APN's daily news review from Israel
Monday March 16, 2015
Quote of the day:
"As someone who survived the inferno, who lost the best of friends in the battlefield, I am fearful and I warn
against a leadership that does not initiate a diplomatic-security initiative. That is leadership that will
crush the Jewish and democratic identity of Israel and lead our sons from one wave of violence to the next."
--Gen. (res.) Amnon Reshef, who led an armored division that got the most casualties in the Yom Kippur
War, writes why Israel must change its leadership.**
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Tens of thousands participated in right-wing rally at Rabin Square
- The settlers filled the square, Begin’s Likudniks didn’t show // Barak Ravid
- At least in the party campaign platforms, Jerusalem is united forever // Nir Hasson
- In Zionist Camp, hoping also to beat history // Uri Misgav
- The chances are low, but the small parties remain in the race
- State Comptroller shelves severe findings from report on expenses at Netanyahu’s residences
- Kerry changes attitude towards Syrian regime: “In the end, we will have to negotiate with Assad”
- (Former education minister) Piron (gave more money) to state-funded ultra-Orthodox schools
- Price index continues to drop – by 0.7% in February
- ¼ page ad – Group of Professors for Political and Economic Strength – We call on every responsible citizen, who wants a secure future and not illusions, to give their vote to parties that commit to supporting a right-wing bloc headed by Binyamin Netanyahu
Yedioth Ahronoth
- The count down – Election 2015 – another 24 hours
- A visit to the (Rabin) Square // Nahum Barnea
- The home front // Sima Kadmon
- Right-wing at Rabin Square; Zionist Camp Chairman Herzog puts note in Wailing Wall
- Oren woke up after two years in a coma – and asked for an iPhone
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- On the finish line – Another 24 hours
- I already voted, commander – 688 polling stations across military bases
- “Strong against terror” – Hypercacher kosher supermarket in France, where four Jews were murdered two months ago, reopened
- For first time since civil war broke out in Syria, US announces: “In the end we will have to hold negotiations with Assad”
- Farcical U-turn // Yossi Melman
Israel Hayom
- “Right – or left” – Tomorrow 5,883, 365 Israelis will be called to fufill their democratic right
- We vote, not the world // Boaz Bismuth
- Take the ranks out of the political arena // Yaakov Amidror
- Are Herzog and Livni suitable for leading? // Haim Shine
- For the first time: A rally which isn’t against, only in favor // Emily Amrousi
- The black days of Israeli media // Itsik Saban
- February price index dropped sharply by 0.7%; From beginning of year, negative index
- Nuclear talks renewed - Republicans attack: “We stand to get a very bad agreement”
News Summary:
Today’s Hebrew papers were all about elections and who was where the day before, but first and foremost they analyzed last night’s right-wing rally, which was a great success according to Israel Hayom. Yedioth’s Nahum Barnea called it 'restrained' and noted that the majority of the participants were religious Zionist men, who came on “buses belonging to regional councils in the (Palestinian) territories.” Haaretz’s Barak Ravid wrote, “There were some Likud placards at the rally, but the dominant color was the green on the signs of Habayit Hayehudi.” Ravid believes that Likud’s non-settler religious supporters have moved to ex-Likudnik, Moshe Kahlon.
Police estimated 25,000 people showed up, about half of the number that showed up to the ‘Just not Bibi’ rally the week before. Speaking from behind a bullet-proof encasement, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said there was a real danger a left-wing government would rise to power. He and Habayit Hayehudi chairman Naftali Bennett warned that ‘Herzog will divide Jerusalem,’ but that their parties would not withdraw from land. The left-wing responded: "Bibi is the prime minister of the extreme right."
Also in the news, a day after Syria entered its fifth year of civil war, which has killed more than 210,000 people and displaced half of the country's population, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the US will have to negotiate with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Today’s Hebrew papers were all about elections and who was where the day before, but first and foremost they analyzed last night’s right-wing rally, which was a great success according to Israel Hayom. Yedioth’s Nahum Barnea called it 'restrained' and noted that the majority of the participants were religious Zionist men, who came on “buses belonging to regional councils in the (Palestinian) territories.” Haaretz’s Barak Ravid wrote, “There were some Likud placards at the rally, but the dominant color was the green on the signs of Habayit Hayehudi.” Ravid believes that Likud’s non-settler religious supporters have moved to ex-Likudnik, Moshe Kahlon.
Police estimated 25,000 people showed up, about half of the number that showed up to the ‘Just not Bibi’ rally the week before. Speaking from behind a bullet-proof encasement, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said there was a real danger a left-wing government would rise to power. He and Habayit Hayehudi chairman Naftali Bennett warned that ‘Herzog will divide Jerusalem,’ but that their parties would not withdraw from land. The left-wing responded: "Bibi is the prime minister of the extreme right."
Also in the news, a day after Syria entered its fifth year of civil war, which has killed more than 210,000 people and displaced half of the country's population, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the US will have to negotiate with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Quick Hits:
- Report: Tony Blair to resign as Middle East peace envoy - Former British prime minister currently negotiating different position within Middle East Quartet, sources tell Financial Times. (Haaretz)
- Preparing for Hezbollah: Kfir Brigade's Nachshon Battalion landed in a “Lebanese village" - As part of the preparations for a Third Lebanon War the IDF decided to train another combat battalion along the northern border, and for the first time the battalion practiced in the Golan Heights how to land in the middle of a enemy village. (Maariv)
- Hamas accuses PA of giving intel to Israel that led to Gaza civilians' deaths - Accusations seen as latest sign of crisis between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, following arrest of Islamic militants in West Bank last week. (Haaretz+)
- Hamas official blasts PA failure to hold new elections - Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Zahhar accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of failing to fulfill his promise to hold elections for the Palestinian parliament. (Maan)
- Hares boys mark two years behind bars for alleged stone-throwing - Sunday marked two years since five boys, then aged 16-17, from the northern West Bank village were arrested over an alleged stone-throwing incident that saw all five charged with attempted murder for the death of a 3-year-old Israeli girl, Adele Biton, despite strongly contested evidence. (Maan)
- 4 Palestinian girls arrested at al-Aqsa compound, 1 assaulted - On a day in which dozens of right-wing Jewish Israelis entered the compound, Ayah Abu Nab, 16, was arrested at the al-Aqsa compound's Chain Gate as she attempted to enter, while Ayah al-Zaghal, 12, Anhar al-Ajlouni, 12, and Randas Abu Sneina, whose age is unclear, were detained as they were leaving by the same gate. (Maan)
- Israeli forces open fire on Gaza border near Khan Younis - Israeli soldiers stepped out of a military vehicle patrolling the border and opened fire. No injuries were reported. (Maan)
- 3rd time in 4 days: Israeli troops open fire at Gaza farmers - The soldiers fired gunshots and smoke bombs at agricultural lands and into residential neighborhoods from military watchtowers east of the village of Khuzaa, forcing farmers to leave their fields. (Maan)
- Indictment against Palestinian minor who stabbed ultra-Orthodox man and was neutralized by the Jerusalem mayor and his guard - The minor was accused of intentionally trying to cause someone’s death. Also, he was indicted for attempt to damage with serious intent and for assaulting a public servant because he threw a pipe-bomb on soldiers in a tower. And he was indicted for throwing stones and Molotov Cocktails during Operation Protective Edge. (Maariv)
- Israeli soldier arrested for firing at teen girls after being refused a kiss - According to police officials, the girls refused at first to cooperate with the investigation, but eventually they told investigators what had happened. (Haaretz+)
- Watch the ugly Israeli at a restaurant: beating a person while people watch from the sidelines - In a new video posted on the Facebook page "Battling Against the Ugly Israeli," a gang of people are seen attacking a man with chairs and other objects. Except for one person, dozens of people stood and watched. (Maariv)
- Voting for 2015 elections starts on IDF bases - Thousands of soldiers begin voting for 20th Knesset on bases around the country; mobile polling stations allow voting at far-flung army posts. (Ynet)
- Oren: Annexing West Bank would be 'disastrous' - Former envoy to Washington and Kulanu party candidate says Israel must mend ties with US and could do so by declaring that Israeli settlement construction would be limited to major blocs. (Ynet)
- Herzog: I'd appoint an Arab minister - but Arabs won't join coalition - Head of the Zionist Union tells The Marker he has engaged in affirmative action on behalf of the Arab community in every task he has taken on. (Haaretz+)
- Meretz MK against photo that Israeli right-wing rapper, ‘The Shadow,’ posted with (radical right candidate) Baruch Marzel: "A selfie of racism" - MK Michal Rozin wrote a Facebook status against the photo taken at the right-wing rally which “The Shadow” posted on Facebook: "What makes me sad is that this gang of thugs shared the rally with the Israeli Prime Minister and Minister of Economy." (Maariv)
- Netanyahu blames Kadima for Gaza disengagement in apparent gaffe - Prime minister ridiculed by Zionist Union after erroneous claim that Gaza disengagement, which he voted in favor of, occurred under Kadima government rather than Likud. (Ynet)
- Ayelet Shaked's blooper: Israeli MK accidentally endorses Likud - Ayelet Shaked urges supporters to vote Likud; problem is she is running for Habayit Hayehudi. (Haaretz)
- Lieberman eyes defense portfolio, slams Netanyahu over Hamas - 'The order to destroy Hamas was not given because of Netanyahu and Ya'alon,' Avigdor Lieberman told Ynet before visiting Hebron's Cave of the Patriarchs, claiming he will do better job than predecessor. (Ynet)
- Anger in Hebron as Israeli FM Lieberman visits Ibrahimi Mosque - Hebron governor Kamel Hamid condemned a visit by Israeli foreign minister to Ibrahimi Mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs) earlier in the day, calling it part of a "growing call for desecration of holy places and the creation of chaos." (Maan)
- Kahlon rejects Netanyahu's Finance Ministry portfolio offer, citing lack of trust - In attempt to consolidate center-right coalition, Netanyahu offers top economic spot to Kahlon, who rejects offer, saying Netanyahu had made such promises in the past but failed to keep his word. (Ynet)
- Netanyahu outearns Russian and Chinese leaders - While Putin took a pay cut due to faltering economy, Israeli prime minister maintained $141,000 salary despite year focusing on his exorbitant expenses. (Ynet)
- Natalie Portman joins campaign for poor Israeli kids - During short private visit to Israel, Hollywood star signs petition calling on next government to end child poverty in the country. (Ynet)
- Ramallah square named after female bus terrorist - Palestinian government officials attend ceremony rededicating square to Dalal Mughrabi, who oversaw Fatah bus hijacking 37 years ago. 35 passengers were killed in the incident, one of the worst terrorist attacks inside the Green Line. (Israel Hayom)
- Report: Syrian army in attack on Nusra Front fighters in Quneitra - Human rights observer said Syrian army helicopters dropped explosive barrels in the center of Quneitra in the Syrian Golan Heights during the night. State media reported that dozens were killed including three senior members of the Nusra Front. (Ynet and Maariv)
- Rare bronze mask of god Pan found at Golan dig - Larger than a human head, the mask of the half-human, half-goat god was discovered by chance at the Sussita archaeological site. (Haaretz+)
- Former Iran president's son sentenced to 15 years on security, corruption charges - Charges could be attempt to weaken former president and centrist Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Feared Iran general tops Iranian person of year poll - General Qassem Suleimani, commander of Quds Force recently spotted in Iraq, beats out FM Zarif, chosen as top Iranian in Persian New Year poll. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Jewish supermarket attacked by Paris militant reopens - Kosher market badly damaged during terror attack that killed four Jewish hostages reopens with new staff after full renovation. (Agencies, Ynet)
Features:
Where Palestinians and settlers meet as equals
Inspired by the maverick Rabbi Menachem Froman, Ali Abu Awwad and Shaul Judelman established Roots, a wooden shack in the West Bank where a large slice of hope is served with the coffee. (Ilene Prusher, Haaretz+)
How the votes will become seats
After the polls close, the votes are counted and the distribution of seats begins -- including the complex calculations to assign surplus votes. (Aviel Magnezi, Ynet)
An Israeli undercurrent rippling through Guantanamo
Mohamedou Ould Slahi's 'Guantanamo Diary' is an American tragedy about the ongoing war on terror that touches on the Holocaust and finding freedom through faith. (Samuel Thrope, Haaretz+)
A soldier's best friend, a Palestinian's worst nightmare
More than two months after being brutally attacked by a dog from the IDF canine unit, a Palestinian teenager remains in detention. (Gideon Levy and Alex Levac, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Inspired by the maverick Rabbi Menachem Froman, Ali Abu Awwad and Shaul Judelman established Roots, a wooden shack in the West Bank where a large slice of hope is served with the coffee. (Ilene Prusher, Haaretz+)
How the votes will become seats
After the polls close, the votes are counted and the distribution of seats begins -- including the complex calculations to assign surplus votes. (Aviel Magnezi, Ynet)
An Israeli undercurrent rippling through Guantanamo
Mohamedou Ould Slahi's 'Guantanamo Diary' is an American tragedy about the ongoing war on terror that touches on the Holocaust and finding freedom through faith. (Samuel Thrope, Haaretz+)
A soldier's best friend, a Palestinian's worst nightmare
More than two months after being brutally attacked by a dog from the IDF canine unit, a Palestinian teenager remains in detention. (Gideon Levy and Alex Levac, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Israel's right wing is fighting for its soul (Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz+ The bizarre rightist rally in Tel Aviv was an act of desperation by four
different parties, who are fighting over the same pool of voters.
Likud's real weakness is Netanyahu (Sever Plocker, Yedioth/Ynet) Isaac Herzog was late, but perhaps not too late, in rephrasing the decisive question of this election: Not 'do you want four more years of an increasing cost of living?' but 'do you want four more years of a Bibi government?'
Lieberman has abandoned all restraint and morality (Haaretz Editorial) Facing threat of being voted out of the Knesset, no statement is too contemptible as long as it ensures him media presence, including unbridled racist incitement.
American Jews are also in favor of change (Shlomo Shamir, Maariv) From reactions that can’t be published and assessments that are off the record it is clear that there is a longing and a hope among Jewish Americans for a change in the government in Israel. Even some in the community who identified as the right-wing, said the Likud party has run its course.
Right-wing rally was a like a family dinner - for now (Yossi Verter, Haaretz+) At the demo, Netanyahu sought comfort in the arms of his real family on the right. But he didn’t come to hug and pose for family pictures; he came to hunt.
Netanyahu's final throw of the dice (Sima Kadmon, Yedioth/Ynet) In a last-ditch effort to win back disillusioned Likud voters, Netanyahu was even willing to admit his mistakes; meanwhile, Herzog is playing his cards close to his chest.
Netanyahu, Herzog embark on last-minute blitz ahead of election (Yossi Verter, Haaretz+) Benjamin Netanyahu has entered the decisive few days of the campaign, but neither he nor Isaac Herzog have this election in their pocket.
Netanyahu is the best man for prime minister, just as Israelis say (Zalman Shoval, Haaretz+) Even if Likud's slate isn’t perfect, it’s a thousand times better than Zionist Union’s, and the public’s clear preference is Netanyahu, shown by the nearly two-to-one gap in this metric.
**The fateful decision for the security of Israel (Gen. (res.) Amnon Reshef, Yedioth) The upcoming elections are fateful for Israel. Since the creation of the state we faced existential danger twice. First in the Independence War and again in the Yom Kippur War, where we lost 2,569 soldiers. As the one who commanded the Armored Division at the Suez Canal front and whose division suffered the Egyptian wave of bombing in the first day until the arrival of reinforcements, and as the person who led the battle to breakthrough and cross the canal and lost 302 fighters – I know what is the significance of war. I also know how dangerous is the illusion of temporary security quiet and the thought that it could continue forever. As long as Israel does not initiate a serious diplomatic regional arrangement – the present quiet won’t continue and wars will come...Leadership that perpetuates the settlement enterprise in the West Bank will turn Israel into a ‘leper’ state, diplomatically and economically. A state that controls another people, 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and indirect control over 1.8 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, will lose its moral strength and its values. Already now the eroding of the strength of the IDF can be seen due to its daily friction with the Palestinian population in the West Bank. Continuing to build settlements beyond the separation fence will cause an irrevocable situation, which will eventually deteriorate Israel into a bi-national state that has lost its Jewish identity. The failures of the prime minister during his long years of rule caused Israel significant security damage. Netanyahu failed in the main security goals that he made: Stopping Iran’s effort to achieve nuclear arms and toppling the Hamas regime in Gaza. And if that were not enough, he harmed the international actors who were working against a nuclear Iran and he eroded their support in our position against Hamas….Some 20 years Israel and the Palestinians are holding negotiations unsuccessfully. We need to adopt another way – a regional initiative. The Arab League launched the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002. Muslim states joined it – in total more than 50. It put an end to tens of years of Arab refusal. It included commitment to normalize relations in an all-inclusive agreement. It declared that the question of the refugees requires our agreement…It’s clear to us that the IDF and security forces can assure the state’s security on any border that is determined. A diplomatic agreement is equal to national security!...The surprise of the Yom Kippur War was born out of the leadership blindness…As someone who survived the inferno, who lost the best of friends in the battle field, I am fearful and I warn against a leadership that does not initiate a diplomatic-security initiative. This is leadership that will crush the Jewish and democratic identity of Israel and lead our sons from one wave of violence to the next. Election Day awards every citizen the right and the obligation to choose a fitting leadership. [Founder and Chairman of ‘Commanders for Security Forum’]
The settlement enterprise has not blocked a two-state solution (Shaul Arieli, Haaretz+) Don’t believe the illusion Benjamin Netanyahu has created. Unfortunately, Israel invests enormous resources in an unfeasible goal.
The next prime minister's real security challenge (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) In order to successfully deal with the serious threats Israel is facing, some of which may materialize as early as this year, the winner of the 2015 elections must be capable of reaching intimate cooperation and understandings with the American president and administration.
Israel's only truly leftist party is in danger of extinction (Aner Shalev, Haaretz+) Should Meretz not make it to the Knesset, the great hope of replacing Netanyahu will die with it.
Netanyahu against the Likud (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth) He’s not a national leader, he’s a nationalist leader…It’s possible that the bloc that Netanyahu represents will succeed in forming, barely, a right-wing ultra-Orthodox government. This will be the fulfillment of a dream of all those who hate Israel.
An impressive, restrained rally in the city square (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) With speakers determined not to make any mistakes and a prime minister standing behind bulletproof glass, Sunday's right-wing protest was very different from the angry demonstrations we saw in the past.
Israel’s decision, 2015: It’s all about the Bibi, no Bougie (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) A strong charismatic ex-general such as Yitzhak Rabin or Ehud Barak would have wiped the floor with Netanyahu in Tuesday’s vote.
Obscured achievements (Dr. Gabi Avital, Israel Hayom) Netanyahu's opponents say he has not done anything in nine years, but the truth is that Israel has improved greatly under his leadership.
The kingmaker: The supreme test of Moshe Kahlon (Ran Adelist, Maariv) This is a not a simple story for Moshe Kahlon, but if the man wants to be a leader, this is his ultimate trial: to betray his voters and join the center-left coalition to lead them to a better state.
Otherwise Occupied / Israel gives Palestinians a reason to get older (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Palestinians will now be able to leave the West Bank without exit permits, provided they’re women over 50 or men over 55. Your best chance of getting out of Gaza, though, is if you’re a tomato or eggplant.
A strong Likud is a must (Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Only a cohesive and responsible right-wing government will allow Israel to deal with the security and socio-economic challenges it faces.
The problem with Israel's political system, and how to fix it (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) If Israel wants coalitions that last for the duration of a Knesset term, it needs both Likud and Labor to become powerhouse political forces again.
Israel is the thorn in al-Sisi's side (Smadar Perry, Yedioth/Ynet) Apart from serving as a fundraising platform, Sharm el-Sheikh conference is a test of Egyptian president's strength in the Gulf, Arab world and international arena. Until further notice, he prefers to leave Israel out of the picture.
Beyond left and right: Why Netanyahu must go (Carlo Strenger, Haaretz+) Israel’s prime minister seems to have lost touch with the ground rules of democracy and has become a danger to the state. He needs to be voted out on Tuesday, and Israel needs to heal.
Is Herzog the ultimate anti-Netanyahu? (Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz+) The prime minister has survived a long list of would-be usurpers.
The Joint Arab List: A reality check (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) Poor Meretz: Its only Arab member rejects its Zionist identity, and now the Joint Arab List is refusing to sign a surplus vote agreement with it.
Rightist rally proves: Likud turned from party of the masses to party of settlers (Barak Ravid, Haaretz+) The big winner of the last ditch effort by the right to shore up its supporters is neither Netanyahu nor Bennett – it's Moshe Kahlon.
A display of rightist unity (Yossi Dagan, Israel Hayom) The situation in Israel is not perfect, but it is pretty good, and anyone who says otherwise is doing so for election purposes.
Israelis, shooting first and crying later is no longer an option (Carolina Landsmann, Haaretz+) Israel's next leader must provide its citizens with an identity that maintains significant continuity with the Israeli past and doesn’t deny it, but at the same time offers a way to live with it proudly.
Sayed Kashua used to be proud of the party his parents voted for (Sayed Kashua, Haaretz+) That is, until a new religion teacher showed up just before the 1984 election.
Likud's real weakness is Netanyahu (Sever Plocker, Yedioth/Ynet) Isaac Herzog was late, but perhaps not too late, in rephrasing the decisive question of this election: Not 'do you want four more years of an increasing cost of living?' but 'do you want four more years of a Bibi government?'
Lieberman has abandoned all restraint and morality (Haaretz Editorial) Facing threat of being voted out of the Knesset, no statement is too contemptible as long as it ensures him media presence, including unbridled racist incitement.
American Jews are also in favor of change (Shlomo Shamir, Maariv) From reactions that can’t be published and assessments that are off the record it is clear that there is a longing and a hope among Jewish Americans for a change in the government in Israel. Even some in the community who identified as the right-wing, said the Likud party has run its course.
Right-wing rally was a like a family dinner - for now (Yossi Verter, Haaretz+) At the demo, Netanyahu sought comfort in the arms of his real family on the right. But he didn’t come to hug and pose for family pictures; he came to hunt.
Netanyahu's final throw of the dice (Sima Kadmon, Yedioth/Ynet) In a last-ditch effort to win back disillusioned Likud voters, Netanyahu was even willing to admit his mistakes; meanwhile, Herzog is playing his cards close to his chest.
Netanyahu, Herzog embark on last-minute blitz ahead of election (Yossi Verter, Haaretz+) Benjamin Netanyahu has entered the decisive few days of the campaign, but neither he nor Isaac Herzog have this election in their pocket.
Netanyahu is the best man for prime minister, just as Israelis say (Zalman Shoval, Haaretz+) Even if Likud's slate isn’t perfect, it’s a thousand times better than Zionist Union’s, and the public’s clear preference is Netanyahu, shown by the nearly two-to-one gap in this metric.
**The fateful decision for the security of Israel (Gen. (res.) Amnon Reshef, Yedioth) The upcoming elections are fateful for Israel. Since the creation of the state we faced existential danger twice. First in the Independence War and again in the Yom Kippur War, where we lost 2,569 soldiers. As the one who commanded the Armored Division at the Suez Canal front and whose division suffered the Egyptian wave of bombing in the first day until the arrival of reinforcements, and as the person who led the battle to breakthrough and cross the canal and lost 302 fighters – I know what is the significance of war. I also know how dangerous is the illusion of temporary security quiet and the thought that it could continue forever. As long as Israel does not initiate a serious diplomatic regional arrangement – the present quiet won’t continue and wars will come...Leadership that perpetuates the settlement enterprise in the West Bank will turn Israel into a ‘leper’ state, diplomatically and economically. A state that controls another people, 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and indirect control over 1.8 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, will lose its moral strength and its values. Already now the eroding of the strength of the IDF can be seen due to its daily friction with the Palestinian population in the West Bank. Continuing to build settlements beyond the separation fence will cause an irrevocable situation, which will eventually deteriorate Israel into a bi-national state that has lost its Jewish identity. The failures of the prime minister during his long years of rule caused Israel significant security damage. Netanyahu failed in the main security goals that he made: Stopping Iran’s effort to achieve nuclear arms and toppling the Hamas regime in Gaza. And if that were not enough, he harmed the international actors who were working against a nuclear Iran and he eroded their support in our position against Hamas….Some 20 years Israel and the Palestinians are holding negotiations unsuccessfully. We need to adopt another way – a regional initiative. The Arab League launched the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002. Muslim states joined it – in total more than 50. It put an end to tens of years of Arab refusal. It included commitment to normalize relations in an all-inclusive agreement. It declared that the question of the refugees requires our agreement…It’s clear to us that the IDF and security forces can assure the state’s security on any border that is determined. A diplomatic agreement is equal to national security!...The surprise of the Yom Kippur War was born out of the leadership blindness…As someone who survived the inferno, who lost the best of friends in the battle field, I am fearful and I warn against a leadership that does not initiate a diplomatic-security initiative. This is leadership that will crush the Jewish and democratic identity of Israel and lead our sons from one wave of violence to the next. Election Day awards every citizen the right and the obligation to choose a fitting leadership. [Founder and Chairman of ‘Commanders for Security Forum’]
The settlement enterprise has not blocked a two-state solution (Shaul Arieli, Haaretz+) Don’t believe the illusion Benjamin Netanyahu has created. Unfortunately, Israel invests enormous resources in an unfeasible goal.
The next prime minister's real security challenge (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) In order to successfully deal with the serious threats Israel is facing, some of which may materialize as early as this year, the winner of the 2015 elections must be capable of reaching intimate cooperation and understandings with the American president and administration.
Israel's only truly leftist party is in danger of extinction (Aner Shalev, Haaretz+) Should Meretz not make it to the Knesset, the great hope of replacing Netanyahu will die with it.
Netanyahu against the Likud (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth) He’s not a national leader, he’s a nationalist leader…It’s possible that the bloc that Netanyahu represents will succeed in forming, barely, a right-wing ultra-Orthodox government. This will be the fulfillment of a dream of all those who hate Israel.
An impressive, restrained rally in the city square (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) With speakers determined not to make any mistakes and a prime minister standing behind bulletproof glass, Sunday's right-wing protest was very different from the angry demonstrations we saw in the past.
Israel’s decision, 2015: It’s all about the Bibi, no Bougie (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) A strong charismatic ex-general such as Yitzhak Rabin or Ehud Barak would have wiped the floor with Netanyahu in Tuesday’s vote.
Obscured achievements (Dr. Gabi Avital, Israel Hayom) Netanyahu's opponents say he has not done anything in nine years, but the truth is that Israel has improved greatly under his leadership.
The kingmaker: The supreme test of Moshe Kahlon (Ran Adelist, Maariv) This is a not a simple story for Moshe Kahlon, but if the man wants to be a leader, this is his ultimate trial: to betray his voters and join the center-left coalition to lead them to a better state.
Otherwise Occupied / Israel gives Palestinians a reason to get older (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Palestinians will now be able to leave the West Bank without exit permits, provided they’re women over 50 or men over 55. Your best chance of getting out of Gaza, though, is if you’re a tomato or eggplant.
A strong Likud is a must (Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Only a cohesive and responsible right-wing government will allow Israel to deal with the security and socio-economic challenges it faces.
The problem with Israel's political system, and how to fix it (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) If Israel wants coalitions that last for the duration of a Knesset term, it needs both Likud and Labor to become powerhouse political forces again.
Israel is the thorn in al-Sisi's side (Smadar Perry, Yedioth/Ynet) Apart from serving as a fundraising platform, Sharm el-Sheikh conference is a test of Egyptian president's strength in the Gulf, Arab world and international arena. Until further notice, he prefers to leave Israel out of the picture.
Beyond left and right: Why Netanyahu must go (Carlo Strenger, Haaretz+) Israel’s prime minister seems to have lost touch with the ground rules of democracy and has become a danger to the state. He needs to be voted out on Tuesday, and Israel needs to heal.
Is Herzog the ultimate anti-Netanyahu? (Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz+) The prime minister has survived a long list of would-be usurpers.
The Joint Arab List: A reality check (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) Poor Meretz: Its only Arab member rejects its Zionist identity, and now the Joint Arab List is refusing to sign a surplus vote agreement with it.
Rightist rally proves: Likud turned from party of the masses to party of settlers (Barak Ravid, Haaretz+) The big winner of the last ditch effort by the right to shore up its supporters is neither Netanyahu nor Bennett – it's Moshe Kahlon.
A display of rightist unity (Yossi Dagan, Israel Hayom) The situation in Israel is not perfect, but it is pretty good, and anyone who says otherwise is doing so for election purposes.
Israelis, shooting first and crying later is no longer an option (Carolina Landsmann, Haaretz+) Israel's next leader must provide its citizens with an identity that maintains significant continuity with the Israeli past and doesn’t deny it, but at the same time offers a way to live with it proudly.
Sayed Kashua used to be proud of the party his parents voted for (Sayed Kashua, Haaretz+) That is, until a new religion teacher showed up just before the 1984 election.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.