APN's daily news review from Israel
Tuesday July 21, 2015
Quote of the day:
"There’s no other way around it: the fake newspaper broke the story."
--Haaretz writes about how an article in The Onion about US compensation to Israel for the Iran nuclear deal became reality.
--Haaretz writes about how an article in The Onion about US compensation to Israel for the Iran nuclear deal became reality.
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Locker Report: Dismiss 2000 career soldiers and shorten military service to two years
- From the point of view of the IDF top brass, the commission’s recommendations are a hit-and-run // Amos Harel
- State Comptroller calls to change the gas agreement: the state held negotiations from a weak position
- Weinstein ordered to open criminal investigation into Prime Minister’s Residences affair
- 28 European Union states in message to Israel: Stop the ‘forced transfer’ of (Palestinian) residents of Susiya
- Bennett withdraws from his initiative to apply work laws to the West Bank – after farmers complained they will have to raise salaries of Palestinian workers
- State changed its conditions: It can summon thousands more (asylum seekers) to the Holot (detention facility)
- Substantial increase in pot smoking among Israeli youth
- (African asylum seekers are) Not human // Haaretz Editorial
Yedioth Ahronoth
- War of budget cuts – Eve of submitting of Locker Commission report, which recommends revolution in security budget and sharp cut to pension conditions, Chief of Staff published his own plan for a smaller army
- The end is known in advance // Alex Fishman
- Netanyahu’s Residences under investigation
- “Watergate of the entertainment world” – is how friends of singer Eyal Golan are calling the revealing that his house was bugged
- Omri’s battle – Omri Michaeli turned into a symbol after he was injured in Operation Defensive Shield and photographed wrapped in the Israeli flag. Yedioth reveals he was involved in operation to catch the murderers of Dany Gonen
- (State Comptroller) Report on the gas (monopoly agreement) failure
- This is not how a government is supposed to work // Sever Plocker
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- The new face of the IDF – Chief of Staff presented his efficiency plan for the army
- The army goes to war (to save itself) // Alon Ben-David
- UN Security Council approved nuclear agreement; US Secretary of Defense: “We will defend Israel”
- “Impose supervision on gas prices” – State Comptroller recommends
- Criminal investigation into (PM’s) residences affair
- (Singer) Eyal Golan submitted complaint to police: They bugged my house and my cellular phone
Israel Hayom
- “The discrimination in the conditions of service – ball between the eyes of the IDF” – IDF attacks Locker Commission report: “De-legitimization of career soldiers”
- Surreal report in the face of the threats all around // Dan Margalit
- Whoever is responsible for security needs ammunition // Yoav Limor
- The affair of the ‘surgery-performing nurses’: The lawsuit is on the way
- The adultery website (Ashley Madison) was hacked: 180,000 Israelis are in fear
- Three women filed complaint to police against someone posing as an officer
- Attorney General ordered investigation into affair of PM’s residences; Seidoff will be interrogated under warning
- Big strike cancelled: Agreement to directly employ thousands of contracted workers
- State Comptroller Report on gas sector: “There is a monopoly, probe supervision of prices”
News Summary:
The battle between the IDF and the Locker Commission over how to reduce the IDF budget, the State Comptroller report that calls for government imposed price control over the natural gas monopoly and the Attorney General’s order to open a criminal investigation into the Prime Minister’s residences affair. Also the latest regarding the Iran nuclear deal, the EU foreign ministers jointly slam the settlements and settler violence, while the settlers in Beit El fight against a deadline for the demolition of their homes. Lastly, the release of a Hamas video shows the former IDF chief of staff caught in Hamas’ viewfinder.
The UN Security Council endorsed the Iran nuclear deal and a partial lifting of sanctions, while visiting US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said the US will help Israel defend itself. Haaretz+ reported that a top army officer said that Iran remains the IDF’s top priority, and that it is spending up to $5 million on regional terror groups. Iran's foreign minister criticized the US and Israel for threatening military action and the country rejected Germany's call to improve ties with Israel.
The Foreign Ministers of the European Union passed a resolution blasting Israel for a list of acts including “the forced transfer of Bedouin, construction of illegal outposts, settler violence and limitations of movement” of Palestinians. The forced transfer refers to the High Court ruling allowing the expulsion of the Palestinian residents of Susiya in the West Bank from their homes. Last week the US warned Israel not to expel the Palestinian residents of Susiya. (More from Haaretz+, Maariv and Ynet)
And in Beit El, settlers turned to Likud members to pressure them to pressure the Prime Minister and Defense Minster to stop the High Court ordered demolition of their homes, which were built on privately-owned Palestinian land and must be demolished by July 30th, Maariv reported. But according to Haaretz+ and JPost, the state’s Civil Administration in the West Bank is moving to win retroactive approval for the two apartment buildings.
In an interesting move, Hamas released a video and claimed it could have killed the IDF chief had it wanted to. The video released by by Hamas' military wing shows former chief of staff Benny Gantz touring near the edge of the Gaza Strip. Hamas claims it was filmed during Operation Protective Edge. The Israeli media says the authenticity is in question. [The interesting point here, whether the video is authentic or not, is that Hamas is sending a message that it can target Israel’s top military man, but preferred not to. Israel assassinated the senior Hamas military official who negotiated the release of Gilad Shalit, as well as numerous other Hamas military top brass. – OH] (More with video from Haaretz+ and Ynet)
The battle between the IDF and the Locker Commission over how to reduce the IDF budget, the State Comptroller report that calls for government imposed price control over the natural gas monopoly and the Attorney General’s order to open a criminal investigation into the Prime Minister’s residences affair. Also the latest regarding the Iran nuclear deal, the EU foreign ministers jointly slam the settlements and settler violence, while the settlers in Beit El fight against a deadline for the demolition of their homes. Lastly, the release of a Hamas video shows the former IDF chief of staff caught in Hamas’ viewfinder.
The UN Security Council endorsed the Iran nuclear deal and a partial lifting of sanctions, while visiting US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said the US will help Israel defend itself. Haaretz+ reported that a top army officer said that Iran remains the IDF’s top priority, and that it is spending up to $5 million on regional terror groups. Iran's foreign minister criticized the US and Israel for threatening military action and the country rejected Germany's call to improve ties with Israel.
The Foreign Ministers of the European Union passed a resolution blasting Israel for a list of acts including “the forced transfer of Bedouin, construction of illegal outposts, settler violence and limitations of movement” of Palestinians. The forced transfer refers to the High Court ruling allowing the expulsion of the Palestinian residents of Susiya in the West Bank from their homes. Last week the US warned Israel not to expel the Palestinian residents of Susiya. (More from Haaretz+, Maariv and Ynet)
And in Beit El, settlers turned to Likud members to pressure them to pressure the Prime Minister and Defense Minster to stop the High Court ordered demolition of their homes, which were built on privately-owned Palestinian land and must be demolished by July 30th, Maariv reported. But according to Haaretz+ and JPost, the state’s Civil Administration in the West Bank is moving to win retroactive approval for the two apartment buildings.
In an interesting move, Hamas released a video and claimed it could have killed the IDF chief had it wanted to. The video released by by Hamas' military wing shows former chief of staff Benny Gantz touring near the edge of the Gaza Strip. Hamas claims it was filmed during Operation Protective Edge. The Israeli media says the authenticity is in question. [The interesting point here, whether the video is authentic or not, is that Hamas is sending a message that it can target Israel’s top military man, but preferred not to. Israel assassinated the senior Hamas military official who negotiated the release of Gilad Shalit, as well as numerous other Hamas military top brass. – OH] (More with video from Haaretz+ and Ynet)
Quick Hits:
- Law calling for harsher sentence for stone throwers passes in Knesset - In stormy Knesset debate, while Arab MKs blast amendment to Penal Code as 'oppression' of Palestinian struggle, bill's sponsor says: 'A stone-thrower is a terrorist.' 17 MKs voted against. (Haaretz+, Maariv and Ynet)
- Ministers approved law that anchors the relationship between the government and the Settlement Division - MK Smotrich (Habayit Hayehudi) initiated the bill after the Deputy Attorney General ordered the government to stop financing the Settlement Division. Meretz chief MK Zehava Gal-On: "This sends a message that the Wild West of the settlements is outside jurisdiction of law." Smotrich: "This has an important role in the realization of the Zionist vision." (Maariv and Haaretz Hebrew)
- UN recognizes Palestinian NGO that Israel claims has ties to Hamas - Israel loses UN vote against NGO accreditation for London-based Palestinian Return Center. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Panel quashes key part of bill barring 'pro-terror' Knesset hopefuls - Plenum yet to vote on part of 'Zoabi bill,' but burden of proof for disqualifying candidates (i.e. potential Arab MKs) due to anti-Israel remarks or acts still falls on party involved. (Haaretz+)
- Pictures of elected Israeli officials that incite were posted on Twitter, Likud acting to have them removed - Party requested that the pictures in which Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ya'alon, Attorney General Weinstein and others are in Nazi uniform or wearing a keffiyeh be removed. (Maariv)
- IDF General Staff source: "We do not know if Abra Mengistu is dead or alive" - With regard to possible negotiations on an exchange of prisoners, the official said that "we must not play into the hands of Hamas, which behaves cynically." On events in the region: "Iran will increase its influence in the wake of the end of sanctions. Hezbollah is at its greatest crisis point ever." (Maariv)
- Israel halts medical treatment for members of Syria's Nusra Front - The change took place a month after Israeli Druze ambushed wounded Syrian rebels being transported in IDF ambulances, killing one of the men. Five members of the Druze community were later arrested on suspicion of murder. (Haaretz)
- Where satire meets truth: Did The Onion just predict a real Israeli headline? - When the online paper published a spoof last week about the United States placating Israel with some ballistic weapons, it was eerily prescient. (Haaretz+)
- Educator posing as senior IDF officer dupes dozens of women - Around 100 women claim they were enticed into relationships with a married, religious man who tricked them into believing he was an IDF officer. "He sent us all pictures from Gaza, asking us to pray for him, and he wasn't even there," one woman says. (Israel Hayom)
- Education Minister Bennett fires ‘leftist’ curriculum chief - Internal shuffle is standard with new ministers, but Nir Michaeli’s job was always on line because of his political views. (Haaretz+)
- Court allows indefinite detention without trial of asylum seekers - Be'er Sheva District Court rejects a petition to freeze the controversial policy; Human Rights groups appealed against the new policy but to no avail; there are about 47,000 asylum seekers in Israel, mostly Sudanese and Eritrean nationals. (Ynet)
- Joining the propaganda war: Israel Teachers' Association against Palestinian incitement - The International Teachers' Conference ‘EI’ is expected to take a decision against Israel. The Israeli organization prepared a booklet that highlights the anti-Semitic content of the Palestinian Authority educational system. (Maariv)
- Gas-price comparison: A convenient untruth for Israel's gov't - Israel's energy minister and local drilling firms cite 2014 gas prices to promote their position in the debate, but those prices have plummeted 50% since then. (Haaretz+)
- Hebrew University listed among world's top 25 schools - The university places 23rd in world rankings for quality of education, research output, and number of alumni who become CEOs. In separate listing, Weizmann Institute of Science places 10th for science research, the only non-American school in top 10. (Israel Hayom)
- Loony-left front-runner for Britain’s Labour leader gives anti-Zionism a bad name - Jeremy Corbyn’s view on Middle Eastern terrorist groups wasn't interesting when he was on the political sidelines. But now, when polls claim he could end up leading the Labour, it gets more attention. (Haaretz+)
- Airstrikes on ISIS-held town in northern Syria kill more than 20 - Many of the victims were children, activists and the IS group said, in airstrike attacks most likely carried out by Syrian army warplanes. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- 30 killed, scores wounded in terrorist attack in Turkey near Syrian border - Erdogan condemns 'terrorist attack'; officials say blast may have been a suicide bombing by ISIS. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Most ancient Hebrew document since the Dead Sea Scrolls deciphered – it's Leviticus - 3D scanning and advanced digital imaging enable verses from Leviticus in burned, 1,500-year-old scroll to be deciphered. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
Features:
IN PHOTOS: Palestinians celebrate Id al-Fitr on Tel Aviv beach
Thousands of Palestinians used permits given by the Israeli authorities allowing many to enjoy the beaches along Israel's Mediterranean shoreline during the holiday. (Haaretz)
Dreaming of Givati: The fighters who are always first
As a new group of recruits joins the Givati Brigade, their commander sends them a message: During Operation Protective Edge, the brigade operated with determination, professionalism and heroism. That is how it was, and that's how it will be. (Col. Yaron Finkelman, Israel Hayom)
Preserving their souls
Many Israeli teenagers suffer from serious psychological problems, especially after Operation Protective Edge. That is why the clinic Headspace that was established in Bat Yam is of paramount importance. (Australian Amb. to Israel Dave Sharma, Maariv and Times of Israel)
Director of film on Rabin’s assassin: A legend, but not in Israel
The late Herz Frank won high praise around the world for his films, but didn't get noticed in his adopted home of Israel until he touched a taboo subject. (Nirit Anderman, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Thousands of Palestinians used permits given by the Israeli authorities allowing many to enjoy the beaches along Israel's Mediterranean shoreline during the holiday. (Haaretz)
Dreaming of Givati: The fighters who are always first
As a new group of recruits joins the Givati Brigade, their commander sends them a message: During Operation Protective Edge, the brigade operated with determination, professionalism and heroism. That is how it was, and that's how it will be. (Col. Yaron Finkelman, Israel Hayom)
Preserving their souls
Many Israeli teenagers suffer from serious psychological problems, especially after Operation Protective Edge. That is why the clinic Headspace that was established in Bat Yam is of paramount importance. (Australian Amb. to Israel Dave Sharma, Maariv and Times of Israel)
Director of film on Rabin’s assassin: A legend, but not in Israel
The late Herz Frank won high praise around the world for his films, but didn't get noticed in his adopted home of Israel until he touched a taboo subject. (Nirit Anderman, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
It's the IDF chief vs. reserves officer in battle over army's future (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Maj. Gen. (res.) Yohanan Locker's committee proposals to reduce privileges and
waste in the army could dominate the term of the new chief of staff.
Before we storm Capitol Hill (Former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy, Yedioth/Ynet) As Netanyahu tries to muster a majority in US Congress against deal with Iran, It's important to hold a profound debate in Israel on whether no agreement is preferable to a signed agreement with components that are crucial for Israel's security.
A lion in Zion: Israel must let Gazans live a normal life (Eitan Diamond, Haaretz+) Instead of the current policy of closure and isolation, we must move in the opposite direction and maximize traffic to and from the Gaza Strip.
Taking the bull by the horns: Why a nuclear agreement was signed with a pariah state (Amos Gilboa, Maariv) So far, Netanyahu has rammed Obama and his administration on everything regarding the nuclear issue. But once the agreement was signed, if the prime minister continues with his “historic role," we will all pay the price of his biggest mistake. It is time to cooperate.
History will fault Netanyahu, but not for Iran deal (Raviv Drucker, Haaretz+) It will fault him for missing the boat with the best Palestinian partner Israel could hope for.
Smile laboratories: Al-Sissy wants to return to being the peace talks mediator (Jacky Khugi, Maariv) The vague future of the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, Egypt’s desire to return to the position of political influence or the attempt to warm relations with the Americans. What is really behind the friendly wind that is currently blowing between Cairo and Jerusalem?
America's secret partner in Iran (Zvi Bar’el, Haaretz+) With or without sanctions, Maj. Gen. Soleimani, who heads Iran's elite Quds Force, has been helpful to the administration for years – and is still an asset.
The Iran deal: infuriating and scary (David M. Weinberg, Israel Hayom) The world has basically accepted a series of false narratives about Iran, and about Israel.
Outgoing ADL chief spells out 'the dangers of the Iran nuclear deal' (Abraham Foxman, Haaretz) On last day as the head of Anti-Defamation League, Abraham Foxman pens op-ed in JTA, writing that the benefits of nuclear deal do not outweigh its dangers and urging Congress to vote 'no'.
Hamas rears its head in Jordan (Yoav Limor, Israel Hayom) The possibility that Amman is quietly turning a blind eye to Hamas activities on its soil is very disturbing.
Before we storm Capitol Hill (Former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy, Yedioth/Ynet) As Netanyahu tries to muster a majority in US Congress against deal with Iran, It's important to hold a profound debate in Israel on whether no agreement is preferable to a signed agreement with components that are crucial for Israel's security.
A lion in Zion: Israel must let Gazans live a normal life (Eitan Diamond, Haaretz+) Instead of the current policy of closure and isolation, we must move in the opposite direction and maximize traffic to and from the Gaza Strip.
Taking the bull by the horns: Why a nuclear agreement was signed with a pariah state (Amos Gilboa, Maariv) So far, Netanyahu has rammed Obama and his administration on everything regarding the nuclear issue. But once the agreement was signed, if the prime minister continues with his “historic role," we will all pay the price of his biggest mistake. It is time to cooperate.
History will fault Netanyahu, but not for Iran deal (Raviv Drucker, Haaretz+) It will fault him for missing the boat with the best Palestinian partner Israel could hope for.
Smile laboratories: Al-Sissy wants to return to being the peace talks mediator (Jacky Khugi, Maariv) The vague future of the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, Egypt’s desire to return to the position of political influence or the attempt to warm relations with the Americans. What is really behind the friendly wind that is currently blowing between Cairo and Jerusalem?
America's secret partner in Iran (Zvi Bar’el, Haaretz+) With or without sanctions, Maj. Gen. Soleimani, who heads Iran's elite Quds Force, has been helpful to the administration for years – and is still an asset.
The Iran deal: infuriating and scary (David M. Weinberg, Israel Hayom) The world has basically accepted a series of false narratives about Iran, and about Israel.
Outgoing ADL chief spells out 'the dangers of the Iran nuclear deal' (Abraham Foxman, Haaretz) On last day as the head of Anti-Defamation League, Abraham Foxman pens op-ed in JTA, writing that the benefits of nuclear deal do not outweigh its dangers and urging Congress to vote 'no'.
Hamas rears its head in Jordan (Yoav Limor, Israel Hayom) The possibility that Amman is quietly turning a blind eye to Hamas activities on its soil is very disturbing.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.