Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, has decided not to seek re-election. Israeli Minister Yuli Edelstein discusses the prospects of peace in the Middle East and why Israel won't agree to a settlement freeze. Al Jazeera English's John Terrett reports on the challenges and reasons behind Abbas' decision.

Political commentators are debating whether Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided excessive praise for Israel's move to restrain -- rather than end -- settlement building in the West Bank. The state department contends that the U.S. has not actually modified its policy stance. Daljit Dhaliwal talks with Daniel Levy about the latest developments.

Almost one year after the devastating war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Security Council could soon use the U.N. Human Rights Council-endorsed Goldstone Commission Report to pursue legal action against alleged war criminals on both sides. Do you think Israel and/or the Palestinians should face prosecution for their actions in the Gaza War?

With crucial talks aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear program set to begin, the rhetoric is heating up. Israel will be following the progress of the negotiations closely, says Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. If the talks fail, would Israel be justified in attacking Iran's nuclear facilities? Tell us what you think.

Israeli has a thriving film industry. In recent years, its films have won popular and critical acclaim while tacking difficult issues of identity and politics. Jerusalem film scholar Amy Kronish blogs about the coming of age of Israeli cinema.