Trump Envoy Jared Kushner Arrives in Israel for Gaza Peace Talks

JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Jared Kushner has arrived in Israel and is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, as diplomatic efforts to advance a US-backed Gaza peace plan continue. Kushner’s visit comes shortly after he held rare discussions with representatives of Hamas to discuss the implementation of the […]

Netanyahu Rejects Trump’s Gaza Plan as Israel Heads Toward October Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point plan for Gaza. Netanyahu told his Cabinet that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. The announcement lands weeks before Israel’s national elections, scheduled for October, where Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival. Background Benjamin […]

Israel Approves Funding for 34 New West Bank Settlements

Israel’s security cabinet has approved 1.3 billion shekels ($434 million) to establish 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move likely to intensify international criticism and further complicate prospects for a future Palestinian state. Israel’s security cabinet has approved a 1.3 billion shekel ($434 million) budget to build 34 new settlements in the […]