News Nosh 07.16.15

APN's daily news review from Israel
Thursday July 16, 2015
 
Quote of the day:
"This is a declaration of intentions that strengthens Jerusalem's status as the capital of Israel." 
--Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely added a new guideline requiring heads of state and foreign ministers to visit the Wailing Wall on official visits to Israel.


Front Page:
Haaretz
Yedioth Ahronoth
  • “Netanyahu did not offer a better alternative” – Exchange of accusations between Prime Minister and leaders of world after agreement with Iran
  • Here is Pluto
  • Remembering Gush Katif – Photo exhibition 10 years after
  • 29 branches of Mega supermarket will be closed
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
  • “A nuclear agreement prevents war” – US President responded to Netanyahu’s attacks on agreement with Teheran
  • The unity option – Netanyahu to Herzog: “Come cooperate”; Senior Zionist Camp source: “The crawl to the gov’t has begun”
  • What Israel will receive – Americans likely to transfer stealth fighter squadron to IDF to show “business as usual”
  • Photo Pluto
  • Danny Gonen’s murderer was arrested
Israel Hayom

 
News Summary:
US President Barack Obama and other Western leaders criticized Israel’s rejection of the Iran nuclear deal, while Obama also offered a compensation package and the Zionist Camp faction reportedly is considering joining the Netanyahu government making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers. Also, US Jewish organizations and pro-Israel lobbies are preparing to battle against or campaign in support of the deal and Maariv shares an interesting discussion in Knesset about the morality of the killing of a stone-throwing Palestinian youth by an IDF commander.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Obama went head to head with mutual accusations over whether the Iran nuclear deal were good or bad for Israel and the world. Maariv and Yedioth both gave Obama the stage with his statements about how the agreement will prevent war and how Netanyahu did not offer a better alternative. The papers noted that also British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond accused Israel of preferring “a permanent state of standoff” over an Iran deal, and that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said, “This is a responsible deal and Israel should also take a closer look at it and not criticize the agreement in a very coarse way.” Other supporters of the deal were US Democratic presidential candidate Hilary Clintonand New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Netanyahu reportedly did not respond to the offer. According to Maariv, the US compensation package includes stealth fighter jets and financing of improved defense systems. Next week US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter will arrive in Israel and the IDF is preparing a new assessment of the situation following the agreement with a focus on improving the cyber domain and intelligence against Iran, Maariv’s Noam Amir reported.
  
Rumors that the Zionist Camp will join the Netanyahu government and form a unity government are getting louder. Haaretz+ reported that President Reuven Rivlin was mediating the union between Netanyahu and Zionist Camp leader MK Isaac Herzog. Herzog rejected the rumors saying he opposes the deal but won’t join the Netanyahu government. Netanyahu’s confidants also denied unity talks with Herzog took place. But sources in both Likud and Zionist Camp reported secret contacts between the sides in recent days.
 
Besides members of the Arab-Jewish Joint List faction, who expressed support for the deal, there were a few other MKs who did not outright oppose the Iran nuclear deal. Maariv’s Arik Bender reported that at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense committee, three MKs refused to sign the joint declaration on Iran. The statement read that the nuclear agreement has many negative implications that weigh heavily on Israel’s security. It also said that the agreement lays the foundations for the illegal Iranian nuclear program that Iran has advanced in violation of repeated resolutions of the UN Security Council and the IAEA. But Meretz party chief MK Zahava Gal-On, MK Michal Rozin (Meretz) and MK Shelly Yachimovich (Zionist camp) refused to sign. Among the 29 signatories from the opposition were Zionist Camp faction chairman MK Isaac Herzog, MK Merav Michaeli and all the other members of the Zionist Camp on the committee, the chairman of Yesh Atid MK Yair Lapid and his party members including MK Ofer Shelah and former Shin Bet chief MK Yaakov Perry.

In the US, the battle for and against the Iran nuclear deal is being waged among Jewish citizens as well. J Street launched a multimillion dollar ad campaign in support of the deal, Americans for Peace Now is calling on its supporters to "start contacting members of Congress to influence them to support the deal," while the New York area Birthright alumni group urged members to lobby senators against the deal and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) called for the deal to be rejected in Congress. Haaretz+ reported that U.S. rabbis are at odds over the moral implications of the deal, some rejecting the agreement outright and others deferring judgment until they have scrutinized and evaluated the accord.

Maariv’s Arik Bender reported on the interesting debate that arose in the Knesset plenum, which was discussing a motion raised by MK Betzalel Smotrich (Habayit Hayehudi) on the subject: “Binyamin Brigade commander under investigation - lack of support for IDF soldiers’ operations,” in the wake of the interrogation of Col. Israel Shomer whose life, video revealed, was not in danger when he shot dead a young Palestinian who had earlier smashed a rock onto his windshield. During the discussion, Smotrich slammed the lack of support for soldiers who harm Palestinians in the line of duty. Deputy Finance Minister Yitzhak Cohen (Shas) [who speaks Arabic – OH] ‘gave Smotrich a hard time,’ wrote Bender, when he asked him: “What would you have done in his stead?”
"I would have shot," said MK Smotrich without hesitating.
"On children?" asked Deputy Minister Cohen.
MK Smotrich answered:  “I won’t complain about the little soldier on the the outskirts. This is what he has been taught. They taught him not to maintain national dignity; They taught him to erode the IDF's deterrence thin. They taught him to flee. And I say, Mr. Chairman, for once national honor - and let's not degrade it." Smotrich continued: "I'll say two things - and I'm finished, Mr. Chairman: One, stones can kill. A terrorist who throws stones throws stones, and for me, in the midst of the event, his blood is on his own head, period. I do not mean to execute him afterward, but in the midst of the event it is impossible to put our soldiers in to a type of Sodom bed when they need that split second to break it up. It's one of two things - either the soldiers are taught to fold with their tail between their legs and undermine security, harm deterrence and harm national honor, or soldiers are educated to act for contact. And in the midst of the event, whoever is throwing stones and trying to murder, his blood will be on his own head.” Following the discussion, there was a vote whether to refer the issue for further discussion to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee or remove it from the agenda. MK Itsik Shmuli (Zionist Camp) did not vote. "I have a conflict of interests. He is my uncle," said MK Shmuli surprising the plenum.
 
Quick Hits:
  • Terrorist who killed Israeli hiker arrested after calling police - Mohammed Abu Shahin, formerly a member of the Fatah commando and special operations unit, called the Israel Police Judea and Samaria District emergency center about a week and a half after the June 19 attack and said in Arabic that he had killed Danny Gonen. Four other suspects arrested in connection to the attack, weapons recovered. [Note: None of the reporters asked why the killer told the police. – OH] (Israel Hayom, Haaretz+ and Ynet)
  • Young Palestinian woman stabs soldier in West Bank - Rawan Abu Matar, 22, of Beitillu village, stabs a Netzah Yehuda battalion soldier in back near Nahliel settlement in Binyamin, inflicting light-to-moderate wounds; security forces apprehend attacker, who admits she wanted to kill a soldier. [Note: This was a surprisingly minor news story in the papers. - OH] (Haaretz+, Ynet and Maariv
  • Israel forgives West Bank and Golan settlements for $132.3 million debt - Haaretz has learned from a senior official in the World Zionist Organization’s Settlement Division that up to 90 percent of loans have been forgiven. (Haaretz+)
  • Supreme Court dismisses fascism ruling against Im Tirzu - “On the recommendation of the court, the parties reached an agreement by which the court is not the appropriate arena for ideological-political wrestling," wrote the High Court judges when they dismissed a Jerusalem District Court ruling that found similarities between the right-wing movement, Im Tirzu, and fascism. The Court criticized Im Tirzu for filing a libel suit against left-wing activists and said it would instruct lower courts to consider throwing out such cases in the future and to award court costs to the defendants. (Haaretz+ and Israel Hayom)
  • NSA file reveals Israel behind 2008 assassination of Syrian general - According to a report in The Intercept, Israeli naval commandos shot Muhammad Suleiman before escaping via the sea. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
  • Knesset rejects bill on death penalty for terrorists - Opposed for now by Netanyahu, proposal falls by 94-6, with only Yisrael Beytenu MKs supporting it. (Times of Israel and Maariv)
  • Tenders for offices in commercial zones in Judea and Samaria were postponed - After tenders for housing in large settlements were frozen, so were enormous (Israeli) office centers for commerce and hotels (in the West Bank). According to the guidelines, every marketing order over the Green Line must receive approval from the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister. (Yedioth, p. 10)
  • Givat Assaf: Local residents (settlers) in the area are protesting against the intended demolition of homes in Beit El - Residents of Beit El and the region are protesting against the intended demolition of several buildings in the Givat Asaf (outpost, 3.5 km from Beit El, and built on privately-owned Palestinian land  - OH). Police forces dispersed the protesters and arrested two suspects. (Maariv
  • Coming for an official visit to Israel? You must visit the Wailing Wall - Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely ordered the Foreign Ministry ceremonies department to demand from now that heads of state and foreign ministers on official visits must visit the Wailing Wall and with Ministry representatives. "This is a declaration of intentions that strengthens Jerusalem's status as the capital of Israel," said Hotovely. (Yedioth, p. 10)
  • Iranian officials calling for Israel's destruction to enjoy sanctions relief - (Netanyahu expressed concern that) sanctions imposed on Quds Force and its commander Gen. Soleimani to be lifted 8 years into agreement implementation; hundreds of individuals, organizations, companies also removed from black list. (Ynet)
  • The Knesset Ethics Committee was satisfied with rebuking MK Ghattas following the Gaza flotilla - MK Dr. Basel Ghattas, in response to the decision to reprimand him, said that the occupation and the government that imposes a siege on Gaza need to be reprimanded and that acting to lift the blockade on Gaza is his right as a member of the Knesset and a political leader. (Maariv and Israel Hayom)
  • Joint List faction: "Punish the Netanyahu government for war crimes" - In response to the reprimand MK Basel Ghattas (Joint List) received for his participation in the flotilla to Gaza, the Joint List reacted angrily: "The struggle to end the siege on Gaza is a basic right and it is our duty as representatives of the Palestinian Arab community to work towards ending (the siege)." (Maariv)
  • Proposal for the establishment of a committee to investigate the affair of the two civilians in Gaza was rejected - The proposal submitted by Meretz MK Ilan Gilon was defeated by a 44 opponents to 21 MKs voting in favor. Deputy Defense Minister: "We will operate in every way for the return of the citizens.” (Maariv)
  • A decade of pain (since withdrawal from Gush Katif) - Hundreds of people removed from Gush Katif settlements (Gaza Strip) assembled yesterday at teh President's residence for an event marking a decade. Across the garden, Yedioth photos from the disengagement were hung that spoke a thousand words. (Yedioth, p. 1)
  • Three Israelis arrested in international operation against hackers forum - FBI investigation spanning 20 countries ends in extensive arrests operation of members of malware forum Darkode; one Israeli suspected of aiding terror groups. (Ynet)
  • South African official threatens to punish students who visited Israel - Deputy minister in President Jacob Zuma's office charges students with bringing ruling African National Congress into 'disrepute,' says party would 'summon' them to an investigation. (JTA, Haaretz)
  • Nuclear deal strikes talk of Nobel Peace Prize to Iran, US - Deal could fit pattern of nuclear-themed peace prizes in years ending in '5,' but it may prove hard to reward Washington six years after Obama won the prize, or inappropriate to honor Tehran, a member of the 'axis of evil'. (Ynet)
  • From Cairo to Tehran: Iran deal in cartoons - The Middle East reacts to the Iran deal with a flurry of satirical cartoons, both hailing Iran for its victory and slamming the US for conceding its positions. (Ynet)
  • Former Saudi spy chief: Iran nuclear deal will 'wreak havoc' in Mideast - Saudi Arabia's Prince Bandar bin Sultan says deal will spur Iran as 'a major player in the destabilization of the region.' (Agencies, Haaretz
  • Obama calls Saudi King Salman to discuss Iran deal  - U.S. president reiterated United States' commitment to working with Gulf partners to counter Iran's destabilizing activities in the region. (Agencies, Haaretz)
  • US Republicans mull imposing more sanctions on Iran - Vice President Joe Biden heads to Capitol Hill to urge Senate Democrats to support deal. Sen. Robert Menendez: "I'm concerned the red lines we drew have turned into green lights". House Speaker John Boehner: "We will do everything we can to stop" the deal. (Israel Hayom)
  • U.S. returns historic Iraqi treasures stolen by ISIS - The Iraqi relics were captured by U.S. special forces in an operation in May. The U.S. says the haul was proof the militants were funding their war by smuggling ancient treasures. (Agencies, Haaretz
  • Saudi-led coalition prepares to take back Yemen seaport from Houthi forces - Saudi troops mobilized weapons and armored vehicles Wednesday in order to take back the Yemen seaport, Aden from Houthi forces. (Agencies, Haaretz)


Features:
Tiny Israel meeting emission caps can't save world, but could Israeli innovation?
China and other heavy polluters have infinitely greater global warming impact – the planet's future depends on breakthrough technologies, and when it comes to brains, size doesn't matter. (Ruth Schuster, Haaretz+) 
Some new Israeli apps to make your life easier
Become a service provider, check your baby's development or search for a tenth person for a minyan; all these are brand new and white and blue. (Dror Haas, Ynet)

Commentary/Analysis:
Face it: U.S. and Israel don't have the same interests (Peter Beinart, Haaretz+) For Netanyahu, enemy number 1 is Iran; for Obama it's ISIS. 
Everyone relax, Israel can live with Iran deal (Prof. Uzi Even, Yedioth/Ynet) Agreement demands that Iran must stop enriching high grade uranium, ship out its current stockpiles, end plutonium production, undergo frequent inspections, and all this is tied to the threat of renewed sanctions.
Now’s no time for Herzog to grovel to Netanyahu (Tal Niv, Haaretz+) Instead of a unity government, replacing the prime minister must be the goal, the one that will finally let the Labor Party chairman acquire the aura of leadership.
The fear of Iran is an opportunity for cooperation with the Saudis (Professor Amatzia Baram, Maariv) While Iran's allies, Assad and Hezbollah, celebrate the nuclear deal - some of the Gulf countries who opposed it are starting to warm their relations with Tehran. One of the interesting points that I see in the new situation after the agreement is that if we will act correctly it will be possible strongly tighten our relations with Saudi Arabia, under the surface. This is because the Saudis are as concerned as we are on this subject, and perhaps even more than we are. Take for example, the resumption of negotiations with the Palestinians, at any level, could really help the Saudis to get closer to us and cooperate with us. This is our opportunity.
Netanyahu lost his Iran bet, but his next gamble may be disastrous (Yossi Verter, Haaretz+) After the deal was announced, the prime minister's appearance was that of a desperate gambler who had lost everything. But now he wants to wreck what’s left of U.S.-Israel relations.
We are allowed to defend ourselves (Dr. Gabi Avital, Israel Hayom) Israel has the moral obligation and the military ability to strike a fatal blow to the process of Iranian nuclearization.
Five reasons to worry about the Iran deal (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) Experience reveals a yawning gap between the way the United States and Europe understand the Middle East and the way the Middle East understands itself. 
The agreement of the brave (Orly Azoulay, Yedioth/Ynet) Obama proved that creative diplomacy can win, that it's possible to reach a groundbreaking deal which can change the course of history without bunker-busting bombs and without the wisdom of cruise missiles.
The folly of tying Iran and ISIS together (Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz+) Cooperation in the war against Islamic State formed part of the rationale behind the West's nuclear deal with Iran.
I am a Muslim and I am angry (Tariq Al-Maeena, Gulf News, Yedioth) It angers me to see how a peaceful religion has been manipulated by some to be a tool of terror against their perceived adversaries.
Enough with Netanyahu's Iran deal hysteria (Haaretz Editorial) Benjamin Netanyahu’s attitude to Iran is tainted with an obsessiveness that sabotages Israel’s interests; now he is waging war on Obama on the latter’s home turf, despite the clear failure of the tactic. 
Changing direction: how do we deal with Iran after the nuclear deal (Yoram Dor, Maariv) Dismantling Iran’s (missile) launcher facilities, establishing defense treaties with the United States and Europe and using Israeli deterrence could reduce the danger posed by Tehran. But to do so requires a different concept.
From bully pulpit, Obama names his foes: 'Netanyahu and Republican leadership' (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) In White House press conference on Iran, the president shows sympathy for Israel, scorn for its prime minister.
Why the Republican Congress most likely cannot stop the Iran deal (Ron Kampeas, JTA, Haaretz) The long negotiated deal between Iran and world powers is likely to survive, as Republicans in Congress would need to muster a two-thirds majority in order to legally stop the deal's implementation.
Could it be that the US and Israel are talking about two different agreements with Iran? (Shlomo Shamir, Maariv) A senior European diplomat yesterday wondered aloud if "America and Israel are on the same planet." The reactions from Jerusalem to the agreement reflect a political disconnect between it and the Western world.
After Iran deal, time for U.S. to pamper Saudi Arabia (Zvi Bar’el, Haaretz+) Since it's too rich to require military aid, Riyadh could demand diplomatic compensation – such as a concerted American effort to resolve the Palestinian question.
The Iranian paradox: the hard life led to the request for removal of sanctions (Prof. Meir Litvak, Maariv) 36 years after the revolution, Iranian society was more secular than ever. More than 2.2 million drug addicts and more than 200 thousand registered alcoholics - and all that in the Islamic religious state.
Psychological warfare by Israelis against their own (Israel Harel, Haaretz) Whoever maintains that a soldier (in the latest case, a colonel and brigade commander) or a civilian who acted against stone throwers should be put on trial, is really saying that his life can be forfeited, even though the stones kill.
Deal makes Iran stronger (Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yaakov Amidror, Israel Hayom)
Iran has emerged from the nuclear negotiations diplomatically, economically and militarily stronger.
The Atticus Finch principle of Israeli history (Gershom Gorenberg, Haaretz+) Has Israeli history up to now been the story of colonialism or democracy? The next chapter determines its meaning.
Why does MK Sharon Gal want to kill only Arabs who murder Jews (and not Jews who murder Arabs)? (Gabi Gazit, Maariv) Just the other day, MK Gal  (Yisrael Beiteinu) was the host of the program ‘Economic Night’ and now he is hosting the reality show, ‘Deadly night.’
With Iran deal, Israel turns a day of celebration into a day of mourning (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) The people have been brainwashed by so much intimidating propaganda that any agreement achieved by diplomatic efforts is seen as illegitimate.
The Sunnis are worried (Dr. Ronen Yitzhak, Israel Hayom)
The negotiations with Iran proved without a doubt that the U.S. cannot be counted on anymore.
Iran nuclear deal highlights limits of American exceptionalism (Peter Beinart, Haaretz) The United States cannot bludgeon Iran into total submission, either economically or militarily. The U.S. tried that in Iraq. 

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