APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday December 9, 2015
Quote of the day:
Quote of the day:
"In a country as tightly knit and loquacious as Israel, it's long been axiomatic that even where state
secrets are concerned, everyone knows everything...With one exception."
--Haaretz commentator Bradley Burston writes about the secrecy over settlement funding, which Haaretz+ is now breaking through in its new and extensive investigative report.
--Haaretz commentator Bradley Burston writes about the secrecy over settlement funding, which Haaretz+ is now breaking through in its new and extensive investigative report.
Breaking News:
Israeli soldier and Israeli settler wounded in Stabbing Attack in Hebron, Assailant Shot Dead
One sustained moderate wounds while the other was lightly hurt, according to emergency response services. The Palestinian was Abd al-Rahman Yusri Maswada, whose cousin, Ihab Zakariya Maswada, 21, was killed by Israeli forces on Monday after stabbing an Israeli near Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque/Cave of the Patriarchs. (Haaretz and Maan)
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- Netanyahu: Present gas agreement is the only way to create competition
- The bluff behind the security claim // Zvi Bar’el
- Netanyahu’s statements emphasized the oversight // Avi Bar-Eli
- This is how you evade a discussion about alternatives // Eitan Avriel
- Canceling the (army’s) ‘KABA’ (‘quality group’ classification system): IDF will sort soldiers based on methods used by the work market
- Trump without brakes: He called to completely prevent Muslims from entering the US
- 5 Nazareth residents accused of establishing a Daesh cell
- Foreign Ministry to cleaning employees and guards: We will invite you to the Hanukkah party if you sign that won’t demand any rights
- 200 academics against Bennett: Cancel the dismissal of the senior employee in the Council for Higher Education
- (Culture Minister) Regev asked for explanations from an artist who combined a swastika in his work of art
- Political prisoner // Haaretz Editorial
- Not political, for G-d’s sake // Sefi Rechlavsky
- Go prove that you aren’t a terrorist when the whole world is saying so // Itai Stern
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Scoop: The embarrassing conversation of the former police chief – Danino: “I decided to appoint Roni Ritman.” Police officer who made complaint about sexual harassment by Ritman: “What? But he is unsuitable.” Danino: “I have no choice.”
- “Poverty grew and deepened” – Social Security expected to report on rise in number of poor
- The incitement dolls – This is how Palestinian education looks: Some 4,000 masked dolls armed with a stone, and written on them: Jerusalem, here we come” were confiscated by Tax Authority on the way to the West Bank
- Gas (agreement) on the way to High Court
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Fear in the top brass of the police: The (new) chief will appoint top brass from the IDF and the Shin Bet
- After police Maj. Gen. Ritman (accused of sexual harassment): Also the head of the police intelligence branch was put on leave
- The scandal that is getting Trump into trouble
- Following Maariv investigation: The “bad behavior” of Ethiopian soldiers reaches the Knesset
Israel Hayom
- “Missiles were shot at power stations” – PM Netanyahu revealed for the first time after saying: The gas agreement is vital for the future of the state, its foreign relations and its security”
- After him, to make missions [Photos of new Mossad chief, Yossi Cohen]
- Starting with a strong arm: (New) Police commissioner put Maj.-Gen. Guy Nir on leave, leading the complaint (of sexual harassment) against Maj.-Gen. Roni Ritman
- Fourth candle of Hanukkah
News Summary:
Another top police commander is a suspect of inappropriate behavior and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu uses security and relations with Arabs state to defend the contentious gas agreement making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers.
Speaking at the Knesset Economy Committee in defense of the current draft of the gas agreement, against which Israelis all over the country have protested, Netanyahu said the agreement had a security aspect. He revealed that attacks have been made at Israeli power stations and declared that a gas exporting country would be less threatened by boycotts and could help consolidate ties with Arab states, by selling to them. But Haaretz’s Zvi Barel wrote that, “Both claims lack any factual basis, at best, and at worst border on fraud” and noted that Jordan refuted Netanyahu’s claim of Israeli gas diplomacy. Regardless of the committee's recommendation, Netanyahu has the power to override the anti-trust law.
Also of interest, Maariv reported this week that Palestinians are paving a West Bank road illegally (without Israeli permission) on ‘state land’ [i.e. West Bank land not owned privately – OH] near Tekoa settlement. The road connects between Arab Tekoa towards Maaleh Amos settlement, and onward they could continue a direct road to the Dead Sea that would pass through Area B without any interruptions. Construction of the road was brought to the attention of law enforcement officials, but nothing has been done. The right-wing settler Regavim organization threatened to take the Defense Ministry to court if the law were not enforced. The IDF’s Civil Administration said it plans to deliver demolition orders. There is also an old Israeli plan for a highway from Gush Etzion to the Dead Sea, but it never advanced. [NOTE: One reason Israel may have not hurried to destroy it is because it advances Israel's ability to say that the southern and northern part of the West Bank can be connected, albeit by a long way, without the key E-1 zone. - OH]
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral of the Palestinian teen, who was shot in the head during an Israeli army raid in Duheisha refugee camp, near Bethlehem. Local residents told Maan that Israeli soldiers "indiscriminately" fired live rounds, tear gas canisters, and stun grenades through the camp's narrow alleys. Two Palestinian protesters were shot and injured by Israeli forces in the clashes that always break out between youth and forces after a funeral of someone killed by the Israeli forces, and a medic on the scene was hit in the head with a tear gas canister, Maan reported.
Also, a report in Maariv reveals disparities between convictions of Jewish Israelis and of Palestinians for similar offense, although Maariv did not know that. Maariv reported that David Or Shahar, 20, a right-wing activist from Bat Ayin settlement, was convicted of assaulting a soldier and two Palestinians 'on the basis of race.' However, he was not convicted of perpetrating his crimes out of 'nationalist motives,' which is a much more serious conviction and which Palestinians are commonly convicted of for the similar acts. Shahar was convicted of committing "price tag” acts with two other youth: among other things, throwing stones at a Palestinian driver, cutting down 35 olive trees, spraying tear gas and punching a Palestinian man in the face and spraying tear gas on a soldier who tried to protect the Palestinian man. However, according to a new law throwing stones is punishable by minimum three years prison, but that law was not adhered to in the case of the Jewish stone-thrower. Shahar confessed and expressed remorse in the Jerusalem District Court.
Today, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin meets US President Barack Obama for the first time since he assumed presidency. Rivlin will also open the Haaretz conference in New York before departing for Israel. Ahead of their meeting, Rivlin outlined his vision for peace in a Washington Post Op-Ed and called on Israel to take proactive steps towards peace, without waiting for a Palestinian partner.
Another top police commander is a suspect of inappropriate behavior and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu uses security and relations with Arabs state to defend the contentious gas agreement making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers.
Speaking at the Knesset Economy Committee in defense of the current draft of the gas agreement, against which Israelis all over the country have protested, Netanyahu said the agreement had a security aspect. He revealed that attacks have been made at Israeli power stations and declared that a gas exporting country would be less threatened by boycotts and could help consolidate ties with Arab states, by selling to them. But Haaretz’s Zvi Barel wrote that, “Both claims lack any factual basis, at best, and at worst border on fraud” and noted that Jordan refuted Netanyahu’s claim of Israeli gas diplomacy. Regardless of the committee's recommendation, Netanyahu has the power to override the anti-trust law.
Also of interest, Maariv reported this week that Palestinians are paving a West Bank road illegally (without Israeli permission) on ‘state land’ [i.e. West Bank land not owned privately – OH] near Tekoa settlement. The road connects between Arab Tekoa towards Maaleh Amos settlement, and onward they could continue a direct road to the Dead Sea that would pass through Area B without any interruptions. Construction of the road was brought to the attention of law enforcement officials, but nothing has been done. The right-wing settler Regavim organization threatened to take the Defense Ministry to court if the law were not enforced. The IDF’s Civil Administration said it plans to deliver demolition orders. There is also an old Israeli plan for a highway from Gush Etzion to the Dead Sea, but it never advanced. [NOTE: One reason Israel may have not hurried to destroy it is because it advances Israel's ability to say that the southern and northern part of the West Bank can be connected, albeit by a long way, without the key E-1 zone. - OH]
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral of the Palestinian teen, who was shot in the head during an Israeli army raid in Duheisha refugee camp, near Bethlehem. Local residents told Maan that Israeli soldiers "indiscriminately" fired live rounds, tear gas canisters, and stun grenades through the camp's narrow alleys. Two Palestinian protesters were shot and injured by Israeli forces in the clashes that always break out between youth and forces after a funeral of someone killed by the Israeli forces, and a medic on the scene was hit in the head with a tear gas canister, Maan reported.
Also, a report in Maariv reveals disparities between convictions of Jewish Israelis and of Palestinians for similar offense, although Maariv did not know that. Maariv reported that David Or Shahar, 20, a right-wing activist from Bat Ayin settlement, was convicted of assaulting a soldier and two Palestinians 'on the basis of race.' However, he was not convicted of perpetrating his crimes out of 'nationalist motives,' which is a much more serious conviction and which Palestinians are commonly convicted of for the similar acts. Shahar was convicted of committing "price tag” acts with two other youth: among other things, throwing stones at a Palestinian driver, cutting down 35 olive trees, spraying tear gas and punching a Palestinian man in the face and spraying tear gas on a soldier who tried to protect the Palestinian man. However, according to a new law throwing stones is punishable by minimum three years prison, but that law was not adhered to in the case of the Jewish stone-thrower. Shahar confessed and expressed remorse in the Jerusalem District Court.
Today, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin meets US President Barack Obama for the first time since he assumed presidency. Rivlin will also open the Haaretz conference in New York before departing for Israel. Ahead of their meeting, Rivlin outlined his vision for peace in a Washington Post Op-Ed and called on Israel to take proactive steps towards peace, without waiting for a Palestinian partner.
Quick Hits:
- Palestinian child shot, seriously wounded in Ramallah clashes - Israeli forces on Tuesday shot in the stomach a 10-year-old Palestinian boy during clashes in al-Jalazun refugee camp. Israel's severe crackdown on the popular protests has left more than 10,000 Palestinians injured. (Maan)
- Stabbing suspect arrested in Ramallah hotel - Suspect who fled the scene of a stabbing attack in October after being critically wounded, was arrested in a hotel in Ramallah after hiding from security forces. (Ynet and Maan)
- IDF uses power of persuasion to dissuade next lone attacker - Ron Ben-Yishai accompanies the IDF's Etzion Brigade commander on a visit to Beit Ummar near Hebron, during which persuasion is used on a Palestinian family to prevent youth from deciding to attack. (Ynet+VIDEO)
- Three settlers acquitted of indictments of violence against security forces - One defendant was convicted in the incident between police disguised as Arabs and four settlers who attacked the police near the Har Sinai [outpost] on the land of Susiya three years ago. The incident elicited sharp reactions in the political system after which it was made clear to the police the risk of using police disguised as Arabs, because the settlers could have seriously harmed them out of fear of being attacked. Only one defendant was convicted after it was proven he beat the policemen even after they identified themselves. (Maariv)
- Five Israeli Arabs arrested for trying to set up ISIS cell in Nazareth - Shin Bet says group had sworn allegiance to ISIS and a 'jihad against infidels' and was training with arms. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- "The IDF is training and being prepared for a Daesh attack from Sinai or from the Golan Heights" - General Yaakov Amidror told Israelis in an interview with Nissim Mishal on "FM 103 radio”: "Keep perspective. Daesh could threaten Israel from three fronts, including from Israel's Arabs, but in the meantime you can relax in an armchair." (Maariv)
- WATCH: IDF patrols Israel's Sinai border to keep out ISIS - CNN joins Israel Defense Forces on patrol to show exactly how the military is operating in order to secure the border from Islamic militants active in Egypt's Sinai. (Haaretz)
- East Jerusalem hospitals condemn Israeli 'human rights violations' - Israeli forces have stormed hospitals across the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, on a number of occasions in recent months -- to both detain patients and seize medical files. (Maan)
- Israeli forces seize, level farmland in Tulkarem area - Israeli forces seized 26 dunams (6.4 acres) of farmland, destroying a $25,000 greenhouse and uprooting more than 200 olive trees in the village of Izbet Shofa, said Muneer Ismail, the owner. Ismail and his family pleaded with Israeli forces to postpone the demolition so they could take their case to court, but the forces refused. (Maan)
- Right-wing Israelis tour Al-Aqsa, Palestinians denied entry - More than 40 right-wing Israelis toured the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound from 7:30-10:00 Tuesday morning under heavy police escort, while Israeli police denied entry to a large number of blacklisted Palestinians, Palestinian officials said. (Maan)
- Israel bans (Arab) Jerusalem man from entering Old City for 6 months - Hijazi Abu Sbeih, 33, said that the order will negatively affect his life, as his home and job are within the Old City walls. Abu Sbeih is a father of three children ranging from age 1-5. (Maan)
- Rock holding and Keffiyeh clad dolls seized at Haifa port - The inciting dolls were discovered after a shipment from the UAE to the West Bank raised custom's officials suspicion, 4,000 PA bound dolls were discovered. (Ynet and Maariv)
- State backs Israeli Arab homebuyers in Afula, after contentious debate - Despite Jewish protesters' claims, Israel Lands Authority says it knows of no improprieties in housing tender. (Haaretz+)
- Ayman Odeh Brings His Message of Joint Effort to America - The Knesset Joint List leader discusses BDS, occupation, politics, and the Israeli-Palestinian future. (JTA, Haaretz)
- Joint List party introduces: Basic law of equality of the Arab population - The Knesset will discuss Wednesday a legislative bill that seeks to enshrine in law the basis of the principle of equality for the Arab minority in Israel in all aspects of life. MK Yusuf Jabarin: "If the government is sincere in its declarations on equality, it must advance the bill." (Maariv)
- Government to nix Muslim women judges to avert precedent for Jewish courts - Ultra-Orthodox parties fear that allowing women to serve as judges in Islamic Sharia courts will create a precedent for Jewish rabbinical courts, and Israeli government expected to bar women judges as a result. (Haaretz+)
- Israel's Service Ethic Doesn't Include Service in Other Languages - Critical services from city halls, banks, utilities and health services are often unavailable to those who don't speak Hebrew. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli Academics Protest Bennett’s Ousting Higher Education Council Head - The education minister gave no reason for removing Prof. Hagit Messer-Yaron from the post. (Haaretz+)
- Israel's military boarding schools to close - The success of pre-enlistment preparatory programs lead the Defense Minister to decide that it's time to close the long-standing boarding schools in Merkaz Shapira and Haifa, whose attendance has been dwindling as of late. (Ynet)
- After 60 Years, Israeli Military to Replace Biased Classification System - This is a result of the realization that the present method does not suit all the populations that enlist in the IDF – from the ultra-Orthodox to young Ethiopians. (Haaretz+)
- Why Did Google Israel Remove References to Former Double Agent? - Report in '7thEye' says references to businessman were removed due to military gag order, but Google suggests move is related to libel suits. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli navy opens fire at Gaza fishermen - Fishermen told Ma'an that Israeli naval forces opened fire at fishermen working around six nautical miles off the coast, which is within the permitted fishing zone. No injuries reported. (Maan)
- 2 Gazans sentenced to prison for 'collaborating' with Israel - One of the men, said to be 70 years old, was sentenced to seven years behind bars, while his 40-year-old son was handed 10 years by a Gazan military court. No further details on their identities was provided. (Maan)
- 14 Palestinians missing in border tunnel after Egypt pumps in seawater - Rescue teams had been able to save the lives of seven tunnel workers, but contact was lost with 14 others, who were now missing, said Muhammad al-Meidana, a Civil Defense official. (Maan)
- U.S. Conducting 'Serious Review' of Alleged Iran Ballistic Missile Launch - If Washington confirms reports that Tehran tested a medium-range ballistic missile, it will bring issue to UN Security Council. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Features:
Breaking the contact
They didn’t expect this blow at the ‘Breaking the Silence’ organization. Of all places, at the three pre-military preparatory schools that identify with the kibbutzim and the Israeli left-wing, they decided to ban the organization’s people from lecturing before the pupils. Yedioth got a copy of the blunt email exchange between the two sides reached that reveals the depth of the crisis: “You have turned into a pawn of foreign actors that besmirch Israel in the world,” wrote the chairman of the schools. “This is a denial of the freedom of speech,” Breaking the Silence responded. (Yifat Ehrlich, Maariv Magazine supplement, pp. 4-5)
A preview of the new Mossad chief's priorities: Iran and threat of asymmetrical warfare
In December 2014, Yossi Cohen gave a lecture to students at the Or Etzion yeshiva and military boarding school, where he spoke about his perspective on state and security matters. Footage from the lecture was shown on Israel's Channel 10 News. (Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
They didn’t expect this blow at the ‘Breaking the Silence’ organization. Of all places, at the three pre-military preparatory schools that identify with the kibbutzim and the Israeli left-wing, they decided to ban the organization’s people from lecturing before the pupils. Yedioth got a copy of the blunt email exchange between the two sides reached that reveals the depth of the crisis: “You have turned into a pawn of foreign actors that besmirch Israel in the world,” wrote the chairman of the schools. “This is a denial of the freedom of speech,” Breaking the Silence responded. (Yifat Ehrlich, Maariv Magazine supplement, pp. 4-5)
A preview of the new Mossad chief's priorities: Iran and threat of asymmetrical warfare
In December 2014, Yossi Cohen gave a lecture to students at the Or Etzion yeshiva and military boarding school, where he spoke about his perspective on state and security matters. Footage from the lecture was shown on Israel's Channel 10 News. (Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
Who Pays for Israel's Settlements? It Could Be You (Bradley Burston, Haaretz+) Funneling monies to settlements is the most successful sustained smuggling
operation in Israel's history. The Haaretz probe of tax deductible private U.S. donations is part of a
nascent, widening campaign for transparency.
What Does Jailing a Palestinian Politician Say About Israeli Democracy? (Haaretz Editorial) Khalida Jarrar was sentenced to 15 months in prison this week for membership in an illegal organization and incitement, but was her trial in a military court just?
From where did they get the audacity to demand that settlers be responsible for each other's actions? (Karni Eldad, Maariv) Karni Eldad responds to the flood of letters she received in response to her Op-Ed that ‘told the story of the hilltop youth’ [some of whom were arrested for the murders of the Dawabsheh family in Duma – OH]. “The fact that some of the public and among journalists all the settlers in Israel are viewed as one entity that thinks, acts and speaks with the same voice, is incredibly absurd.”
Jailed Palestinian MP's trial demonstrates how much the game is fixed (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Khalida Jarrar ultimately had no choice but to agree to a plea bargain.
There is something to compare: we’ve gone though more difficult days from a security perspective (Amos Gilboa, Maariv) The current wave of terrorism is unpleasant and it has victims, but it does not hold a candle to the terrorist situations we went through in the last decades, not to mention the wars.
The Mossad head and the new Middle East (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) Yossi Cohen is taking over the reins of the Mossad at a time when the Middle East is crumbling. The spy agency must prepare itself.
Torture Is Blind to the Occupier and the Occupied (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) It’s impossible to exaggerate the importance of this equality, which will henceforth grant Jewish Israelis the catharsis they have so sorely lacked.
Is a Republican president necessarily better for Israel? (Yoaz Hendel, Yedioth/Ynet) A Republican can be as good or as bad for the Jewish state as a Democratic president. The only difference is that if the Republicans' candidate happens to be elected, Netanyahu will have no one to use against him in the Senate.
An excellent appointment, an unnecessary drama (Alon Ben-David, Maariv) The years when the newly appointed Mossad chief Yossi Cohen commanded the Tsomet branch of the Mossad were difficult for Iran's nuclear program, which suffered a series of mishaps: Scientists were killed, a computer virus attacked its facilities and much equipment broke down.
Accept and internalize: This is the new American policy that President Obama leads (Yossi Melman, Maariv) In his address to the nation, Obama made it bluntly clear that he will not send "boots on the ground" - soldiers to the killing fields of Syria and Iraq. He said this when he admitted for the first time that what happened in California was a terrorist attack.
U.S. Jews Responding to Donald Trump Should Learn From French Jews and Le Pen (Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz+) Both French and American Jewry have been confronted by racism this week and both have condemned it. But their responses have been very different.
For Obama, it is all about legacy (Yoram Schweitzer, Israel Hayom) A reluctant president fears images of flag-draped coffins might tarnish his presidency.
Trump’s anti-Muslim Outrage Makes Him al-Baghdadi’s Useful Idiot (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) Netanyahu also incited against Arabs on Election Day but he stops at red lights while the GOP’s brash billionaire may have no brakes at all.
Support us against the lies (Nevo Katz, Israel Hayom) Organizations like Breaking the Silence besmirch IDF soldiers, claiming that we commit war crimes when we really give our all to defend Israel.
What Does Jailing a Palestinian Politician Say About Israeli Democracy? (Haaretz Editorial) Khalida Jarrar was sentenced to 15 months in prison this week for membership in an illegal organization and incitement, but was her trial in a military court just?
From where did they get the audacity to demand that settlers be responsible for each other's actions? (Karni Eldad, Maariv) Karni Eldad responds to the flood of letters she received in response to her Op-Ed that ‘told the story of the hilltop youth’ [some of whom were arrested for the murders of the Dawabsheh family in Duma – OH]. “The fact that some of the public and among journalists all the settlers in Israel are viewed as one entity that thinks, acts and speaks with the same voice, is incredibly absurd.”
Jailed Palestinian MP's trial demonstrates how much the game is fixed (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Khalida Jarrar ultimately had no choice but to agree to a plea bargain.
There is something to compare: we’ve gone though more difficult days from a security perspective (Amos Gilboa, Maariv) The current wave of terrorism is unpleasant and it has victims, but it does not hold a candle to the terrorist situations we went through in the last decades, not to mention the wars.
The Mossad head and the new Middle East (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) Yossi Cohen is taking over the reins of the Mossad at a time when the Middle East is crumbling. The spy agency must prepare itself.
Torture Is Blind to the Occupier and the Occupied (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) It’s impossible to exaggerate the importance of this equality, which will henceforth grant Jewish Israelis the catharsis they have so sorely lacked.
Is a Republican president necessarily better for Israel? (Yoaz Hendel, Yedioth/Ynet) A Republican can be as good or as bad for the Jewish state as a Democratic president. The only difference is that if the Republicans' candidate happens to be elected, Netanyahu will have no one to use against him in the Senate.
An excellent appointment, an unnecessary drama (Alon Ben-David, Maariv) The years when the newly appointed Mossad chief Yossi Cohen commanded the Tsomet branch of the Mossad were difficult for Iran's nuclear program, which suffered a series of mishaps: Scientists were killed, a computer virus attacked its facilities and much equipment broke down.
Accept and internalize: This is the new American policy that President Obama leads (Yossi Melman, Maariv) In his address to the nation, Obama made it bluntly clear that he will not send "boots on the ground" - soldiers to the killing fields of Syria and Iraq. He said this when he admitted for the first time that what happened in California was a terrorist attack.
U.S. Jews Responding to Donald Trump Should Learn From French Jews and Le Pen (Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz+) Both French and American Jewry have been confronted by racism this week and both have condemned it. But their responses have been very different.
For Obama, it is all about legacy (Yoram Schweitzer, Israel Hayom) A reluctant president fears images of flag-draped coffins might tarnish his presidency.
Trump’s anti-Muslim Outrage Makes Him al-Baghdadi’s Useful Idiot (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) Netanyahu also incited against Arabs on Election Day but he stops at red lights while the GOP’s brash billionaire may have no brakes at all.
Support us against the lies (Nevo Katz, Israel Hayom) Organizations like Breaking the Silence besmirch IDF soldiers, claiming that we commit war crimes when we really give our all to defend Israel.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.