Politics & Gov

Obama: We Were Overconfident on Middle East Process

Tells TIME: “If we had anticipated some of these political problems on both sides earlier, we might not have raised expectations as high.”

Debts Overwhelm Gush Katif Expellee, Lead to Suicide Attempt

Juggling his expulsion-related debts overwhelmed one ex-Gush Katif man on Wednesday, finally leading him to decide that death was easier than life.

Norway, Israel Clash on PA Status in Jerusalem

Norway’s Foreign Minister is the first EU official in nine years to meet the PA in eastern Jerusalem. Lieberman told him: It's off limits.

Hareidi Party Joins WZO, Former MK Yigal Bibi Will Represent

Former NRP Knesset Member Yigal Bibi will represent the World Zionist Organization’s newest member - none other than hareidi-religious Shas party.

Voter Backlash Forces Obama to Depend on GOP

Obama’s policy against Israeli "settlers” and his health reform bill are in jeopardy following voter backlash that has cost him Senate majority.

Iran Blasts Nuke Plan; Israel Urges 'Crippling Sanctions'

Iran has rejected a plan brokered by the IAEA to swap low-grade uranium for fuel. The country is opting to proceed with nuclear development.

Maj.-Gen. Yadlin: Turkey Doesn't Need Israel Anymore

Military Intelligence Chief says that Turkey has improved its relations with Syria and doesn't need the Jewish state that much.

Fatah Official Skips Mother's Funeral in Gaza

Fatah leader Muhammad Dahlan skipped his mother’s funeral because it was held in Hamas-controlled Gaza. PA sources: Israel & the US said not to go.

Security Fears Behind Joint German-Israeli Cabinet Meeting

The threat of a nuclear Iran and the purchase of a German submarine top the agenda at a historic meeting between Germany and Israel in Berlin.

Planning a New Strategy for Judea and Samaria

Activists for Judea and Samaria gathered in Gush Etzion on Sunday for a conference entitled, "Judea, Samaria, and What's Around It."

Abbas: Only Difference from Hamas Is that Fatah Is in Power

Abbas said in a speech that being in power is the only difference between his Fatah party and the rival Hamas terrorist faction.

Ettinger: Israel Must Be Defiant; 'US Doesn't Want a Wimp Ally'

Yoram Ettinger, former consul general in the US, said the American government does not want a wimp as an ally in the region

28% Rise in Humanitarian Aid to Gaza in 2009

Shipments of humanitarian aid to Gaza rose by 28% last year, despite claims by Hamas terrorists that Israel’s blockade caused hardships.

Cabinet to Decide on New Chametz Law

Gov't is discussing whether to support a bill that would ban any public display of chametz on Passover. MK Schneller ties bill to 'peace' process.

Left-Right Graffiti War at Shdema

Anarchist and left wing activists sprayed messages of 'peace' on Shdema structures. Nationalists countered with a paint offensive of their own.

PA Chief Says Israel Trying to Kill Him

As the United States increases pressure on the Jewish state, Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas has claimed that Israel is trying to assassinate him.

Rabbi Levanon: Does Barak Want to Hang the Soldiers Too?

Rabbi Elyakim Levanon of Elon Moreh Yeshiva says IDF is going too far in punishing protesting soldiers, warns of dire consequences.

One Israeli Still Missing in Haiti Earthquake

Seven of the eight Israelis first reported missing in Haiti have been located following Tuesday’s mammoth earthquake. Israel sends field hospital.

High Housing Prices in Jerusalem: Who's to Blame?

A Jerusalem City Councilwoman is fighting to whittle local housing prices back down to a reasonable level by attacking the source of the problem.

Soldiers Who Held Protest Sign Booted from Hesder

IDF continues to crack down on soldiers who displayed signs against eviction of Jews. Instead of Hesder, they will serve full 36 months.

New High Court Judge Hendel Rules in Favor of Talmon Housing

Supreme Court Judge Neil Hendel struck down a request for a restraining order against construction in Talmon. Legal sources: A harbinger of change.

Has Rabbi Druckman’s Refusal Stance Cost Him His Job?

A day after the rabbi said soldiers must refuse orders to demolish Jewish homes, the Civil Commission fired him - “because of his age.”

Eli Yishai: Jewish Sabbath Work? – No Business License

Interior Minister draws fire for advancing law requiring businesses to abide by existing law forbidding employment of Jews on the Sabbath.

Obama Anti-Semitism 'Czar' Slammed for Criticizing Israel's Oren

American-Israeli group says Hannah Rosenthal's criticism of Israel’s ambassador was “beyond bizarre” and says “she must go promptly.”

Video: Senators McCain and Lieberman in Israel

Watch the full video of the press conference held in Jerusalem by U.S. Senators McCain, Lieberman, Barrasso and Thune.

Egypt: Netanyahu Coming Around on Jerusalem; PM Denies

The Prime Minister's office denies Egyptian reports that Netanyahu agrees to discuss placing a PA capital in Jerusalem. Too little, too late?

Muslim Blood Libels against Jews Spread to Canada

A surge of blood libels against Israel and Jews has spread to Canada, where a Muslim newspaper accused Jews of harvesting children’s organs.

Petition to Court to Open Up Highways for Jews

A High Court ruling that Arabs must be allowed to use Highway 443 has prompted a petition that the court also order other roads be opened for Jews.

Turkey Boosts Ties with Lebanon, Syria and Iran

Turkey and Lebanon are scrapping visa requirements as Ankara solidifies ties with Israel’s enemies while Barak wants to visit Ankara.

Taking Bite Out of Cabinet Menu Easy As Pie for Secretary

A drastic menu change caused big cheeses in Israel's cabinet to feel upcoming meetings might not be a piece of cake.

Egypt Rejects Proposed Alternative to Two-State Solution

Former NSA Chief Maj-Gen (res.) Eiland suggests a territorial exchange between Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the PA. Egypt doesn't like the idea.

Police Destroy, Residents Rebuild - Third Time

The Ben-David family of Negohot, south of Hevron, has returned to rebuild its home - for the third time - following the police destruction action.

Saudi Preacher: No-Fly to US to Protest Anti-Terrorist Checks

A noted Saudi preacher has called on Arabs to stop flying to the US to protest “enhanced screening” procedures aimed at catching terrorists.

Forward-Looking Farewells to Wallerstein

The settlement leader’s many years of building are appreciated, but some say his recent approach to fighting the government is now passé.

Controversial Settlement Leader Retires After 35 Years

Pinchas Wallerstein, leaving public life, says he will continue to make his opinion known – but will not publicly oppose the Council.

Jimmy Carter is a ‘Liar,’ Charges ZOA

Jimmy Carter made headlines last month with an “apology” for slandering Israel. His statements since then prove him to be liar, the ZOA charges.

Egyptian Border Fence Aimed at Flood of Illegal Immigrants

The Cabinet on Sunday approved fences at the Egyptian border in order to keep out illegal African immigrants and terrorists.

Israel Sends ‘Bombing Message’ to Hamas after Rocket Attacks

Gaza terrorists tested Israel’s will again on Sunday with mortar and rocket attacks and were met with another aerial bombing. At least three died.

McCain, Lieberman: Congress Will Not Freeze Aid to Israel

McCain and Lieberman knocked down Mitchell’s threat to slice aid to Israel if more concessions are not made to the PA. “Congress won’t back cuts.”

Video: Ayalon - The Jewish Nation Started in Hevron

Dep. Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and MK Anastasia Michaeli visited Hevron to express solidarity with the Jews living there

Israel in Response to Mitchell Loan Guarantee Threat: Blame PA

US envoy George Mitchell in interview: 'United States can withhold support on loan guarantees to Israel.' Israel: we are not to blame.

Blatantly Anti-Semitic Exchange on C-Span

A caller complained about "all these Jews" pushing the US into war. He found his comments expanded upon by the studio guest, Michael Scheuer.

IDF Amends Freeze Order; Samaria Council Says It's a Bluff

New orders give back some authority to the local government in Judea and Samaria, but Samaria Council Head Mesika says it is an illusion.

Video: Theology Students in the Hills of Judea

Mayor of the Judea community of Efrat hosted a group of German speaking theology students on Thursday and answered their political inquiries.

Emanuel is 'Fed Up' with Israel and Palestinians

Obama's Chief of Staff threatens Israeli diplomat that if there is no progress in negotiations, the US will lessen its involvement in the process.

Egypt, Arab Countries Sign Massive Arms Deals With U.S.

US will sell 24 F-16 jet fighters, huge arms cache to Egypt in a $3.2 billion deal. No deal in the works with Israel.

PA Arab Politicians Wreck Greek Orthodox Holiday

PA Arab leaders protested as the Greek Orthodox Patriarch made his traditional pilgrimage from Jerusalem to Bethlehem to celebrate the holiday.

PA Leader Burns Yesha Products; Labor Union Warns of ‘Backfire’

PA Prime Minister Fayyad helped torch Jewish products from Judea and Samaria, but the Histadrut labor union warns he may be burning Arab jobs.

Norway, Arab Royalty Fund Clinton Foundation in 2009

Some of the heftiest contributions to the William J. Clinton Foundation in 2009 came from the government of Norway and a host of Arab donors.

Construction Co. Sues Gov't for Freeze Damages

A construction company demands 18 million shekels from the government to pay for construction freeze-caused damages – and that’s just for starters.

Mubarak: Israel Can Build – in Exchange for Fatah Prisoners

Egyptian paper reports new Presidential initiative: Israel can build in Judea/Samaria - but must also free terrorists and destroy outposts.

Rabbi Druckman: Refusal Only if No Choice

“Soldiers must ask to be exempted from demolishing Jewish homes, without fanfare; refuse only if there is no other choice," Rabbi Druckman says.

UK Attorney General Wants Veto for Warrants against Israelis

United Kingdom Attorney General suggests amending law to give her power to veto arrest warrants for foreign political figures.

Report: Letter Threat to Kill Barak if He Hurts Settlements

Nationalists say leaked story is an attempt to incite the public against settlers to pave way for new evictions.

Newspaper Wars: Media Kerfluffle Over 'Adelson Law'

Caroline Click and Amnon Dankner opine on the war Israel's newspapers are waging against newcomer Yisrael Hayom.

Arabs: State Doesn't Let Us Build

Knesset debated Arab MKs' claims that the state discriminates against Arabs in granting building permits.

Israeli on Diplomatic Offense: Does PA Really Want Peace?

Does the Palestinian Authority really want peace? The Foreign Ministry has launched a diplomatic offensive showing the PA’s “enigmatic behavior.”

Tel Aviv Principal Preaches against ‘IDF as Occupation Army’

A Tel Aviv principal told students the IDF is part of the ‘Occupation.” A nationalist Knesset Member wants him fired. Free speech or incitement?

Jordanian Lawyers Seek Arrest of Two Knesset Legislators

First it was Europe. Now it is Jordan, where lawyers want an arrest warrant of two Knesset MK for their calling Jordan a “Palestinian” state.

Northern Drug Bust Highlights Border Dilemma

Heroin and Hizbullah are two ingredients that scare Ghajar’s northern border villagers, Israelis who may become victims of an Israeli surrender.