"You can't be in favor of the land of Israel in Hebrew and establish a Palestinian state in English."

(Photos: Yair Sagi, Alex Kolomoisky)

Israel Education Minister Naftali Bennett, in a backhanded attack against Prime Minister Netanyahu, to which new Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said: "Bennett needs to calm down." Read More

Yossi Alpher is an independent Israeli security analyst. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.

June 6, 2016 - Peace processes: now, 1967, 1976

Q. Last week you expressed skepticism regarding the willingness of the Arab world to sponsor an Israeli-Palestinian peace process that corresponds with the demands of the right-wing Netanyahu government. What has happened since?

A. A French attempt to revive the same peace process...ended in Paris with a watered-down statement that appeared of little immediate consequence.

Q. Nevertheless, let's suppose that Netanyahu brings Labor into the coalition, he and Lieberman continue to preach "two states for two peoples" and the Egyptians and Saudis agree to launch a peace process. What would happen? Put on your optimist's hat and give us a best case scenario.

A. In the best case I can imagine, two negotiating tracks are established: Israeli-Palestinian with Egyptian and Jordanian chaperones to discuss two states, and Israel-Arab talking to Israel about normalization gestures...

Q. Meanwhile, early June is "anniversary" time: we are entering year 50 since the Six-Day War. How would you summarize that war's overall effect on Israel-Arab peace?

A. From Israel's standpoint, seen from 2016 this remains a very just "no alternative" defensive war...But Israel made two huge mistakes in the aftermath...

Q. We're approaching another significant anniversary: July 4 will mark 40 years to the Entebbe rescue. In an interesting new book some Israelis, including rescued Entebbe hostages, argue that the raid "made peace less likely...[and made] it harder for Israeli politicians to push through the compromises required for peace". Where do you stand?

A. ...I disagree with the argument...

APN Legislative Round-Up: May 21-June 7

1. Bills, Resolutions, and Letters
2. FY17 NDAA – In the Senate
3. Hearings
4. On the Record

Help APN while purchasing gifts for Father's Day (and any other shopping)

Go to Amazon Smile and link your account to APN.

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APN joins the Progressive Coalition at New York City's Celebrate Israel Parade - Sunday, June 5

APN volunteers displaying the Peace Now flag (photos courtesy of Michael Brochstein)

Together with supporters of T'ruah, Partners for Progressive Israel, and New Israel Fund, APN demonstrated the strong and vibrant American Jewish community in support of Israel and a just and peaceful society.

APN's Lara Friedman: "49 years: The difficult truths of this conflict"
June 6, 2016, marked the 49th anniversary of Israel's miraculous victory in the Six Day War...(it) also marked the beginning of Israel's catastrophic policy of open-ended, ever-deepening military occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip...This occupation can and must end; 49 years is too long, but it is not too late.

APN's Ori Nir: "Erosion of Democracy: The Greatest Threat to Israel's National Security"
Speaking at the Israeli Embassy, Nir spoke frankly about the impact of Israel's occupation: "No society can rule over another people for so long -- half a century -- with no end in sight, and not be impacted by it."

Times of Israel: "Reform leader says NGO bill would 'weaken Israel's moral and civic fabric'"

Peace Now activists protest an NGO funding bill proposed by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked outside her residence in Tel Aviv, December 26, 2015. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)

Rabbi Jonah Pesner calls legislation an attempt to demonize groups critical of Israeli policies

Schedule for the APN 2016 Israel Study Tour

The working schedule has been released for APN's 2016 Israel Study Tour, November 12-17. From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to the South and North of Israel, this trip offers an experience unlike any other.

Go HERE for the Study Tour Schedule, and how to secure your spot on it.

Contact us at IsraelTour@peacenow.org or 202-408-9898 with any questions.

Shavuot - still working for the two-slate solution

For the holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah, we offer this cartoon as a reminder that the two-state solution is anchored in a two-slate solution.

"For the first time I feel - because of these kind of politics ... I’m not sure that I want my children to live here."

Roni Daniel, Israel Channel 2's veteran military correspondent, during his despairing outburst about the Netanyahu-Ya'alon-Liberman machinations. Some have likened the outburst to a real-life "I'm mad as hell and I can't take it any more" moment (see: Even Rambo Is Afraid of Where Netanyahu Is Heading).

Yossi Alpher is an independent Israeli security analyst. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.

May 23, 2016 - The Herzog-Yaalon-Lieberman-Sisi-Bibi drama; the real Netanyahu at work

Q. Israel seemed to begin last week with a Likud-Labor unity government, blessed by the president of Egypt. It ended last week with an even more right-wing government and the departure of a defense minister who stood up for IDF commanders with liberal values. What happened, and why?

A. This is all about PM Netanyahu, his values and his tactics. It tells us once again that his only strategies are staying in power and holding onto as much West Bank territory as possible...

Q. And the fallout?

A. (Egyptian President) Sisi was humiliated. He welcomed a peace coalition in Jerusalem and ended up with loud-mouth Lieberman--settler, racist, proto-fascist...

Q. Where does this leave civil-military relations in Israel?

A. The IDF leadership has emerged in recent months as the champion of liberal values and standards in the occupied territories and to some extent even in Israeli politics...

APN Legislative Round-Up: May 13, 2016

1. Bills, Resolutions, and Letters
2. FY17 NDAA - On the House Floor (Mideast-related amdts
3. FY17 NDAA - Senate Version
4. FY17 Defense Approps - Middle East-related Elements (HOUSE)
5. Hearings
6. On the Record

The Jewish holiday of Lag B'Omer begins sundown tonight, Wednesday, May 25. This festive day comes on the 33rd day of the Omer, or the counting of days between Passover and Shavuot.

TODAY - Wednesday, May 25th, 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Recent developments in the Israeli political arena with Akiva Eldar, senior political columnist

Hear about the recent developments in the Israeli political arena: Netanyahu's coalition negotiations with Avigdor Lieberman and Labor’s Yitzhak Herzog, Moshe Yaalon's resignation and the increasing tension between the government and the security establishment.

To participate, phone 951-797-1058; Access Code: 147414

Go HERE for more about the briefing call and Akiva Eldar. Note that the call will be recorded and available at www.peacenow.org.

APN Alarmed over Avigdor Lieberman's Imminent Appointment as Israel's Defense Minister

APN President and CEO Debra DeLee: "Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is today once again showing the world that he puts politics and personal political survival above the national security of Israel and its people."

Go HERE to see and share APN's Internet Meme "Bibi - Israel needs Security, not Politics (partially pictured above).

Ha'aretz: "Israel Knew All Along That Settlements, Home Demolitions Were Illegal"
By Gershom Gorenberg
New evidence shows government's adviser on international law said in 1968 that demolishing terror suspects' homes violates Geneva Convention.

New York Times: "Israel's Army Goes to War With Its Politicians"
In most countries, the political class supervises the defense establishment and restrains its leaders from violating human rights or pursuing dangerous, aggressive policies. In Israel, the opposite is happening...

REGISTRATION OPEN - APN 2016 Israel Study Tour

Reserve your space on Americans for Peace Now's Israel Study Tour, November 12 - November 17, 2016. Coming only days after a new US President is elected, the Study Tour will provide a unique insight into how Israelis and Palestinians perceive the election results and believe it might the conflict and prospects for its resolution.

Go   for more information including on securing your spot with a deposit.

Contact us at IsraelTour@peacenow.org or 202-408-9898 with any questions.

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