primarily the German and English language Wikipedia, supplemented by media reports (Media coverage of the Arab–Israeli conflict) by: Der Standard from Austria. New China News Agency from China. Arte and France24.com from France. Zeit Online, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Spiegel Online, Handelsblatt, Deutsche Welle (DW), RP Online, Der Stern, Bertelsmann Stiftung, Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), 3sat (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), heute-journal and Federal Agency for Civic Education from Germany. Haaretz, Israel Hayom, The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel and i24NEWS from Israel. Palestine News Network (PNN), The Palestine Telegraph and Palestine Chronicle from Palestine. Al Jazeera (for whatever reason, Al Jazeera deleted large parts of the online archive in June 2020, so that over 100 links to relevant articles had to be removed in this blog entry alone, which is a shame, because opinions and points of view are going lost despite being important in the overall context) and Gulf Times from Qatar. Arab News and Saudi Gazette from Saudi Arabia. The National, Khaleej Times, Al Arabiya and Gulf News from the United Arab Emirates. The Guardian, Reuters and BBC from the United Kingdom. The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Bloomberg, The Huffington Post, USA TODAY, Politico, Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times and Newsweek from the United States of America. Reports by the governments of the Gulf States about the planned economic and social reorientation of their countries. Reports and resolutions by the United Nations. And other linked sources. The linked articles and contributions reflect the views, opinions and analyzes of the respective editorial offices, authors and journalists that we do not adopt.


Note: As it will certainly not become boring in the region, this article is sporadically updated in the Main conflicts today section, and especially in the Jerusalem, Peace process, and Solution approaches sub sections. After the contribution has been supplemented and extended almost constantly for 2.5 years (the predecessor contribution dates from August 2017 and then rapidly took on new forms, so that a new release was necessary), this “experiment” will slowly come to an end. Of course, sporadic additions and extensions will be made in the future, but not quite as extensive as before. The already given results impressively make clear how much “movement” still exists in the region, how many participants there are (and not all are mentioned in this article yet), but also how fragile and volatile the situation still is today and will remain for many decades to come. A big “thank you” goes to those of you who have contributed in many ways in the further development of this contribution by suggestions, criticisms, hints, additional links and much more. A very nice “community project”, which also shows the meaningful use of social media on a very constructive example. As a small follow-up and supplementary project, there will be a blog entry on the topic “The Rise and Disintegration of the Ottoman Empire”, whose effects are still felt today between Southeastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf States and North Africa, and therefore will bring a bit more light into the “imbalances” of the region. Download this article as a PDF file: Arab–Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflict (ca. 6 MB, latest update: 14 February 20222).




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