Politics Biden to meet Israel's Netanyahu after months of tension The meeting is likely to happen by the end of the year, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. President Biden has expressed concern over Netanyahu's judicial proposals. Deepa Shivaram
Politics Top House Democrats reject Rep. Jayapal's comments calling Israel a 'racist state' The Washington Democrat walked back comments she made over the weekend in which she called Israel a "racist state." Barbara Sprunt
World Mass protests erupt after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu fires his defense chief Tens of thousands of Israelis poured into the streets of cities to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firing his defense minister for challenging the Israeli leader's judicial overhaul plan. The Associated Press
Education Harvard restores fellowship for human rights advocate critical of Israeli policies After outcry, Harvard restores fellowship for leading human rights advocate who criticized Israeli policies. Simone Popperl
World Benjamin Netanyahu's new Israeli government will make West Bank expansion a priority The incoming Israeli ruling coalition agreements will make it the country's most religious and right-wing government in history, potentially putting it at odds with large parts of the Israeli public. The Associated Press
Environment The Dead Sea is dying. These beautiful, ominous photos show the impact Its water level is dropping. Big sinkholes are swallowing up whole tracts of land around it. Here is why a disaster is unfolding at the Middle East's iconic salt lake. Ofir Berman Daniel Estrin
Politics Biden says the U.S. will work to improve Palestinians' lives President Biden says that he's committed to the two-state solution for Israel and an independent Palestinian state. But with that goal out of reach, he said, the U.S. will look to help Palestinians. Daniel Estrin Asma Khalid Ayana Archie Bill Chappell
Politics Biden stops short of saying he will raise Khashoggi's killing in Saudi Arabia President Biden said "I always bring up human rights" on foreign trips, but stopped short of saying he would raise the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi when he meets Saudi leaders. Eric McDaniel
Health A 70-year-old man in Gaza needed open heart surgery. It was a race against time NPR journalists followed Youssef Al-Kurd and his family for months as they begged for the medical care that could save his life. Daniel Estrin Anas Baba
Health Who might benefit from a 4th shot — and who might not Some countries are moving ahead with plans to offer a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. But studies are raising questions about the potential advantages of this extra booster. Michaeleen Doucleff
