APN's daily news review from Israel
Thursday January 12, 2017
Quote of the day:
Front Page:
Commentary/Analysis:
Why Nationalist and Jewish Orthodoxy Are Taking Over Israel (Carlo Strenger, Haaretz+) Israel has indeed brought forth a rich and vibrant secular culture, but for most people this isn't enough to sustain their need for meaning.
B’Tselem ensuring that we don’t lose our humanity (Ronen Bergman, Yedioth/Ynet) In its clear statement on the severity of Elor Azaria’s actions, the court nailed the importance of the organization that exposed them. This becomes all the more important in light of politicians’ delegitimization, incitement and abashment campaign against B’Tselem, the real defender of democracy in Israel.
Readers of Israeli Press Should Know: This Isn’t Reality (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) The scandal involving Netanyahu and Yedioth publisher Noni Mozes tells Israelis everything they need to know about their country’s 'vibrant' news media.
To pardon the rebellious son? (Rabbi Donniel Hartman, Yedioth/Ynet) Sgt. Azaria must be held accountable, for if we pardon him, I fear what we may become: A society that has lost its moral compass, that has survived the dangers of the Middle East, only to become of the Middle East.
Israelis From Across the Political Spectrum, Take to the Streets! (Emilie Moatti, Haaretz+) Prove to the corrupt ones making deals at our expense that the grand era of collusion between tycoons and politicians does not reflect our country.
The day after the prime minister’s investigation (Yoaz Hendel, Yedioth/Ynet) The only solution to the delay of justice in public figures’ investigations is dividing the attorney general’s authorities between two people. In addition, there is a need to prevent investigations against an incumbent prime minister while limiting his time in office to two terms.
Obama, one of the worst presidents in history (Boaz Bismuth, Israel Hayom) From turning Iran into a regional power, to coining the surreal term "leading from behind" and letting the Palestinians believe they have claim over the Western Wall, the 44th president bids an unapologetic adieu to Israel in final interview.
Time for Full Disclosure of Netanyahu's Tapes (Haaretz Editorial) These media shape reality for the public and their improper conduct damages the heart and soul of democracy.
Obama's Israel obsession (Sarah N. Stern, Israel Hayom) Abstaining on Resolution 2334 is only the latest example of President Barack Obama's unparalleled animus toward Israel, and there is reason to believe he is not finished yet.
"As you know, the bill has yet to pass and it will never pass. This was apparently the straw that broke
the camel's back for [US] President [Barack] Obama, and we took a hit in the Security Council, so we must be
serious and responsible."
--Speaking at a Yisrael Beiteinu meeting earlier this week, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman revealed that international diplomacy against Israel caused Israel to shelve the controversial 'outpost legalization' bill.*
--Speaking at a Yisrael Beiteinu meeting earlier this week, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman revealed that international diplomacy against Israel caused Israel to shelve the controversial 'outpost legalization' bill.*
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Netanyahu to Mozes: If you attack me before the elections, I will deal with you
- The case will define the fate of Israeli democracy // Ido Baum
- It’s time for soul-searching in journalism // Eitan Avriel
- Herzog’s associates support a government headed by (Finance Minister) Kahlon, if Netanyahu is forced to resign
- Trump denied reports the Russia holds incriminating information about him: False news
- Between oratory and sex stories: Obama’s speech reflected the expected shake up in the US
- Kfir Brigade commander recorded in conversation with Azariya family: Your defense line was unsuccessful, an appeal has no chance
- Only 41% of the combat soldiers believe that they will be given support if they make a mistake
- Without mercy // Odeh Basharat
- In contradiction to the promises (to shorten lines for surgeries)
- Iris Han, the first female CEO of the Society for the Protection of Nature, symbolizes a new era in the organization
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Trump’s embarrassment – Intel report: Russia gathered information about the President-elect’s bed habits
- A punch in the stomach // Senior political commentator Sima Kadmon calls on her publisher to suspend himself
- The alcohol generation: The second part in an investigation on the drinking habits of (Israeli) teens
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Hamas used ‘seduction girls’ to spy on IDF soldiers
- The deliberation over the arguments for punishment was postponed (in the Sgt. Elor Azariya case)
- The gifts affair: Sara Netanyahu was summoned for interrogation
- Trump opposes the US spy agencies in his comments on the affair of the call girls in Moscow: “Shameful that they allows false information like that to be published”; Obama parts: America is a better place”
Israel Hayom
- “Israel – the most important friend in the Middle East” – appointed secretary of state in the Trump administration, Rex Tillerson
- Mozes will be interrogated soon, the Prime Minister – later
- (Yedioth political commentator) Nahum Barnea shouldn’t preach ethics // Haim Shine
- The recordings prove: Brigade Commander offered a ‘deal’ to the Azariya family
- Hamas presents: Female spies on Facebook
- Good news for released soldiers: Grants and benefits will be significantly increased
News Summary:
Haaretz+ revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu threatened Yedioth publisher Noni Mozes, as more people were to be questioned in the Netanyahu-Mozes deal scandal, in what many experts are calling a bribe and talk increased over a replacement prime minister, and top Yedioth columnist Sima Kadmon called on her publisher to suspend himself in a front-page column.
US President-elect Donald Trump also made headlines in Israeli newspapers over the alleged embarrassing information that Russia collected on him. Meanwhile, the IDF revealed that Hamas was using fake social media profiles of attractive women to lure soldiers into downloading spyware to their phones and convicted soldier Sgt. Elor Azariya's brigade commander was reportedly recorded offering Azaria's father a deal to go soft on him in the sentencing if he avoids appealing the conviction. The army denies that any leniency deal was in the works - making top stories in today's Hebrew newspapers.
Haaretz+ revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu threatened Yedioth publisher Noni Mozes, as more people were to be questioned in the Netanyahu-Mozes deal scandal, in what many experts are calling a bribe and talk increased over a replacement prime minister, and top Yedioth columnist Sima Kadmon called on her publisher to suspend himself in a front-page column.
US President-elect Donald Trump also made headlines in Israeli newspapers over the alleged embarrassing information that Russia collected on him. Meanwhile, the IDF revealed that Hamas was using fake social media profiles of attractive women to lure soldiers into downloading spyware to their phones and convicted soldier Sgt. Elor Azariya's brigade commander was reportedly recorded offering Azaria's father a deal to go soft on him in the sentencing if he avoids appealing the conviction. The army denies that any leniency deal was in the works - making top stories in today's Hebrew newspapers.
Quick Hits:
- Several Israeli right-wing activists arrested for allegedly planning attacks on Palestinians - Gag order has been issued on suspects' names and details surrounding the case. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Israeli Lawmakers Move to Ban Settlement-boycott Advocates From Entering Country - The bill aims to ban foreign citizens who call for a boycott of Israel or the settlements, or those who represent organizations that do so. (Haaretz+)
- Knesset approves preliminary 'Breaking the Silence' bill - Bill's sponsor accuses the veterans' anti-occupation group of helping Hamas in its campaign to delegitimize Israel. (Haaretz)
- *Habayit Hayehudi threatens coalition crisis over outpost bill - "We have stated in no uncertain terms that if this bill doesn't pass, no other bill will pass," MK Bezalel Smotrich warns • Deputy Defense Minister Eli Ben-Dahan says work on bill will progress as usual. Defense Minister Lieberman: “We must be serious and responsible.” (Israel Hayom)
- Ofra residents protest demolitions at Knesset - Promising that those who come to demolish homes in Ofra will be met with stiff resistance, residents of Ofra come to the Knesset to meet with MKs in order to prevent the demolition of nine Israeli homes built on privately-owned Palestinian land. (Ynet)
- While coddling illegal outpost, Israel demolishes Arab construction with glee - The government cites a lack of permits, but the Arab community can't accept its bleak situation for long. (Haaretz+)
- Arab sector launches general strike over home demolitions - Higher Arab Monitoring Committee announces strike in all schools, businesses and public places in protest of the demolition of nine homes government says are illegal in the city of Qalansawe on Tuesday. (Ynet)
- Inspectors Crack Down on Jerusalem Neighborhood Where Truck-ramming Assailant Lived - Municipality dismisses claim of collective punishment, but local residents complain of increased police and city employees' action. (Haaretz+)
- Fallout From Hebron Shooter Affair Only 41% of Israeli Troops Think Superiors Will Back Them if They Make Error - Senior army officer says finding is worrisome, but it conflicts with commanders' impressions in field. (Haaretz+)
- Former U.S. Defense Official: Israel’s Security at Risk Due to Religious Intolerance - Speaking at Knesset, Dov Zackheim warns that non-Orthodox American Jews' support of Israel is weakening due to its lack of Jewish pluralism. (Haaretz)
- Top Israeli diplomat to visit Turkey as rapprochement gains pace - Ramping up dialogue between the two countries, Foreign Ministry's director and his Turkish counterpart will discuss Syria, Russia, Gaza and the West Bank as last year’s thaw continues. (Haaretz+)
- Check out the field: Yair Netanyahu on the way to enter political life? - Is the son of the prime minister going the way of his father? The Likudiadah organizers have published his name and photograph as part of the candidates for the primaries this year. (Maariv)
- Controversy, threats around student's art: 'God is dead' - A Haifa University student submitted to her class a Muslim prayer rug with writing, which she explains as a commentary on ISIS; she receives death threats; university supports her right to freedom of expression. (Ynet)
- IDF: ‘We'll turn Hamas tunnels into their death trap' - IDF determined to deliver coup de grace to Hamas as it prepares for the next round of fighting by transforming their terror tunnel network into a weapon rather than merely a threat; military predicts Hamas will attempt to launch simultaneous infiltrations into Israel via tunnels to murder and kidnap Israelis as it endeavors to create an impression of victory from the outset. (Ynet)
- Syria refugees test Palestinian solidarity in Lebanon - As Palestinians caught in the crossfire of fighting in Syria's civil war flock to Lebanon in search of a safe haven, Palestinians already living there weary that their arrival could spell further strain on coveted UN resources. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Rex Tillerson: Israel Is Most Important U.S. Ally in Mideast, UN Resolution Not Helpful -The former Exxon Mobil CEO, a controversial choice for his lack of diplomatic background and mammoth business ties, grilled on Russia ties by U.S. Senators during confirmation hearing. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Commentary/Analysis:
Why Nationalist and Jewish Orthodoxy Are Taking Over Israel (Carlo Strenger, Haaretz+) Israel has indeed brought forth a rich and vibrant secular culture, but for most people this isn't enough to sustain their need for meaning.
B’Tselem ensuring that we don’t lose our humanity (Ronen Bergman, Yedioth/Ynet) In its clear statement on the severity of Elor Azaria’s actions, the court nailed the importance of the organization that exposed them. This becomes all the more important in light of politicians’ delegitimization, incitement and abashment campaign against B’Tselem, the real defender of democracy in Israel.
Readers of Israeli Press Should Know: This Isn’t Reality (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) The scandal involving Netanyahu and Yedioth publisher Noni Mozes tells Israelis everything they need to know about their country’s 'vibrant' news media.
To pardon the rebellious son? (Rabbi Donniel Hartman, Yedioth/Ynet) Sgt. Azaria must be held accountable, for if we pardon him, I fear what we may become: A society that has lost its moral compass, that has survived the dangers of the Middle East, only to become of the Middle East.
Israelis From Across the Political Spectrum, Take to the Streets! (Emilie Moatti, Haaretz+) Prove to the corrupt ones making deals at our expense that the grand era of collusion between tycoons and politicians does not reflect our country.
The day after the prime minister’s investigation (Yoaz Hendel, Yedioth/Ynet) The only solution to the delay of justice in public figures’ investigations is dividing the attorney general’s authorities between two people. In addition, there is a need to prevent investigations against an incumbent prime minister while limiting his time in office to two terms.
Obama, one of the worst presidents in history (Boaz Bismuth, Israel Hayom) From turning Iran into a regional power, to coining the surreal term "leading from behind" and letting the Palestinians believe they have claim over the Western Wall, the 44th president bids an unapologetic adieu to Israel in final interview.
Time for Full Disclosure of Netanyahu's Tapes (Haaretz Editorial) These media shape reality for the public and their improper conduct damages the heart and soul of democracy.
Obama's Israel obsession (Sarah N. Stern, Israel Hayom) Abstaining on Resolution 2334 is only the latest example of President Barack Obama's unparalleled animus toward Israel, and there is reason to believe he is not finished yet.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.