APN's daily news review from Israel
Monday June 02, 2014
Quote of the day:
"The quality of the Palestinian government and its makeup are the Palestinians’ business. Just as
Israel or any other country cannot dictate the composition of the Egyptian or Jordanian governments, so it must
be with the Palestinian government."
--Haaretz Editorial calls on Israel to recognize the new Palestinian unity government.**
--Haaretz Editorial calls on Israel to recognize the new Palestinian unity government.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- Suspect arrested in Brussels: French citizen who trained in Syria
- European youth who join jihad // Amos Harel
- A central mistake led to catching the terrorist // Anshel Pfeffer
- The protest of the (Palestinian) administrative detainees expands: 125 are hunger-striking over one month, 70 were hospitalized
- The suspect in Kiryat Gat does not have AIDS
- The wealth of the 500 richest people in Israel grew by 18%
- The gift for graduates of officers' course: A book by Har-Tzion that boasts killing Arabs
Yedioth Ahronoth
- "I shot" - Suspect in attack in Brussels: Muslim from Al-Qaeda
- I won my mother back // Daphna Rechter, daughter of deceased actress Hanna Maron
- King of (Ashdod) port in handcuffs
- Fear of AIDS gone: (Disturbed) Woman who slept with dozens of boy is not a carrier
- Shavuot holiday lite - Celebrating without gaining weight
- Where now - After the glory and the loss, (judoka) Arik Ze'evi tries to find himself anew
- This is how to fight poverty - The government does not like the recommendations the committee for fighting poverty is preparing
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links)
- The terrorist from Brussels arrested on the way to another attack
- Palestinian unity government to be sworn-in in Ramallah today
- Last show and departure - In an exceptional act, actress Hannah Maron's admirers parted from her (at the cemetery) with an applause
- Will of Rabbi Ovadia (Yosef) was revealed - Most of his property - to his youngest son
- 10-year-old (from Abu Snan village) slipped into sewage reservoir - drowned and died
Israel Hayom
- Murders in the name of jihad - Suspect in the Brussels massacre: French citizen of Algerian ethnicity who joined Al-Qaeda in Syria
- Trojan horse in Europe // Boaz Bismuth
- The problem: Jihad youth // Claude Kundiyoti
- Bennett, "the brother" who fights for Nonie Moses (Yedioth publisher)
- From the ends of the country we brought the first fruits
- Sex scandal in the south: Legal advisor at social services ordered not to file a complaint (against the disturbed woman who had sex with dozens of schoolboys)
- Today: Fatah and Hamas expected to declare the new government; In Israel, furious
- The screen closed: Hannah Maron was laid to rest to the sound of applause
- Advancing: Evolution to become part of school curriculum
News Summary:
The jihadi suspect in the murder of two Israelis in Brussels and the expected swearing-in today of the Palestinian unity government were among the top stories in today's Hebrew papers.
Maariv reported that Jewish organizations in Europe are concerned about the young Muslim citizens of the continent, who go to fight in Syria "and turn into ticking bombs." While Mahdi Namush's arrest brought a sense of relief to the Jewish community in Europe, there is also fear that this could be the first harbinger of a wave of terrorism involving jihadists trained in Syria's civil war. The Chief Rabbi of Brussels said: "If it's loners (behind the attacks), it is more alarming."
With the swearing-in of the Palestinian unity government taking place today, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu began Sunday urging the world not to recognize it, saying "This will not strengthen peace, this will strengthen terror." Netanyahu told the security cabinet meeting that US Secretary of State John Kerry promised Israel that America will not immediately recognize the new Palestinian unity government. But a Palestinian official said that Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, who is heading the new unity government, was invited for an official visit to Washington and that US officials had told Palestinian officials that the new government would have the US administration's support. The US denied this, saying it will decide whether it will work with the new government only after it has seen the final formation. All the ministers of the new government will be technocrats who are said not to be identified with any political party and the new government’s platform is expected to declare acceptance of the terms of the Middle East Quartet – recognition of Israel, rejection of terror, and to honor previously signed agreements.
Kerry spoke Sunday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by phone about the new unity government and "expressed concern about Hamas's role" and the government's commitment to the Quartet's principles, said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki. "President Abbas assured the secretary that the new government would be committed to these principles." Abbas also said that intra-Palestinian moves should not affect Israel's diplomacy with the new government. Kerry and Abbas are expected to meet Wednesday in Amman, according to Jordanian daily newspaper al-Arab al-Yawm. Yesterday, Hamas said there were still issues of disagreement that needed to be addressed before the swearing-in today.
The jihadi suspect in the murder of two Israelis in Brussels and the expected swearing-in today of the Palestinian unity government were among the top stories in today's Hebrew papers.
Maariv reported that Jewish organizations in Europe are concerned about the young Muslim citizens of the continent, who go to fight in Syria "and turn into ticking bombs." While Mahdi Namush's arrest brought a sense of relief to the Jewish community in Europe, there is also fear that this could be the first harbinger of a wave of terrorism involving jihadists trained in Syria's civil war. The Chief Rabbi of Brussels said: "If it's loners (behind the attacks), it is more alarming."
With the swearing-in of the Palestinian unity government taking place today, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu began Sunday urging the world not to recognize it, saying "This will not strengthen peace, this will strengthen terror." Netanyahu told the security cabinet meeting that US Secretary of State John Kerry promised Israel that America will not immediately recognize the new Palestinian unity government. But a Palestinian official said that Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, who is heading the new unity government, was invited for an official visit to Washington and that US officials had told Palestinian officials that the new government would have the US administration's support. The US denied this, saying it will decide whether it will work with the new government only after it has seen the final formation. All the ministers of the new government will be technocrats who are said not to be identified with any political party and the new government’s platform is expected to declare acceptance of the terms of the Middle East Quartet – recognition of Israel, rejection of terror, and to honor previously signed agreements.
Kerry spoke Sunday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by phone about the new unity government and "expressed concern about Hamas's role" and the government's commitment to the Quartet's principles, said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki. "President Abbas assured the secretary that the new government would be committed to these principles." Abbas also said that intra-Palestinian moves should not affect Israel's diplomacy with the new government. Kerry and Abbas are expected to meet Wednesday in Amman, according to Jordanian daily newspaper al-Arab al-Yawm. Yesterday, Hamas said there were still issues of disagreement that needed to be addressed before the swearing-in today.
Quick Hits:
- After evicting Palestinians, Israel seeks to legalize outpost in firing zone - State claimed in 2012 that zone is necessary for military purposes, but ignores seven buildings in West Bank outpost, Avigayl, which trespass on same area. (Haaretz+)
- Prisoner Release bill deferred to cabinet discussions - Attorney general notes 'legal difficulties' in bill that would make it illegal to release Palestinian terrorists. Habayit Hayehudi leader Bennett rages as Prime Minister Netanyahu has second thoughts after consulting with attorney general. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Israel bans Muslim call to prayer in Hebron 53 times in May - Hundreds of extremist Jewish settlers have taken over homes in Hebron's Old City and Israeli authorities use their presence in the southern West Bank city as an excuse to prevent the mosque to sound the call five times a day, as per Islamic custom. (Maan)
- Israel: Nuclear whistle-blower Vanunu can't address British parliament - State claims Mordechai Vanunu is still a threat to security a decade after his release from prison. (Haaretz+)
- Netanyahu blasts Steinitz for public criticism of security establishment - PM tells minister to stay out of debate on defense budget, desist from 'personal attacks' on defense minister and IDF chief of staff. (Haaretz+)
- Shin Bet [says] thwarts 11 kidnapping plots orchestrated from Israeli jails - Palestinian prisoners instruct other terrorists to kidnap Israeli soldiers, citizens to secure their own release in prisoner exchange. (Ynet)
- Israel okays plan to teach theory of evolution at middle schools - Education Ministry approves plan; question mark remains over whether religious state schools will teach the subject as part of science curriculum. (Haaretz+)
- Jerusalem committee approves master plan to preserve historic neighborhoods - German and Greek Colonies, Talbiyeh and Katamonim [pre-'48 Arab neighborhoods] will be subject to comprehensive redevelopment. (Haaretz+)
- Israel's cabinet approves $18m increase in Diaspora initiative - Finance Minister Yair Lapid casts lone vote against spending on Jewish-themed programs abroad meant to connect young Jews to their Jewish identity and to Israel. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Abbas appoints new governors in Bethlehem, Nablus and Jenin - According to the sources, Abbas has decided to appoint Akram Rajoub as governor of Nablus replacing Jibreen al-Bakri who will become governor of Bethlehem, replacing Abdul-Fattah Hamayil. (Maan)
- Israel tells Europe's right-wing parties to shun neo-Nazis - Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman says Israel will not recognize political blocs with ties to neo-Nazi, racist' parties. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Live from New York City: 50th annual Celebrate Israel Parade - Jewish and pro-Israel groups gather in the Big Apple for parade heralded as 'largest gathering in the world to support Israel.' (Ynet)
- Anti-NIF protest a no-show at N.Y.’s mostly-Orthodox Israel parade - In lieu of actual demonstrators, group objecting to LGBT participants hired Hispanic day workers to hold up signs. (Haaretz+)
- Son of Israel's ex-counterrorism chief claims Bush to blame for 1988 death - Adopted son of Silvan Shalom and Judy Shalom Nir-Mozes tells Channel 2 he believes his natural father, a top counter-terrorism official, was purposely killed in a plane crash to shut him up about Iran-contra scandal. (Haaretz+)
- Tel Aviv, Jerusalem hotels some of the priciest in the world - According to the Bloomberg news agency, the average nightly rate in a Tel Aviv hotel is $223, while a night at a Jerusalem hotel averages $203. The most expensive cities in the world for hotel guests are Geneva, Dubai and Kuwait. (Israel Hayom)
- India seeks man's extradition over plot to bomb Israeli, U.S. consulates - Suspect was arrested by Malaysian authorities in mid-May for planning an attack on Israeli consulate in Bangalore and U.S. consulate in Chennai. (Haaretz)
- Qatar accused of paying $5 million to be named World Cup host - British newspaper The Sunday Times says it obtained millions of secret documents proving that former Qatari FIFA vice president lobbied on his country's behalf ahead of the December 2010 vote. Qatar's bid committee denies links to former FIFA official. (Agencies, Israel Hayom)
- Report: Iranian court sends Facebook users to jail for criticizing regime - Defendants punished for 'insulting the supreme leader ... sacrilege and spreading lies,' according to opposition website. (Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
**Recognize the new Palestinian government (Haaretz Editorial) Israel's refusal to deal with the Fatah-Hamas coalition is both
puzzling and damaging.
Background of Brussels suspect confirms West's worst fears (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) The profile of the French Muslim- a veteran of the Syrian conflict- suspected of carrying out the Jewish Museum attack follows a familiar pattern.
Why Jesus was a Hebrew-speaker (Randall Buth, Haaretz+) Hebrew, and not only Aramaic, was a spoken language at the time of Jesus, but PM Netanyahu’s exchange with the pope wasn’t only academic: It’s a debate with a clear religious and cultural subtext.
Can global diplomacy solve Mideast conflict? (Sever Plocker, Yedioth/Ynet) Senior strategists believe it's time to replace Netanyahu and Abbas' indecision with the resolve of Obama, Putin, Merkel and al-Sisi.
Don’t tell Europe’s Jews to leave (David Harris, Haaretz+) Calls for Jews to leave Europe as a response to recent anti-Semitic attacks are unhelpful and simplistic: Most European Jews will stay put, and Europe must defend its Jews – and its deepest values.
A look ahead: The Sissi era (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) Sissi's need for stability is vital, and the Muslim Brotherhood is still in the way.
It’s either Israel, or the occupation (Oudeh Basharat, Haaretz+) Occupation of the Palestinians has become, among other things, like therapy for the trauma of Europe.
Iran and the Arab world (Elliott Abrams, Israel Hayom) In the Arab world, the issue is not Iran's nuclear program but its aggression, subversion, and interference in Arab politics.
Israel's Islamic movement: the enemy within (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) Is it reasonable and sensible to permit the northern branch of the Islamic Movement to function when their activities are obviously aimed at the destruction of Israel?
Report Israel wiretapped Clinton likely not baseless (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth/Ynet) It's quite possible that US president had fallen victim to Israeli effort to hear what Assad had to say about talks with Israel.
For Hamas, it’s Palestinian unity for the sake of survival (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Israeli efforts to strip the Palestinian government of its legitimacy could embroil the Jewish state in an unexpected conflict.
The structural problem of Arab businesses (Avital Lahav, Ynet) While government believes future growth potential of Israeli economy lies within Israel's Arab population, the new measures will struggle to overcome structural problems within the sector.
Background of Brussels suspect confirms West's worst fears (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) The profile of the French Muslim- a veteran of the Syrian conflict- suspected of carrying out the Jewish Museum attack follows a familiar pattern.
Why Jesus was a Hebrew-speaker (Randall Buth, Haaretz+) Hebrew, and not only Aramaic, was a spoken language at the time of Jesus, but PM Netanyahu’s exchange with the pope wasn’t only academic: It’s a debate with a clear religious and cultural subtext.
Can global diplomacy solve Mideast conflict? (Sever Plocker, Yedioth/Ynet) Senior strategists believe it's time to replace Netanyahu and Abbas' indecision with the resolve of Obama, Putin, Merkel and al-Sisi.
Don’t tell Europe’s Jews to leave (David Harris, Haaretz+) Calls for Jews to leave Europe as a response to recent anti-Semitic attacks are unhelpful and simplistic: Most European Jews will stay put, and Europe must defend its Jews – and its deepest values.
A look ahead: The Sissi era (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) Sissi's need for stability is vital, and the Muslim Brotherhood is still in the way.
It’s either Israel, or the occupation (Oudeh Basharat, Haaretz+) Occupation of the Palestinians has become, among other things, like therapy for the trauma of Europe.
Iran and the Arab world (Elliott Abrams, Israel Hayom) In the Arab world, the issue is not Iran's nuclear program but its aggression, subversion, and interference in Arab politics.
Israel's Islamic movement: the enemy within (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) Is it reasonable and sensible to permit the northern branch of the Islamic Movement to function when their activities are obviously aimed at the destruction of Israel?
Report Israel wiretapped Clinton likely not baseless (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth/Ynet) It's quite possible that US president had fallen victim to Israeli effort to hear what Assad had to say about talks with Israel.
For Hamas, it’s Palestinian unity for the sake of survival (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Israeli efforts to strip the Palestinian government of its legitimacy could embroil the Jewish state in an unexpected conflict.
The structural problem of Arab businesses (Avital Lahav, Ynet) While government believes future growth potential of Israeli economy lies within Israel's Arab population, the new measures will struggle to overcome structural problems within the sector.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.