US-Israel relations
Trump warns Israel that expanding West Bank settlements not ‘good for peace’, The Washington Post
President Trump warned Israel on Friday that he did not believe that building more homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank was “good for peace” and said he wanted Israel to “act reasonably” as his administration explores paths to broker peace talks. [FMEP note: His full remarks to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom are available here.]
Former Secretary of State Baker urges Trump administration to pursue two-state solution, Politico
“You can’t get [peace], if you act as ‘Israel’s lawyer.’ Every administration, Republican or Democrat, has opposed settlements since 1967…because that forecloses the possibility of negotiating a peace on the basis of ‘land for peace,'” Former U.S. Secretary of State Jim Baker told Politico’s Susan Glasser.
[FMEP note: Baker’s remarks on Israel/Palestine begin at the 30:40 minute mark of the interview.]
After long wait, Palestinians make first contact with Trump administration, The Times of Israel
Palestinian intelligence chief meets with US security and intelligence officials in Washington after Ramallah complains it couldn’t reach White House.
Israel's questioning of U.S. activist raises concerns of government pressure on groups, LA Times
The hourlong detention of a San Francisco Jewish community leader at Israel’s largest international airport stirred accusations Thursday of a government campaign against organizations opposed to policies in the occupied West Bank.
Peace process
Opinion: Israel's new settlement bill puts it on the fast track to the International Criminal Court, Newsweek
“With the passage of this law, Israel has demonstrated to the world what settlements really are—a land grab,” writes Diana Buttu.
Settler group says 421,000 Israelis now living in West Bank, The Times of Israel
The number of Israeli settlers living in the West Bank surged past 421,000 in 2016, a settler group said Thursday.
Israeli politics
Netanyahu turned to Foreign Ministry in concern over settlement law, The Jerusalem Post
A Foreign Ministry document approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and obtained by The Jerusalem Post tells foreign capitals: “The [settlement regulation] law will be reviewed by the Supreme Court.”
Gaza
Hamas insists ties with Iran strong, despite regional polarization, Al-Monitor
Iran continues to provide financial and military support for Hamas amid a positive atmosphere that promises stronger ties and efforts to defuse the sectarian tension while bilateral meetings between the two are still being held outside Tehran, according to the movement’s representative in Iran.
What's behind coordinated attacks by Hamas inmates in Israeli jails?, Al-Monitor
Faced with a huge crisis, Hamas is trying to divert local pressure in the Gaza Strip away from its leadership by increasing unrest among Hamas prisoners in Israel.