“The gap between the political elites in the West (who don’t care what we do with the Palestinians) and their electorate (which is finding it increasingly difficult to see us as an enlightened democratic state) will eventually turn into a political force,” writes Aviad Kleinberg.

“More evidence that multi-billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has effectively gained control of the Republican Party leadership came today with Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s assertion that his ‘support for Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu is unwavering,’ ” writes Jim Lobe.

“In view of the forces that will act against Moshe Kahlon, he will have to remain loyal to the interests of the broad public that elected him,” write the editors of Ha’aretz.

Likud Faction chair Ze’ev Elkin expressed hope that despite differences of opinion, a coalition of “natural partners” be built swiftly.

Uri Ariel, who was Housing Minister in the previous government, said that his party, Jewish Home, planned to ask for the Education portfolio in the new government. Education, said Ariel, was one of the most important portfolios in any government, and it was “worthy” for Jewish Home to request it.

Sniping over portfolios threatened to erupt into all-out war between potential coalition partners Jewish Home and Shas, with the latter party demanding the Religious Affairs Ministry along with the Interior Ministry as its price for entering the government Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was officially appointed to form on Wednesday evening.

The year 2014 claimed more Palestinian civilian lives than any year since the 1967 war, the United Nations has said in a report, with a senior member of the agency dubbing it a “devastating year” for the occupied territories.

“Security officials and European diplomats all warn of the volatile situation in Jerusalem, where the government continues its occupation policy and discrimination of Palestinian residents in contradiction with international law,” writes Akiva Eldar.

As tension mounts with Washington, Israel’s outgoing government has suspended a controversial plan to build hundreds of new settler homes in occupied East Jerusalem, a news website reported Wednesday.

On a crisp Ramallah evening, much of the city appears to be tucked inside the city’s cafes sipping hot tea. But 20 runners are shaking off the chill and loosening up for one of their last jaunts before the third annual Palestine Marathon.

The chief military prosecutor investigates the IDF’s killing of three journalists and finds that ‘the [mortar] fire was carried out in accordance with Israeli and international law,’ in response to intensive fire toward IDF troops.

Seventy-five percent of Gaza’s population is under age 30. With such a young population, it makes sense that more might be found surfing the coastline, and yet less than 30 people surf there regularly. Restrictions on movement also prevent surfers from developing their skills, which require travel abroad for learning, networking and participation in competitions.

The second visit by the PA premier to Gaza was met with lukewarm response from Hamas officials and protesters.