Unlike some of his predecessors, Biden has yet to appoint a special envoy to the Middle East a year into his presidency. What does this say about the importance he places on resolving the conflict in the Middle East? This likely reflects the realistic assessment that the internal political dynamics of Israel and Palestine make a breakthrough highly unlikely, as well as the emergence of other priorities such as competing with China, reviving NATO, and now helping Ukraine fend off Russian invasion. Meanwhile, the Biden administration supports steps that boost the Palestinian economy, reduce friction between Israelis and Palestinians, and limit actions on both sides — such as settlement expansion and payments to terrorists [through the Palestinian Authority Martyr’s Fund] — that can make an eventual solution even more difficult. If the US wants to get something from Israel in terms of a political solution for the Palestinians, what can Biden offer in return?
I don’t think Biden is trying to persuade a specific action or decision from Israel on the political horizon. At this stage, when there are no negotiations, it is more about keeping the prospect of two states alive for a negotiation that would come later. Even as normalization with the Arab states progresses, which it fully supports, the Palestinian issue continues to resonate in much of the Arab world and will affect the prospects for new countries to join.
Is Israel likely to make gestures towards the Palestinians before Biden’s trip? Israelis recently focused on another election, their fifth in less than four years. Although the new incumbent prime minister, Yair Lapid, is more moderate on the Palestinian cause than outgoing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett or his longtime predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli election campaigns are not the time when gestures toward the Palestinians are most likely. Biden is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu, the opposition leader. Given that Netanyahu is closely associated with the Trump presidency, how much of a setback would it be for the Biden administration to find Netanyahu reinstated as Israel’s prime minister, if at all?
There is nothing unusual about a friendly communication meeting between a visiting US president and the opposition leader of a democratic ally. With Netanyahu, there could be more policy differences than with Lapid, particularly sharper disagreements over the Palestinian issue and Iran’s nuclear negotiations. But such differences are not new in US-Israeli relations. Biden will be careful not to meddle in Israel’s domestic politics. Do you expect Biden to address the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh during the visit, or is that case considered closed as far as the US is concerned? The tragic death of Shireen Abu Akleh remains a matter of concern to the US because she was a US citizen and because of the priority given to journalists being able to do their jobs safely. While the outcome of the US investigation into who was responsible for her murder was unclear [but added that Israeli military gunfire was “likely responsible” for her death], the Biden administration continues to push for accountability. The issue is not going away, although neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians are likely to be satisfied with the US position. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Digestion

The family of the murdered Palestinian-American journalist demands a meeting with Biden The family of slain Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh sent a scathing letter to United States President Joe Biden on Friday, accusing the US government of a “blatant attempt to undermine our efforts for justice and accountability” and demanding a meeting with the President. during his visit to the area this week.

Background: Abu Akleh was shot and killed in May while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. Several news organizations, including CNN, as well as the United Nations, published investigations into her death, concluding that the bullet that killed her was likely fired from an Israeli soldier’s gun. Earlier this month, the Palestinian Authority handed over the bullet that killed Abu Akleh to the US. It was examined by Israeli experts with US military officials present, according to an Israeli military statement. The US State Department said it was “unable to reach a definitive conclusion” on who fired the fatal bullet, but that gunfire from Israeli army positions was “likely responsible”. Why it matters: The Abu Akleh family’s letter concluded with a plea to Biden, asking him to “meet with us during your upcoming visit and hear directly from us about our concerns and demands for justice.” At Friday’s White House briefing, spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre said she had not read the family’s letter and would not be encouraged by any potential meeting, but added, “we hear their concerns, we feel their pain.”

Biden defends decision to visit Saudi Arabia Biden on Saturday defended his controversial visit to Saudi Arabia later this week, saying the trip is critical to the security of the United States. “As president, it is my job to keep our country strong and safe,” Biden wrote Saturday in an op-ed for the Washington Post.

Background: The President’s visit has drawn criticism since US intelligence has held Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi (Bin Salman has denied involvement). As a presidential candidate, Biden had pledged to make the kingdom a “pariah.”

Why it matters: The trip comes as Russia’s war in Ukraine has sent oil prices soaring and global trade has been disrupted. Biden said he would focus on a more integrated and stable Middle East, calling the region “vital to global trade and the supply chains we rely on,” while also noting how critical energy supplies in the Middle East are in light of sanctions in Russia.

Iran says the US-backed regional military alliance will increase tensions A US-backed Israeli-Arab military alliance will only exacerbate regional tensions, Iran’s foreign ministry said on Saturday as US President Joe Biden prepared for a visit to the Middle East.

Background: Israel is working with regional partners in a US-led air defense alliance, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said last month. The air defense systems will defend against missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, Gantz said. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said Saturday that the plan was a “provocative move” and that Iran sees it “as a threat to its national security,” according to state news agency IRNA. Kaani added that the US was raising the issue “with the aim of sowing the seeds of discord and spreading Iranophobia among countries in the region”, IRNA added.

Why it matters: The US has been eager to reassure its allies in the Middle East of its determination to fight attacks by Iran or its armed proxies in the region. But Middle Eastern states, particularly Saudi Arabia, have expressed concern about an emboldened Iran if sanctions are lifted following a potential nuclear deal with Tehran.

What is the trend?

Egypt: #Unlimited_internet_in_Egypt A social media campaign urging Egypt’s government and internet providers to offer unlimited internet access to residential services has gone viral, with many expressing anger at usage quotas and slow speeds.
Egypt’s major ISPs offer limited home data bundles at various speeds with usage caps. Many countries in the region abolished data caps for home use years ago.
“The internet has now become our life,” tweeted the famous actor and comedian Mohamed Henendy to his 13 million followers. “Unlimited internet is now a huge need for the future.” The issue was…