Roberta Metsola expresses support for Israel and 2-state solution to jeers from Arab and far-right lawmakers; Knesset speaker tells her EU should condition funding to Palestinians

Close Abbas adviser Hussein al-Sheikh speaks with Israeli FM for second time in less than two months; Lapid's office declines to comment further

Officials say potential 'small steps' toward peace may come after Jerusalem and Ramallah hold elections

According to statement by Cairo, conversations come as part of efforts to renewing peace process, amid Palestinian push for peace conference

Ayman al-Safadi emphasizes need to maintain Temple Mount status quo, calls upon Israel to avoid 'provocations;' Ashkenazi's office acknowledges meeting, declines to comment

Global markets strategist at Bank Hapoalim says ties with UAE, Bahrain are 'gamechanger' thanks to new markets; hopes Saudi Arabia, Palestinians will follow

For starters, he'd have used the new ties with the Gulf states to help restore the sense of possibility for peace with the Palestinians, and broken the stalemate with them

'We are not a gift to be awarded to the Israelis at some stage if they satisfy Palestinian demands,' says top diplomat, adding that move was made in best interests of UAE

President hails Trump plan for recognizing Israel's 'need to retain security responsibility' west of the Jordan River, says 'vision of peace... is a realistic one'

Kremlin spokeswoman says Russians have only begun to study the 181-page US plan, reiterates stance that any decisions ultimately up to the 'Palestinians and Israelis themselves'