APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday November 16, 2016
Exchange of the day:
“I love you. You are doing what you need to do in a democracy. But from my
point of view the law in Ofra is the same as in Tel Aviv."--Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Habayit Hayehudi) told Peace Now activists demonstrating outside his home last night against the outpost legalization bill.
“According to that logic, there is no problem from your point of view with us putting a caravan tomorrow in your back yard."
--Director of Peace Now Avi Buskila quipped.**
Quote of the day:
"In 2015 Israeli authorities demolished 982 homes belonging to Bedouin citizens in the Negev...The
Bedouin have a real claim to the land, which the state disputes. In Amona, on the other hand, there is no dispute
over the fact that the land on which the outpost was built belongs to Palestinians — only over the right of Jewish
Israelis to expropriate that land."
--+972mag commentator Noam Sheizaf explains the falsehood behind the claim by right-wing ministers that Israel demolishes only Jewish homes.*
--+972mag commentator Noam Sheizaf explains the falsehood behind the claim by right-wing ministers that Israel demolishes only Jewish homes.*
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Police Commissioner: Anonymous testimonies are as problematic as sexual harassment itself
- Discussions over plea bargain that will make it easier for Rabbi Berland, who is accused of sex crimes
- Netanyahu advancing submarine deal – his lawyer works for the company in Israel
- Former senior official in the National Security Council suspected of receiving bribes
- In the wake of claims that they spread false information that helped Trump, Google and Facebook are doing self-reckoning
- Interior Ministry working to stop a wave of asylum requests from Ukrainians and Georgians
- Swimmers crossed the Dead Sea from Jordan to Israel for the first time
- It’s not the noise // Haaretz Editorial
- The searches (for gas) were allowed to continue
- Bibi’s alibi // Uzi Benziman
Yedioth Ahronoth
- The Amona crisis reaches the Knesset
- Netanyahu’s lawyer and the submarine deal
- The surprising alliance: It was the ultra-Orthodox who thwarted the Muezzin Bill
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Today: Regularization (of outposts) storm reaches the Knesset
- (Ultra-Orthodox Health) Minister Leitzman appealed and thwarted the advancing of the Muezzin Bill: Feared it might harm the siren marks the start of Shabbat”
- “Minister Ariel offered the drone”
- The submarine and the lawyer
Israel Hayom
- The battle over the Regularization Bill
- Chaos in El-Al: Pilots are ‘sick,’ administration is furious and passengers are suffering
- Former senior official in National Security Council suspected of bribery crimes
- “(Former head of Authority for Advancement of Women) Sweid praised the Prime Minister’s wife – and then claimed maltreatment?”
News Summary:
Two controversial bills made top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers (and there were a couple spats in the Knesset with Deputy Speaker MK Ahmed Tibi) as did the report that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s lawyer for acquiring German submarines was the German company's representative in Israel. On the diplomatic front, after a five-year absence after the fallout with Ankara over Israel’s killing of nine Turkish citizens on the Mavi Marmara flotilla to Gaza, Israel appointed an ambassador to Turkey.
**The Hebrew newspapers wrote that it wasn't clear whether the right-wing bill to legalize settlement outposts built on privately-owned Palestinian land would get enough coalition support to pass a first reading today. Kulanu party chief, Moshe Kahlon, said he won’t support a that would be perceived as a blow to the High Court. And the ultra-Orthodox parties said their vote will be conditional upon meeting separate demands of theirs. The right-wing hope that by passing the bill it would prevent the High Court ruling for the demolition of Amona outpost by December 25th. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that Amona residents and protesters must avoid confrontation with Israeli soldiers when they are evicted. Left-wing peace activists from Peace Now protested the bill by demonstrating outside the home of the Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who is pushing hard for the bill to be passed. In an amusing exchange, Bennett came out of his house and told the demonstrators, “I love you. You are doing what you need to do in a democracy. But from my point of view the law in Ofra (settlement, near Amona outpost – OH) is the same as in Tel Aviv.” The new director of Peace Now, Avi Buskila, quipped: “According to that logic, there is no problem from your point of view with us putting a caravan tomorrow in your back yard.” France and Egypt both said the ‘regularization bill’ is a risk to the two-state solution. [Although that can only be a positive thing from the point of view of those behind the bill – OH.]
Another controversial bill, which would harm Muslims, was thwarted even before it went for a vote – by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish minister. A bill to ban mosques from using loudspeakers to make the prayer call was slated for vote, but Health Minister Yaakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism) sent the bill back to the government for review, not because he was concerned that the bill could harm relations between Muslims and Jews in the country, but because he was afraid it could backfire on the ultra-Orthodox, who have a siren go off every Friday evening to announce the start of Shabbat. Jordan said it rejected the muezzin bill and the head of Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs told the Jordanian media that the bill is 'invalid' at mosques in E. Jerusalem since Israel is an 'occupying power.' He promised the prayer calls would be sounded as usual 'without fear.'
Meanwhile, Arab MK and Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Ahmad Tibi, called for a civil rebellion against the law, if it were passed, and accused Netanyahu of “inciting against Islam.” Tibi told Maariv that the rebellion would be specific in that it would mean simply continuing to use the loudspeakers even at the cost of going to prison. “Netanyahu wants to turn this into a religious conflict and that could ignite the region,” said Tibi. MK Robert Ilatov (Yisrael Beiteinu) demanded Tibi be prosecuted.
In another Knesset spat, Deputy Speaker Tibi had controversial Likud MK Oren Hazan removed from the plenum podium for calling him ‘insolent,’ Maariv reported. Hazan called Tibi ‘insolent’ for Tibi reportedly saying he would not abide by the ‘Flag Law,’ which, if passed, would require that everywhere an MK goes an Israeli flag must go with him. Tibi asked Hazan to retract his word ‘insolent' (chutzpah). After Hazan refused, Tibi called on him to be removed from the podium, ordering him in Arabic, ‘Inzil, inzil.’ (Get down, get down.) Hazan was forced to get down.
Making headlines in all the Hebrew papers with the stark exception of the Netanyahu-freebie, Israel Hayom, was the Channel 10 report that Netanyahu was pushing to promote a deal with a German submarine company using a lawyer who represented the German company. The deal goes against the wishes of the IDF and former defense minister Moshe Yaalon., who said Israel doesn't need more subs. Netanyahu denied the report and said he never spoke to his attorney about his clients.
Israel Hayom did not even mention the Channel 10 report about Netanyahu's lawyer, but that should come as no surprise. This week, the Hebrew papers have been reporting on President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of white supremacist Stephen Bannon. But Israel Hayom made no mention of it until today, when it reported that Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) chief said, "The Anti-Defamation League needs to apologize for harsh things it said about Donald Trump's campaign manager, Steve Bannon, following his appointment to the top strategic position in the new administration."
Two controversial bills made top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers (and there were a couple spats in the Knesset with Deputy Speaker MK Ahmed Tibi) as did the report that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s lawyer for acquiring German submarines was the German company's representative in Israel. On the diplomatic front, after a five-year absence after the fallout with Ankara over Israel’s killing of nine Turkish citizens on the Mavi Marmara flotilla to Gaza, Israel appointed an ambassador to Turkey.
**The Hebrew newspapers wrote that it wasn't clear whether the right-wing bill to legalize settlement outposts built on privately-owned Palestinian land would get enough coalition support to pass a first reading today. Kulanu party chief, Moshe Kahlon, said he won’t support a that would be perceived as a blow to the High Court. And the ultra-Orthodox parties said their vote will be conditional upon meeting separate demands of theirs. The right-wing hope that by passing the bill it would prevent the High Court ruling for the demolition of Amona outpost by December 25th. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned that Amona residents and protesters must avoid confrontation with Israeli soldiers when they are evicted. Left-wing peace activists from Peace Now protested the bill by demonstrating outside the home of the Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who is pushing hard for the bill to be passed. In an amusing exchange, Bennett came out of his house and told the demonstrators, “I love you. You are doing what you need to do in a democracy. But from my point of view the law in Ofra (settlement, near Amona outpost – OH) is the same as in Tel Aviv.” The new director of Peace Now, Avi Buskila, quipped: “According to that logic, there is no problem from your point of view with us putting a caravan tomorrow in your back yard.” France and Egypt both said the ‘regularization bill’ is a risk to the two-state solution. [Although that can only be a positive thing from the point of view of those behind the bill – OH.]
Another controversial bill, which would harm Muslims, was thwarted even before it went for a vote – by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish minister. A bill to ban mosques from using loudspeakers to make the prayer call was slated for vote, but Health Minister Yaakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism) sent the bill back to the government for review, not because he was concerned that the bill could harm relations between Muslims and Jews in the country, but because he was afraid it could backfire on the ultra-Orthodox, who have a siren go off every Friday evening to announce the start of Shabbat. Jordan said it rejected the muezzin bill and the head of Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs told the Jordanian media that the bill is 'invalid' at mosques in E. Jerusalem since Israel is an 'occupying power.' He promised the prayer calls would be sounded as usual 'without fear.'
Meanwhile, Arab MK and Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Ahmad Tibi, called for a civil rebellion against the law, if it were passed, and accused Netanyahu of “inciting against Islam.” Tibi told Maariv that the rebellion would be specific in that it would mean simply continuing to use the loudspeakers even at the cost of going to prison. “Netanyahu wants to turn this into a religious conflict and that could ignite the region,” said Tibi. MK Robert Ilatov (Yisrael Beiteinu) demanded Tibi be prosecuted.
In another Knesset spat, Deputy Speaker Tibi had controversial Likud MK Oren Hazan removed from the plenum podium for calling him ‘insolent,’ Maariv reported. Hazan called Tibi ‘insolent’ for Tibi reportedly saying he would not abide by the ‘Flag Law,’ which, if passed, would require that everywhere an MK goes an Israeli flag must go with him. Tibi asked Hazan to retract his word ‘insolent' (chutzpah). After Hazan refused, Tibi called on him to be removed from the podium, ordering him in Arabic, ‘Inzil, inzil.’ (Get down, get down.) Hazan was forced to get down.
Making headlines in all the Hebrew papers with the stark exception of the Netanyahu-freebie, Israel Hayom, was the Channel 10 report that Netanyahu was pushing to promote a deal with a German submarine company using a lawyer who represented the German company. The deal goes against the wishes of the IDF and former defense minister Moshe Yaalon., who said Israel doesn't need more subs. Netanyahu denied the report and said he never spoke to his attorney about his clients.
Israel Hayom did not even mention the Channel 10 report about Netanyahu's lawyer, but that should come as no surprise. This week, the Hebrew papers have been reporting on President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of white supremacist Stephen Bannon. But Israel Hayom made no mention of it until today, when it reported that Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) chief said, "The Anti-Defamation League needs to apologize for harsh things it said about Donald Trump's campaign manager, Steve Bannon, following his appointment to the top strategic position in the new administration."
Quick Hits:
- Israeli settler group tries to evict nine Palestinian families from East Jerusalem homes - Ateret Cohanim, an organization that seeks to settle Jews in East Jerusalem, overall seeks to evict 72 families living in the Batan al-Hawa section of Silwan. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli forces carry out spate of demolitions in Bethlehem, Hebron, Jerusalem - In Jerusalem, Israeli bulldozers demolished the foundation of a mosque in the village of Sur Bahir in the Jerusalem district, just a few hours after several agricultural structures were demolished in the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Silwan and Jabal al-Mukabbir. (Maan)
- Israeli police launch detention campaign against Palestinian workers in Israel - During the campaign in the Bedouin town of Rahat, Israeli police also detained four people for employing the Palestinian workers, as well as five homeowners who employed Palestinians as construction workers to build their houses. (Maan)
- After five years, Israel appoints ambassador to Turkey - The deputy ambassador in Britain, Eitan Na’eh, will take over − the latest improvement since the fallout after the 2010 Gaza flotilla incident. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Minister causes stir after giving Russian PM a drone - After Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev showed interest during his visit to Israel in a drone worth 200,000 shekels used for agricultural research in the Volcani Center, Agricultural Minister Uri Ariel decides to give him it as a present; ‘this has caused damage to our research.’ (Ynet)
- Herzog, Livni clash over bill to bar BDS supporters from Israel - 'We have to take a more centrist line,' says party leader Herzog, igniting an argument with Livni, who claims such a bill would only strengthen the boycott movement. (Haaretz)
- Israel might summarily reject asylum requests by Ukrainians, Georgians - The past two years have seen a surge in asylum requests by Ukrainians and Georgians, helped by the fact that citizens of both countries can enter Israel without a visa. (Haaretz+)
- Sharp decline in French immigration to Israel - The number of new immigrants making aliyah from France has declined in the past year; only about 4,500 people immigrated to Israel from the country in 2016 so far, compared to 8,000 in 2015. (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Jewish, Arab fertility rates in Israel on par for first time - Arab rate drops, Jewish rate rises, and women in both groups now give birth to an average of 3.13 children, highest in OECD. (Times of Israel)
- Ex-top Israeli Security Official Suspected of Receiving Bribes From German Businessman - The ostensible purpose of the businessman’s ties with the official was to enable him to buy a dockyard in Portugal where he could compress natural gas exported from Israel's Tamar field and ship it to customers. (Haaretz+)
- Ehud Olmert on Gilad Shalit: I don't know if it was an abduction or he handed himself over - 'As a combat soldier he was expected to do more than he did,' says former general. (Haaretz)
- Four-year-old girl meets soldiers who caught terrorists that harmed her - One year after the Sofer family was attacked in their car with a Molotov cocktail that wounded their young daughter, they meet with the soldiers who have since apprehended the terrorists responsible. (Ynet)
- Israeli journalist Raviv Drucker may sue Netanyahu - Channel 10 reporter says prime minister distorted facts in his responses to accusations regarding connections with Australian billionaire James Packer. (Haaretz+)
- PM: Channel 10 reporter reached new low of personal attacks - Journalist Raviv Drucker's report on ties between PM Netanyahu and Australian billionaire James Packer is laden with lies, part of an "obsessive and sickening" pursuit, Netanyahu says. Drucker's actions are funded by left-wing group, PM says. (Israel Hayom)
- Netanyahu tells U.S. Jews he's committed to solving Western Wall crisis - 'It's complicated,' prime minister says, calling for 'quiet diplomacy among Jews' for deal to be struck. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli missile boats reinforced against cyber attacks - The Israeli Navy is equipping its vessels with crews that will protect the country's shores from electronic warfare. (Ynet)
- Hezbollah shows off tanks, missiles in Syria - The Lebanese terror group Hezbollah has shown off its forces on foreign soil for the first time; it has also shown off its arsenal of tanks and APCs for the first time ever; Hezbollah now has capabilities usually only national militaries have. (Ynet)
- Israel Police chief: Anonymous claims of sexual harassment as bad as sexual harassment itself - Roni Alsheich made the comments in defense of his decision to reinstate a senior officer embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal in 2015. (Haaretz)
- PLO marks the 28th anniversary Palestinian Declaration of Independence - Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Saeb Erekat called on the international community to fulfill its “political and ethical duties” in order to “translate this declaration into a reality." (Maan)
- Rivlin in India: Ties will grow stronger - Marking 25 years of diplomatic relations, Israel's president meets with India's top leaders on his state visit to their country, having a working meeting with the prime minister. (Ynet)
- 6,000-year-old star mural shines on display in Jerusalem - Scholars believe that the fresco and other paintings were used in rituals and represented deities whose characteristics are not truly known. (Haaretz+ and Israel Hayom)
- WATCH: Israeli band marks Palestinian independence day in new video - The video for MALOX’s new single, ‘Gaza Trip,’ features parkour athletes performing among homes destroyed during the 2014 Gaza war. (+972mag)
- Egyptian authorities open Rafah crossing with Gaza for second day - According to the Palestinian Border and Committee, 386 “humanitarian cases” were able to pass through the crossing on Monday. (Maan)
- Syrian refugees regret move to Gaza - 12 Syrian families sought refuge in the Gaza Strip after fleeing their war-torn country to Egypt and then, as the situation deteriorated there, moved to the Palestinian enclave. They are ineligible for most social services given to Palestinians, but also unable to leave. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Lieberman: Israel wants understandings with Trump administration as soon as possible - Defense Minister tells Israeli soldiers that Israel has no preference in U.S. elections, but hopes to open channels of communication with new government soon. (Haaretz)
- Trump donated toward settlement evacuees - The US president-elect contributed money toward creating infrastructure in new communities in Israel to absorb Jews evacuated from the Sinai in the 1980s and from Gaza in 2005. (Ynet)
- Bannon a 'Passionate Zionist and Supporter of Israel,' Says Top Jewish Trump Donor - 'What is being done to Steve Bannon is a shonda,' says RJC board member Bernie Marcus. (Haaretz+)
- AIPAC website scrubs two-state solution from talking points - Though 'two-state solution' remains on other parts of the pro-Israel lobby's site, educational section on peace process dropped reference, Buzzfeed reports. (Haaretz)
- Trump Requests Security Clearance for Son-in-law Jared Kushner in Unprecedented Move - Trump is also reportedly seeking security clearance for his adult children Ivanka, Eric and Donald Jr., despite a 1967 anti-nepotism law, which prohibits U.S. presidents from hiring members of their immediate family. (Haaretz)
- Assad: Trump Can Join Syria, Russia, Iran in Fight Against Militants - President says that Damascus would have to 'wait and see' if Trump would change Washington's policy on Syria. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Day After Putin-Trump Phone Call, Russia Launches Major Syria Offensive From Aircraft Carrier - Bombardment renewed on Aleppo after three weeks and failed attempts to negotiate humanitarian aid into the besieged city. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Jihadists say Trump victory a rallying call for new recruits - Following Trump’s perceived anti-Muslim comments, including calls to ban Muslims from entering the US, ISIS, the Taliban and al-Qaeda call him a 'maniac' who will help aid recruitment; 'His utter hate towards Muslims will make our job much easier because we can recruit thousands.' (Agencies, Ynet)
- Egyptian Court Overturns Death Sentence for Ousted President Morsi - Former president will be given a new trial. Five other leaders of now-banned Muslim Brotherhood also had their death sentences quashed. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Features:
A Closer Look at Trump's Jewish Inner Circle
President-elect Donald Trump might have a complicated relationship with Jews, but his cadre of advisers is not missing any. (JTA, Haaretz)
Ofra settlers optimistic despite odds
Just like their neighbors in Amona, nine families in the settlement of Ofra are facing home demolition. But unlike those in Amona, they're confident they can escape the bitter fate thanks to Donald Trump and the 'Regulation Bill.' (Oded Shalom, Elisha Ben Kimon, Yedioth/Ynet)
Why Do anti-Semites Hate Jews?
Why are Jews both hated and admired? Can one talk about anti-Semitism but not mention the Israeli occupation? Shmuel Rosner's answers in his book, "The Jews: Frequently Asked Questions," (Hebrew) reflect an intellectual mobilization on behalf of right-wing Jews. (Carolina Landsmann, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Ex-official's Arrest Could Reveal Jumble of Israeli Interests in Gas, Money and Weapons (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Police investigation raises questions as to the appointment process in Netanyahu's office, and the way in which someone now suspected of serious crimes - who was already of doubtful suitability - was a candidate for a senior position.
Rule of law has been crushed, but enough is enough (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth/Ynet) : The ball is in the Israeli government’s court. It has implemented High Court rulings in the Bedouin sector despite the left-wing protest, and it must implement the ruling on Amona despite the right-wing protest.
Israel's Dictating of a Tolerable Muslim Noise (Haaretz Editorial) To put an end to the loudspeaker nuisance there has to be goodwill, understanding of Muslims’ religious needs and a willingness to stop patronizing. Right-wing MKs display none of the above.
What the right-wing in Israel does not understand: What was not done in two terms, will never be done (Tal Schneider, Maariv) Anyone concerned about Trump knows that the man will be here at most eight years. The whole story: in democracy there are replacements. Holding on strongly to the seat of power is harmful for everyone.
*The Right's new spin: Israel demolishes only Jewish homes (Noam Sheizaf, +972mag and in Hebrew) In their attempt to prove allegiance to the settlers, right-wing ministers are finding creative new ways of misleading the public.
Israeli Finance Minister Seems Ready to Preserve Public Broadcasting Corporation (Zvi Zrahiya, Haaretz+) The finance minister has become the key stumbling block in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s campaign to stop Kan, the public broadcasting corporation due to go on the air in January.
We must respect the court (Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) The prophecy of settling the land of Israel must be realized with justice and honesty, so that our descendants will not be told that we stole it.
How to Make Revenge Even Sweeter (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Why does Israel need to imprison for 12 years a 14-year-old Palestinian boy who did not injure anyone?
Trump era must not be wasted on ‘two-state’ solution (Giora Eiland, Yedioth/Ynet) The government can either determine that there is no solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and continue to ‘manage’ it, or it can launch a dialogue with the new US administration which would examine the entire range of possibilities.
Israeli Bill Banning Mosque Loudspeakers Is Far From European (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Paradoxically, Israeli liberals, whether Jewish or Arab, cannot support an excellent bill because it is intended to harm Muslims, and only Muslims.
A new dawn in the Middle East (Prof. Abraham Ben-Zvi, Israel Hayom) In a Trump presidency, the U.S. will not let regional constraints dictate its relations with Israel, nor will it use Israel to win points in the Arab world.
The oldest trick in the book, and we're still falling for it (Ilan Manor, +972mag) While Netanyahu distracts the Left with attacks on the media, his right-wing coalition partners are taking far more dangerous steps.
Why Does the Media Fail Time After Time? (Kobi Niv, Haaretz+) The press isn’t what it makes out to be. It doesn’t observe the political game objectively from the sidelines; it hands out points to the participants.
Praying for freedom: Why is Israel silencing the call for prayer in Jerusalem? (Ramzy Baroud, Maan) The ban on the call for prayer in various Palestinian communities came only a few weeks after the United Nations culture and education organization, UNESCO, had passed two resolutions condemning Israel's illegal practices in the occupied Arab city. Banning the call for prayer is merely a reminder of Israel's domination over the wounded Holy City, and a message that Israel's control exceeds that of tangible existence, into every other sphere.
Announcing The New State Solution (Benjamin Anthony/Our Soldiers Speak, Ynet) For decades the world has subscribed to the notion that the two-state solution presents the most viable road to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; it is time that other ideas be allowed to enter the public discourse.
The homeland cannot be 'expropriated' (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Throughout most of the world, in the case of land that is invaded innocently, a judge may transfer ownership of the land to the invader and compensate the previous owners.
Who’ll Have the Guts to Stand Up to Trump’s Powerful anti-Semitic Predators? (David Schraub, Haaretz+) Unlike the policing of every word uttered by the left, U.S. Jews have given right-wing anti-Semitism a free pass. Now, it’s in the White House – and, unforgivably, endorsed by Jewish conservative groups.
President-elect Donald Trump might have a complicated relationship with Jews, but his cadre of advisers is not missing any. (JTA, Haaretz)
Ofra settlers optimistic despite odds
Just like their neighbors in Amona, nine families in the settlement of Ofra are facing home demolition. But unlike those in Amona, they're confident they can escape the bitter fate thanks to Donald Trump and the 'Regulation Bill.' (Oded Shalom, Elisha Ben Kimon, Yedioth/Ynet)
Why Do anti-Semites Hate Jews?
Why are Jews both hated and admired? Can one talk about anti-Semitism but not mention the Israeli occupation? Shmuel Rosner's answers in his book, "The Jews: Frequently Asked Questions," (Hebrew) reflect an intellectual mobilization on behalf of right-wing Jews. (Carolina Landsmann, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Ex-official's Arrest Could Reveal Jumble of Israeli Interests in Gas, Money and Weapons (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Police investigation raises questions as to the appointment process in Netanyahu's office, and the way in which someone now suspected of serious crimes - who was already of doubtful suitability - was a candidate for a senior position.
Rule of law has been crushed, but enough is enough (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth/Ynet) : The ball is in the Israeli government’s court. It has implemented High Court rulings in the Bedouin sector despite the left-wing protest, and it must implement the ruling on Amona despite the right-wing protest.
Israel's Dictating of a Tolerable Muslim Noise (Haaretz Editorial) To put an end to the loudspeaker nuisance there has to be goodwill, understanding of Muslims’ religious needs and a willingness to stop patronizing. Right-wing MKs display none of the above.
What the right-wing in Israel does not understand: What was not done in two terms, will never be done (Tal Schneider, Maariv) Anyone concerned about Trump knows that the man will be here at most eight years. The whole story: in democracy there are replacements. Holding on strongly to the seat of power is harmful for everyone.
*The Right's new spin: Israel demolishes only Jewish homes (Noam Sheizaf, +972mag and in Hebrew) In their attempt to prove allegiance to the settlers, right-wing ministers are finding creative new ways of misleading the public.
Israeli Finance Minister Seems Ready to Preserve Public Broadcasting Corporation (Zvi Zrahiya, Haaretz+) The finance minister has become the key stumbling block in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s campaign to stop Kan, the public broadcasting corporation due to go on the air in January.
We must respect the court (Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) The prophecy of settling the land of Israel must be realized with justice and honesty, so that our descendants will not be told that we stole it.
How to Make Revenge Even Sweeter (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Why does Israel need to imprison for 12 years a 14-year-old Palestinian boy who did not injure anyone?
Trump era must not be wasted on ‘two-state’ solution (Giora Eiland, Yedioth/Ynet) The government can either determine that there is no solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and continue to ‘manage’ it, or it can launch a dialogue with the new US administration which would examine the entire range of possibilities.
Israeli Bill Banning Mosque Loudspeakers Is Far From European (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Paradoxically, Israeli liberals, whether Jewish or Arab, cannot support an excellent bill because it is intended to harm Muslims, and only Muslims.
A new dawn in the Middle East (Prof. Abraham Ben-Zvi, Israel Hayom) In a Trump presidency, the U.S. will not let regional constraints dictate its relations with Israel, nor will it use Israel to win points in the Arab world.
The oldest trick in the book, and we're still falling for it (Ilan Manor, +972mag) While Netanyahu distracts the Left with attacks on the media, his right-wing coalition partners are taking far more dangerous steps.
Why Does the Media Fail Time After Time? (Kobi Niv, Haaretz+) The press isn’t what it makes out to be. It doesn’t observe the political game objectively from the sidelines; it hands out points to the participants.
Praying for freedom: Why is Israel silencing the call for prayer in Jerusalem? (Ramzy Baroud, Maan) The ban on the call for prayer in various Palestinian communities came only a few weeks after the United Nations culture and education organization, UNESCO, had passed two resolutions condemning Israel's illegal practices in the occupied Arab city. Banning the call for prayer is merely a reminder of Israel's domination over the wounded Holy City, and a message that Israel's control exceeds that of tangible existence, into every other sphere.
Announcing The New State Solution (Benjamin Anthony/Our Soldiers Speak, Ynet) For decades the world has subscribed to the notion that the two-state solution presents the most viable road to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; it is time that other ideas be allowed to enter the public discourse.
The homeland cannot be 'expropriated' (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Throughout most of the world, in the case of land that is invaded innocently, a judge may transfer ownership of the land to the invader and compensate the previous owners.
Who’ll Have the Guts to Stand Up to Trump’s Powerful anti-Semitic Predators? (David Schraub, Haaretz+) Unlike the policing of every word uttered by the left, U.S. Jews have given right-wing anti-Semitism a free pass. Now, it’s in the White House – and, unforgivably, endorsed by Jewish conservative groups.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.