“AIPAC has found itself in a tough spot because of the maximalist positions taken by Netanyahu, and reflexively adopted by his supporters in Congress,” writes Ali Gharib. “But none of this is to say AIPAC should be counted out—even among Democrats, even when pushing noxious policy measures.”

According to the sources, American diplomats have been urging the king to help calm tensions via direct communication with Netanyahu. But the king has thus far not been prepared to host or even speak by phone with the prime minister.

“While some Palestinians use the Temple Mount for political means, denying its Jewish history, Jewish far-right extremists use the Temple Mount as a means of provocation,” writes Akiva Eldar.

New regulations allowing Israeli security forces to shoot Palestinian stone-throwers will backfire, critics say.

“Could Israeli soldiers have arrested, instead of killed a young knife-yielding woman in Hebron?” asks Michael Omer-Man. “And what will happen to those soldiers if it turns out they shot when they didn’t need to?”

“Cash shortages at UNRWA distract from the wider issue: it is the lack of a diplomatic solution, not funding, that leaves Palestinian refugees vulnerable,” writes Natasha Roth.

“The idea of a ‘one-state’ solution appeals to those who don’t have a clue about the way the human soul operates and who don’t learn anything from history,” writes Nehemiah Shtrasler.