Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Netanyahu’s radical-right alliance rattles AIPAC's allegiance

[logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Wednesday, February 27 | Daily Briefing [By: Akiva Eldar on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019]( Israel 1 [Netanyahu’s radical-right alliance rattles AIPAC's allegiance]( Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underestimated the objection of the pro-Israeli lobbying group AIPAC to his alliance with the radical-right ahead of elections in Israel. Turkey 2 [Idlib’s rebels on alert against infiltration by Islamic State]( The armed groups controlling Idlib remain wary of the prospect of Islamic State militants sneaking into the region, following reports that IS members are seeking safe passage to the province. Iran 3 [‘Iran has one foreign minister’: How Zarif is turning claimed weakness into strength]( The debacle surrounding the apparent resignation of Iran’s foreign minister is centered on a desire to refocus the diplomatic power of the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Egypt 4 [Cairo keeps itself front and center in Syria negotiations]( Egypt seems to be in demand as a negotiator between the Syrian regime and opposition forces, as the new UN envoy to Syria says he wants Cairo involved. Israel 5 [Israel to withhold PA taxes, quietly ask donors to make up difference]( Israel intends to cut tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority but will need foreign intervention to save the Palestinian Authority from collapse. Turkey 6 [Erdogan threatens to dismiss mayors seen as PKK-linked]( President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed PKK militants had infiltrated political parties in order to rig next month's elections, and vowed to dismiss any mayors determined by Ankara to support the outlawed group. Lebanon 7 [Academy fights discrimination with art, music in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley]( Peace of Art, a humanitarian organization and fine arts academy, offers the people of the northern Bekaa Valley an artistic and pacifist outlet in a region plagued by conflict. Egypt 8 [Egypt steps up efforts to combat foreign terrorists]( Egyptian authorities, concerned about the infiltration of foreign extremists, have issued orders broadening and enhancing security measures at ports of entry. Israel 9 [Labor Party recalculates strategy ahead of Israeli elections]( Paradoxically, the threat of the new Blue and White party in Israel has pushed the Labor Party into featuring sharper messages on diplomatic affairs and a clearer agenda. Palestine 10 [How this youth band from Gaza helps other musicians]( Gaza's Sol Band makes its voice heard in concerts and on the internet, but an album just needs to wait. Israel 11 [Israeli right stretches moral principles to ally with radical group]( The electoral alliance between HaBayit HaYehudi and the radical Otzman Yehudit under the prime minister's guidance has outraged moderates on the right and invited accusations of hypocrisy. Egypt 12 [Suez Canal tunnels expected to bring new life to Sinai]( Egypt is expected to complete the construction of four tunnels under the Suez Canal, which will boost economic growth in the marginalized Sinai Peninsula. STAY CONNECTED [fb_icon_footer]( [twitter_icon_footer]( [instagram_icon_footer]( [rss_icon_footer]( CONTACT US [Support & Contact]( [Advertise](mailto:advertise@al-monitor.com) NEWSLETTERS [Subscribe]( TERMS OF USE [Visitor Agreement]( [Privacy Policy]( © 2019 Al-Monitor. All Rights Reserved. If you no longer wish to receive these emails you may [unsubscribe or manage your preferences]( at any time. Al-Monitor · 1850 K St NW · Suite 1225 · Washington, DC 20006 · USA