News Nosh 4.27.17

by APN 04/27/17
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APN's daily news review from Israel
Thursday April 27, 2017
 
You Must Be Kidding: 
Israeli NGO Honenu has been providing thousands of dollars in grants to Jewish murderers and terrorists, including to Yosef Ben-David, who abducted 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir from his E. Jerusalem neighborhood, beat him and burned him alive. 

Breaking News:
Report: Israel attacked Iranian arms depot near Damascus airport
Arab media reports say compound hit with five strikes overnight. Syrian oppositions: Airport used by Iranian-supported troops. At least five explosions reported. (Haaretz and Ynet)

Front Page:
Haaretz
Yedioth Ahronoth
  • The Trump initiative – The diplomatic deal that the US President will bring to Israel
  • America is cutting taxes
  • A real revolution // Sever Plocker
  • The creation of her life – Yuval Dayan met with parents of fallen soldier Yoav Harishushanim to let them hear the song she wrote for him
  • Dying with respect, dying at homoe // Ariella Ringel-Hoffman on the oversight of treating elderly
  • We asked 60 people to add a sentence to the Declaration of Independence
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
Israel Hayom
  • Waiting for Trump – Likely: US President Donald Trump to come to Israel at the end of May
  • “We will continue with the mission for which our sons and daughters fell” – IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot said at ceremony at Mt. Herzl
  • Two female friends in Meglan military unit – in the footsteps of their brother’s who fell
  • Cyber attack on Israel thwarted: 120 private companies and people were in the crosshairs
  • Today: 31,000 registered members will vote in Habayit Hayehudi primaries today


News Summary:
The US moves dominated the top stories of today’s Hebrew newspapers. US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel at the end of May and bring his new policy regarding Israel, Trump’s new tax plan made waves and so did the US deployment of a missile defense system in South Korea. And, in an unusual announcement, Israel revealed it thwarted  a major cyberattack that it believes was directed by a foreign state. The attack was directed at 120 targets that focused on Israeli civilian research and development, which could be of interest to entities around the world.
 
And, ahead of Memorial Day on Monday, the papers also shared stories about soldiers who fell and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot promised to carry on their legacy, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife met with orphans and widows of fallen soldiers. However, several siblings of fallen soldiers canceled their meeting with the Prime Minister over suspicions that he would use it to mitigate damage caused by Likud MKs David Bitan and Miki Zohar, who got into a heated exchange with bereaved parents in a Knesset hearing.

Several dates toward the end of May are being examined for Trump's first scheduled trip abroad as president. Trump is expected to arrive in Israel with his daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, both of whom serve as his advisors. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will also accompany the president. A delegation of 25 American officials are set to arrive in Israel Thursday to lay the groundwork.
 
Quick Hits:
  • **Israeli NGO Gave Thousands of Dollars to Killer of Palestinian Teen, Mohammed Abu Khdeir - The organization provides free legal services to right-wing activists also gave money to other prominent Jewish terrorists and their families, Channel 10 report shows. (Haaretz) 
  • Israel to release for burial body of slain Palestinian mother (whose son was mistakenly killed by Israeli forces) - Siham Ratib Nimr, 49 of E. Jerusalem, was killed by Israeli police on March 29 after she attempted to stab police officers with a pair of scissors at the Old City's Damascus Gate. No Israelis were injured. Nimr was the mother of Mustafa, 27, who was killed by Israeli forces "by mistake" in September during a night raid in the Jerusalem-area Shufaat refugee camp. (Maan)  
  • Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian vehicle in Huwwara - Surveillance cameras showed several Israeli settlers setting fire to a Palestinian vehicle near the village of Huwwara south of Nablus in the early dawn hours of Wednesday, marking the latest incident in a string of violent settler attacks on Palestinians and their property in the area. (Maan)
  • IDF soldiers thwart second stabbing attack in Nablus area in two days - Both attacks took place outside the Samaria Territorial Brigade's base near Huwara; in both cases, troops shot and neutralized a knife-wielding assailants, with no injuries to the Israeli side; attacks carried out by cousins from Balata camp. (Ynet) 
  • Father of (Bedouin) child killed by accidental blast points finger at IDF - After two cousins of 8 and 10 from a Bedouin encampment in the Negev are killed by a blast on Tuesday, the father of one of the boys criticizes the IDF for not safely disposing of its ammunition; 'This isn't a battlefield, but soldiers come here to practice,' says the father. 'Someone needs to take responsibility.' (Ynet)
  • On 10th day of hunger strike, some Palestinian prisoners begin refusing water - A number of hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners being held in solitary confinement began refusing water on Wednesday, as more than 1,500 Palestinians entered the 10th day of the mass “Freedom and Dignity” hunger strike. (Maan)
  • No Meetings, No Radios and No Salt: How Israel Is Pressuring Palestinian Hunger Strikers - Activists say the Prison Service has cut the strikers off from the outside world and is trying to break their spirits. (Haaretz+) 
  • 4 Palestinians injured after march for hunger-striking prisoners sparks clashes - Four Palestinians were shot and injured with rubber-coated steel bullets while dozens suffered from tear-gas inhalation fired by Israeli soldiers stationed near the Qalandiya military checkpoint north of Jerusalem in the central occupied West Bank. (Maan)
  • Beita municipality to take on 1-day hunger strike in solidarity with prisoners - Beita Mayor Wassef Mualla told Ma’an that all members and employees of the municipality would be striking for 24 hours starting Thursday morning, "in order to deliver a powerful and clear message to all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons that we are with them in their strike until they gain all their legitimate rights.” (Maan)
  • Israeli court sentences Palestinian teenage girl to 10 years in prison for failed stabbing attempt - Malak Salman, 17, of occupied East Jerusalem, was convicted in February of attempting to stab an Israeli border police officer at the Damascus Gate entrance of the Old City of Jerusalem on Feb. 9, 2016, causing no injuries. “Ten years is a brutal, unjust sentence that is against international law for a girl who is not yet an adult,” said her lawyer. (Maan) 
  • Israeli navy opens fire at unarmed Palestinian fishermen in Gaza - Israeli navy boats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip early Wednesday morning, forcing the fishermen to head back to shore "in fear for their lives," witnesses told Ma'an. (Maan) 
  • Palestinian Authority to Stop Funding Israeli-supplied Electricity to Hamas-controlled Gaza - This is first significant step PA has taken to pressure Hamas in the enclave; for its residents to continue receiving power, international or private agencies will have to cover the costs. (Haaretz and Ynet) 
  • Police ready to recommend Prime Minister indictment without (Australian tycoon) Packer - The report said police had questioned more than 90 people in the lavish gifts affair. (JPost and Maariv)
  • For first time, Israeli prison allows same-sex conjugal visit - Zaor Hankishayev wins two-year legal battle against Israel Prison Service, which refused to consider him and his partner a couple. IPS, which cited security concerns and various technicalities, eventually agreed to comply with court order from 2016. (Israel Hayom) 
  • Ya'alon pledges to challenge government in next election - Speaking to foreign reporters, the former defense minister says the extremist culture of 'generating hatred for short-term political benefits' poses a greater challenge to Israel than Islamic militants. (Agencies, Ynet) 
  • Israel grants work visa to Human Rights Watch official after initial denial - Israel initially denied a Human Right Watch researcher a visa, accusing HRW of bias against Israel, but now the US national is set to serve as rights group's local director; US disagreed with Israel's initial denunciation of the group. (Agencies, Ynet) 
  • Muslim clerics spurn first female appointment as qadi - Deputy head of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel attacks decision made by Knesset committee headed by Justice Minister Shaked to appoint a woman as judge dealing with Islamic family law; ‘Committee has no right to interfere in our religious affairs.’ (Ynet) 
  • U.K. student union ousts president and Israel critic Malia Bouattia - The Jewish Student Union says that the newly elected president, Shakira Martin, 'is genuinely committed to ensuring that the student movement stands up for all its members.’ (Haaretz) 
  • Reform Jews Warn Netanyahu: Travel Ban Threatens Young U.S. Jews' Ties to Israel - URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs warns that new law barring entry to foreigners who support settlement boycotts will deter young North American Jews from engaging with Israel. (Haaretz+) 
  • Merkel 'regrets' Netanyahu's snub of German foreign minister - German chancellor's spokesman laments cancellation of meeting between the Israeli PM and Minister Sigmar Gabriel, saying 'It should not be problematic for foreign visitors to meet with critical representatives of civil society.' (Agencies, Ynet) 
  • Hundreds of artifacts found in raid on Palestinian home near Nablus - Items worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and dating from Hasmonean, Bar Kokhba, Second Temple, Assyrian, Roman and other periods are seized • Suspect, accused of illegal commerce, says he bought the artifacts for his own private collection. (Israel Hayom) 
  • When Architects Design Homes Refugees Can Use - A new exhibit at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is devoted to constructive responses to the world's natural disasters. (Haaretz+) 
  • Archaeologists expose ancient entrance to Caesarea in Israel - Effort crowns one of largest digs ever undertaken in country; site echoes description in Josephus’ 'The Jewish War.’ (Haaretz+) 
  • Former Israeli Late Night Host Assaf Harel Joins Haaretz - After Harel's controversial TV show goes off the air, the comedian's monologues will appear on Haaretz. (Haaretz) 
  • U.S.-based Palestinian Activist Admits to Hiding Israel Terror Convictions - Rasmea Odeh, who concealed record from U.S. immigration in 1994, is set to be deported in months ahead. (Agencies, Haaretz) 
  • Reports Uncover Jared Kushner's Business Ties With One of Israel's Richest Families - The ties between the Kushners and Raz Steinmetz reportedly include high-stake real estate deals in Manhattan worth more than $150 million. (Haaretz and Ynet)
  • J Street Petition for Trump Adviser Gorka to Be Axed Over Ties to Hungarian anti-Semites - The group was galvanized by a string of reports which allege that Trump's counter-terrorism adviser, Sebastian Gorka, has ties with far-right anti-Semitic groups. (Haaretz+) 
  • Turkey Slams Trump's 'One-sided' Statement on Armenian Genocide - Turkey isn't pleased even though Trump didn't say the word 'genocide.’ (Agencies, Haaretz) 
  • NBA heading to Israel this summer - Basketball Without Borders is coming to Israel this summer where the top teenagers from over 30 countries will get tutoring from NBA and FIBA players and coaches, along with community outreach in Israel; NBA president of social responsibility and player programs: 'This is going to be about bringing the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze and other communities together.' (Agencies, Ynet) 
 
Commentary/Analysis:
Ronald Lauder Cozies Up to Trump as His Estranged Ally Netanyahu Watches and Worries (Allison Kaplan Sommer, Haaretz+) Had Netanyahu ever dreamed that Lauder – Trump's friend for half a century – would become one of his trusted voices on Middle East policy, he would never have allowed the tycoon to drift so far away. 
Unlike Russia, Germany is the most sympathetic and loyal friend of Israel (Shlomo Shamir, Maariv) Netanyahu boycotted the German minister because of his meeting with the leftist organizations, but he did not miss an opportunity to express his appreciation to the Russian president, who will continue to support any anti-Israeli proposal at the UN. 
Why Netanyahu Failed to Mention the Iranian Link to the Cyberattack on Israel (Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz) Experts are certain the attack came from OilRig, a hacker group funded by Iranian intelligence. Netanyahu has a target closer to home 
Marine Le Penn as a symptom - desperate people have nothing to lose (Nadav Eyal, Yedioth) The focus on the rise of Le Penn is mistaken, when the source of Europe's problem of terror and migration is in Africa and the Middle East. Therefore, in order to resolve it there is only one way: improving the lifestyle in their countries of origin.
Israel Needs to Hold Runoff Elections, as France Does (Emilie Moatti, Haaretz+) A runoff election in Israel would reduce the scope for backroom deals and force the heads of the two biggest parties to win over the entire electorate.
Signs of wear and tear: Like the Jews of the United States, we too miss Israel of old (Shmuel Rosner, Maariv) Israelis feel a yearning for what was new, surprising and exciting like the older American Jews. These are things that are difficult to maintain on a one-year-old Valentine's Day even if it is called "Independence Day." 
Maybe Israel Stops Paying Benefits to IDF Veterans? (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) The country that should be compensating most of these Palestinian families for needlessly killing, paralyzing or imprisoning their relatives is seeking to ban the Palestinian Authority from doing so. 
Everyone Has an Opinion About Women's Head Coverings. I Was No Different (David B. Green, Haaretz+) There are few issues that serve so effectively as women’s headgear as a mirror for society’s fears, prejudices and concerns about religious orthodoxy.
In Mideast peace efforts, Israel must deal its own cards (Kobi Richter, Yedioth/Ynet) By initiating a two-state solution from a position of strength, Israel will be able to demand and receive something in return. If we leave it to Trump, he will deal the cards as he pleases, according to his own interests.
A Chinese Lesson (Haaretz Editorial) If China succeeds in helping Israel find the economic motivation to end the occupation, it may turn out that Netanyahu is right, and that China is a true friend of Israel. 
Calling Barghouti a Terrorist Won’t Silence Him (Qaddoura Fares, Haaretz+) Israel should respond to the substance of Barghouti’s NYT op-ed rather than hiding their violations of human rights, particularly of 6,500 Palestinian political prisoners, behind the accusation of terrorism.
Remembering Israel's Blood-sucking War (Uri Misgav, Haaretz+) As the Day of Remembrance for Israel’s fallen soldiers approaches, let us acknowledge that since the futile, 18-year war in Lebanon, Israeli society has made it a point not to engage in national soul-searching about what it did.
EU intervention must end (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) The EU hands Israeli and Palestinian organizations hundreds of millions of euros, even though many of them are anti-Semitic and support Arab terrorism.
B'Tselem Doesn't Take Orders From Netanyahu. Nor Does the World (Hagai El-Ad, Haaretz+) An entire army of politicians and judges, PR flacks and diplomats, prison guards and Shin Bet security service agents, police officers and soldiers, bureaucrats and clerks is invested in the occupation. And still, Netanyahu is afraid. 
Questions Israeli Parents Don’t Ask (Yossi Klein, Haaretz+) It’s hard to live with the notion that tough questions before a war might have prevented the terrible answers afterward.
EU-Israel relations: Trojan horses, snakes, ladders and boycotts (Teodora Coptil, Ynet) Why the European Parliament, and other EU institutions, need to take a strong position on the movement calling for a boycott of the State of Israel.
Stop Calling Him 'Dr.': The Academic Fraud of Sebastian Gorka, Trump’s Terrorism 'Expert' (Andrew Reynolds, Haaretz) The only formally qualified examiner for Gorka’s Ph.D. on a panel packed with personal friends was an extreme right-wing Hungarian MEP who recently advocated putting pigs heads on a fence on the Hungarian border to keep out Muslims.
 
Interviews:
UNESCO Head to Haaretz: Holocaust Education Should Include Teaching Other Genocides
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova launches first-ever policy guide for teaching the Holocaust worldwide at World Jewish Congress. (Interviewed by Taly Krupkin in Haaretz+) 

 
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.

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