“If Israel refuses to recognize the State of Palestine, the ultimate act to save the rapidly vanishing two-state paradigm, then President Obama should hold the military aid package and take bold political action before he leaves office, and grant US direct recognition of Palestine,” writes Sam Bahour.

“As the era of the two-state solution draws to a close, and on the eve of the debate’s diversion to the real issue – rights in the binational state that has been in existence for quite some time – it’s time to stop talking about the Palestinians as a minority,” writes Gideon Levy.

About 10,000 former residents of the Gush Katif settlements and their supporters have joined the movement called HaBayta, or “Going Home.” Their aim is to convince the Israeli public and the government to send them back to the Gaza Strip, which many former settlers maintain is their true home.

Various minor infractions have once again increased tensions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, where Palestinians complain that restoration work has been disrupted and Israeli visitors have exceeded agreed-upon limits.

“Abbas is choosing this point in time to become a guardian of democracy and run against his hated rivals from Hamas, with all signs pointing to a Hamas victory,” writes Ronni Shaked.

Palestinian security forces have launched a broad campaign against armed individuals in Nablus, leading to clashes resulting in the killing of five people, including two security team members. The apparent extrajudicial killing of one suspect has deeply angered Nablus residents.

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trouncing of Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz is one more step toward making the Likud a one-man party with no future,” writes Mazal Mualem.