APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday March 19, 2014
Quote of the day:
"Don't try this at home."
--Advice from senior Yedioth political commentator Nahum Barnea to Israeli right-wing politicians who are following Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Crimea "enviously" and wanting to conquer the Gaza Strip or annex the West Bank.**
--Advice from senior Yedioth political commentator Nahum Barnea to Israeli right-wing politicians who are following Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Crimea "enviously" and wanting to conquer the Gaza Strip or annex the West Bank.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- 4 soldiers wounded from explosive device on Syrian border in most serious incident since outbreak of (civil) war
- The northern front is coming to life // Amos Harel
- Putin declared annexation of Crimea: "It was and always will be part of Russia"
- In wake of criticism on the exemption of VAT: Lapid suggested limiting home rent
- Political plan, not economic // Nehemia Stressler
- Conversion law meant to pass today in Knesset Legislative committee; Chief rabbis: It will cause a division in the people of Israel
- Defense Ministry to ease arm exports to 60 new countries
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Trap in the Golan (Heights) - Powerful explosive device injured 4 paratroopers
- Put an end to this // Alex Fishman
- US to (Israeli) youth: Come work over the summer
- Are you eligible to buy an apartment without paying VAT?
- Double honor to daughter of Rabbi (Ovadia) Yosef: Israel Prize and lighting of torch
- A look inside the prison facility at Ben-Gurion Airport, where 5-year-olds who are refused entrance are jailed
- Former governor of Bank of Israel Stanley Fisher holding $250,000 in Cayman Islands
Maariv
- not published today
Israel Hayom
- Terror on the fence, also in the Golan Heights - explosive device in the north - four paratroopers injured - one seriously
- Between Hezbollah and Assad // Yoav Limor
- 0% VAT for first apartment: How will that affect your pocket?
- Crimea annexed to Russia; One person killed
- Altering flight route of Malaysian plane - complex act that requires pilot's expertise // Aharon Lapidot
- Ministers: Negotiations won't be extended? No more prisoners will be released
- (Shula) Zaken: I want to testify against Olmert; Olmert: Zaken is "corrupt"
Security and Peace Talk Highlights:
The top story in the Hebrew papers today was the blast on the border with Syria that injured four Israeli soldiers.On the peace talk front, Israeli ministers threatened that the Palestinians would not see the release of the last round of prisoners if they did not agree to extend peace talks, while the Palestinians are demanding a freeze to settlement construction. A senior Palestinian official denied saying that the Palestinians might agree to recognize Israel as a Jewish state in one interview, but suggested it in another. And a UN official said with so much Israeli-Palestinian violence recently, peace talks were even more urgent.
Four Israeli soldiers were wounded Tuesday on the Israeli-annexed side of the Golan Heights when an explosive device was detonated. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised to respond in kind. According to an Arab media report, the attack was an attempt to kidnap the soldiers. Israeli commentators believe that Hezbollah was behind the bomb.
Meanwhile, on the peace track front, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly warned US President Barack Obama that if Israel did not freeze settlement construction, establishing two states would be impossible. Haaretz's+ Barak Ravid wrote that "Abbas whipped out a map and a paper" that listed Israel’s plans to build thousands of housing units in the West Bank." The paper stated that since negotiations resumed in July 2013, work has begun on 10,509 settler housing units.
With only 10 days left before the prisoner release is supposed to take place, Israel has been increasing the pressure on the Palestinians to agree to extend the peace talks. Yesterday, three Israeli ministers said that if the Palestinians refused to extend the deadline for negotiations beyond April 29, as Israel demands, Israel would reconsider releasing the prisoners. Those ministers were Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who said that Abbas "with his imminent decisions - holds the prison keys," and Economy Minister Naftali Bennett (NRG Hebrew), who asked, "Are we going to give Abu Mazen terrorists so he can blow up the negotiations?" The list of prisoners published by the Palestinian Authority includes 14 Arab Israeli citizens. The Palestinian Authority Minister of Prisoner Affairs responded to their remarks, saying a delay in the release would be 'political blackmail,' Maan reported. Ravid wrote that Netanyahu instructed his party members to stop talking about Palestinian issues in order to make the Palestinians look like the ones reluctant to make peace.
A senior Palestinian official denied saying the Palestinians would consider recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. Nabil Shaath, a Fatah Central Committee member, spoke to students at Harvard and gave an interview to Israel Radio. Israeli media reported that he said that “the Palestinian leadership would consider recognizing Israel as a Jewish state after negotiations come to an end and after all controversial issues are solved.” Shaath now says that his quotes were misinterpreted. However, Shaath also gave an interview to Israel Radio, in which he said that the Palestinians would be willing to 'resolve' the issue of Israel's recognition when a comprehensive peace deal was reached.
Meanwhile, the UN political chief (and former US ambassador) Jeffrey Feltman, told the UN Security Council Tuesday, that the surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence [ostensibly, the IDF killing of two Palestinians and a Palestinian-Jordanian judge in a week and the exchange of fire between Israel and the Gaza Strip that also led to the death of three Palestinians) brings the region to the brink of a new crisis and make peace talks that much more urgent. He also called attention to the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, appealing to donors to help raise $250,000 a month needed to resolve an acute shortage of medical supplies.
The top story in the Hebrew papers today was the blast on the border with Syria that injured four Israeli soldiers.On the peace talk front, Israeli ministers threatened that the Palestinians would not see the release of the last round of prisoners if they did not agree to extend peace talks, while the Palestinians are demanding a freeze to settlement construction. A senior Palestinian official denied saying that the Palestinians might agree to recognize Israel as a Jewish state in one interview, but suggested it in another. And a UN official said with so much Israeli-Palestinian violence recently, peace talks were even more urgent.
Four Israeli soldiers were wounded Tuesday on the Israeli-annexed side of the Golan Heights when an explosive device was detonated. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised to respond in kind. According to an Arab media report, the attack was an attempt to kidnap the soldiers. Israeli commentators believe that Hezbollah was behind the bomb.
Meanwhile, on the peace track front, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly warned US President Barack Obama that if Israel did not freeze settlement construction, establishing two states would be impossible. Haaretz's+ Barak Ravid wrote that "Abbas whipped out a map and a paper" that listed Israel’s plans to build thousands of housing units in the West Bank." The paper stated that since negotiations resumed in July 2013, work has begun on 10,509 settler housing units.
With only 10 days left before the prisoner release is supposed to take place, Israel has been increasing the pressure on the Palestinians to agree to extend the peace talks. Yesterday, three Israeli ministers said that if the Palestinians refused to extend the deadline for negotiations beyond April 29, as Israel demands, Israel would reconsider releasing the prisoners. Those ministers were Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who said that Abbas "with his imminent decisions - holds the prison keys," and Economy Minister Naftali Bennett (NRG Hebrew), who asked, "Are we going to give Abu Mazen terrorists so he can blow up the negotiations?" The list of prisoners published by the Palestinian Authority includes 14 Arab Israeli citizens. The Palestinian Authority Minister of Prisoner Affairs responded to their remarks, saying a delay in the release would be 'political blackmail,' Maan reported. Ravid wrote that Netanyahu instructed his party members to stop talking about Palestinian issues in order to make the Palestinians look like the ones reluctant to make peace.
A senior Palestinian official denied saying the Palestinians would consider recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. Nabil Shaath, a Fatah Central Committee member, spoke to students at Harvard and gave an interview to Israel Radio. Israeli media reported that he said that “the Palestinian leadership would consider recognizing Israel as a Jewish state after negotiations come to an end and after all controversial issues are solved.” Shaath now says that his quotes were misinterpreted. However, Shaath also gave an interview to Israel Radio, in which he said that the Palestinians would be willing to 'resolve' the issue of Israel's recognition when a comprehensive peace deal was reached.
Meanwhile, the UN political chief (and former US ambassador) Jeffrey Feltman, told the UN Security Council Tuesday, that the surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence [ostensibly, the IDF killing of two Palestinians and a Palestinian-Jordanian judge in a week and the exchange of fire between Israel and the Gaza Strip that also led to the death of three Palestinians) brings the region to the brink of a new crisis and make peace talks that much more urgent. He also called attention to the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, appealing to donors to help raise $250,000 a month needed to resolve an acute shortage of medical supplies.
Quick Hits:
- Israeli settlers uproot 50 trees - Settlers from the nearby Yitzhar settlement uprooted 50 olive trees in Ein Yabus village south of Nablus on Tuesday. (Maan)
- Man injured, another arrested in clashes in Tuqu - Mohammad Saleem Sabbah, 22, who was shot with a live bullet in the right abdomen and another young man was arrested in clashes with Israeli forces in Tuqu village, southeast of Bethlehem (near Tekoa settlement). (Maan)
- Clashes in al-Jalazun refugee camp - Clashes started after Israeli forces closed the road to Ramallah, and erected a flying checkpoint near al-Jalazun refugee camp. Several Palestinians were injured with rubber bullets and dozens more suffered from excessive tear-gas inhalation. (Maan)
- Arab MK: Lapid's VAT exemption on first-house purchase is racist - In letter issued by his attorney to AG Weinstein, Minister Lapid, MK Ahmed Tibi slams army service criterion for tax benefits: 'Fatal blow to equality, human dignity.' (Ynet)
- Ya'alon: Israel can't rely on US on Iran - Criticizing West for soft stance on Iran, defense minsiter says 'Weakness certainly does not pay in the world... I hope the US will come to its senses.' (Agencies, Ynet)
- In blistering attack, U.S. official accuses Ya'alon of 'undermining' relations with Washington - Obama administration reacts to defense minister’s criticism of U.S. 'weakness', reported in Haaretz, with unprecedented personal rebuke that 'questions his commitment' to bilateral ties and U.S. security assistance. (Haaretz+)
- Don’t cancel sale of Apaches to Egypt, Israel urges U.S. - Israeli officials have been lobbying Washington hard on behalf of the new Egyptian government, urging resumption of U.S. aid to Cairo. (Haaretz+)
- Israel to ease restrictions on military weapons exports - Defense Ministry also increasing inspections of defense industry companies following high number of export licensing breaches in 2013. (Haaretz+)
- Jordanian lawmakers reject no confidence vote over Israel ties - Lawmakers proposed the vote in the wake of the killing of a Palestinian-Jordanian judge by Israeli soldiers two weeks ago. (Haaretz)
- Israeli government video boasts of year of success - Film released Netanyahu's office lists southern security fence, Be'er Sheva cyber park, low unemployment as wins, but makes no mention of Palestinians at all. (Ynet)
- Knesset set to extend law prohibiting reunification of Palestinian families in Israel - Security services cite current situation in the Gaza Strip, including the rise of Islamic Jihad and Hamas’ governance, as reasons to extend law. (Haaretz+)
- Drahi's Israel news channel to air in US - Jewish Life TV will air i24news on cable and satellite networks nationwide. (Globes)
- Palestinians seek to drill for oil in West Bank - Project to explore and develop oil in northern West Bank initiated by Mideast envoy Tony Blair and US Secretary of state John Kerry to help Palestinian economy. (Agencies, Ynet)
- 25,000 runners to participate in Jerusalem marathon - With the fourth International Jerusalem Marathon set for this Friday, 25,000 runners from 54 countries are expected to take part in one of several tracks • An 800-meter social race, the International Jerusalem ''Winner'' Marathon, supports the needy. (Israel Hayom)
- Hamas says Egypt closing Gaza border 'crime against humanity' - "The Egyptian authorities' insistence on closing the Rafah crossing and tightening the Gaza blockade... is a crime against humanity by all standards and a crime against the Palestinian people," Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in a statement. (Maan)
- Ukraine Jews mark Purim amid tensions - A lot has been said in international media about supposed threat to Ukrainian Jewish community since country’s revolution, but local Jews say they have little to fear and much to celebrate. (Ynet+VIDEO)
Commentary/Analysis:
A danger named Ya’alon (Haaretz Editorial) In continuing his unbridled attacks on the United States, Defense
Minister Moshe Ya’alon is endangering Israel’s security.
Discard the false visions of a binational state (Salman Masalha, Haaretz+) The time has come to speak to the point. Both the Jews and the Arabs aren’t going anywhere. And in the absence of partition, the conflict will not be solved.
Time to recognize Hamas government (Giora Eiland, Yedioth/Ynet) We should take advantage of Hamas' growing dependence on Israel through a proper carrot and stick policy.
Time for a separate Israeli Arab parliament (Kobi Niv, Haaretz+) They need to stop playing this game for the Jews, stop 'participating' in a game where they are not included, and stop voting in the Jews’ make-believe democratic elections.
**Putin the neighborhood thug: Don't try this at home (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) Quite a few Israeli politicians are envious of Russian president, asking: 'Why don't we conquer Gaza tomorrow morning?' But Putin should not serve as an example to us.
A death blow for the ideological parties ([Far right-wing settler] Itamar Ben Gvir, Haaretz+) The governability bill is an anti-democratic legislation piece of legislation that turns the Knesset into a closed club for the wealthy and the opportunists.
Nasrallah seeks revenge without fingerprints (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) If Hezbollah is indeed behind explosive that injured four IDF soldiers, it would be considered a success that seals the current round of vengeful attacks – without taking responsibility.
Ask the Israeli people if they want peace (Aaron Magid, Haaretz+) If the Palestinians, from Abbas to Hamas, support holding their own referendum, then why does Israel’s left oppose asking the Israeli people to legitimize a peace deal?
For Abbas, peace is treason (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) The peace fantasists and Palestinian apologists prefer to ignore the fact that the aim of the Palestinians is to delegitimize and destroy Israel.
What to do against thousands of rockets a day? (Reuven Pedatzur, Haaretz+) The IDF will only be able to buy a limited quantity of anti-missile systems, unless it opts to devote its entire budget to the purchase of defensive missiles.
High alert on Syrian border: 'Next attack is only a matter of time' (Yoav Zitun, Ynet) Golan Heights attack that injured four Israeli soldiers did not surprise the IDF, who continue to stay on high alert in the area and intensify operational procedures.
Decision time (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) There is no more room for maneuvering. The U.S. must decide whether to present a framework proposal or not.
Discard the false visions of a binational state (Salman Masalha, Haaretz+) The time has come to speak to the point. Both the Jews and the Arabs aren’t going anywhere. And in the absence of partition, the conflict will not be solved.
Time to recognize Hamas government (Giora Eiland, Yedioth/Ynet) We should take advantage of Hamas' growing dependence on Israel through a proper carrot and stick policy.
Time for a separate Israeli Arab parliament (Kobi Niv, Haaretz+) They need to stop playing this game for the Jews, stop 'participating' in a game where they are not included, and stop voting in the Jews’ make-believe democratic elections.
**Putin the neighborhood thug: Don't try this at home (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) Quite a few Israeli politicians are envious of Russian president, asking: 'Why don't we conquer Gaza tomorrow morning?' But Putin should not serve as an example to us.
A death blow for the ideological parties ([Far right-wing settler] Itamar Ben Gvir, Haaretz+) The governability bill is an anti-democratic legislation piece of legislation that turns the Knesset into a closed club for the wealthy and the opportunists.
Nasrallah seeks revenge without fingerprints (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) If Hezbollah is indeed behind explosive that injured four IDF soldiers, it would be considered a success that seals the current round of vengeful attacks – without taking responsibility.
Ask the Israeli people if they want peace (Aaron Magid, Haaretz+) If the Palestinians, from Abbas to Hamas, support holding their own referendum, then why does Israel’s left oppose asking the Israeli people to legitimize a peace deal?
For Abbas, peace is treason (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) The peace fantasists and Palestinian apologists prefer to ignore the fact that the aim of the Palestinians is to delegitimize and destroy Israel.
What to do against thousands of rockets a day? (Reuven Pedatzur, Haaretz+) The IDF will only be able to buy a limited quantity of anti-missile systems, unless it opts to devote its entire budget to the purchase of defensive missiles.
High alert on Syrian border: 'Next attack is only a matter of time' (Yoav Zitun, Ynet) Golan Heights attack that injured four Israeli soldiers did not surprise the IDF, who continue to stay on high alert in the area and intensify operational procedures.
Decision time (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) There is no more room for maneuvering. The U.S. must decide whether to present a framework proposal or not.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.