APN's daily news review from Israel

Monday January 19, 2015
 

Quote of the day:

“Because my wife and I and many other Israelis like us want to leave their children a country which does not control another people and which is not indifferent to its poor, we will not stop fighting for the end of the occupation and end of poverty. All the rest is important, but not critical.”
--Yedioth economic analyst Sever Plocker answers Yair Lapid’s question, "What kind of country do you want to leave your children?"**

Front Page:

Haaretz

• Tension in north: Son of Mughniyeh eliminated in Syrian Golan
• Hezbullah’s border // Zvi Bar’el
• Two wounded, seriously and moderately, from police fire in clash that broke out at funeral of resident of Rahat (who was killed from police fire)
• In light of fear of losing votes to the Zionist Camp: Primaries today in Meretz
• From Shas to Hadash: (New lower) threshold puts seven parties in danger // Uri Misgav
• State to recognize transgenders – even without sex reassignment surgery
• 50% of French in favor of limiting freedom of speech
• Winter tent for homeless in Tel-Aviv to be dismantled today

Yedioth Ahronoth

• Prince of terror eliminated

• – Alertness in Israel: Will Hezbollah retaliate to elimination of son of Mughniyeh
• Playing with fire // Alex Fishman
• Intelligence achievement // Yossi Yehoshua.
• Exposed // Ronen Bergman
• (IDF reservist general and Kulanu party #2) Galant hints: Timing of attack is related to elections
• Battle of the forgeries: Today the decision in Likud.
• World peace? Not at the Miss Universe competition

Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)

• Hezbollah on the attack in Syria: “We will retaliate with great force”
• Calculated killing – (Is Israel’s hand light on the trigger because of the elections?) // Ben Caspit
• Explosive front // Alon Ben David
• Time for responsibility // Eliezar Merom
• Absorbent alert // Danny Yatom
• Galant accuses Netanyahu: There is a connection between the attack and the elections

Israel Hayom

• Mughniyeh’s son eliminated – Blow to Hezbollah
• Hezbollah was hit between the eyes – and is expected to retaliate // Yoav Limor.Worthy move: “If Someone Comes to Kill You, Rise Up and Kill Him First” // Dan Margalit.
• 8 years later – this is Nasrallah’s moment of truth // Prof. Eyal Zisser
• Galant’s disgrace: Timing is not related to elections! // Haim Shine
• Appointments in the army: Rony Numa is Central Command commander, Tal Ruso will return to reserves and stand at head of Deep Command
• Minister Orbach hospitalized in serious condition: “Pray for his health”

News Summary:
The attack in the Syrian Golan that killed a late Hezbollah leader’s son and the question 'Was it worth it?' and the arrest of an alleged cell of ISIS-wannabees in Israel were today’s top stories in the Hebrew press. Meanwhile, ahead of the arrival of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declared he wanted to reduce Israel’s economic dependence on Europe and another man is killed in the south and many are wounded in clashes that broke out in a Bedouin town when a police car drove into the cemetery where a young man, who was killed two days before by police, was being buried.

The most interesting thing in all today’s articles about the most-likely Israeli-made helicopter-strike yesterday near Quneitra that killed Jihad, the son of Imad Mughniyeh, the latter whom Israel assassinated eight years ago, was that while the papers portrayed him as a ‘terrorist’ (Israel Hayom: ‘Terrorist son of a terrorist’; Ynet: ‘Terrorist Prince’), no terror attacks were attributed to him. ‘Western sources’ said he commanded Hezbollah’s unit in the Syrian Golan, in charge of ‘revenge attacks’ for Israeli attacks inside Syria. Ynet’s Ron Ben-Yishai listed two: planting of road mines targeting Israeli soldiers [and targeting soldiers is, internationally-speaking, not considered a ‘terror’ attack].
The ‘Western intelligence sources’ also said he plotted attacks on Israelis citizens in the Golan. However, as the Israeli analysts write, it remains unknown if he had really planned to execute an attack. The question that arose, and which general (res.) Yoav Galant, said publicly, was whether this was intended to make Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu more popular ahead of elections. (See Commentary/Analysis below.) 
 
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for greater bilateral economic cooperation during a meeting in Jerusalem, only hours after Netanyahu told his cabinet that “we definitely want to reduce our dependence on certain markets in western Europe,” Yedioth and Israel Hayom reported. Europe is Israel's biggest trading partner, “but Israel’s deepening diplomatic disputes over policy toward the Palestinians [and possible boycotts as a result – OH] and anti-Jewish incidents such as the recent ones in France are worrying Israel,” writes Yedioth’s diplomatic affairs correspondent Itamar Eichner, who noted that over the past two years, Netanyahu has been courting China, India and Japan.
 
A 45-year-old man died of tear gas inhalation and some 22 other mourners were wounded by police who opened fire on youth throwing stones at a the funeral of Sami al-Ja'ar or Al-Ajar), who was shot in the stomach by police next to his house in Rahat during a police raid near a school last week. The mayor of Rahat Talal al-Krenawi said an agreement was made with the police that it does not come to the cemetery during the funeral in order to avoid clashes. But a police car showed up, and youth began to throw stones at it. The police called in a special unit who opened fire and shot tear gas, harming up to 40 people, including numerous children and the mayor, as they all tried to run away from the tear gas, Maariv and Ynet reported. One of the injured was injured in the head by a rubber bullet in serious condition. Rahat officials have declared a three-day mourning period and called for the establishment of an investigative committee that includes a retired Arab judge. Yedioth’s Mati Siber, however, wrote that “thousands clashed with the police,” however, that was not reported elsewhere. Moreover, the police told him that “the police in the car were just doing their work and the police hace a right to be anywhere they need to be.”
 

Quick Hits:

• Seven Israeli Arabs charged with trying to set up ISIS cell in Israel - Shin Bet says members of the cell were in contact over the Internet with Islamic State operatives in Syria, among them Israeli citizens who had traveled to Syria. (Haaretz+ and Ynet) 
• MK Zoabi calls for young Arabs not to join ISIS, the "enemies of mankind" - According to Balad MK Haneen Zouebi, these are marginalized Palestinian youth without any significance in their lives who suffer from a distortion in their identity and the anger is the only thing that gives their lives meaning….Joining ISIS reveals the depth of the human deterioration that one can reach…Ethical courses of action need to be found for them in order to fight oppression and discrimination." (Maariv) 
• Israeli president calls on Abbas to renew peace talks - "I call upon President (Mahmoud) Abbas: instead of going to The Hague or to the United Nations, come to Jerusalem. Come to talk directly to the Israeli government and people," Reuven Rivlin told a visiting delegation of US senators headed by Republican John McCain, adding that direct negotiations were the only way. (Maan)
• Netanyahu to launch media campaign against ICC - PM took decision despite specific recommendation by Foreign Ministry not to directly attack International Criminal Court and its Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. (Haaretz+)
• Israel lobbies foreign powers to cut ICC funding - Foreign Minister Lieberman vows 'to demand of our friends in Canada, in Australia and in Germany simply to stop funding ICC,' as Israel prepares for legal battle.(Aencies, Ynet)
• Lebanon hails ICC inquiry into Gaza war - Foreign ministry says it hopes decision will lead to 'prosecution of Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip'. (Ynet) 
• PA foreign ministry welcomes ICC probe - The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said it welcomed the decision to open an initial probe on Israeli war crimes at the International Criminal Court and will fully cooperate with the ICC and facilitate its mission until justice is achieved. (Maan)
• Senior Fatah official: Israel likely to release PA taxes within a few months - Muhammad Shtayyeh told Ma'an that Israel was withholding the money in attempt to "twist the arm of the Palestinian Authority,” but that it would likely be released within a few months given that "neither the international community nor Israel is interested in causing the PA to collapse." (Maan)
• Right-wing Israelis fly drones over Aqsa compound - Director of the compound said one of the men claimed he had permission from the Israeli police to take footage for a TV channel, but that police denied giving anyone permission to film in the area. (Maan)
• Abbas: Hamas secretly negotiating with Israel - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday accused Hamas of negotiating secretly with Israel over the creation of a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip and Egypt. (Maan) 
• Palestinians pelt Canadian FM John Baird with eggs, shoes' - Baird you are not welcome in Palestine' protesters chant as Candain FM arrives for 'cordial and constructive' meeting with Palestinians. (Ynet and Haaretz and Maan)
• Arsonists torch car belonging to Palestinian prof. who led Auschwitz trip - Mohammed Dajani gained notoriety after leading the first organized group trip of Palestinian university students to Auschwitz. (Haaretz)
• Settlers offer bribe to PA police for access to Joseph's Tomb - A Palestinian Authority security source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Ma'an that eight settlers arrived in two vehicles and approached the PA police post overlooking the tomb and offered to pay the police officers $100 in order to access the holy site without coordination with Israeli forces. (Maan)
• The good Israeli: Fighters Without Borders organization attacks the Third World - Three officers from elite units decided to fight the negative image of Israel and of Israeli backpackers. "We a world power in hi-tech and agriculture, we can easily be a superpower of volunteerism." (Maariv) 
• Israel appoints female chargé d'affaires to embassy in Ankara - New chargé d'affaires Amira Oron will have to deal with a sensitive situation: The Mavi Marmara incident, Erdogan's accusations Israel is a terrorist state and Israeli claims Turkey is hosting Hamas officials. (Yedioth/Ynet)
• Eisenkot wins first battle with his choice of Central Command chief - Incoming chief of staff rejected Defense Minister Ya'alon's pick and got his own man, Maj. Gen. Roni Numa. (Haaretz+)
• Zionist tour for Muslim-Americans sparks anger in Palestine - An all-expenses paid trip to Israel organized for Muslim-American leaders by a Duke University-based imam in coordination with the Israeli government-funded Shalom Hartman Institute, wrapped up its second trip to the Holy Land on Friday, and has set off howls of protest in the US and left Palestinians shaking their heads in disbelief. (Maan)
• Israeli soldiers assault 3 men working at bakery in Nablus - Three Palestinians required treatment at the hospital Sunday morning after being assaulted by Israeli soldiers while they were working at a bakery in the center of Nablus. (Maan)
• WATCH: Netanyahu stars as kindergarten cop in campaign ad - Ad features children under the age of 15 – a violation of Israel's election law. Likud: 'Video uploaded in error.' (Haaretz+)
• Orthodox archbishop slams new Charlie Hebdo cover - "We support freedom of expression and democracy, but encroaching upon religious icons is far from being viewed as freedom of expression," said Atallah Hanna, the archbishop of the Sebastian Greek Orthodox Church. (Maan)
• Asymmetrical warfare: Did Miss Israel photobomb Miss Lebanon? - Miss Lebanon Saly Greige creates stir over a selfie in which she appears with her Israeli counterpart Doron Matalon, Miss Israel, highlighting tensions between the two warring countries. (Agencies, Haaretz)
• Israeli economy grew during Gaza war, revised stats show - Latest CBS revision shows that GDP edged up 0.2% in third quarter, despite economic toll of 50-day conflict. (Haaretz+)
• Egypt destroys 1,200-meter-long tunnel under Gaza border - Tunnel reportedly had lighting and ventilation systems installed, as well as phone lines connected to central call centers, which allowed the Egyptian and Palestinian smugglers to communicate and coordinate their shipments. (Israel Hayom)

Features:

How exactly does the International Criminal Court work – and should Israel be worried?
Having been accepted to the ICC, the Palestinian Authority can file war crimes complaints against Israel after 60 days. (Haaretz+)
This Day in Jewish History / Difficult genius behind H-bomb is born
Edward Teller reportedly implored Israeli officials to promise him they'd never sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. They still haven't. (Haaretz+)
 
Commentary/Analysis:

ICC inquiry is a game changer for Israel (Aeyal Gross, Haaretz+) The International Criminal Court will consider four issues in examining whether Israel has a case to answer for its actions in the Palestinian territories.
Israel opened a new front – the risk of escalation to war (Alon Ben-David, Maariv) The assassination is more than brinkmanship - it requires Hezbollah to respond. The question is not whether they will respond, but how, where and when. Events such as yesterday’s hit on the Syrian Golan can be judged with time. It is not yet known exactly who was killed there, near the village of Mazraat El-Amal near Quneitra. It is not yet known exactly what was the importance of those eliminated in Hezbollah's command hierarchy and how crucial they were to the process of building the power of Hezbollah, to the planning of schemes of ground invasions into Israel, and in general. It is not yet known what processes the assassination will jump-start, how Hezbollah will react and whether, in the end, Israel will have benefitted or lost. In the Middle East, like in poker, the money is only counted in the stairway. Therefore, we will conclude only after the negative and positive data becomes clear. We are light years away from that.
A wise Israel could have avoided the brewing ICC storm (Haaretz Editorial) The Palestinians' bid at The Hague was not preordained. Israel should have realized that not all the cards were up its own sleeve, and instead seen a partner in Abbas. 
**The State of Israel's biggest failures (Sever Plocker, Yedioth/Ynet) We are about to leave our children a country afflicted with poverty and occupation – the two malignant growths endangering its future.
Otherwise Occupied / Fighting for Bruce Lee at The Hague (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) A word of advice to the International Criminal Court: Law enforcement officers who don't put settlers on trial for attacking Palestinians must also be considered suspects.
Doing the Islamic terrorists' job (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth/Ynet) While the international community is forced to defend itself and the Jews against Islamic terror with one hand, its other hand is busy pointing an accusing finger at Israel through the ICC.
Israel's inciter-in-chief (Uzi Baram, Haaretz+) Netanyahu realized that he is a contentious candidate, a default candidate for many voters rather than a preferred leader - so he turned to non-truths and scare-mongering.
Hezbollah will respond to attack, but not by opening a front in the Golan (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) The IDF has raised the alert on the Syrian border, but Nasrallah's response to the assassination of some of his senior commanders might lead to attacks against Israeli targets outside of Israel's borders. Hezbollah's massive arsenal of missiles and rockets will stay in the organization's bunkers until the day Israel strikes Iran's nuclear facilities.
The response is on the way ([General (res.) and former Mossad chief] Danny Yatom, Maariv) The details are still not clear about the attack yesterday (on Hezbollah) in the (Syrian) Golan Heights…If the attack was meant to prevent an attack (on Israel), which that cell had planned on carrying out, it is clear that it was completely justified….I tend to think that the decision to attack was not connected to the election campaign…However, if the goal was to hit a senior Hezbollah person and not to prevent an attack, then in my opinion, the assassination was a mistake. That is because of the sort of fragile ceasefire agreement between us and Hezbollah. And anyone who makes an attack must take into account that Hezbollah will respond – it can allow itself not to. And the response is likely to be harsh. Through road mines along the borders with Lebanon and Syria, or by shooting rockets, which will require that we respond and then we enter a path of escalation…
Obama explains it all (Boaz Bismuth, Israel Hayom) Obama, who was conspicuously absent from the Paris march against jihadist terrorism, is trying to tell the French how to integrate Muslims.
Jewish democrats, join the Arabs (Oudeh Basharat, Haaretz+) This election is a once-in-67-years opportunity for Jewish democrats, and they are legion, to tell their Arab compatriots that they, too, are an integral part of this country. 
In Middle East, no room for optimism (Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) We must not hand the future of the Jewish state over to new and inexperienced leaders.
Zionist Camp? Isaac Herzog heads Israel's cynical camp (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) Despite his looks, the Labor Party leader is a cold-blooded political knife-wielder. And he cozies up to right-winger Avigdor Lieberman.
Not only military men make effective defense ministers (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) Parties want generals on their tickets for the upcoming election, but the changing security threat to Israel might make this an outmoded approach. 
Diplomatic declaration of war (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) The International Criminal Court's decision to probe possible Israeli war crimes is tantamount to a declaration of war.
Calculated Assassination: Is Israel's hand light on the trigger for elections? (Ben Caspit, Maariv) Events such as the assassination of Hezbollah leaders, can be judged only later. Even if the operation in the Syrian Golan was not political, (Defense Minister Moshe) Ya'alon made it so.
Israel's true interests (Uri Heitner, Israel Hayom) In the absence of a peace partner, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be managed wisely to keep the flames in check.
Does Zionism have room for minorities? (Mira Sucharov, Haaretz+) Many argue that Zionism and liberalism contradict each other. Can a humanistic, peace-loving, human-rights-affirming 'Zionist' camp actually exist?
 
 

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