Gaza’s coders

What We’re Reading

Gaza

Gaza is attracting the attention of Silicon Valley,

Tech gurus from Uber, Google, SoundCloud, Microsoft and 500 Startups have visited Gaza on their own dime as volunteers to mentor startups.

US-Israel relations

Obama: Netanyahu talks of two-state solution but his actions undermine it,

In final interview with Israeli TV, president says ‘unfettered support’ for settlements by his successor would bring ‘worsening situation’ to conflict.

'Trump to forge ahead with Jerusalem Embassy move despite opposition',

US President-elect Donald Trump’s team has reportedly informed regional allies of the plans.

Letter circulates among House GOP in support of Jerusalem embassy move,

The letter, which has not yet obtained any signatures, is addressed to the president-elect’s transition team in Trump Tower.

US embassy move: Palestinians may stop recognizing Israel over Jerusalem plan,

Palestinian leaders call for prayers in mosques, and bell-ringing at churches, in protest of Donald Trump’s proposal.

Israeli politics

Netanyahu Tried To Cut an Illegal Deal With Israel’s Largest Paid Newspaper,

New details have come to light on the alleged bribery deal discussed between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet publisher Arnon Mozes. The proposed deal included a sharp change in the coverage of the prime minister by the Yedioth Ahronoth group in exchange for Netanyahu’s promise to promote legislation that would severely damage the free daily, Moses’ competitor, Israel Hayom.

Opinion: Why Netanyahu rushed to link Jerusalem attack to IS,

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to blame the Islamic State for the terror attack in Jerusalem, ignoring that Palestinian assailants are motivated first and foremost by the Israeli occupation,” writes Akiva Eldar.

Occupation/Human rights

Fifty percent of Israelis believe annexing West Bank would be 'a disaster',

Majority in favor of continued settlement construction, believe Trump will have favorable attitude toward Israel.

Israel to strip Jerusalem residency status from family of truck attacker,

“The decision to strip the al-Qunbar family of their right to live in their native city is not only collective punishment, but also raises questions about the Israeli government’s policy towards Palestinian residents of Jerusalem,” writes Lisa Goldman.

Bill banning boycotters from Israel advances in Knesset,

The Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee approved on Wednesday a bill that allows the Interior Ministry to ban people who call to boycott Israel from entering the country.

Palestinian politics

Is PA on road to reconciliation with Egypt?,

Relations between the Palestinian Authority and Egypt have been strained lately, but some are denying the seriousness of this fallout.