APN's daily news review from Israel
Tuesday September 20, 2016
Quote of the day:
"In cases in which suspected breaches of law relate to orders he personally approved, the Military Advocate
General would have to order an investigation against himself, or his subordinates."
--In a damning report, B’tselem accused the Military Advocate General (MAG) of whitewash in its probe into IDF killings of innocent Palestinian civilians during Operation Protective Edge (Gaza War 2014), noting that there is an inherent conflict of interests when asking the MAG to investigate the accusations.**
--In a damning report, B’tselem accused the Military Advocate General (MAG) of whitewash in its probe into IDF killings of innocent Palestinian civilians during Operation Protective Edge (Gaza War 2014), noting that there is an inherent conflict of interests when asking the MAG to investigate the accusations.**
Breaking News:
Palestinian shot and killed after alleged attempt to stab Israeli soldier in West Bank
Suspected assailant shot and killed by soldiers outside Palestinian town of Bani Na'im, near Hebron, in ninth incident in five days. (Haaretz, Ynet and Maan)
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Two wounded from stabbing; Police closed dozens of shops in E. Jerusalem
- New wave of terror // Amos Harel
- Collective punishment blew up in Mayor Barekat’s face // Nir Hasson
- Government to extend confidentiality on documents on subject of 1948 refugees “out of fear for external relations”
- Documents from ’67 reveal how Israel tried to avoid criticism for the occupation
- Young man of Afghanian ethnicity arrested on suspicion of placing bombs in New York
- Dozens of Mizrachi female pupils are not in school since the beginning of the year because they were rejected by ultra-Orthodox religious schools
- Kahlon tried to prevent publication of statistics on cost of housing
- Israelis developed method to prevent spread of breast cancer spores
- And then Barak arrived // Iris Leal
- Owners of ‘Reshet’ (TV) discussing acquiring Channel 10
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Israel - Attacks around the clock; USA: The terrorist was caught
- Expose - White sugar in Supersol’s baby formula
- Don’t panic – it’s just an exercise: Siren this morning and evening across the country
- “You saved me” – More than 100 soldiers, who donated bone marrow, received a medal from the President
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Forces to be increased in Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem
- “Terrorists should be killed” – Gen. (res.) Uzi Dayan testified in support of the (Shooting) soldier, Elor Azariya
- The hunt is over: The terrorist from New York was caught
- Prime Minister to fly today to New York ahead of his meeting with Obama tomorrow: “We will discuss the regional challenges”
Israel Hayom
- Police on the frontlines – Policewoman hospitalized in very critical condition; the policeman who was injured neutralized the terrorist
- Don’t fear: Sirens will go off today across the country as part of a Home Front Command exercise
- Traffic jams and rides – as a result of the first day of disruptions to the trains again
- At the end of the hunt: The terrorist from New York was arrested
- Gen. (res.) Uzi Dayan at the (‘Shooting Soldier’) Elor Azariya trial: “Terrorists should be killed”; The father saluted Gen. (res.) Biton
News Summary
More young Palestinians attacked Israeli security forces over the Green Line, a former IDF general declared that Palestinians who attack Israelis should be killed, while B’tselem accused the IDF war crime probes of whitewash and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and the White House gave mixed messages about the meeting tomorrow between Netanyahu and the US President – making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers.
On the fifth day of the latest wave of violence over the Green Line, a Palestinian in his '20's stabbed and wounded two Israeli police officers near the Old City in E. Jerusalem, where he lives, and two other young Palestinians were shot and killed after allegedly trying to carry out a stabbing attack on soldiers in Hebron. Clashes erupted in Hebron in the wake of the killings of the two Palestinians during which a Palestinian woman was injured when Israeli forces shot a tear gas canister at her chest. Another Palestinian was thwarted from stabbing soldiers “without a shot fired” in the Abu Snina neighborhood of Hebron. On its front page, Yedioth made a comparison with the bombs planted in New York City and the violence Israeli security forces were experiencing in the West Bank. Jerusalem Police tried collective punishment to stop the spate of attacks, by forcing E. Jerusalem shops to close.
On the same day, the trial of Sgt. Elor Azariya continued, with former deputy chief of staff Uzi Dayan defending Azariya, who shot in the head and killed an already wounded and prostrate Palestinian assailant. Dayan declared that “Terrorists should be killed.”
**Meanwhile, the Israeli human rights NGO, B’Tselem, accused the IDF prosecutors of whitewashing crimes committed in Operation Protective Edge. B’tselem noted there was a conflict of interests when asking the Military Advocate General to investigate suspected crimes relating to orders he personally approved, accused the IDF of launching probes only to clear all the soldiers, commanders and politicians involved of wrongdoing and avoid the jurisdiction of the ICC and noted that decision-makers responsible for the killing of Palestinian civilians weren’t even questioned. The IDF said the report was 'extremely biased and unprofessional.' (Also: Maariv and i24News)
Different messages were being given before Netanyahu set off today to New York to meet with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Maariv’s Dana Somberg noted. Netanyahu said he will thank the US president for the US security aid agreement and will discuss the “Middle East challenges.” The White House, however, made it clear: The meeting will focus on the Palestinian issue. US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, telling him that he was concerned both by the surge in Palestinian violence and Israel’s settlement activity.
Quick Hits:
- Citing National Security, Israel Likely to Keep Army File on Palestinian Refugees From 1948 Sealed - File includes research material commissioned by Ben-Gurion to ‘prove’ refugees were not expelled in 1948 War of Independence and thereby neutralize American pressure to return the refugees to their homes. Ben-Gurion hoped that if the international community could be persuaded that the Palestinians left on their own and were not expelled, as they asserted after the war, the pressure on Israel would lessen. Government correspondence from that period shows that the researchers were told in advance what they were supposed to prove – that the Arabs fled with the encouragement of Palestinian and Arab leaders, that Arab armies aided those fleeing and that the Jewish forces tried to prevent the flight. (Haaretz+)
- Clashes erupt after far-right Israelis protest in front of released terrorist's home in Israeli Arab town - Demonstrators objected to help, which they claim Neshat Melhem, who killed three in Tel Aviv shooting, received from residents of his hometown Arara. Right-wingers confronted by local counter-demonstrators, two of whom were arrested by police for throwing stones at radical right-wingers. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- 2 Israelis repeatedly stab Palestinian in 'dispute' over car repair, Israeli police says - Local sources said that two Israelis had chased 25-year-old Murad Jamal Tomeizi at the entrance to Idhna village, near Hebron, before stabbing him repeatedly. Israeli police are treating it as a “purely criminal” case. (Maan)
- Israeli settlers escorted by MKs reportedly assault Palestinians in Susiya - A group of Israeli settlers who were escorted by nine MKs and under armed protection by Israeli forces raided the village of Susiya in the southern Hebron Hills on Monday, reportedly assaulting a number of Palestinian residents there. (Maan)
- Amona settlers urge Netanyahu: Pass bill to legalize our home - 'We'll stand in our thousands and defend our homes,' residents vow in letter to the prime minister, rejecting alternative offered to move the homes to nearby plots. (Ynet)
- Israeli forces shoot, injure Palestinian fisherman in northern Gaza - Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats off of Beit Lahiya shooting and moderately injuring 30-year-old Ahmad Zayid in the abdomen with live fire. (Maan)
- 'Save us,' hunger striker Malik al-Qadi implores in message to Palestinian people - "Don't leave us alone! I ask President Mahmoud Abbas to intervene as quickly as possible…” Qadi’s reportedly wrote, referring to himself and fellow hunger strikers Mahmoud and Muhammad Balboul, who have refused food for 77 and 75 days respectively. (Maan)
- Israel orders release of Palestinian journalist Samah Dweik after six-month sentence - Dweik was detained on April 10 in the occupied East Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras al-Amud over alleged “incitement” on Facebook. She was held without charge until Israeli authorities confirmed her indictment in July. (Maan)
- Sirens to Sound Across Israel as Part of Nationwide War Drill - To begin in north at 11:05 A.M., return in evening everywhere except Gaza-border communities. (Haaretz+)
- Israel issues travel warnings for Turkey, Sinai - The High Holy Days are a favored time for terrorists to try and commit terror attacks; the Israeli Bureau for Counter Terrorism has issued travel warnings against various countries, and recommends Israelis maintain constant vigilance in the face of ISIS threats around the world. (Ynet)
- Terrorist's accomplice to serve 35 years as part of plea bargain - Abed al-Aziz Meri to plea guilty of buying knife and encouraging Muhannad Halabi to carry out attack in Jerusalem that claimed the lives of two Israelis; meanwhile, Hamis Salaymehm, who smuggled three terrorists into Israel, is facing involuntary manslaughter. (Ynet)
- Raid on home of Hamas operative leads to rescue of baby deer - Following a raid on the home of a Hamas operative in a village near Jenin, security forces discover fawn and turn it over to animal welfare services. (Ynet)
- Israel's ambassador to Jordan summoned for a clarification following the elimination of terrorist – Amb. Einat Schlein was called by the government in Amman to explain and provide details about the circumstances of the death of the terrorist at the Old City, who was shot by Border Police. The Hashemite Kingdom demands his body be returned. (Maariv)
- Chairman of a local council decided to give [controversial – OH] MK Oren Hazan honored citizenship – MK Hazan, whose name has been linked to numerous scandals, will receive the honor from the Beer Yaakov mayor: "He deserves a prize for a lot of good things, if only for his support of (‘Shooting Soldier’) Elor Azariya." (Maariv)
- Planned concert by popular gay Israeli singer sparks row in West Bank settlement - Ivri Lider on being called a 'declared pervert': 'I’d like to say that doesn’t hurt me, but it’s not true.' (Haaretz+)
- This is not an Israeli ambassador: Magritte painting worth millions - A Belgian art dealer arrived at the Israeli embassy in Brussels with an interesting story: A painting by Rene Magritte, famous 20th century surrealist artist, depicting former Israeli ambassador to Belgium, Amiel Najar, would be put up for sale at a price of no less than 4.8 million euros. The dealer decided to inform the embassy because 'it is a matter of respect between two countries.' (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Suspected hackers who paralyzed Paris by a false terror report – were Jewish - Local police in the capital of France arrested two young men who claim they are from Israel. They claim the motive for their action was not political. But they said are admirers of Gregory Chelli, a French-Israeli member of the outlawed terror group, the Jewish Defense League (JDL). Chelli is known for targeting anyone he considers anti-Israeli, and for organizing false alarms leading to police raids on his enemies, who are predominantly Muslim Arabs. (Maariv and Daily Mail)
- Jewish Professors Across America Launching anti-BDS 'University' - Israel and the Academy website, going live at the end of the month, aims to provide more 'nuanced' understanding of Middle East conflict. (Haaretz+)
- UN holds first-ever summit on refugees and migrants - - With over 65 million displaced, world leaders convene in NYC to find a solution to worldwide refugee issue; while not legally binding, the agreed-upon declaration sets general principles for the preservation of refugees’ human rights; Amnesty International head: "Instead of sharing responsibility, world leaders shirked it. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Trump campaign in Israel enlists 'thousands' of right-wingers to get out the vote - 'There are many right-wing organizations that are now cooperating with us in the campaign,' the director of the Trump campaign in Israel says, stressing that they include 'none of the crazy ones.' (Haaretz+)
- Clinton, Trump to Meet Egypt's Sissi at UN General Assembly - After traveling to Mexico to meet with Enrique Pena Nieto, Trump appears to be making another attempt to burnish his foreign-policy credentials to compete with Clinton. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Features:
From world championship to Naval Officers' Course
Four former athletes who had every reason to pursue a successful career in windsurfing, soccer, rugby or ice hockey, explain why they decided to follow their heart and drop everything for a more meaningful position in the IDF. (Eitan Gefen, Yedioth/Ynet)
What Prompted a High-ranking Egyptian Official to Spy for Israel?
Uri Bar-Joseph's 'The Angel' details the sensational life and early death of Ashraf Marwan, who gave Israel crucial intel prior to the 1973 Yom Kippur War. (Yael Friedman, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Why a Palestinian Father Would Beg Israel: Put My Son on Trial (Jonathan Pollak, Haaretz+) Saying: 'Put them on trial, Israel, or let them go' means to recognize Israel’s right to run the Palestinians’ lives. But Israel has no right.
Israel Must Remember: Thou Shalt Not Kill Means POWs, Too (Haaretz Editorial) War criminals among Israel’s enemies have murdered prisoners — both soldiers and civilians. This does not justify similar conduct by IDF soldiers.
Backing soldiers: Four rules of thumb (Giora Eiland, Yedioth/Ynet) According to IDF principles, a soldier will not be prosecuted for an operational error, regardless of the gravity of its results. However, that does not mean that he should be backed by the IDF and defense establishment.
How Obama Humiliated Netanyahu Over Military Aid Deal (Nehemia Shtrasler, Haaretz+) When the U.S. and Israelis leaders meet on Wednesday, Obama and Netanyahu will be all smiles for the media - but Obama has the most to laugh about.
Obama taught Netanyahu a lesson in negotiations (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) The prime minister's Congress address cost Israel a considerable sum, but the most serious blow has been inflicted on AIPAC. Now that Congress is out of the game, half of its lobbyists can stay home and half of its donors can direct their money elsewhere.
Hollow criticism of a good deal (Zalman Shoval, Israel Hayom) The U.S. defense aid deal sends a message not only to Israel's enemies, but to those who doubt its commitment to the security of its Middle East following the Iran nuclear deal.
Dear Israeli Slaves: You’re on Your Own. Love, Yair Lapid (Eytan Avriel, Haaretz+) Do those who say they will vote for Yair Lapid realize what he represents?
CAMERA Response to Haaretz: We're Not a Right-Wing Media Watchdog (Andrea Levin, Haaretz+) Haaretz is out of touch with the non-profit world realities if it expects organizations like CAMERA are obliged ethically or professionally to disclose their roster of donors. This is an absurd expectation.
We Oppose BDS. That Doesn't Make Us Apologists for Israel (Kenneth Waltzer, Haaretz+) In her determination to dismiss the chilling effect of BDS on academic freedom, Mira Sucharov resorts to innuendo and smears against anti-boycott campaigners rather than respond to the evidence.
New Terror Wave Begins, With Relatively High Casualty Rate (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Responding faster than before, Israeli army begins bolstering forces in the West Bank. But even this won't be enough to stop new wave of lone-wolf terror attacks.
The Only Good Thing About New U.S. Military Aid Deal to Israel (Raviv Drucker, Haaretz+) Israel has a bloody past when it comes to arms sales. The most despicable regimes in the world received Israeli weapons during the darkest chapters in their history.
Four former athletes who had every reason to pursue a successful career in windsurfing, soccer, rugby or ice hockey, explain why they decided to follow their heart and drop everything for a more meaningful position in the IDF. (Eitan Gefen, Yedioth/Ynet)
What Prompted a High-ranking Egyptian Official to Spy for Israel?
Uri Bar-Joseph's 'The Angel' details the sensational life and early death of Ashraf Marwan, who gave Israel crucial intel prior to the 1973 Yom Kippur War. (Yael Friedman, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Why a Palestinian Father Would Beg Israel: Put My Son on Trial (Jonathan Pollak, Haaretz+) Saying: 'Put them on trial, Israel, or let them go' means to recognize Israel’s right to run the Palestinians’ lives. But Israel has no right.
Israel Must Remember: Thou Shalt Not Kill Means POWs, Too (Haaretz Editorial) War criminals among Israel’s enemies have murdered prisoners — both soldiers and civilians. This does not justify similar conduct by IDF soldiers.
Backing soldiers: Four rules of thumb (Giora Eiland, Yedioth/Ynet) According to IDF principles, a soldier will not be prosecuted for an operational error, regardless of the gravity of its results. However, that does not mean that he should be backed by the IDF and defense establishment.
How Obama Humiliated Netanyahu Over Military Aid Deal (Nehemia Shtrasler, Haaretz+) When the U.S. and Israelis leaders meet on Wednesday, Obama and Netanyahu will be all smiles for the media - but Obama has the most to laugh about.
Obama taught Netanyahu a lesson in negotiations (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) The prime minister's Congress address cost Israel a considerable sum, but the most serious blow has been inflicted on AIPAC. Now that Congress is out of the game, half of its lobbyists can stay home and half of its donors can direct their money elsewhere.
Hollow criticism of a good deal (Zalman Shoval, Israel Hayom) The U.S. defense aid deal sends a message not only to Israel's enemies, but to those who doubt its commitment to the security of its Middle East following the Iran nuclear deal.
Dear Israeli Slaves: You’re on Your Own. Love, Yair Lapid (Eytan Avriel, Haaretz+) Do those who say they will vote for Yair Lapid realize what he represents?
CAMERA Response to Haaretz: We're Not a Right-Wing Media Watchdog (Andrea Levin, Haaretz+) Haaretz is out of touch with the non-profit world realities if it expects organizations like CAMERA are obliged ethically or professionally to disclose their roster of donors. This is an absurd expectation.
We Oppose BDS. That Doesn't Make Us Apologists for Israel (Kenneth Waltzer, Haaretz+) In her determination to dismiss the chilling effect of BDS on academic freedom, Mira Sucharov resorts to innuendo and smears against anti-boycott campaigners rather than respond to the evidence.
New Terror Wave Begins, With Relatively High Casualty Rate (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Responding faster than before, Israeli army begins bolstering forces in the West Bank. But even this won't be enough to stop new wave of lone-wolf terror attacks.
The Only Good Thing About New U.S. Military Aid Deal to Israel (Raviv Drucker, Haaretz+) Israel has a bloody past when it comes to arms sales. The most despicable regimes in the world received Israeli weapons during the darkest chapters in their history.
Interviews:
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.