“Speaking at a national security conference in Tel Aviv last month, Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog announced a new plan to “separate” from the Palestinians,” writes FMEP President Matthew Duss. “Herzog’s plan, at least as currently outlined, leads us to the same place that Netanyahu’s does: Palestinians confined to what are essentially Bantustans, with nothing on the horizon to address the hopelessness that many, including Israeli security chiefs, have identified as a key driver of violence. It’s hard to imagine that this is a recipe for more security and stability rather than less.”

Peace Now’s annual construction report reveals that in 2015 construction continued throughout the West Bank settlements, and especially in isolated settlements. These findings refute the argument that a “silent freeze” is currently in place.

“It may seem counterintuitive, or even downright strange, but Israel’s geopolitical position is probably stronger now than at any time in the country’s history,” writes Paul Scham. “The dangers to its security come primarily from its refusal to end the occupation of the West Bank and agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state.”

“Sanctions did not devastate South Africa or Iran. Nor will they destroy Israel; above all it will extricate Israel from a trap it is unable to get out of by itself,” writes Shlomo Sand.

“Israel’s treatment of the stateless Palestinians over which it rules is not a public relations problem. It is a moral problem,” writes Peter Beinart.

To facilitate Israel’s long-term planning and spending needs, US President Barack Obama’s administration is offering Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a consolidated aid package that essentially guarantees expanded top-line funding from State Department and Pentagon accounts each year for the next decade, starting in 2018.

“Herzog’s new diplomatic plan goes against the real interests of all those who live between the river and the sea — Jews and Arabs alike. Now it’s up to the Left to come up with a new vision based on real coexistence,” writes Noam Sheizaf.

“The government’s latest attempts to oust Balad from the Knesset are part of an intensifying campaign against Arab political movements, regardless of their different stripes,” writes Amjad Iraqi.

Al Jazeera speaks with Jamal Zahalka, one of the suspended Arab members of Israeli Knesset and head of Balad party.