APN's daily news review from Israel
Monday November 17, 2014
Quote of the day:
"If you ask why the right wing wins, the answer is because it has convinced the vast majority of the
collective that its material interest dictates the oppression of the other."
--Haaretz+ commentator Oudeh Basharat discusses a Yedioth poll that asked readers whether they thought Israel should put a closure on the West Bank.**
--Haaretz+ commentator Oudeh Basharat discusses a Yedioth poll that asked readers whether they thought Israel should put a closure on the West Bank.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- Ultra-Orthodox parties: They offered us to join an alternative government; Coalition crisis worsens: Livni scuttles the ‘Nation-state bill’
- What does Netanyahu want // Yossi Verter
- Basic Law: Discrimination // Aeyal Gross
- Shin Bet established synagogue: “Masada heroism”
- ISIS released video of mass execution
- Suspicion of attack in Jerusalem: 35-year-old man moderately injured, apparently from stabbing from screwdriver
- New details on EU sanctions: Recalling ambassadors and boycotting settlers
- Another new plan for grades 1-9: “Appreciation Day for Wounded of Israel’s Wars”
- Heavy storms across country: floods in center
Yedioth Ahronot
- Swinging coalition
- Quiet, voting // Nahum Barnea
- Not rushing // Sima Kadmon
- Dream Team - Israeli national soccer team beat Bosnia 3:0 in impressive game
- Inheritance battle over (Shulamit) Aloni’s home
- Humiliation in class - “Shut your mouth,” “nothing will come of you”: You thought teachers don’t talk that way anymore? You were wrong
- The after shock - Operation Protective Edge dragged the economy into its first negative growth in five years
- China is waiting for you - If you are aged 20-30 and speak English there is a surprising offer for you
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- The fracture coalition // Ben Caspit
- Young (ultra-Orthodox) man stabbed with screwdriver in Old City - Terror returned to capital
- Blue and white victory (in soccer)
- Revenge that failed - The blackmail at Leumi Card
- For the first time since 2009: Negative growth in Israeli economy
Israel Hayom
- Agreement or elections
- Politicians, where is your responsibility? // Dan Margalit
- “Courtyard discussions?” Courtyard revolutions // Mati Tuchfeld
- For the first time since 2009: Negative growth
- We have a national (soccer) team!
- Bill: Prohibition of use of cellular phone while walking in crosswalk
- Suspicion of (terror) attack in Jerusalem: Ultra-Orthodox young man stabbed with screwdriver
- Without inhibitions: ISIS beheaded another American
- Coming to a storm: Winter is here, and with it floods and traffic jams across the country
News Summary:
Today’s Hebrew papers say the coalition crisis is at a climax and that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamini Netanyahu may have plans to change the make-up of the coalition, making the top story along with the national soccer team’s victory against Bosnia and the first negative growth in Israel in five years, which is a result of Operation Protective Edge. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman opposed the European Union plan for sanctions against Israel and said it would not change Israel’s ways, but would harm peace.
Yair Lapid is demanding that the 2015 budget be passed or the country goes to elections and his Yesh Atid party accuse Netanyahu of trying to block the budget. Hatunua leader Justice Minister Tzipi Livni scuttled the passing of the controversial nation-state bill that enshrines Israel as the state of the Jewish people, that the far right-wing members of Netanyahu’s coalition supported. The pro-Netanyahu Israel Hayom called it a ‘dirty trick’. There is talk that Netanyahu could replace Lapid’s Yesh Atid and Tzipi Livni’s Hatnuah with ultra-Orthodox parties.
Haaretz+ had more details about the document of sanctions against Israel that the EU is preparing if Israel crosses ‘red lines’ in its settlement construction over the Green Line. These include recalling European ambassadors and banning settlers from entry [although many settlers have US and European passports so it's questionable whether that's possible. - OH] Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Israel-EU ties should not be tied to relations between Israel and the Palestinians and that Israel will never limit settlement building in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu said that European states’ unilateral recognition of 'Palestine' would only push peace back.
Today’s Hebrew papers say the coalition crisis is at a climax and that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamini Netanyahu may have plans to change the make-up of the coalition, making the top story along with the national soccer team’s victory against Bosnia and the first negative growth in Israel in five years, which is a result of Operation Protective Edge. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman opposed the European Union plan for sanctions against Israel and said it would not change Israel’s ways, but would harm peace.
Yair Lapid is demanding that the 2015 budget be passed or the country goes to elections and his Yesh Atid party accuse Netanyahu of trying to block the budget. Hatunua leader Justice Minister Tzipi Livni scuttled the passing of the controversial nation-state bill that enshrines Israel as the state of the Jewish people, that the far right-wing members of Netanyahu’s coalition supported. The pro-Netanyahu Israel Hayom called it a ‘dirty trick’. There is talk that Netanyahu could replace Lapid’s Yesh Atid and Tzipi Livni’s Hatnuah with ultra-Orthodox parties.
Haaretz+ had more details about the document of sanctions against Israel that the EU is preparing if Israel crosses ‘red lines’ in its settlement construction over the Green Line. These include recalling European ambassadors and banning settlers from entry [although many settlers have US and European passports so it's questionable whether that's possible. - OH] Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Israel-EU ties should not be tied to relations between Israel and the Palestinians and that Israel will never limit settlement building in East Jerusalem. Netanyahu said that European states’ unilateral recognition of 'Palestine' would only push peace back.
Quick Hits:
- Man stabbed in central Jerusalem in suspected terrorist attack - According to the police, a Jewish man in his thirties was stabbed in the back with screwdriver in the vicinity of the Damascus Gate. (Haaretz+)
- IDF gravely wounds Palestinian boy attempting to cross border fence - 10-year-old Gazan boy hit by IDF fire after approaching Israel's border fence with Gaza, failing to heed soldiers' warnings. (Ynet)
- Abbas must stop inciting violence, Netanyahu warns -"It is impossible to stop the violence if the incitement that leads to the violence is not stopped," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says at Sunday's cabinet meeting • U.N. Security Council to meet on Monday to discuss the Middle East. (Israel Hayom)
- UN Gaza inquiry team hears testimonies in Jordan - Israel has forbidden access to the West Bank and Gaza by the team, which is investigating possible war crimes by Israel during the last Gaza war. (Haaretz)
- Norwegian doc vows to defy Israeli ban from Gaza - Citing security reasons, Israel prevented entry into Gaza last month of Mads Gilbert, an outspoken critic who treated Palestinians during the summer war. The Norwegian embassy in Tel Aviv announced that it would challenge the ban. (Haaretz)
- Tibi at al-Aqsa (Mosque): 'We own this place' - Arab MK visits Temple Mount despite calls to calm tensions; worshippers tell Tibi he is 'better than all Arab leaders in the world.' (Ynet)
- Arab MK: There was no Jewish temple on Temple Mount - Balad leader MK Jamal Zahalka says Jewish temple is "a myth" at a Kafr Qara protest. MK Hanin Zoabi (Balad), MK Basel Ghattas (Balad), MK Afu Agbaria (Hadash) participate in a 100-person protest march in Umm al-Fahm, where many condemned government. (Israel Hayom)
- Tel Aviv bar comes under fire for allegedly banning uniformed soldier - After the initial uproar, bar owners apologize for 'misunderstood' joke, stress that staff served in elite army units. (Haaretz+)
- Schools to honor wounded in war and terror, but program criticized for militarism - Next month's Appreciation Day will teach 'significance of sacrifice, giving and heroism on behalf of the people and the country.' (Haaretz+)
- The Ministry of Education has published a plan against racism - The new program is a continuation of the tutorial on the subject of intolerance and racism, which opened the school year following Operation Protective Edge. (Maariv)
- Police suspect Israeli-Arab teacher infiltrated Syria to join Islamic State - Sallah al-Din Mahmeed believed to have entered Syria with wife; he was arrested two months ago for smuggling Islamic State-related objects to Israel and later released. (Ynet)
- WATCH: 'Iran is your enemy,' Netanyahu tells Americans on Face the Nation - The prime minister noted that the Iranian leader had recently called for Israel's destruction. (Haaretz)
- WATCH: Netanyahu addresses Temple Mount tensions - PM's YouTube channel unveils response to accusations that Israel is trying to change the status quo on site holy to Jews and Muslims. (Haaretz)
- Israel’s economy registers negative growth, for first time in five years - The summer’s war against Hamas; a massive drop in foreign tourism and less investment in residential construction blamed for .4% contraction in third quarter. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- For expat CEOs, Israel is the low-cost posting - Of four locations, Israel has the lowest costs, but also the highest taxes. (Haaretz+)
- The New York film festival that pulls the 'other' Israel into focus - The Other Israel Film Festival believes it is vital to build bridges between the country's fractious communities, especially now. (Haaretz+)
Features:
How Masada became a private playground
Bar mitzvahs, performances for corporate employees, other events now held on venerated site. (Shuki Sadeh, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Bar mitzvahs, performances for corporate employees, other events now held on venerated site. (Shuki Sadeh, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
**Israeli masters, Palestinian slaves (Oudeh Basharat, Haaretz+) The right wing is winning because it has convinced the vast majority of the
Jewish collective that its material interest dictates the oppression of the other.
It is possible to prevent the third Intifada (Uri Savir, Maariv) The third intifada, which will strengthen the radicals and harm the economy, can be prevented. Enough to freeze settlement activity as a basis for negotiations, in order to prevent an outbreak of violence.
All signs point toward ethnocracy, not democracy, in Israel (Aeyal Gross, Haaretz+) Democratic countries define themselves as belonging to all their citizens, not just some of them. Israel is headed in the opposite direction with its Basic Law on Israel as nation-state of the Jews.
Lieberman - not smart, not right (Ran Adelist, Maariv) It is not clear why the foreign minister was pressed to prevent the entry of his Colombian counterpart into Ramallah. And what good will come from restricting the entry to Gaza of the (UN Human rights) Schabas Committee members?
It's not what the public wants, it's what Netanyahu wants (Sima Kadmon, Yedioth/Ynet) The coalition can solve all of its disputes, but if the prime minister decides this is a convenient time for him to call elections, he will find every reason to disband the government.
Let the settlers show how to make peace (Sarah Beck, Maariv) At the Gush At Mahmoud home in the Gush Etzion Regional Council, dialogues meetings are held between Palestinians and settlers, with the knowledge that none of them would give up his land. Sarah Beck was there and left with a letter to Abbas.
Otherwise Occupied || Guardians of Israel (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Petitions to the High Court on relations between Israeli authorities and the country’s non-Jewish citizens and residents have far-reaching significance.
When interests carry the day (Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Why are Livni, Landau and Shamir undermining democracy? Is it because they are too afraid of being scorned by Lieberman?
The Shin Bet needs a chief who'll clean the place up (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) Current head Yoram Cohen is squabbling with the army chief and crafting a religious-Zionist Shin Bet. Israel needs someone better.
It all comes down to trust (Dr. Gabi Avital, Israel Hayom) The heads of the military and the Shin Bet should know better than to let ego get in the way of their work.
Israel's security organizations paying the price of endless chatter (Eitan Haber, Yedioth/Ynet) Even in the social media era, an army and a security service in every country – especially in a state fighting for its life – can only exist and operate under a veil of secrecy.
The Israeli Arab silent majority must prove they are law-abiding citizens (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) What really happened in Kafr Kana last weekend? The future of Jewish-Arab relations are at stake; both the Israeli government and the Arab citizens have work to do.
Safeguard the Druze's integration (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) The Abu Snan brawl was a microcosm of a much larger feud over the desired degree of integration in Israeli society.
Israeli Arab society is splintered, without any room for hope (Jack Khoury, Haaretz+) The mass altercation between Muslims and Druze over the weekend in the town of Abu Snan is not just another local incident – it’s a reflection of Arab society in Israel.
Israel's peace delusionists (Shaul Rosenfeld, Ynet) Those who praised Oslo Agreement and disengagement from Gaza still have plenty of human raw material left for their experiments in Judea and Samaria vicinity.
It is possible to prevent the third Intifada (Uri Savir, Maariv) The third intifada, which will strengthen the radicals and harm the economy, can be prevented. Enough to freeze settlement activity as a basis for negotiations, in order to prevent an outbreak of violence.
All signs point toward ethnocracy, not democracy, in Israel (Aeyal Gross, Haaretz+) Democratic countries define themselves as belonging to all their citizens, not just some of them. Israel is headed in the opposite direction with its Basic Law on Israel as nation-state of the Jews.
Lieberman - not smart, not right (Ran Adelist, Maariv) It is not clear why the foreign minister was pressed to prevent the entry of his Colombian counterpart into Ramallah. And what good will come from restricting the entry to Gaza of the (UN Human rights) Schabas Committee members?
It's not what the public wants, it's what Netanyahu wants (Sima Kadmon, Yedioth/Ynet) The coalition can solve all of its disputes, but if the prime minister decides this is a convenient time for him to call elections, he will find every reason to disband the government.
Let the settlers show how to make peace (Sarah Beck, Maariv) At the Gush At Mahmoud home in the Gush Etzion Regional Council, dialogues meetings are held between Palestinians and settlers, with the knowledge that none of them would give up his land. Sarah Beck was there and left with a letter to Abbas.
Otherwise Occupied || Guardians of Israel (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Petitions to the High Court on relations between Israeli authorities and the country’s non-Jewish citizens and residents have far-reaching significance.
When interests carry the day (Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Why are Livni, Landau and Shamir undermining democracy? Is it because they are too afraid of being scorned by Lieberman?
The Shin Bet needs a chief who'll clean the place up (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) Current head Yoram Cohen is squabbling with the army chief and crafting a religious-Zionist Shin Bet. Israel needs someone better.
It all comes down to trust (Dr. Gabi Avital, Israel Hayom) The heads of the military and the Shin Bet should know better than to let ego get in the way of their work.
Israel's security organizations paying the price of endless chatter (Eitan Haber, Yedioth/Ynet) Even in the social media era, an army and a security service in every country – especially in a state fighting for its life – can only exist and operate under a veil of secrecy.
The Israeli Arab silent majority must prove they are law-abiding citizens (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) What really happened in Kafr Kana last weekend? The future of Jewish-Arab relations are at stake; both the Israeli government and the Arab citizens have work to do.
Safeguard the Druze's integration (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) The Abu Snan brawl was a microcosm of a much larger feud over the desired degree of integration in Israeli society.
Israeli Arab society is splintered, without any room for hope (Jack Khoury, Haaretz+) The mass altercation between Muslims and Druze over the weekend in the town of Abu Snan is not just another local incident – it’s a reflection of Arab society in Israel.
Israel's peace delusionists (Shaul Rosenfeld, Ynet) Those who praised Oslo Agreement and disengagement from Gaza still have plenty of human raw material left for their experiments in Judea and Samaria vicinity.
Interviews:
Glick speaks: "The Temple Mount must be a Jew" -
A few weeks before the assassination attempt on Yehuda Glick, Glick met Haim Griedinger for an extraordinary conversation about the most volatile place in the Middle East, about the operational plans for the construction of a (Jewish Holy) Temple (on the Temple Mount) and the success in drafting hundreds of rabbis who gave their approval for Jews to go up the Temple Mount (where it has always been considered sacrosanct). (Maariv)
Glick speaks: "The Temple Mount must be a Jew" -
A few weeks before the assassination attempt on Yehuda Glick, Glick met Haim Griedinger for an extraordinary conversation about the most volatile place in the Middle East, about the operational plans for the construction of a (Jewish Holy) Temple (on the Temple Mount) and the success in drafting hundreds of rabbis who gave their approval for Jews to go up the Temple Mount (where it has always been considered sacrosanct). (Maariv)
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.