 PA invites European officials to serve as observers in electionsPA extends official invitations to the European Parliament and EU to serve as observers in upcoming general elections. Macron and Biden agree to cooperate on IranFrench President and US President speak for the first time, agree to act together for peace in the Middle East. Moshe Ya'alon: Returning to earlier policies would be a mistakeTelem party leader shares his thoughts on the new governments in America and Israel. Israel opens embassy in UAEAmbassador Eitan Na'eh arrives in Abu Dhabi, officially opening Israel's embassy in the United Arab Emirates. Biden will continue Trump's Abraham Accords framework, says NSANew National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan tells top Israeli official Biden administration will 'build on' Trump's Mideast peace process. UAE approves opening of embassy in IsraelUnited Arab Emirates announces plans to open embassy in Tel Aviv, after cabinet approves embassy plan. Egypt to begin coronavirus vaccinations on SundayEgypt received its first shipment of vaccines developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group last month. Saudi Arabia intercepts 'hostile target' over RiyadhIt is unclear whether the "hostile air target" was fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Iran's FM: We will not cooperate with the US on IsraelMohammad Javad Zarif says Iran may cooperate with the US on issues such as oil and security in the Gulf, but not on Israel. Iranian activist: 'I am a criminal for using Twitter, please listen to me'Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad pleads for social media not to provide dictators with a platform. Zarif to Biden: Return to nuclear deal without demanding concessionsIran’s Foreign Minister urges Biden to "choose a better path" by returning to 2015 nuclear deal without renegotiating it. Twitter bans Khamenei's accountTwitter permanently bans account connected to Iran's Supreme Leader after it called for an attack on Trump. PA to purchase doses of Russian vaccinePA will purchase about 100,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, its envoy to Moscow says. Israel and Morocco sign agreement on direct flightsThe two countries agreed to normalize ties in a US-brokered agreement at the start of December. PA pressuring: Allow elections in JerusalemPA cabinet leader asks international community to pressure Israel to allow PA parliament elections in eastern Jerusalem as well. Dramatic consultations with Prime Minister about Yom Kippur WarSeveral consultations with Prime Minister Golda Meir show the decision making process as the war went on.PA cabinet leader: Abbas will be our candidate in the electionsMohammad Shtayyeh confirms that PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas will be Fatah’s candidate in the elections expected to be held in July.Iran's FM: Trump is relegated to the dustbin of historyIranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif celebrates end of Trump's term. PA calls for international pressure on IsraelAbbas spokesman: Israeli construction in "occupied Palestinian lands" requires a strong international response. UAE signs agreement to purchase F-35s from USUAE and US sign agreement on sale of F-35 jets and armed drones just before Trump leaves office. President of Tunisia apologizes to Jewish communityPresident had seemingly blamed “thieving Jews” for Tunisia's woes.Tunisian president blames country's problems on 'thieving Jews'As deteriorating economic situation sparks renewed social protests, Tunisia's president says 'thieving Jews' are to blame for crisis. 'Biden's Iran policies could pose existential threat to Israel'Senator Ted Cruz warns that incoming Biden administration likely to try to appease Iran - endangering Israel's existence. Iranian president calls on Biden to return to nuclear deal'The ball is in America's court,' says Rouhani. 'Rejoin the nuclear deal, and we'll respect our commitments again.' Iran blacklists Trump over 'terrorist and anti-human rights acts'The move is unlikely to have any impact on the outgoing US President as he is not known to have any assets in Iran. Biden's pick for Defense Secretary: Iran poses a threat to our alliesLloyd Austin warns: If Iran were to get nuclear capability, most every problem we deal with in the region would be tougher to deal with. Hamas leader: Violence is our weaponAhead of his group joining the PLO, Ismail Haniyeh reiterates that "the Palestinian resistance against Israel will not stop." Britain 'seriously concerned' about Israel's construction plansBritish government criticizes Israel’s decision to approve the construction of hundreds of new housing units in Samaria. PA demands that elections be held in eastern JerusalemPalestinian Authority asks the European Union to help it ensure the participation of eastern Jerusalem residents in parliamentary elections. Sudanese protesters burn Israeli flag during rallyDozens of Sudanese protesters burn Israeli flag during rally against Sudan’s normalization deal with Israel. PA hopes Biden will stop Israel's 'settlement attack'PA cabinet leader urges US president-elect to act to halt Israel's "settlement activity in Judea and Samaria." Report: Nine dead in air strikes in IraqArab media reports US air strikes targeted Iraqi army and Shiite militias near Baghdad. US official: There were no US strikes in the area. PA to receive Russian COVID vaccine on TuesdayPA’s “civil affairs minister” is scheduled to return from Russia with a shipment of about 5,000 doses of the Sputnik vaccine. UAE postpones Israeli visa exemption by half year due to coronavirusIsraelis traveling to UAE will need to secure tourist visa prior to flight, UAE announces, as coronavirus pandemic continues.Jordan condemns new Israeli construction in SamariaJordan says Israel’s approval of the construction of nearly 800 new housing units in Samaria is a "flagrant violation of international law". Iran's FM: We don't shy from crushing aggressorsIranian Foreign Minister issues a warning to the US after it deploys B-52 bomber aircraft to the Middle East. Report: Hamas won't nominate candidate for PA leadershipHamas does not intend to nominate a candidate for PA leadership election but could support an independent candidate. Iran to IAEA: Don't publish 'unnecessary' details on our nuclear programIran urges United Nations’ nuclear watchdog to avoid publishing details on Iran’s nuclear program that may cause confusion. Morocco becomes second Arab country to promote combating anti-Semitism and anti-ZionismOfficial Moroccan government-backed institution joins agreement with US to fight anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. Analyst says PA elections are a smokescreenArab affairs analyst Ehud Yaari says that the upcoming PA elections are a show at best. Iran launches anti-warship ballistic missiles during drillIran’s Revolutionary Guard conducts drill launching anti-warship ballistic missiles at a simulated target in the Indian Ocean. Four companies to provide vaccines to Palestinian AuthorityPA reports 13 new deaths from COVID-19 and 847 new cases of the virus. French FM: US and Iran must return to nuclear dealFrench Foreign Minister: Iran is in the process of acquiring nuclear weapons, time to bring Iran and the US back into 2015 deal. US Central Command's mission to include IsraelIsrael will be included in the military sphere managed by the head of US Central Command in wake of normalization with Arab states. Abbas issues decree for PA electionsPA chairman orders legislative elections for May 22, followed by a “presidential” election on July 31. PA official: Elections could take place in MayMember of Fatah central committee says Abbas will meet with members of Elections Commission to set dates for elections. Israel increases efforts to expose the Iranian threat to global securityAmbassador Erdan demands the Security Council act against Iran: Israel will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens. Israeli team competes in Saudi motor rallyAn Israeli rally team is taking part in the Dakar rally in Saudi Arabia, openly and with official approval Watch: Iranian navy holds large missile drill in Gulf of OmanIranian Navy flexes muscle in large army missile drill in the Gulf of Oman. Report: Iran has 'suicide drones,' capable of hitting Israeli targets, in YemenIranian UAVs positioned in northern Yemen assessed to have effective range of 2,000 to 2,200 kilometers. Iran starts work on uranium metal-based fuelThe move marks Iran’s latest breach of the nuclear deal it signed with six major powers in 2015. Convicted terrorist could run for PA leadershipMarwan Barghouti, who is serving time in Israeli prison for involvement in the murder of Israelis, considering running in PA election. Hamas credits Abbas rival for aid to GazaHamas thanks Mahmoud Dahlan, longtime rival of PA chairman, for his help in securing assistance to Gaza from the UAE.'We are not obligated to provide Palestinians with vaccines'Former Ambassador Alan Baker says Israel is not obligated to provide vaccines to PA, and international criticism on this is unjustified. US to brand Yemen's Houthi rebels as terror groupTrump administration targets Iran-backed Shi'ite rebel group in Yemen, eyes terror labelling. EU alarmed by Iran's accelerated uranium enrichment activitiesEU 'regrets worrying steps by Iran,' after IAEA chief estimates Iran can process 10 kilos of 20% enriched uranium per month.PA: The entire settlement enterprise is 'illegal'Abbas spokesman blasts Israeli approval of hundreds of housing units in Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. |
