APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday December 17, 2014
Word of the day:
Word of the day:
Shahid.
--Official title given Tuesday by government of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to some 150 Jewish
Iranians who fell in the Iran-Iraq War.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- US to support UN decision that won’t include unilateral move
- Russian economy on edge of collapse: Despite rise in interest rate, ruble at historic low
- 141 killed in attack on school in Pakistan
- Obstacle to joining the National Union party: Yishai’s list won’t include women
- Drop in contribution of graduates of pre-military prep schools to IDF: Fewer are choosing officer, command and career paths
- Battalion commander in Givati suspected of sexual harassment of female soldier
- Famous people and an app: The plan to make the Bible more accessible
Yedioth Ahronoth
- 132 children were massacred – The killing by Taliban at a school in Peshawar continued for 8 hours
- Where is the world? // Ben-Dror Yemini
- Europe decided: Hamas is not a terror organization
- Poor are working full-time – Rise in number of poor working families
- The poverty that is outside the report // Yifat Biton and Vardit Avidan
- Adelle is waiting for a miracle // Adelle Biton, 4, who was seriously wounded in a terror attack [stone-throwing incident – OH] lit the first Hannukah candle last night
- Collapse of the empire – Following the drop in oil prices: Russia’s economy is crashing
- The battle succeeded – The awarding of a prestigious prize to the poet Yitzhak Laor was cancelled, when it was claimed he sexually harassed women
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- (Taliban) Massacre at the school (in Pakistan)
- 1.6 million poor in Israel – every fifth Israeli
- Better, but still bad // Yehuda Sharoni
- Likely: US will veto the Palestinian Authority proposal for a Palestinian state
- Senior member of Kahlon’s campaign: Lapid activists are defecting to us en masse; Yesh Atid: They opened a offensive against us
- Russia on edge of economic collapse: Ruble dropped by 22%
- The scandal that is shaking the IDF: Sexual offenses, arms theft and harassment in the combat battalion (of Givati)
Israel Hayom
- Kerry to Palestinians: Postponement or veto
- Following with concern: Russia’s economy is crashing
- Want to eat junk food? From today, order ‘zalelet’ (new word in Hebrew)
- From Operation Protective Edge (‘Tzuk Eitan’) to Eitan’s light – lighting a candle on Hannukah
- Suspicion: Battalion commander in Givati sexually harassed and covered up report on accidents
- Terror in Pakistan: Taliban terrorists broke into school and murdered more than 100 children
- Tonight: 2nd candle of Hannukah
News Summary:
The massacre of school children in Peshawar and the collapsing Russian economy were top stories in Israeli newspapers today along with the US decision to back a UN resolution to end the occupation – as long as it did not include recognition of a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, the police have arrested the leader and nine other members of the Jewish anti-Arab organization, Lehava, the Palestinians declared their desire to join the International Criminal Court at The Hague and another young Palestinian was killed during clashes with Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli newspapers were unclear still whether the US would use its veto power for Israel this week at the UN Security Council on proposals to end the Israeli occupation within two years. It appears the US would accept a proposal of ending the occupation within two years, but without recognition of a Palestinian state at the end of that period. Former Israeli president Shimon Peres also asked the French to delay their UN resolution so that there was no unilateral move that dictated a time frame to the recognition of a Palestinian state. Kerry reportedly told senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat that the US would veto the Palestinian’s version of the UN resolution 'to end the occupation.' However, Kerry also said that the status quo was unsustainable and urged return to the negotiating table. A Palestinian source said chances improved the UN proposal would be a compromise between the Palestinian and the French versions.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Palestinians addressed the International Criminal Court for the first time saying they have consensus to join the tribunal in the hopes of seeking justice for Israel's alleged crimes. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called the request “chutzpah” saying that “The Palestinian Authority, which pays tribute to base terrorist murderers, comes to accuse the Israel Defense Forces, the world's most ethical army, of war crimes.”
In an early morning raid on their homes across the country, police arrested 10 members of the anti-Arab Lehava group, including its leader, Bentzi Gopstein, who was accused of incitement to racist violence. That came a day after an indictment was filed against three suspects in the arson attack on the Arab-Jewish Bi-lingual Yad B’Yad school in Jerusalem. The papers noted that they were not charged with a hate crime despite the graffiti calling Arabs ‘cancer’ and their connection to Lehava.
What did not make headlines in the Hebrew newspapers was the killing of Mahmoud Adwan, 20, in Qalandiya refugee camp yesterday by Israeli soldiers making an arrest raid in the neighborhood. According to the right-wing Israeli Hayom newspaper, Adwan threw an improvised explosive device at Israeli troops. According to Ynet, Adwan was watching from the roof of his home when he was shot. Ironically, thirty Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli soldiers that broke out as he was being buried. Over 10,000 people participated in Adwan’s funeral procession, some chanting calls for retaliation.
The massacre of school children in Peshawar and the collapsing Russian economy were top stories in Israeli newspapers today along with the US decision to back a UN resolution to end the occupation – as long as it did not include recognition of a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, the police have arrested the leader and nine other members of the Jewish anti-Arab organization, Lehava, the Palestinians declared their desire to join the International Criminal Court at The Hague and another young Palestinian was killed during clashes with Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli newspapers were unclear still whether the US would use its veto power for Israel this week at the UN Security Council on proposals to end the Israeli occupation within two years. It appears the US would accept a proposal of ending the occupation within two years, but without recognition of a Palestinian state at the end of that period. Former Israeli president Shimon Peres also asked the French to delay their UN resolution so that there was no unilateral move that dictated a time frame to the recognition of a Palestinian state. Kerry reportedly told senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat that the US would veto the Palestinian’s version of the UN resolution 'to end the occupation.' However, Kerry also said that the status quo was unsustainable and urged return to the negotiating table. A Palestinian source said chances improved the UN proposal would be a compromise between the Palestinian and the French versions.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Palestinians addressed the International Criminal Court for the first time saying they have consensus to join the tribunal in the hopes of seeking justice for Israel's alleged crimes. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called the request “chutzpah” saying that “The Palestinian Authority, which pays tribute to base terrorist murderers, comes to accuse the Israel Defense Forces, the world's most ethical army, of war crimes.”
In an early morning raid on their homes across the country, police arrested 10 members of the anti-Arab Lehava group, including its leader, Bentzi Gopstein, who was accused of incitement to racist violence. That came a day after an indictment was filed against three suspects in the arson attack on the Arab-Jewish Bi-lingual Yad B’Yad school in Jerusalem. The papers noted that they were not charged with a hate crime despite the graffiti calling Arabs ‘cancer’ and their connection to Lehava.
What did not make headlines in the Hebrew newspapers was the killing of Mahmoud Adwan, 20, in Qalandiya refugee camp yesterday by Israeli soldiers making an arrest raid in the neighborhood. According to the right-wing Israeli Hayom newspaper, Adwan threw an improvised explosive device at Israeli troops. According to Ynet, Adwan was watching from the roof of his home when he was shot. Ironically, thirty Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli soldiers that broke out as he was being buried. Over 10,000 people participated in Adwan’s funeral procession, some chanting calls for retaliation.
Quick Hits:
- Israeli test of Arrow 3 fails for second time - and defense ministry waffles again - For second time in a few months, ministry does not initially admit that trial of Arrow anti-ballistic missile went awry. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Report: Hezbollah spies Mossad agent in its ranks - Former head of external ops in Lebanese Shi'ite militia group joined Israeli espionage agency and thwarted retaliatory acts, report says. (Haaretz and Ynet)
- High Court rules Gazan can't attend son's West Bank funeral - Court turns down rights group's appeal to allow Bakr Hafi, 44 – who Israeli authorities say poses a security risk – to see infant son 'for first and last time.' The petition was filed by the Israeli human rights group Hamoked. (Haaretz+)
- Palestinian teen arrested for trying to 'stab Zionist to death' - 15-year-old Palestinian detained by Israeli forces after civilian (in West Bank) calls emergency hotline regarding suspicious youth armed with knife. (Ynet)
- Police believe Israeli killed in bungled robbery - not terror attack - Three Palestinians were arrested in relation to the death of 63-year-old farmer Avraham Ben Zion in the Jordan Valley. (Haaretz+)
- Palestinian Official: Gush Etzion stab suspect was harassed by settler - (Amal Jamal) Taqatqa, 22, from Beit Fajjar, reportedly engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with the settler after he verbally abused her, causing a minor scratch to the settler's neck, Qaddura said. “At that point, the settlers asked an Israeli soldier who was in the area to shoot the girl.” (Maan)
- Who's spying on the Israeli embassy in Oslo? - Surveillance equipment found hidden near buildings in Norwegian capital; media speculate foreign country responsible. (Ynet)
- IDF soldier sells assault rifle to known criminals - Soldier is suspected of stealing a new Tavor assault rifle and other weapons to sell to criminals from Jaffa. 11 suspects arrested in the case. Police document the transaction as soldier and two reservists receive $13,800 for the rifle. (Israel Hayom)
- (Controversial right-wing singer) Amir Benayoun’s elections song: “I thought about voting for (Israeli communist party) Hadash or for ISIS” – The singer continues to post songs to his Facebook page, this time on the intentions of left-wing and center voters. In between the lines it is possible to find criticism of (Labor party chief) Herzog and of (Shas chief) Deri. (Maariv)
- Lawyer: Police must respond to body release complaint - An Israeli central court on Tuesday gave the public prosecution 48 hours to respond to his request for information on the corpses of Ghassan and Odai Abu Jamal who carried out an attack in West Jerusalem last month. (Maan)
- Moody's: Elections could hurt Israel's credit rating - Political uncertainties could "dampen economic confidence, delay the implementation of growth-boosting reforms and hinder fiscal planning for the next two years," agency says in new report. Treasury declines to comment, says report focused on politics. (Israel Hayom)
- Israeli and Palestinian children recreate 1914 truce soccer match - British diplomats host "Football Remembrance" matches marking the 100th anniversary of the legendary First World War Christmas truce soccer game between German and Allied troops. Event in Haifa hosted by the British diplomatic mission. (Agencies, Israel Hayom)
- Every third person killed in a car accident – is Arab - This year 103 people were killed from the Arab sector, 14 of them infants up to the age of four, most of them in accidents in their yard. This is despite the fact that Arab society is estimated at 20% of the Israeli population, yet the rate of Arab fatalities reaches about 34% of the total fatalities this year. (Maariv)
- Israeli embassy in Cairo moving - Israeli Foreign Ministry asking Israeli government to build new complex in Cairo for Israeli embassy at unprecedented cost of 100 million shekels to account for complex security requirements. Original building abandoned in September 2011 after thousands of demonstrators stormed it. (Yedioth, p. 20)
- Shocked by Sydney siege, Aussie Jews refuse to let terror reign - Communal leaders express shock at 'crazed and destructive act of terror' at cafe, and aim to hold local holiday celebrations as planned. (Haaretz+)
- After siege, Australians offer support to Muslim compatriots - Social media campaign catches fire to stave off retaliatory anti-Muslim violence after Sydney cafe hostage siege; users offer to travel on public transit with those in Islamic dress who feel unsafe. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Increasing number of Turkish Jews flee over safety concerns - 37 percent of Jewish high school graduates reportedly prefer leaving Turkey to study abroad, and these numbers are rapidly increasing. (Haaretz)
- **Remembrance ceremony for fallen Jews - In Iran - In Teheran on Tuesday, a monument was inaugurated in memory of some 150 Jewish Iranians killed in the Iran-Iraq war of the '80's. This was the first time the Jews received an official recognition as 'shahids' (martyrs) from the regime, another gesture by the government of President Rouhani to reconcile with the Jewish world and disconnect from the anti-Semitism of his predecessor, Ahmedinejad. Some 20,000 Jews live in Iran today. (Yedioth, p. 36)
- Irish Holocaust memorial group retracts ban on mentioning Israel - Holocaust Education Trust Ireland does about face in wake of criticism of original decision. (JTA, Haaretz)
Features:
For Americans sending aid to IDF soldiers, rules of engagement vary
There is a range of initiatives raising money stateside for Israeli soldiers, but sending U.S. Jewish aid to the Israel Defense Forces can be a touchy subject. (JTA, Haaretz)
JNF Blue Box – OUT; Israeli startups - IN
1,000 people from all over the world took part last week in a Jerusalem conference on the Internet investment platform OurCrowd. (Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
There is a range of initiatives raising money stateside for Israeli soldiers, but sending U.S. Jewish aid to the Israel Defense Forces can be a touchy subject. (JTA, Haaretz)
JNF Blue Box – OUT; Israeli startups - IN
1,000 people from all over the world took part last week in a Jerusalem conference on the Internet investment platform OurCrowd. (Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Hanukkah in a dark Israel: There's more than one way to defile a Temple (Bradley
Burston, Haaretz+) Maybe, if only by vile example, the racists and supremacists have something
positive to teach us about Hanukkah, after all. Something about re-dedication of this defiled Temple, which we
call the state of Israel.
Automatic American veto era is coming to an end (Alon Pinkas, Yedioth/Ynet) Even if the US vetoes the Palestinians' UN bid, it will be a bitter veto which should set off a particularly loud alarm bell in Jerusalem.
Is the Israeli-Iranian conflict also being waged over money? (Haaretz Editorial) Over the past 20 years, Israel's disputed oil pipeline has been used as a unique communications channel between Israel and Iran.
Empty Palestinian threats (Elyakim Haetzni, Yedioth/Ynet) Terrorists in suits are threatening Israel with a UN bid, but history shows that Security Council resolutions are futile.
Israel responding to boycott waves like Saddam Husseim or Khamanei (Zvi Bar’el, Haaretz+) No Waze, no stents, no drip irrigation, no cyber-security: These, says Bennett, are the 10 plagues Israel will bring on the world if it even dares to boycott it.
Peace camp has it all wrong (Daniel Doron, Israel Hayom) Turning the PA -- a gang-infested mafia-like enterprise that has been oppressing its people -- into a state will only make the Palestinians' lives more miserable.
In Gaza, Hamas shows off weapons and girds for fresh fight (Elior Levy, Ynet) With no rehabilitation in sight and promised money not forthcoming, Gaza's militant rulers are testing rockets and boasting of their tunnels, even as the Strip's residents pay the price.
Defense Minister Ya’alon's warped worldview (Uzi Benziman, Haaretz+) The defense minister's judgment is shaped by his psychological attitude to Palestinians' (or 'Arabs') – not by a rational analysis of events.
Not ISIS -- ISISism (Yoav Limor, Israel Hayom) Attacks like the one seen in Australia encourage copycats, and the news coverage it received might inspire others to carry out similar acts.
Automatic American veto era is coming to an end (Alon Pinkas, Yedioth/Ynet) Even if the US vetoes the Palestinians' UN bid, it will be a bitter veto which should set off a particularly loud alarm bell in Jerusalem.
Is the Israeli-Iranian conflict also being waged over money? (Haaretz Editorial) Over the past 20 years, Israel's disputed oil pipeline has been used as a unique communications channel between Israel and Iran.
Empty Palestinian threats (Elyakim Haetzni, Yedioth/Ynet) Terrorists in suits are threatening Israel with a UN bid, but history shows that Security Council resolutions are futile.
Israel responding to boycott waves like Saddam Husseim or Khamanei (Zvi Bar’el, Haaretz+) No Waze, no stents, no drip irrigation, no cyber-security: These, says Bennett, are the 10 plagues Israel will bring on the world if it even dares to boycott it.
Peace camp has it all wrong (Daniel Doron, Israel Hayom) Turning the PA -- a gang-infested mafia-like enterprise that has been oppressing its people -- into a state will only make the Palestinians' lives more miserable.
In Gaza, Hamas shows off weapons and girds for fresh fight (Elior Levy, Ynet) With no rehabilitation in sight and promised money not forthcoming, Gaza's militant rulers are testing rockets and boasting of their tunnels, even as the Strip's residents pay the price.
Defense Minister Ya’alon's warped worldview (Uzi Benziman, Haaretz+) The defense minister's judgment is shaped by his psychological attitude to Palestinians' (or 'Arabs') – not by a rational analysis of events.
Not ISIS -- ISISism (Yoav Limor, Israel Hayom) Attacks like the one seen in Australia encourage copycats, and the news coverage it received might inspire others to carry out similar acts.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.