News Nosh 10.28.13

by APN 10/28/13
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APN's daily news review from Israel

Monday October 28, 2013

 

Quote of the day:

"I loved you in summer."
--The song, by Lebanese singer Fairouz, was posted on Facebook by Israeli forces Arabic public relations Spokesman Avichay Adraee causing a storm among Arabs.**


Front Page News:

Haaretz

Yedioth Ahronoth

  • "Netanyahu broke us" - (Bereaved) families furious over release of murderers of their dear ones
  • These are the victims whose murderers are to be released
  • We are staying in the country // Noah Klieger on the storm raised by Natan Zach
  • Daddy also gets maternity leave
  • City under investigation - This is how the fake votes industry worked in the Beit Shemesh local elections
  • How the franchise for clothing in large sizes is almost going under

Maariv

Israel Hayom

 

Peace Talk Highlights:
The main story today was the clash between Nafatali Bennett's Habayit Hayehudi party and the Likud party over the approva of the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners. Yedioth reported on the threat to the life of Justice Minister and chief Israeli negotiator Tzipi Livni. But, some Israelis and Palestinians said the release will help Israel's security. Meanwhile, the Israeli papers also shared stories of relatives of the victims who oppose the release.

Coalition partner Habayit Hayehudi continued blasting Likud and Tzipi Livni (of Hatnua) for supporting the release of the 26 Palestinian prisoners, who murdered Israelis prior to the Oslo Accords. The Likud ministers basically told Habayit Hayehudi that it could shove it. "If the release of prisoners is difficult for them - they should quit," Minister Gideon Saar said. Likud accused Habayit Hayehudi and its leader Naftali Bennett of populism and hypocrisy, since the release of prisoners was approved before the peace talks and Habayit Hayehudi remains in government.  Habayit Hayehudi's bill to outlaw the release of prisoners in the framework of peace talks was rejected by the ministerial committee for legislation. Livni responded saying, "Today it was shown again that this government, unlike one of the parties that is a member of it, works according to national interests and not the orders of the rabbis of Judea and Samaria." (NRG Hebrew)

The attack by members of Habayit Hayehudi on Livni has been followed by threats to her life on her Facebook page, Yedioth reported.  One message read, "I pray that one of the Hilltop Youth murders you or Netanyahu. Those who support prisoners' release belong in jail."

The prisoners will be released Tuesday, none will be deported. Their names were published. They were responsible for the deaths of 27 Israelis. This is the second round of releases. A total of 104 prisoners are to be released before the nine months of negotiations are up.

Both Israeli experts and Palestinian officials say the prisoner release will improve Israel's security. Maariv/NRG's Palestinian affairs correspondent Asaf Gabor wrote in NRG that Palestinian Prisoners' Affairs Minister Issa Qaraqe said that the release of prisoners proves that negotiations with Israel is the right path. According to Qaraqe, "The release of the prisoners shows Palestinians that there is no need to kidnap soldiers." (NRG Hebrew) Israeli experts said that Israeli-Palestinian security cooperation is stronger than ever, Ynet reported. One expert said that tomorrow's prisoner release won't harm Israel's security, and it will reinforce Abbas.
 
The papers interviewed family members of the victims who opposed the release. Ynet and Israel Hayom have articles in English. Members of some of the families will demonstrate tonight outside Ofer Prison.
 

Quick Hits:

  • Israelis raze agricultural lands near Nablus to expand settlements - Israeli bulldozers razed Palestinian agricultural lands in the village of Jalud south of Nablus on Sunday morning due to their proximity to the two Israeli settlements of Shiloh and Shvut Rachel. (Maan)
  • Israeli forces assault Palestinian school bus driver near Hebron - Israeli forces stopped Mufid Abu Qbaiyta, 27, and beat him up while he was picking up school children in the Masafer region east of Yatta in the southern West Bank early Sunday morning. They also damaged the bus tires to prevent him from continuing to pick up children. (Maan)
  • Israeli forces hand out demolition orders in (E.) Jerusalem village - Israeli municipality staff on Sunday handed stop-work orders to several houses in the Wadi al-Hilweh neighborhood in Silwan, [an E. Jerusalem neighborhood that Israel refers to as the City of David - OH] (Maan)
  • Israeli forces damage Palestinian vehicles in Yabad, clashes ensue - Israeli soldiers drove through the village after midnight, spoke through a loudspeaker using offensive language and damaged at least two Palestinian vehicles. Clashes broke out following the raid with soldiers firing tear gas grenades and sound bombs while Palestinians threw stones and empty bottles. (Maan)
  • After 1.5 year boycott, Israel resuming cooperation with UN Human Rights Council - Israel to take part in the periodical hearing in Geneva on Tuesday; scores two major victories in negotiations to rejoin. (Haaretz and Israel Hayom)
  • Bill legalizing preferential treatment for Israeli soldiers goes to the Knesset - Bill would prefer ex-soldiers in job hiring, higher education and real estate purchases; opponents says it legalizes racism and discrimination. (Haaretz)
  • Palestinian accused of killing soldier 'tortured in jail' - Nidal Amar, 42, who is suspected of kidnapping and killing Israeli soldier Tomer Hazan, said that he was tortured in ways "only seen in movies," but refused to go into details. (Maan)
  • The Natan Zach storm, anger over the poet who said people should emigrate - Storm has erupted over statements famous Israeli poet made in interview with Yedioth (see Sunday's News Nosh). MK Shimon Ohion (Likud) demanded Education Minister remove Natan Zach's poems from the education program: "His remarks were anti-Zionist and outrageous." (Yedioth, p. 18)
  • Netanyahu halts distribution of 'loyalty' poll to U.S. Jews, Israeli expats - Prime minister's order follows Haaretz report of questionnaire being distributed in America asking respondents to indicate where their allegiance would lie in case of Israeli-U.S. crisis. (Haaretz)
  • Israeli forces detain 15 Hamas affiliates in Nablus - Israeli military vehicles raided Nablus, Tulkarem, Tamoun and Salem and detained 15 people, mostly students at An-Najah University. Meanwhile, Israeli forces detained Jihad Abu Baker after raiding his home in Jenin, his father told Ma'an. Israeli soldiers ransacked the house during the raid and were aggressive with other family members. (Maan)
  • **Facebook users outraged as Israel army spokesman posts Fairuz video - Israeli forces Arabic public relations Spokesman Avichay Adraee posted a video by Lebanese singer Fairuz on his Facebook page Saturday, leading to a wave of angry and mocking comments by users in Arabic. The page is part of the Israeli military's public relations strategy, or "hasbara," in the Arab world. (Maan)
  • Haifa tunnel paralyzed by cyberattack, expert reveals - Hackers caused central Haifa artery to shut down for over 8 hours in September, says Israeli expert. (Agencies, Haaretz)
  • Emigration of young people from Jerusalem slows - Statistcs show that some 75 percent of those leaving the city are young Haredi families looking for cheaper housing; most move to Tel Aviv. (Haaretz)
  • The pupil refused to kiss the mezuzah - and was humiliated - The parents, residents of Ashdod - discovered a video clip on the internet documenting the abuse of their 7th grade son by three other pupils - and reported to the police. (Yedioth, p. 12)
  • UK's Arup seeks to partner with Mekorot - British engineering firm in talks with Israel's national water company to team up on water projects in various parts of world. (Agencies, Ynet)
  • Anti-Israel protests plague annual JNF conference in Colorado - Demonstrators call for "stop ethnic cleansing" and the "liberation of Palestine."  They are protesting against us because we represent Zionism, but their attacks have nothing to do with our work, says JNF World Chairman Efi Stenzler. (Israel Hayom)
  • First responder: Meet IDF medic who treats wounded Syrians - Sgt. Mayan Yogev, IDF's first responder to wounded Syrians in need of medical attention. 'She grants every Syrian in need of help medical care without hesitation, as if they're IDF soldiers,' soldiers praise, 'her goal is saving lives, regardless.' (Ynet)
  • Chemical weapons watchdog: Syria submits plan for arms destruction - The OPCW also says it has sent its first monthly report on its joint mission with the UN in Syria to its member states and the UN. (Agencies, Haaretz)
  • Egypt says not interested in Israeli gas - After Minister Silvan Shalom says Israel could supply Egypt with gas through pipeline that already links them, top Egyptian state executive clarifies Cairo focusing on plan to import liquefied natural gas. (Agencies, Ynet)
  • Egypt closes Gaza crossing - Egyptian authorities closed the Rafah land crossing for the second day in a row on Sunday. (Maan)
  • Tunnel closure costs Gaza $230 million monthly - Hamas official says Gaza economy suffers loss of $230 million as result of Egypt's closure of tunnels that were used to smuggle goods into Gaza Strip. (Agencies, Ynet)
  • Iran hasn't stopped enriching uranium, says senior lawmaker - Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of parliamentary security and foreign policy committee, contradicts MP. (Agencies, Haaretz)
  • PM: 'Iran can enrich uranium from 3.5% to 90% in weeks' - At Sunday's cabinet meeting, Netanyahu dismisses Iran's claims that it would stop refining uranium above 5 percent. Technological improvements allow Iran to enrich uranium from 3.5% to 90% within a few weeks, says the prime minister. (Israel Hayom)
  • Tehran officials tear down anti-American posters - May signify Iran wants better relations with the United States as talks over nuclear program continue. (Agencies, Haaretz)


Features:

Jewish community in Hebron wins the lottery
Lottery board approves public funds for the Hebron settlement, even though it isn't classified as a local authority. (Uri Misgav in Haaretz)
In photos: Palestinian olive harvest carries on centuries of tradition
Palestinians harvested their olives this week across the West Bank, continuing a long-standing annual Palestinian tradition despite ongoing hardships caused by settler attacks and the Israeli occupation. (Maan Photo feature)

Commentary/Analysis:

Resuming cooperation with UN Human Rights Council an important step (Haaretz Editorial) Israel's decision to participate in the review session on Tuesday will advance its interests and improve its international standing. 
The incitement must stop (Eitan Haber, Yedioth/Ynet) Habayit Hayehudi's attacks on Tzipi Livni could lead to another political assassination.
Adelson's bomb: Apologize or face sanctions (Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, Haaretz) The deference accorded to Sheldon Adelson thanks to his largesse to Jewish causes must end after his 'bombing Iran' comments, which were obtuse, insensitive, and morally bankrupt, and harmful to Israel's interests.
Don't tie the government's hands (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) The initiative to prohibit the release of Palestinian prisoners by law is cynical and morally wrong.
Concrete and cockroaches: municipal elections in the Arab sector (Oudeh Basharat, Haaretz) While the living space of the surrounding Jewish towns has expanded, the Arabs' living space has turned into a suffocation space. 
A global espionage festival (Boaz Bismuth, Israel Hayom) Everyone spies on everyone these days, even on friends. Why then is Jonathan Pollard still rotting in an American prison?
With new BFFs like Saudi Arabia, who needs anti-Semitic enemies? (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz) Jerusalem and Riyadh suddenly have a lot in common - but the desert kingdom is still a fountain of fanatic oppression and anti-Jewish bile.
US spyingis  just a symptom (Eytan Gilboa, Yedioth/Ynet) Weak leadership, zigzagging caused European leaders to lose some of their respect for Obama.
The boycott movement will not bring down the settlements (Aryeh Eldad, Haaretz) Prominent leftists in the country are gladly joining the Arab effort to boycott products from Judea and Samaria, but for naught.
The president is in love (Smadar Peri, Yedioth/Ynet) US has no intention of striking in Iran, and Israel won't be able to attack behind Obama's back.
Lou Reed, the ultimate counter-Jew (Noah Efron, Haaretz) Noah Efron bought the 'Walk on the Wild Side' 45 with his bar mitzvah money. Decades later, he pays tribute to the Jew who broke all the rules.
Bereavement and theater of the absurd (Yossi Tzur, Israel Hayom) The State of Israel, which cavalierly releases hundreds, even thousands, of prisoners, gave me nothing but the option to write a protest letter against the release of my child's murderer. 
Israel, stay away from the UN Human Rights Council farce (Anne Herzberg, Haaretz) Israel was right last year to end contact with the UN Human Rights Council, and the reasons it gave then - its obsessive bias and double standards targeting the Jewish State -are just as relevant today.
The political baksheesh (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth) "There is an understanding between all sides that in order for Netanyahu to be able to get the government to approve the release of Palestinian terrorists, he will announce the approval of plans for the construction of thousands of apartments in the major blocs in the territories. This is supposed to be the baksheesh by the Palestinian side in exchange for releasing the prisoners." Shiffer reassures his readers that Habayit Hayehudi party, despite its strong opposition to releasing Palestinian prisoners, will not be quitting the government any time soon, especially when, "There are additional candidates waiting outside the door who are prepared to pay almost any baksheesh to enter."
Not the 'Orthodox Jews can't be leftists' canard - again (Rabbi Gideon D. Sylvester, Haaretz) Once again, it's necessary to refute the false accusations, this time made by Uri Avnery, that Jews don't save non-Jews on Shabbat, and that Orthodox Jews can't be leftists.
The key to a great friendship (Ami Dor-On, Maariv/NRG Hebrew) Dor-On asserts that many of the major powers' intelligence services now realize that, "Iran's strategic goal is not the destruction of Israel with nuclear weapons, but taking over the oil-producing states - Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the Persian Gulf states...The determined Iranian campaign to reach the status of a nuclear power by exploiting the political weakness of the Obama administration, which is trying with all its might to avoid a conflict with the country of the ayatollahs, has created a very interesting phenomenon from Israel's point-of-view...At a time when a rift is starting to be revealed between the US and its historic allies in the Middle East regarding concerns over a nuclear Iran, common interests of a sort are developing among those threatened by the Iranian nuclear project, including the State of Israel."Perhaps even now, secretly and far behind the scenes, a new basis is beginning to develop for a beautiful friendship between Israel and all the Islamic states in the Middle East that are being compelled to exist under the threat of an Iranian takeover."

 

Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.

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