Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Gantz caught in Trump and Netanyahu's peace plan ambush

If you have trouble reading this email, [view it in a browser](. [logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Friday, January 24 | Daily Briefing [By: Ben Caspit on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020]( Israel 1 [Gantz caught in Trump and Netanyahu's peace plan ambush]( Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz have been invited to the White House on the same day the Knesset is set to discuss Netanyahu’s request for immunity involving corruption charges. North Africa 2 [Erdogan's Libya strategy: Jump first, think later]( By openly taking sides in Libya, Turkey could end up undermining the clout it believes it has gained in that country. Culture 3 [How artistic freedom of expression shrinks in 'new' Egypt]( Nine years after a revolution that had "freedom" as a primary demand, censorship of the arts and music is back in full force with added restrictions on organizing cultural events in Egypt. North Africa 4 [Defeated Tunisian presidential candidate paid ex-Mossad agent $250,000]( Lobbyist Ari Ben-Menashe reported being paid $250,000 by Nabil Karoui's wife and a friend. Israel 5 [Israel’s Gantz steers away from Arab voters, seeks soft-right]( Blue and White leader Benny Gantz does not realize that if he wants to be prime minister, he will need a high voting rate among the country’s Arab citizens. Turkey 6 [Israel-Greece-Cyprus take on Turkey in the Mediterranean]( Trilateral cooperation among Israel, Greece and Cyprus to build a natural gas subsea pipeline is setting the stage for more tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. Syria 7 [In Syria's Daraa, wave of kidnappings, killings threatens fragile balance]( Residents of Daraa city are living in fear in light of increased assassinations and kidnappings often blamed on former rebels who reconciled with the government. Iraq 8 [US Syria envoy: Any talks on troop withdrawal from Iraq must include all aid]( US envoy James Jeffrey says the United States wants to see its operations against the Islamic State in Iraq — which have been paused as US and coalition troops focus on protecting themselves in the wake of an escalation between US forces and Iranian-backed groups — resume as soon as possible. Iran 9 [Iran says plane crash investigation will be made public]( Iran’s defense minister said the investigation into the Ukraine plane shooting is ongoing but will be made public. Palestine 10 [Gaza developments portend military escalation with Israel]( Israel's political impasse is expected to affect the Palestinians' situation in the Gaza Strip, and Israeli intelligence believes new military confrontations will erupt as the security and humanitarian situation there continues to deteriorate. Israel 11 [Should social media posts disqualify Israeli Arab legislator?]( An attempt to block Arab Knesset member Heba Yazbak from running in the March elections for allegedly voicing support for a terrorist raises the issue of whether the same should apply to Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir. Culture 12 [New business council to provide network, funds for Rafah's budding businesswomen]( Palestinian women have started small businesses to make ends meet, but a new council aims to lead them to fields such as electronics or high-end products. Culture 13 [Gaza men choose family councils but keep women out]( There have been no elections in Gaza since 2006, but family groupings in the enclave have started holding votes for a leader and board to administer family affairs. Iraq 14 [Turkey bombs Yazidi militia in Iraq affiliated with PKK]( A recent Turkish airstrike killed a top Yazidi military figure and others in Sinjar, Iraq, as Ankara continues its efforts to contain Kurds. Egypt 15 [Greenback weakening in Egypt as economy improves]( Egypt’s pound continues to grow stronger against the US dollar in 2020, thanks to gains in foreign investment, tourism and exports. 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]( © 2020 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