APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday February 05, 2014
Number of the day:
49.
--Number of times Israeli forces shut down Muslim call to prayer in Hebron because it 'annoyed' Jewish settlers when they prayed nearby.**
--Number of times Israeli forces shut down Muslim call to prayer in Hebron because it 'annoyed' Jewish settlers when they prayed nearby.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- High Court: Stop funding studies for ultra-Orthodox whose draft was suspended
- High Court is out of patience // Amos Harel
- White House: Personal attacks on Kerry are totally unfounded and unacceptable' - Ministers to discuss bill to annex settlements
- Israel refused to convene (joint) committee against incitement
- Officer killed from friendly fire on Gaza border
- World Health Organization: Cancer cases will jump by 75% in 20 years
- Chairman of port labor union Alon Hassan to serve in Ashdod city council
- Ariel University expelled student because of Facebook status
Yedioth Ahronoth
- "My son was killed because of nonsense" - Nasi and Sima Nahman could not absorb that their son, Captain Tal Nahman, 21, was killed by friendly-fire
- High Court to ultra-Orthodox: Without army draft, no money
- "I wanted a father. I made a mistake" - Singer Eyal Golan responded to the accusations against him
- "I regret everything" - Anat Kamm asks after her release from jail, "What good did it do that I removed the documents from the army?"
- Bennett decided: Office cleaners will receive pay raise of hundreds of shekels
Maariv
- High Court ordered to stop funding yeshiva students who do not serve in IDF (Hebrew)
- The High Court is fed up // Shalom Yerushalmi (Hebrew)
- The High Court poked an finger in the eye of the ultra-Orthodox sector // Roie Lachmanovitz (Hebrew)
- Fear of kidnappings and tunnels, and armed Hamas near the fence: The continued tension of IDF soldiers on the Gaza Strip border claims victims - Military police investigating why a Givati soldier accidentally shot dead Captain Tal Nahman near Kibbutz Beeri (Hebrew)
- Cancer morbidity expected to rise 75% in 20 years and rach 25 million new sick people a year (Hebrew)
- Senior Social Security official: "Half of those who have right to income support do not receive what they deserve" (Hebrew)
Israel Hayom
- No draft, no money
- Terrible mistake - Tragedy on Gaza Border: Combat Intel Officer killed by friendly-fire
- Eyal Golan's version: "I feel as if I'm being hanged in the town square"
- Senior officials in Teacher's Union - under investigation
- Poll: Israelis are more satisfied from the level of service of police
- Study: Breastfeeding lowers by 60% the chance of child developing leukemia or lymphoma
Peace Talk Highlights:
Today's top two stories were the killing of an IDF officer by friendly-fire and the Israeli High Court decision that the government cannot fund yeshivas whose students are not drafted to the IDF. On the peace process front, Likud MK Miri Regev is at it again with another controversial bill, this time to annex all the West Bank settlements and bar restricting their expansion due to diplomatic considerations.
Former US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice blasted Israel in a Tweet for right-wing ministers' criticism of US Secretary of State John Kerry, saying it was 'unfounded and unacceptable' and Israeli President Shimon Peres attempted to reconcile between the sides saying, "Kerry came to make peace, not fight with us." That said, pro-settler Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett threatened to bolt the coalition if Kerry's framework deal was 'inconsistent' with his values. Israeli Minister Yuval Steinitz rejected the proposal passed by the Americans at the request of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to reconvene the joint anti-incitement panel, saying it served as a 'cover' for incitement. New York Times Jerusalem correspondent Jodi Rudoren shared with Ynet her impressions of Abbas and Netanyahu. Israeli military experts expressed support for Abbas' suggestion to deploy troops in a future Palestinian state, saying NATO troops were more effective than UNIFIL. Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh supported Abbas' position that Palestinians do not need to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
And Shin Bet chief Yoram Perry said that the sharp increase in Palestinian attacks against Israelis was not due to the peace talks taking place over the last seven months, but because the Palestinians are facing difficult times. The majority of the terror attacks - Palestinian stone-throwing and Molotov cocktail throwing were also considered terror attacks by the Shin Bet - were made by individuals and not organized groups. Speaking to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Perry said the possible failure of the negotiations with the Palestinians would not be a factor in and of itself for the possibility of an escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories, but would depend on the internal difficulties the Palestinians face. Cohen also discussed "price tag" attacks, saying there had been 40 in the last four years [a number far lower than a count of the attacks listed in News Nosh over the last three years - OH], but not all of them were considered terror. The article did not say whether Jewish stone-throwing and Molotov cocktail throwing and car burning was considered terror. He said price-tag attacks are difficult to solve.
Today's top two stories were the killing of an IDF officer by friendly-fire and the Israeli High Court decision that the government cannot fund yeshivas whose students are not drafted to the IDF. On the peace process front, Likud MK Miri Regev is at it again with another controversial bill, this time to annex all the West Bank settlements and bar restricting their expansion due to diplomatic considerations.
Former US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice blasted Israel in a Tweet for right-wing ministers' criticism of US Secretary of State John Kerry, saying it was 'unfounded and unacceptable' and Israeli President Shimon Peres attempted to reconcile between the sides saying, "Kerry came to make peace, not fight with us." That said, pro-settler Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett threatened to bolt the coalition if Kerry's framework deal was 'inconsistent' with his values. Israeli Minister Yuval Steinitz rejected the proposal passed by the Americans at the request of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to reconvene the joint anti-incitement panel, saying it served as a 'cover' for incitement. New York Times Jerusalem correspondent Jodi Rudoren shared with Ynet her impressions of Abbas and Netanyahu. Israeli military experts expressed support for Abbas' suggestion to deploy troops in a future Palestinian state, saying NATO troops were more effective than UNIFIL. Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh supported Abbas' position that Palestinians do not need to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
And Shin Bet chief Yoram Perry said that the sharp increase in Palestinian attacks against Israelis was not due to the peace talks taking place over the last seven months, but because the Palestinians are facing difficult times. The majority of the terror attacks - Palestinian stone-throwing and Molotov cocktail throwing were also considered terror attacks by the Shin Bet - were made by individuals and not organized groups. Speaking to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Perry said the possible failure of the negotiations with the Palestinians would not be a factor in and of itself for the possibility of an escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories, but would depend on the internal difficulties the Palestinians face. Cohen also discussed "price tag" attacks, saying there had been 40 in the last four years [a number far lower than a count of the attacks listed in News Nosh over the last three years - OH], but not all of them were considered terror. The article did not say whether Jewish stone-throwing and Molotov cocktail throwing and car burning was considered terror. He said price-tag attacks are difficult to solve.
Quick Hits:
- Hamas redeploys forces along Gaza border - The Hamas government in Gaza has redeployed security forces along its borders with Israel to prevent rocket fire, a Gaza government interior ministry official said Tuesday. (Maan)
- Document reveals disagreement, division in Hamas - Previously-posted rocket-prevention forces withdrawn over weekend due to disagreement between Hamas' military wing and its political leadership. Forces were redeployed after involvement of Haniyeh, Meshaal. (Ynet)
- IDF officer killed by friendly fire near Gaza border - Soldier in Givati unit in area mistakenly identifies figure on top of intelligence reconnaissance squad vehicle as terrorist, opens fire. (Ynet)
- Combat soldiers: Fear of abduction leads to operational accidents - In the wake of the killing of Captain Nachman Tal Memorial, soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip sector say they are very tense: When Hamas (forces) come near the fence and tunnels, the shooting dilemma becomes tangible. (Maariv, p. 1/NRG Hebrew)
- Small baby in the center of a (settler) protest - One of the 'hilltop youth' (activist right-wing settler youth) who blocked the Shilo road was a 4-month-old baby. Settlers blocked a (West Bank) road to prevent Israeli police and forces from removing caravans in illegal settlement outpost, Yishuv Ha'daat Farm. A 21-year-old mother held a crying shivering baby and refused police request to sit in the heated police car. So the police forcibly removed the baby from the mother. Welfare services examining for negligence. (Yedioth, p. 11)
- **Israel repeatedly forbids call to prayer because it 'annoys' settlers - Israeli forces forbade the Islamic call for prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron 49 times in the month of January because it "annoyed" Jewish settlers. (Maan)
- Red Cross stops supplying tents to Palestinians in Jordan Valley due to IDF opposition - The decision came after the IDF also tore down the tents and prevented the organization from taking the tents into villages in the area as part of a humanitarian aid supply. (Ynet)
- Hwy 443 (crosses the West Bank) Entrance prohibited to ministers - Like all of us, Israel's ministers also try to escape the traffic jams of Jerusalem-Tel-Aviv Hwy 1 and often use Hwy 443. No longer: Because of warnings due to the throwing of a Molotov cocktail and recent incidents of stone-throwing the Shin Bet has prohibited it. (Yedioth, p. 10)
- Bank of Israel chief Flug visits Arab towns: 'Optimistic’ about sector’s progress - Tour indicates economic development in Arab sector is high priority for Karnit Flug. (Haaretz+)
- Israel to allow 1,000 tons of cement into Gaza - 25 truckloads totaling about 1,000 tons of cement will enter Gaza starting Sunday and Monday to help it recover from the December storm, the Palestinian Authority civil affairs minister said. (Maan)
- Palestinians to centralize electricity sector - With plans to construct four new high-voltage substations, Palestinians take step towards energy, economic independence. Goal is to produce more electricity, lessen dependence on Israel, says Palestinian deputy prime minister. (Ynet)
- Doctors at Jerusalem's Hadassah University Hospital go on strike - The hospital needs urgent financial restructuring, but the doctors and management couldn't agree on the degree to which the doctors should take the hit. (Haaretz+)
- Israel indicts Palestinian for working with Al-Qaida, holding biological weapons - According to the charges in military court, Samar al-Barak aimed to train others to use biological weapons. (Haaretz+)
- Two Israeli combat pilots jailed for storing maps on smartphones - Air force officials say incident underscores security risk posed by mobile technology, demonstrates that culture of air force must be overhauled. (Haaretz)
- Zionist emissaries employed abroad can now vote for Knesset - Bill enfranchises hundreds sent overseas by Jewish Agency and Jewish National Fund who are paid by local Jewish schools or communities. (Haaretz)
- Israel fails to implement dozens of laws - By not drawing up relevant regulations ministries are 'thwarting Knesset legislation’ charges Edelstein. (Haaretz+)
- Heavy security at Paris conference in support of French Jewry - Jewish National Fund organizes conference in Paris attended by [very right-wing] Israeli ministers, 15,000 members of local Jewish communities. 'If we stay united we can face anti-Semitism," Tourism Minister says. (Ynet)
- Even ScarJo can't prop up SodaStream stock - Stock drops to lowest price since November 2012, Bloomberg reports, continuing decline from last month. (Haaretz+)
- U.S. pro-Israel group launches 'Thank you Scarlett' campaign - The Israel Project praises actress for 'standing up for Israel, for peace, and for the truth.' (Haaretz+)
- SodaStream wins new customer - in Canadian cabinet - Canadian Employment Minister Jason Kenney buys a new unit and tweets: 'Bought a nice @SodaStream unit at the @HudsonBayCo. Thanks to @Oxfam for the tip. #Buycott #BDSfail #GoScarJo.' (Haaretz)
- Canadian warship banks for visit in Haifa - Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz toured the Canadian warship 'Toronto' yesterday. "The visit of the Canadian warship is another sign of the close friendship and the military and intelligence cooperation between Canada and Israel." (Israel Hayom, p. 11)
- Iranian foreign minister in hot water over Israel remarks - FM Mohammad Javad Zarif not authorized to voice an opinion on the 'Zionist regime,' parliamentarian reportedly says. (Haaretz+)
- Report: Iran, Jordan to exchange ambassadors - Relations appear to be warming after Iranian foreign minister's visit to Amman last month. (Haaretz)
- Dozens hold demonstration against division (between Fatah and Hamas) in Gaza - Dozens of activists from a national committee to end the political division in the occupied territories held a demonstration in a Gaza City square on Tuesday. (Maan)
- Brazil ambassador reiterates support for Palestinian independence - During a visit to Ma'an News Agency's Bethlehem headquarters, Paulo Roberto Franca told Ma'an's editor-in-chief Nasser Lahham that Brazil would continue to support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom. (Maan)
- Israeli brothers help Qatar buy $100m Manhattan townhouse - Oren and Tal Alexander represented Qatar in its purchase of a property at 19 East 64th Street, who is expected to turn it into its New York consulate. (Haaretz)
- Israeli artist depicts a 'perfect storm' in The New Yorker - Tomer Hanuka says he was inspired by the nostalgia of snow and the endless possibilities NYC offered through the lens of his bedroom window. (Haaretz)
- 4 of 5 fastest-growing defense markets are in Mideast, report shows - Global defense spending to increase for the first time since 2009, according to the IHS Jane’s Annual Defense Budgets Review. (Haaretz)
- Assad continues Instagram posting in midst of violence: 'Damn, he got style' - Upcoming three-year anniversary of Syrian civil war marked with stylish pictures from 'the most handsome president that I know.' (Ynet)
- Russia: Syria to remove chemical weapons by March - Comments came after US criticizes Assad on for slow pace in moving ammunition out of country for destruction. (Agencies, Ynet)
Features:
Nowhere to go: Palestinian families left without homes
an. 31 was an unforgettable day for Hayla Bany Maniya, a 42-year old Bedouin woman and mother of eight children, who has lived her entire life in the Jiftlik area of the Jordan Valley in the northern part of the West Bank. That day Hayla woke up to the sound of Israeli military bulldozers demolishing all thirteen sheds owned by three Palestinian families in al-Jiftlik town. (Maan)
The POW who demanded recognition died the day after the committee rejected him
In the '50's, Haim Buhdana accidentally crossed the border from W. Jerusalem into the Jordanian-ruled West Bank and fell captive for 15 months, sleeping on a pile of straw and using his shoe as a pillow. Since the '90's, he struggled to receive recognition by the state as a POW, but without success. Last week he died of cancer, and now his heirs intend to continue his struggle. (Eyal Levi, Maariv, p. 14/NRG Hebrew)
Commentary/Analysis:
an. 31 was an unforgettable day for Hayla Bany Maniya, a 42-year old Bedouin woman and mother of eight children, who has lived her entire life in the Jiftlik area of the Jordan Valley in the northern part of the West Bank. That day Hayla woke up to the sound of Israeli military bulldozers demolishing all thirteen sheds owned by three Palestinian families in al-Jiftlik town. (Maan)
The POW who demanded recognition died the day after the committee rejected him
In the '50's, Haim Buhdana accidentally crossed the border from W. Jerusalem into the Jordanian-ruled West Bank and fell captive for 15 months, sleeping on a pile of straw and using his shoe as a pillow. Since the '90's, he struggled to receive recognition by the state as a POW, but without success. Last week he died of cancer, and now his heirs intend to continue his struggle. (Eyal Levi, Maariv, p. 14/NRG Hebrew)
Commentary/Analysis:
[In Hebrew: It's so difficult to be a right-winger] When hunger trumps
satisfaction (Ravit Hecht, Haaretz+) The right waives in advance any aspiration to morality or to a life in a liberal
and prosperous country, because as far as the right is concerned Israel and the Jewish people are still
engaged in a war for life itself.
Israel's security is no illusion (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth) Kerry should be reminded of what happened to terrorists who murdered our athletes in Munich – Israel settled score with every single one of them.
The new peace celebrities (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Is there anything more Israeli than saying we'll know how to manage even if there is no peace?
Kerry's scare tactics (Prof. Abraham Ben-Zvi, Israel Hayom) Much like Henry Kissinger, John Kerry is hiding behind an allegedly objective analysis of Israel's diplomatic and strategic standing.
Rice tweets: Israel, we’re mad as hell and not going to take it anymore (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) Stream of insults hurled at Kerry reflects peace process jitters, but also five years of bad chemistry between Netanyahu and Obama.
Are your views 'pro-Israel' enough for your JCC? (David Harris-Gershon, Haaretz+) I am a Jewish studies teacher and I love Israel; but if I don’t pass the JCC's 'Israel loyalty test,' what about the thousands more like me?
Scarlett fever gone viral (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) Actress Scarlett Johansson opted for sanity in a sea of lunacy, and her message of moral clarity was uplifting for us all.
As Erdogan rebuilds shattered foreign policy, Turkey moves closer to Iran (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Ankara and Tehran are patching up their differences over Syrian civil war, with new deal expected to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion in 2015.
Paint Abbas into a corner (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas refuses to recognize Israel as the Jewish state because he does not see the 1967 lines as an end to the conflict.
An EU boycott could be good for Israel (Dr. Adam Reuter, Ynet) Thanks to the US dollar, European boycott threats could achieve the opposite outcome and improve Israeli export revenues.
Reconcile with Turkey (Haaretz Editorial) It’s time for Israel to sign an ageement and bring to an end the sorry affair of the Mavi Marmara that ruptured ties with a strategic ally.
Israel's security is no illusion (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth) Kerry should be reminded of what happened to terrorists who murdered our athletes in Munich – Israel settled score with every single one of them.
The new peace celebrities (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Is there anything more Israeli than saying we'll know how to manage even if there is no peace?
Kerry's scare tactics (Prof. Abraham Ben-Zvi, Israel Hayom) Much like Henry Kissinger, John Kerry is hiding behind an allegedly objective analysis of Israel's diplomatic and strategic standing.
Rice tweets: Israel, we’re mad as hell and not going to take it anymore (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) Stream of insults hurled at Kerry reflects peace process jitters, but also five years of bad chemistry between Netanyahu and Obama.
Are your views 'pro-Israel' enough for your JCC? (David Harris-Gershon, Haaretz+) I am a Jewish studies teacher and I love Israel; but if I don’t pass the JCC's 'Israel loyalty test,' what about the thousands more like me?
Scarlett fever gone viral (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) Actress Scarlett Johansson opted for sanity in a sea of lunacy, and her message of moral clarity was uplifting for us all.
As Erdogan rebuilds shattered foreign policy, Turkey moves closer to Iran (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Ankara and Tehran are patching up their differences over Syrian civil war, with new deal expected to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion in 2015.
Paint Abbas into a corner (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas refuses to recognize Israel as the Jewish state because he does not see the 1967 lines as an end to the conflict.
An EU boycott could be good for Israel (Dr. Adam Reuter, Ynet) Thanks to the US dollar, European boycott threats could achieve the opposite outcome and improve Israeli export revenues.
Reconcile with Turkey (Haaretz Editorial) It’s time for Israel to sign an ageement and bring to an end the sorry affair of the Mavi Marmara that ruptured ties with a strategic ally.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.