News Nosh 07.23.15

by APN 07/23/15
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APN's daily news review from Israel

Thursday July 23, 2015
 

Quote of the day:

"It was worth it."
--Response by two far right-wing activists to their sentence for setting fire to Yad B'Yad Jewish-Arab school in Jerusalem.**


Breaking News:
Tragedy in the Abu Maria family of Beit Ummar - The IDF shot and killed the father and injured two of his sons with live fire in a raid on their house to arrest a third son early this morning. Soldiers and local gave different reports about what happened. This is the second incident in 24 hours where Israeli forces fatally shot a Palestinian during a West Bank arrest mission. Falah Abu Maria, 53, is the 17th Palestinian killed this year by Israeli forces. (Ynet, Haaretz+, Maan)

Front Page:

Haaretz

Yedioth Ahronoth

Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)

Israel Hayom

  • Hit and run of Gal Beck: The investigation was re-opened
  • “We will do everything to stop the agreement with Iran” – Said head of US House of Representatives, John Biener
  • Response to boycott: NBA stars coming to Israel
  • (Defense Minister) Yaalon didn’t agree to meet Locker
  • Thank you to our readers! TGI poll: ‘Israel Hayom’ jumped to 40.8% exposure on weekedays, leading over Yedioth by 5.3%
  • They stole identities and committed fraud in the millions of dollars: Indictment against two Israelis from the cyber fraud affair in the US
  • Following Israel Hayom expose: Director of the religious seminary who posed as an officer (to seduce women) was arrested
  • Tragedy in the Golan: 18 month-old attacked by violent virus and died

 

News Summary:
The battle over the Locker report recommendations for the security forces budget continued to be the top story in Hebrew newspapers. Also in the news, the two brothers who torched the Jewish-Arab bilingual school in Jerusalem were sentenced, a stormy debate broke out in Knesset over a bill to make the ‘Settlements Division’ of the World Zionist Organization a part of the government, rather than dismantle it, and a European think tank recommended probing activity of Israeli banks over the Green Line, causing Israeli bank stocks to drop. There was almost no mention of the IDF killing of a young Palestinian man the night before during riots that broke out during an arrest raid in the Jenin-area village of Burkin.
 
Nahman and Shlomo Twito sang 'praise to G-d' after they were sentenced to 30 and 24 months in prison, and 25,000 shekels in fines to be paid to the Hand-in-Hand school in Jerusalem for setting fire to it in November. The brothers said the crime was 'worth the price.' As part of the plea bargain the brothers were not charged with breaking and entering into the school, and Nahman was not charged with incitement over a Facebook post published before the arson took place, which included: “Death to the Arabs [We’re] sick of them a holocaust should be done to them!”; “Revenge needed for details contact the Arab near you”; and expressions of support for violence against left-wing activists and Arabs and support for Rabbi Meir Kahane and Kach. They also sprayed graffiti on the school that included: "Death to Arabs" and "Kahane was right" and statements condemning coexistence. Despite the above, as part of the plea bargain they were not charged with racially-motivated arson - that clause was removed (Ynet and Haaretz+ omitted that fact). Haaretz+’s Nir Hasson wrote that the sentence was heavy, but the prosecution demanded 4-7 years in prison and the school thought it was lenient. [Moreover, ecently, Israel has jailed Palestinians up to 13 months just for incitement on Facebook posts. – OH] The trial of the third suspect, Yitzhak Gabbay, is still underway. The young men are members of the Lehava organization - a radical right-wing organization that opposes assimilation of Jews and focuses on relations between Jews and Arabs.
 
Following a stormy debate, the Knesset advanced a controversial bill to resume funding settlements by making the shady 'Settlements Division' of the WZO into a branch operating under the auspices of the Israeli government. The bill by MK Bezalel Smotrich (Habayit Hayehudi) was slammed by the opposition. "There are those who want to get the money in the dark, under the table," said MK Tzipi Livni. And MK Merav Michaeli said: "This is a shady deal, where they take money and divide it mainly among the settlers." The bill disregards the Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber’s stated opinion last February that the state was forbidden from funding the Settlements Division, as it was operating without oversight or public transparency. (Also in Maariv)
 
Fear hit the Israeli stock markets after the European Council on Foreign Relations called on the EU to differentiate between activities in Israel and in West Bank settlements and it targeted banking, loans, tax-exemption status and recognition of professional qualifications from Israeli West Bank institutions. The EU already agreed this week to push ahead with labeling Israeli goods made in West Bank settlements. That caused bank stocks to drop 2.5%, the papers reported. The think tank also suggested considering stopping cooperation with the Israeli Police and the Justice Ministry, both of whose offices are in E. Jerusalem. However, a European diplomat told Yedioth that the EU had no plans to boycott Israeli banks.
 

Quick Hits:

  • Israeli forces destroy 450 olive trees, Roman-era well in Hebron - Israeli forces on Wednesday destroyed 450 olive trees, leveled land, and demolished a Roman-era water well in the village of Beit Ula in northwestern Hebron, after claiming the Palestinian land belonged to Israel, locals said. (Maan)
  • 8-year-old Palestinian caught throwing rocks at Israeli police - An 8-year-old Palestinian was caught Wednesday throwing rocks at Israel border police in the cemetery on Jerusalem's Mount of Olives. The boy's parents were brought to the scene and the child was handed over to them. (Ynet)
  • Israel to end freeze with hundreds of new settlement housing units - Subcommittee on settlements to discuss new housing units in Beit El, Ma'aleh Adumim, Givat Ze'ev, Beit Aryeh after a year without new construction. (Ynet)
  • No one can be ruled out of running for Knesset because of statements of support against state - The bill of MK Sharon Gal (Yisrael Beiteinu) failed 41:38. MK Merav Michaeli: "This is another victory for the opposition. We made another racist bill fail and once again thwarted extreme right-wing coalition." (Maariv) 
  • (Arab) MK Ghattas: "I am in favor of the boycott”; (Zionist Camp) MK Shmuli: "You are a little racist provocateur" - A debate in the Knesset plenary over a bill meant to repeal the Boycott Law that was passed by the last Knesset, turned into a scene of clashes. Meretz MK Zehava Gal-On: "People have the right to resist occupation.” (Maariv)
  • Bedouin homes in the Negev demolished by Israeli authorities - Bulldozers under the armed guard of Israeli forces demolished two homes in the Bedouin villages of Hura and Khashem Zanna in the Negev on Wednesday. (Maan) 
  • Right-wing Jews tour Aqsa, Israeli police detain 3 Palestinians - Dozens of right-wing Jews toured the Al-Aqsa mosque compound under Israeli police escort on Wednesday, with three Palestinians detained while leaving the compound. (Maan) 
  • Israeli Prison Service separates administrative detainees - Prison services reportedly carried on late into the night separating administrative detainees (jailed without charges) from those serving sentences. Such shuffles are routinely carried out in effort to create tensions and confusion among detainees, sources said. (Maan)
  • Prisoner's health deteriorates after 35 days on hunger strike - Uday Isteiti, 24, from Jenin, began his hunger strike last month to protest the Israeli practice of administrative detention, under which he has been held without charge or trial since November 16 of last year. He is one of four prisoners currently on hunger strike protesting the Israeli policy including Muhammad Allan, 33, who also entered his 35th day. (Maan)
  • Palestinian prisoner held in solitary confinement for over 4 years - Palestinian prisoner Dirar Abu Sisi, 42, from Gaza, is still being held by Israeli authorities in solitary confinement since his detention began over four years ago, a prisoners' rights groups reported. (Maan)
  • Number of career IDF soldiers disclosed: 40,000-plus - Locker committee recommends cutting it to 38,000; Defense Ministry director-general puts current figure at 44,000, IDF says it’s 41,000. (Haaretz) 
  • Career soldiers’ wives protesting Israeli army overhaul report - Wives complain of their husbands’ work conditions: 'Career soldiers cannot demonstrate, strike or organize against the worsening of their work terms.' (Haaretz+) 
  • Jerusalem to fund groups that champion Jewish pluralism - It’s not clear the ultra-Orthodox members of the allocations committee knew which institutions were behind the request. (Haaretz+) 
  • Israeli police stamp out teenager's illegal lemonade stand - A 15 year old trying to make money for his summer break is fined and harassed by police for selling lemonade in the town of Kadima; Police: This is a stand peddling without a license. (Ynet)
  • Canada and Israel unveil new free-trade agreement - Exports between the two countries have more than tripled to $1.6 billion in less than two decades. (Haaretz+)
  • Italian PM: Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people - During visit to Israel, Matteo Renzi says 'it is possible to disagree on the compromise with Iran, but there will never be any compromise regarding Israel’s future.' (Haaretz) 
  • Italian PM: Israel’s security is Europe’s security - During official visit to Israel, Matteo Renzi tries to alleviate Israeli fears regarding Iran nuclear deal — and takes a break from growing problems at home. (Haaretz+)
  • Jordan questions family of Chattanooga shooter - Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, who killed four Marines and a sailor, was of Palestinian origin, but was born in Kuwait, grew up in the United States, and has relatives in Jordan and the West Bank. (Agencies, Haaretz) 
  • Slight reversal in Israeli brain drain - Business in Brief: WireX raises $9.3 million; and online used car retailer Vroom raises $54 million. (Haaretz)
  • Fallen soldier's father vows to bring son's body home from Gaza - Memorial ceremony held at Kfar Saba Military Cemetery to mark one-year anniversary of the death of Lt. Hadar Goldin, whose remains have yet to be returned to Israel. Goldin's father: There is a sacred pact between parents and state to bring bodies home. (Israel Hayom)
  • Obama officials tell Haaretz: Netanyahu would reject any Iran deal - except capitulation - Congressional override of a presidential veto would make it harder for U.S. to defend Israel, senior administration officials tell Haaretz. (Haaretz+)
  • Kerry to visit Gulf states, vows to 'push back' against Iranian influence - Most of America's allies in the Gulf welcomed the recent nuclear agreement, but they are weary of Tehran's jockeying for regional influence and interference in Arab conflicts. (Agencies, Haaretz) 
  • White House sets up Twitter account to promote Iran deal - @TheIranDeal urges people to tweet their questions and promises to "set the record straight" on controversial nuclear deal with Iran. White House also sets up an online resource page at Whitehouse.gov/irandeal offering facts, graphics and videos on deal. (Israel Hayom) 
  • Iran: "We will build four nuclear power plants" - According to the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, the construction of two of the stations, which will be provided by Russia, will begin this year. Ground Forces Commander of the Iranian Army: "We will not allow our supervision over our military centers." (Maariv)
  • Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer targeted at N.Y. anti-Iran deal protest - Thousands in Times Square protest Iran nuclear deal. (Haaretz)
  • Japanese Twitter users launch cuteness assault against ISIS - Black clad manga character ISIS-chan loves melons and hates violence – and she is spamming ISIS social media accounts in coordinated campaign. (Haaretz)
  • Turkey blocks Twitter access to censor images from deadly ISIS attack - Government also attempting to block Twitter users from calling for anti-government protests, state-run Anadolu Agency reports. (Agencies, Haaretz)


Features:

Gaza disengagement recalled in a tearful exhibit that is divorced from reality
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Israeli center that commemorates the Gush Katif settlements is that it is funded and run by the government. (Uri Misgav, Haaretz+) 
Who here is king?
A fierce struggle is being conducted recently over the compound of David’s Tomb in Jerusalem. On the one hand, ultra-Orthodox hold prayers in shifts at the site. On the other hand, tour guides claim that the worshippers act aggressively towards tourists and prevent them from entering. (Eyal Levy, Maariv Wednesday magazine, cover)
How tender was the night I hosted the Netanyahus
Over dinner, Benny Ziffer discovered that Sara has a marvelous sense of humor and Benjamin has a phenomenal memory for details. Yes, he's talking about the prime minister and his wife. (Benny Ziffer, Haaretz+)
 
Commentary/Analysis:

State of settlements,
 not of law (Haaretz Editorial) The Israeli government may be strengthening its hold in the West Bank settlements, but it is losing its legitimacy. 
Why probe just the Israeli army's budget? Mossad, Shin Bet are big spenders too (Chaim Levinson, Haaretz+) In the seven years since Netanyahu took office, the budget of the Mossad, Shin Bet and the Atomic Energy Commission has grown by 60 percent.
The international community must do more to safeguard Palestinian rights (Mustafa Barghouti, Haaretz+) As Palestine is calling on the world to stop the demolition of Sussia, now is a good time to reflect on international inaction regarding Israel's illegal annexation wall.
The military serves the state (Boaz Arad, Israel Hayom) Defense and finance ministries are ostensibly fighting over budgetary matters, but larger battle is over military's role. 
The missing link in the plan to overhaul Israel's army (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Where does the prime minister stand on the far-reaching proposals for improving the Israel Defense Forces?
The profligate Israeli army will fight criticism with every weapon it has (Rotem Starkman, Haaretz+) It’s no secret the military doesn’t want to slim down, as recommended by the Locker report. It made sure it had time to prepare for the battle.
Congress' responsibility now (Clifford D. May, Israel Hayom) Congress must disapprove appeasement and the surrender of American sovereignty.
The Iran deal: From thriller to horror story (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) The international community is ensuring the establishment of a new Iranian nuclear program, immeasurably more dangerous than its predecessor. 
Predictable failure: the US lost the war with Iran agreement (Shlomo Shamir, Maariv) The battle on Capitol Hill by the Jewish Americans against the nuclear agreement is being conducted by the wrong commanders who are unsuited for the task. This failure will burn a black mark in the image of the American Jewish community and may create a crack in its status that it won't be able to repair.
With the Israeli army budget, small is beautiful (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) Alongside the unavoidable need for a strong army and its enormous contribution to the country’s existence and security, we must not ignore the harm it has caused, which is no less serious. 
In the name of basic dignity, Israel must boost its old-age pensions (Natan Lavon, Haaretz+) Why are the elderly forced to suffice with less than minimum wage — the lowest standard for subsistence?

 

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