OHAD MERLIN

Ohad Merlin is the Middle East affairs correspondent of The Jerusalem Post. Formerly an analyst at the Jerusalem Municipality's East Jerusalem affairs unit and a press and media attache at the Israeli embassy in Jordan, he is a graduate of Shalem College in Jerusalem where he majored in Islam and Middle Eastern Studies, and Reichman University where he earned his masters degree in Government, Diplomacy and Conflict Studies.

 Palestinian Authority chair Mahmoud Abbas against backdrop of October 7 destruction and Palestinian flag. (illustration)

Abbas praises October 7 massacre ahead of pro-Palestinian summit

 Hamas terrorists in Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip. February 4, 2025.

Hamas's worldwide network and Al Jazeera 'Media Jihad' role - interview

 “Qatar is a terrorist state” poster in front of the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Grassroots campaign in Israel targets Qatar's ties to Hamas, support of terror


New gov't plan for Bedouin settlements sparks controversy

Government officials claim that a mix of innovative approaches and incentives can solve the long-standing issue of unrecognized communities in the Negev.

 A drone view shows Palestinian Bedouin structures and tents in the village of Ein al-Auja, in the Jordan Valley, March 9, 2025.

Saudi authorities release Iranian cleric arrested for bad mouthing Kingdom, Sunnah

Iranian cleric Ghasemian was arrested in Mecca for insulting Saudi Arabia but was quickly released and returned to Iran before completing Hajj. Both countries downplayed the incident.

 Muslims perform their evening prayers around the holy Kaaba as they start arriving to perform the annual Haj in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2023.

Five points for the Nakba: PA involved in contest for creation of Palestinian-biased Wiki articles

Wiki Palestine, the organizing body, was launched by the Palestinian Authority, raising concerns of direct governmental involvement in the popular online encyclopedia.

 The Third Palestine Competition on Wikipedia Arabic.

German officials issue arrest warrant against Hamas official in Europe

Majed Al-Zeer has been previously noted by the US Treasury as a significant financial supporter of Hamas.

 Masked Hamas men wave flags during the march in Jabalya refugee camp in North Gaza Strip, October 4, 2002

Hamas ban in Switzerland finally comes into effect - interview

A similar ban is being considered regarding Hezbollah, reveals David Zuberbühler, a Swiss parliamentarian who promoted the Hamas ban

 Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. February 22, 2025.

Jordanian textbooks bash peace, propagate antisemitism, study finds

According to the Jordanian education system, treachery is a “natural Jewish quality,” and the peace agreement was signed “in order to curb Israel’s known greedy aspirations.”

Protesters hold up pictures of Jordanian King Abdullah and pilot Muath al-Kasaesbeh with national flags

Hamas lauds France, Canada, UK for statements against IDF In Gaza

In a statement issued on their outlets, the terrorist group deemed Israeli PM Netanyahu a “terrorist,” and claimed the statement is “an important step forward.”

 Hamas terrorists in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. February 20, 2025.

Interfaith dialogue in Berlin takes place in fluent Arabic

The landmark event, led by Sharaka and the Abraham Accords Institute, gathered religious leaders to promote tolerance and took place exclusively in Arabic

Interfaith dialogue featuring religious leaders from diverse backgrounds took place in Berlin.

French nationals mark grim three years in Iranian custody

Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris were arrested in Iran on the last day of their tourist trip in May of 2022.

 A view of the entrance sign of Evin prison in Tehran, Iran October 17, 2022.

Southern Yemeni diplomat denounces Houthi targeting of Ben-Gurion Airport - interview

In a first-ever interview of an STC delegate to an Israeli newspaper, Ahmed denounced the Houthi attacks against Israeli infrastructure.

 South Yemen political delegation in the United States.