APN's daily news review from Israel
Thursday January 15, 2015
Quote of the day:
“We have an army and a state and we don’t do eye for an eye. We must not be criminals and ignore
phenomena like ‘price-tag' attacks."
--President Reuven Rivlin tells right-wing columnists he will continue to condemn price-tag attacks.**
Front Page:
Haaretz
- ‘Zionist Camp’ list: Four women in top 10; This week decision whether to include Shaul Mofaz (Kadima party)
- The 11th player // Yossi Verter
- They got America // Chemi Shalev
- Peace later // Gideon Levy
- Kahlon to Haaretz: We won’t divide Jerusalem and won't go back to ’67 borders – no partner
- Today results of Habayit Hayehudi primaries
- Two more MKs expected to testify in the Yisrael Beiteinu scandal
- Video of attack at Hypercacher (supermarket in Paris) revealed; copies of Charlie Hebdo magazine ran out in minutes
- Naor to replace Grunis as Chif Justice of High Court today
- Teachers agreed to compromise – and high school students’ strike ended
- State to (West Bank) Bedouin community: Evacuate within days from your homes
- 20% of indicted minors in center of country are of Ethiopian origin
- Rights of the suspect // Haaretz Editorial
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Women’s power – Labor party presents: 7 women, young and new faces
- Allocating improvements // Nahum Barnea
- In their hands // Sima Kadmon
- Another blow to (factory) workers in Arad – Osem ice-cream factory won’t open after all
- In the name of Daniel – Gila Tragerman, mother of Daniel who was killed in Nahal Oz, also testified before the UN commission
- Victory of the students: Field trips return, studies start again
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- The Labor is the women’s – Alliance between Herzog and Livni did not succeed in harming Shelly Yachimovich, who swept the Labor party…Four women in top 10 spots
- New-old Zionism // Ben Caspit
- Horror pictures from the kosher supermarket
- Residents of Israeli communities around Gaza testified at UN
Israel Hayom
- Labor party: Big step left – Primaries 2015: Parties choose their lists – and signal their direction
- Habayit Hayehudi: Waiting for the list
- “2015: The mess of the Middle East will continue” – Head of the research division of Military Intel, General Itay Baron, is pessimistic
- Cashier who survived the massacre at the supermarket on the conversation with the terrorist
- Teachers and students reached compromise: Returning to study – and to field trips
- Tragedy at Border Police base: Border Policeman killed from bullet accidentally shot by his friend/
- Ayala Shapira, 11, who was injured from a firebomb in moving message: “Thank you to all of the people of Israel”
News Summary:
Women win big in the Labor party and other parties declare their political stances and Israelis testify at the UN
commission on the last Gaza war making top stories in the Hebrew newspapers today. And Israeli President Reuven
Rivlin makes some interesting comments to Israeli right-wingers and an AIPAC delegation.
The papers resounded with the pride of the Labor party over choosing 4 women in the top 10 spots of the party list, but analysts warned that the list was heavy with people too young, too left-wing and too inexperienced to win the elections. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attacked the list calling it “extremist and anti-Zionist left-wing” on his Facebook page, Maariv reported.
Meanwhile, although he had previously presented a leftish position, Moshe Kahlon declared he would not divide Jerusalem or make an agreement based on the ’67 borders because there was ‘no partner.’ He said his party, Kulanu, was focused on socio-economic issues.
Leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, many of whose members are under investigation for corruption, and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman repeated his mantra that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is an obstacle to peace and must go before a regional deal can be reached.
**However, President Rivlin called on an AIPAC delegation to persuade the Israeli government to resume negotiations with the Palestinians, Maariv reported. He also referred to Abbas as “my good friend" and said that Israelis and Palestinians should negotiate on an equal basis, expressing understanding for Palestinian demands to build an international airport and have an air force, as Israel does. Rivlin also said that while his opposition to a two-state solution were well known, but that he has moderated his stance since replacing Shimon Peres as president. The article noted that after last summer Gaza’s war he expressed support for ending the Israeli siege on Gaza. Yedioth reported that Rivlin told right-wing activists and columnists, who have written angry columns over his humanist views and criticism of Israeli society (as “sick”), which are perceived as left-wing, that “I won’t apologize for condemning ‘price-tag’ attacks. This could end in murder.” He also told them that the State of Israel is not a militia that can encourage revenge by citizens. “We have an army and a state and we don’t do eye for an eye. We must not be criminals and ignore phenomena like ‘price-tag.’" Last night another price-tag attack took place in the Arab neighborhood of Beit Safafa. See Quick Hits.
Despite Israel officially boycotting the UN commission investigating possible war crimes committed during Operation Protective Edge, last summer’s Gaza war, more Israelis are testifying. “I’m not sure it will have an effect,” one Gaza border resident told Haaretz+, “but the committee won’t be able to say it didn't know.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon reiterated his opposition to an Israeli criminal probe of an operation that took place during the war in the town of Rafah, saying such inquiries undermine troops’ `fighting spirit.’ Haaretz’s+ Gili Cohen wrote that “In that incident, known as Black Friday, Hamas violated a cease-fire with a raid that captured Lt. Hadar Goldin and killed two other soldiers. The Givati Brigade employed extremely heavy fire during its search for the missing soldier, who was later declared dead.” [Note: Haaretz+ did not mention what was already reported on that Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire deal according to which Israeli troops could not make operations. However, the IDF continued to search for tunnels inside Gaza during the ceasefire and ran into Hamas fighters. – OH]
The papers resounded with the pride of the Labor party over choosing 4 women in the top 10 spots of the party list, but analysts warned that the list was heavy with people too young, too left-wing and too inexperienced to win the elections. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attacked the list calling it “extremist and anti-Zionist left-wing” on his Facebook page, Maariv reported.
Meanwhile, although he had previously presented a leftish position, Moshe Kahlon declared he would not divide Jerusalem or make an agreement based on the ’67 borders because there was ‘no partner.’ He said his party, Kulanu, was focused on socio-economic issues.
Leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, many of whose members are under investigation for corruption, and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman repeated his mantra that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is an obstacle to peace and must go before a regional deal can be reached.
**However, President Rivlin called on an AIPAC delegation to persuade the Israeli government to resume negotiations with the Palestinians, Maariv reported. He also referred to Abbas as “my good friend" and said that Israelis and Palestinians should negotiate on an equal basis, expressing understanding for Palestinian demands to build an international airport and have an air force, as Israel does. Rivlin also said that while his opposition to a two-state solution were well known, but that he has moderated his stance since replacing Shimon Peres as president. The article noted that after last summer Gaza’s war he expressed support for ending the Israeli siege on Gaza. Yedioth reported that Rivlin told right-wing activists and columnists, who have written angry columns over his humanist views and criticism of Israeli society (as “sick”), which are perceived as left-wing, that “I won’t apologize for condemning ‘price-tag’ attacks. This could end in murder.” He also told them that the State of Israel is not a militia that can encourage revenge by citizens. “We have an army and a state and we don’t do eye for an eye. We must not be criminals and ignore phenomena like ‘price-tag.’" Last night another price-tag attack took place in the Arab neighborhood of Beit Safafa. See Quick Hits.
Despite Israel officially boycotting the UN commission investigating possible war crimes committed during Operation Protective Edge, last summer’s Gaza war, more Israelis are testifying. “I’m not sure it will have an effect,” one Gaza border resident told Haaretz+, “but the committee won’t be able to say it didn't know.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon reiterated his opposition to an Israeli criminal probe of an operation that took place during the war in the town of Rafah, saying such inquiries undermine troops’ `fighting spirit.’ Haaretz’s+ Gili Cohen wrote that “In that incident, known as Black Friday, Hamas violated a cease-fire with a raid that captured Lt. Hadar Goldin and killed two other soldiers. The Givati Brigade employed extremely heavy fire during its search for the missing soldier, who was later declared dead.” [Note: Haaretz+ did not mention what was already reported on that Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire deal according to which Israeli troops could not make operations. However, the IDF continued to search for tunnels inside Gaza during the ceasefire and ran into Hamas fighters. – OH]
Quick Hits:
- IDF soldier kills Palestinian car thief - A soldier shot the man, in his 20s, fearing he might be an armed militant, as police chased after him and another suspect who tried to hotwire a vehicle at a supermarket outside a Jewish settlement. (Agencies, Ynet)
- 70 Bedouin ordered to leave homes near West Bank settlement - The Kaabneh tribe was moved to the area 30 years ago. Nonetheless, the evacuation order issued Monday refers to a 'new incursion' onto state land. (Haaretz+)
- Israel demolishes al-Araqib village buildings for 80th time - Israel considers al-Araqib and most other Arab villages in the Negev illegal, while Bedouins say it is their ancestral land and that they have a right to live in the area. (Maan)
- Leading rabbi justifies attack on Jerusalem (Jewish-Arab) bilingual school - Kiryat Motzkin's David Meir Druckman slams defense minister for considering Lehava a terrorist organization. (Haaretz+)
- Charges added against two defendants in case of arson on Jewish-Arab school in Jerusalem - Amended indictment includes counts of incitement to violence and support for terrorist group. (Haaretz+)
- Hate crime in Jerusalem: Tires on 11 cars in Beit Safafa punctured - On one car the attackers sprayed 'demarcation order,' referring to a military order to remove an illegal settler outpost. The message raises the prospect that young settlers are behind the attack. (Haaretz)
- Netanyahu: Israel only place you can proudly proclaim 'I am a Jew' - Israeli prime minister calls on thousands of young Jews at Birthright mega event to make aliyah." (Haaretz)
- Israeli forces raid homes of PA security officers - They searched the homes and checked the identity cards of the officers before Palestinian liaison officials intervened. Palestinian officials called the raid a "provocative step." (Maan)
- Israeli forces open fire at farmers, bird hunters in Gaza - Israeli forces on Tuesday opened fire at Palestinian farmers and bird hunters east of Khan Younis, witnesses said. No injuries were reported. (Maan)
- Ambassador: Japan PM to visit Palestine - Japanese premier will meet with President Mahmoud Abbas during a six-day tour to the region, which will include trips to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. (Maan)
- Military court allows phone search of IDF soldier without court order - Soldier convicted of drug dealing appealed that his conviction was based on inadmissible evidence. (Haaretz+)
- Border Policeman suspected of shooting friend dead while playing with weapon - Soldier tells police investigators his weapon went off when he cocked it, while aiming at Sergeant Avi Gronov's face. (Ynet)
- Israel's Supreme Court rejects petition against increasing electoral threshold - The change effectively forces Arab parties to run in joint slates in order to gain Knesset representation. (Haaretz)
- Israeli Facebook page camouflages sponsored content - Globes reveals one of country's most popular social pages, Statusim Metzayitzim, posts unmarked promoted updates from firms, politicians for tens of thousands of shekels. (Ynet)
- Israeli forces detain dozens of Palestinians in Jerusalem, Hebron - Israeli forces launched multiple dawn raids across East Jerusalem and Hebron districts Wednesday detaining 32 young Palestinian men including minors. (Maan)
- Police commissioner: Numerous detentions are cause for pride - Yohanan Danino's comments come after former Supreme Court president speaks out against Danino’s flagship Turning Point program (with pre-emptive detentions). (Haaretz+)
- Robbie Williams 'can't wait' for Israel show - British pop sensation issues short video inviting Israeli fans to his May 2 Tel Aviv concert: 'It's like a first date. I've got butterflies in my stomach.' (Ynet)
- Lieberman calls Turkey's Erdogan 'anti-Semitic bully' - Israeli FM says Europe's 'silence' on Turkish president's criticism of Israel is reminiscent of the 1930s. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Hamas' grip on Gaza falters as workers riot over stalled wages - Hundreds of Hamas employees who have not been paid in over six months riot outside Gaza (unity) government building, damaging property. Workers will be paid within days, labor minister says. We won't let the (unity) government starve our children, says protester. (Israel Hayom and Maan)
- Iraq contributes $28 million to Palestinian Authority - Iraq's representative to the Arab League, Diya al-Dabbas, condemned Israel's decision to freeze PA tax funds and called on Arab countries to use their economic and financial weight to support the Palestinians. (Maan)
- Hamas-affiliated lawmaker released from Israeli jail -
- Palestinian lawmaker and former minister of finance Omar Abd al-Raziq was released from Israeli custody after six months without trial under administrative detention. He was detained during an Israeli crackdown against Hamas supporters in July 2014 after three Israeli teens were kidnapped near Hebron. (Maan)
- Egypt considers gas imports from Israel - Oil minister says Cairo continues to mull decision to enter arrangement with Jerusalem in order to end post-Mubarak energy woes. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Nasrallah: Israel can’t even imagine our arms stockpile - In interview with Lebanon-based TV station, Hezbollah leader also says he warned of the threat posed by ISIS in Europe and the Middle East. (Haaretz)
- Syrian mother appeals to Israel: Find my missing children - Aisha Jabayli's abusive Palestinian ex-husband is demanding $150,000 to return their three children, whom he secretly moved to Jenin while she was away in Turkey. (Yedioth/Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
Detention is not meant to be a punishment in criminal procedure (Haaretz Editorial) Israel's criminal procedure laws from the 1990s were supposed to mark a
revolution in investigation and trial procedures. The revolution has failed.
Apology is weakness, vulgarity is strength (Tami Arad, Yedioth/Ynet) Naftali Bennett sees all Arabs as radical Islamists; when you choose to fight one-fifth of the world's population, you can't afford to apologize.
Israel is flying into a storm with eyes wide open (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) The diplomatic war liable to break out between the Israelis and Palestinians will have far-reaching consequences.
In sadness and in joy (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) As Ben-Gurion once said, it is better for a Jew to live in Israel and be buried abroad than to live abroad and spend eternity in Israel.
The likable Labor list returns to the lies of the 1970s (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) There is not even one candidate who sees the struggle against the occupation as his or her flagship issue. Not a single one.
It takes one to know one (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Journalists like Shimon Shiffer and Nahum Barnea have had their minds twisted by hatred, and no matter what the prime minister did during his trip to Paris, it would have been wrong in their opinion.
The pencil and the hijab: Freedom of expression includes the right not to be secular (Gershom Gorenberg, Haaretz+) The strategy of terror is aimed at escalating conflict between Muslims and non-Muslims. Defending the right to be Muslim in a Western society is a necessary response.
The dilemma of France's liberal Jews (Yossi Shain, Yedioth/Ynet) Paris terror attacks worsen the situation of secular French Jews, many of whom still believe in the Republic's universal values and feel that France, rather than Israel, is their national home.
There is no place for Jews in Europe (Israel Harel, Haaretz+) Jews have always been murdered in Europe. The difference between the past and the present is that the murderers are now Muslim rather than Christian.
Aliyah now, for Zionism (Dr. Gabi Avital, Israel Hayom) The West is in danger, but Jews have the great privilege of moving to the Holy Land, the only country where they are safe.
France as a model for human rights and freedom of expression? You must be kidding (Tomer Barak, Haaretz+) If this really is a culture war, it is not being waged between murderous Islam and liberal democracy, but between murderous Islam and greedy capitalism, which is every bit as murderous.
Is this Israel’s Michael Brown? (Don Futterman, Haaretz+) A 22-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli died a few months after a violent encounter with the police. Six months later, his family isn't clear as to what lead to his death and why none of the officers have been charged.
Apology is weakness, vulgarity is strength (Tami Arad, Yedioth/Ynet) Naftali Bennett sees all Arabs as radical Islamists; when you choose to fight one-fifth of the world's population, you can't afford to apologize.
Israel is flying into a storm with eyes wide open (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) The diplomatic war liable to break out between the Israelis and Palestinians will have far-reaching consequences.
In sadness and in joy (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) As Ben-Gurion once said, it is better for a Jew to live in Israel and be buried abroad than to live abroad and spend eternity in Israel.
The likable Labor list returns to the lies of the 1970s (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) There is not even one candidate who sees the struggle against the occupation as his or her flagship issue. Not a single one.
It takes one to know one (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Journalists like Shimon Shiffer and Nahum Barnea have had their minds twisted by hatred, and no matter what the prime minister did during his trip to Paris, it would have been wrong in their opinion.
The pencil and the hijab: Freedom of expression includes the right not to be secular (Gershom Gorenberg, Haaretz+) The strategy of terror is aimed at escalating conflict between Muslims and non-Muslims. Defending the right to be Muslim in a Western society is a necessary response.
The dilemma of France's liberal Jews (Yossi Shain, Yedioth/Ynet) Paris terror attacks worsen the situation of secular French Jews, many of whom still believe in the Republic's universal values and feel that France, rather than Israel, is their national home.
There is no place for Jews in Europe (Israel Harel, Haaretz+) Jews have always been murdered in Europe. The difference between the past and the present is that the murderers are now Muslim rather than Christian.
Aliyah now, for Zionism (Dr. Gabi Avital, Israel Hayom) The West is in danger, but Jews have the great privilege of moving to the Holy Land, the only country where they are safe.
France as a model for human rights and freedom of expression? You must be kidding (Tomer Barak, Haaretz+) If this really is a culture war, it is not being waged between murderous Islam and liberal democracy, but between murderous Islam and greedy capitalism, which is every bit as murderous.
Is this Israel’s Michael Brown? (Don Futterman, Haaretz+) A 22-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli died a few months after a violent encounter with the police. Six months later, his family isn't clear as to what lead to his death and why none of the officers have been charged.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.