Israeli settler group shrugs off White House criticism

Israeli settlers on Friday shrugged off White House criticism of settlement construction, convinced they have the sympathies of US President Donald Trump. The Palestinians, still wary of Trump, warned that the settlers' hard-line stance could spell the end to a two-state solution to the conflict.

Israeli settler group brushes off Trump settlement warning

Israeli police evict settlers in the West Bank outpost Amona, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. Israeli forces have begun evacuating a controversial settlement Amona, which is the largest of about 100 unauthorized outposts erected in the West Bank without permission but generally tolerated by the Israeli government.

White House cautions Israel on expanding settlements in West Bank

Israeli police evict settlers from the West Bank settlement of Ofra on Thursday following the evacuation of Amona outpost. Amona is the largest of about 100 unauthorized outposts erected in the West Bank without formal permission but with tacit Israeli government support.

Israel’s Netanyahu says US embassy should be in Jerusalem

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the American embassy in Israel should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, injecting himself once again into a charged campaign trail promise of U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu's comments at his weekly Cabinet meeting appeared aimed at countering reports that Israel was concerned about the fallout of such a move, which is vehemently opposed by the Palestinians and has sparked fears of a renewed outbreak of violence.

Why the US cannot – and will not – move its embassy in Israel

Donald Trump Why the US cannot - and will not - move its embassy in Israel Demonstrators hit LAX to protest Trump's immigration ban Trump puts Mexican president in a political vise MORE , promised that once he was elected he would move the U.S. embassy in Israel, currently in Tel Aviv, to Jerusalem. In doing so, he was echoing a theme that has been played out in the previous six presidential elections.

Facing Mexico’s fury, Israel backtracks on Trump border wall praise

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tours the new fence along the Jordanian border with IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and the head of the Southern Command Eyal Zamir, February 9, 2016. A spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry stressed Saturday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not commenting on US-Mexican relations when the Israeli leader said earlier that US President Donald Trump was "right" in pushing for a wall along the US-Mexico border to block illegal immigration.

Ira Sharkansky

We're amidst an upsurge in Muslim violence, chaos in a number of Middle Eastern countries, plus the resurgence of Russian power in Ukraine, Syria, and Libya, all this against the milk toast approach of Obama in opposing the Russians, and his lack of conviction about Muslim violence. Donald Trump's declaration of "America First" disturbs Jews and others who remember Charles Lindbergh, isolationists, and American Nazis on the eve of World War II.

A Jerusalem embassy? Fear not, liberals

P resident Trump appears to be taking steps to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; the White House confirmed this past weekend that it is in the early stages of preparing for relocation. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat seemed confident enough to announce assurances that "the embassy move is done seamlessly and efficiently."

US released $221 million to Palestinians in Obama’s last hours

Officials say the Obama administration in its waning hours defied Republican opposition and quietly released $221 million to the Palestinian Authority that GOP members of Congress had been blocking. A State Department official and several congressional aides said the outgoing administration formally notified Congress it would spend the money Friday morning.

US sent $221 million to Palestinians in Obamaa s last hours

Officials say the Obama administration in its waning hours defied Republican opposition and quietly released $221 million to the Palestinian Authority that GOP members of Congress had been blocking. A State Department official and several congressional aides said the outgoing administration formally notified Congress it would spend the money Friday morning.

Trump, amid combative start, pledges to rise to moment

After a combative start to his presidency, Donald Trump delivered a more unifying message Sunday and sought to reassure Americans he was up to the daunting task ahead, as he turned to the business of government. Speaking in the White House East Room during a swearing-in ceremony for top aides, the president warned his staff of future challenges but declared he believed they were ready.

Israeli leader accepts invitation from Trump to visit US

Israel's prime minister on Sunday accepted an invitation to visit the White House next month in hopes of forging a "common vision" for the region with President Donald Trump that could include expanded settlement construction on occupied territories and a tougher policy toward Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his plans to head to Washington in early February hours after delaying a vote on an explosive proposal to annex one of the West Bank's largest settlements, apparently to coordinate his policy toward the Palestinians with the new administration.