APN's daily news review from Israel
Tuesday April 14, 2015
Quote of the day:
“The day is coming that we won’t be able to express an opinion that is not pro-Likud.”
Channel 2 News presenter Rina Matzliach tweeted that controversial remarks about certain Netanyahu voters by actress Anat Waxman’s were neither horrible, nor racist.**
Channel 2 News presenter Rina Matzliach tweeted that controversial remarks about certain Netanyahu voters by actress Anat Waxman’s were neither horrible, nor racist.**
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Soldier from Bat Ayin indicted on serious espionage: Methodically leaked secret information to radical right-wing activists
- Asleep while on guard: Too easy to reach classified information in the IDF // Amos Harel
- Russia ended its ban on sales of S-300 missiles to Iran
- Harpaz affair: Investigation file against former to be closed former military advocate general Mandelblit
- Herzog and Netanyahu deny they secretly met and discussing forming unity government
- 2016 race to White House: The Mapainik Hillary Clinton against the glass ceiling // Chemi Shalev
- Minister Erdan: I will work to require that every citizen joins the biometric database
- Next school year: 18 days vacation for Passover again
- Author Gunter Grass died
- Staying outside // Haaretz Editorial
- “Famous for nothing” – Kim Kardashian in Israel
Yedioth Ahronoth
- The missile that is worrying the IDF
- Slap in the face // Alex Fishman
- The Holocaust survivor is no longer alone
- The colonel was saved from a rape libel – but will stand disciplinary trial for romance with a soldier
- The holiday scandals: Next Passover, the kids will be at home 17 days
- Kim festival – We escorted the glamorous couple of the world, Kim Kardashian and Kayne West, on their visit to Israel
- Weeping Arava (desert) – Painful monologue: Yair Cohen, a famer from the Arava, writes about his dream that died
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links)
- The Russian-Iranian deal: Missiles in exchange for oil
- US calms Israel: The military option – still on the table
- Doesn’t take us into account // Yossi Melman
- “Grandma was a hero” – Photo of Chassia Shilgold-Shapira holding up hands to Nazi pointing gun
- Report: One out of every four Holocaust survivors is poor
- Indictment: Serious espionage – Sgt. Elad Sela from Bat Ayin settlement leaked confidential info to radical right wing activists on future operations of police and Shin Bet
- Kim and Kayne in the Holyland
- Coalition negotiations progress: Moshe Kahlon getting closer to Netanyahu government
Israel Hayom
- Domino effect: Russia to supply surface-to-air missiles to Iran
- Boaz Bismuth reports from Washington on the battle in the Senate
- Official: Rubio running for President
- Parents prepare: Next year’s Passover holiday is 18 days!
- Guarding the memory – Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day in two days, the IDF leadership gathered for a study day at Yad Vashem
- Anat Waxman storm: Criticism from right and left-wing about her words denouncing Likud supporters
- The soldier from Bat Ayin who leaked information to right-wing activists was indicted for serious espionage
- Today: Will Rabbi Pinto, accused of giving bribes, appear in court?
News Summary:
Russia lifted its ban on sending anti-missile systems to Iran and an Israeli settler soldier was indicted on charges of severe espionage making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers. Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day, the papers had more articles on survivors.
Shortly before its announcement, Russia updated Israel that it will send its S-300 defense missile system to Iran, which is meant to protect Iran from an air attack. Israel was furious, but a number of Israeli experts were not convinced that it mattered (see Commentary/Analysis below). Maariv wrote that the Israeli Air Force has been preparing for bypassing the S-300 system and that Rafael Company developed a bomb that can respond to the S-300 system. Meanwhile, the US tried to calm Israeli concerns in a conference call with Israeli reporters. Chief nuclear negotiator Wendy Sherman said that the “US will make certain that Israel will be able to defend itself from future aggression.” She said that the military option is on the table, but that it wouldn’t stop Iran's nuclear program. “The Iranians have the knowledge and they will rebuild within two to three years. The only alternative is a negotiated solution. Any other option buys us time, but less.” Interestingly, the director of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization revealed to Reuters that Iran and Israel are cooperating under a project aimed at banning nuclear tests.
A report released ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday found that of the 45,000 Holocaust survivors living in Israel, one in four is poor and that nearly half of Israelis think another Holocaust is possible.
**The divide between Ashkenazi and Mizrachi Jews in Israel, which became greater following Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s surprise election win has been torn open even more following the comments by theater actress Anat Waxman this week. She defended her remarks that equated some Mizrachi voters for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu with the passengers on the “Chocolate Flight,” (who verbally attacked a steward), the papers reported. Waxman explained that she was not racist and not against right-wingers, how could she be, her mother is Iraqi and she had family members who fought in the Lechi ultra-nationalist pre-state underground movement. (Ynet Hebrew) Based on today’s articles, mainly right-wingers are reacting angrily to Waxman’s speaking of a certain group of Netanyahu supporters, those that call him ‘king,’ and run to vote when he warns of the Arab vote. Mizrachi stand-up comedian asked Nadav Abukasis asked: “Why does the enlightened left-wing say things like that? About Arabs it is prohibited, but about right-wing voters it is allowed?” However, Maariv reported that Channel 2 News presenter Rina Matzliach tweeted that Waxman’s remarks were “neither horrible, nor racist." Matzliach wrote: “The day is coming that we won’t be able to express an opinion that is not pro-Likud," and added, "Sorry, I can’t join the celebrations."
Russia lifted its ban on sending anti-missile systems to Iran and an Israeli settler soldier was indicted on charges of severe espionage making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers. Ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day, the papers had more articles on survivors.
Shortly before its announcement, Russia updated Israel that it will send its S-300 defense missile system to Iran, which is meant to protect Iran from an air attack. Israel was furious, but a number of Israeli experts were not convinced that it mattered (see Commentary/Analysis below). Maariv wrote that the Israeli Air Force has been preparing for bypassing the S-300 system and that Rafael Company developed a bomb that can respond to the S-300 system. Meanwhile, the US tried to calm Israeli concerns in a conference call with Israeli reporters. Chief nuclear negotiator Wendy Sherman said that the “US will make certain that Israel will be able to defend itself from future aggression.” She said that the military option is on the table, but that it wouldn’t stop Iran's nuclear program. “The Iranians have the knowledge and they will rebuild within two to three years. The only alternative is a negotiated solution. Any other option buys us time, but less.” Interestingly, the director of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization revealed to Reuters that Iran and Israel are cooperating under a project aimed at banning nuclear tests.
A report released ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day on Thursday found that of the 45,000 Holocaust survivors living in Israel, one in four is poor and that nearly half of Israelis think another Holocaust is possible.
**The divide between Ashkenazi and Mizrachi Jews in Israel, which became greater following Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s surprise election win has been torn open even more following the comments by theater actress Anat Waxman this week. She defended her remarks that equated some Mizrachi voters for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu with the passengers on the “Chocolate Flight,” (who verbally attacked a steward), the papers reported. Waxman explained that she was not racist and not against right-wingers, how could she be, her mother is Iraqi and she had family members who fought in the Lechi ultra-nationalist pre-state underground movement. (Ynet Hebrew) Based on today’s articles, mainly right-wingers are reacting angrily to Waxman’s speaking of a certain group of Netanyahu supporters, those that call him ‘king,’ and run to vote when he warns of the Arab vote. Mizrachi stand-up comedian asked Nadav Abukasis asked: “Why does the enlightened left-wing say things like that? About Arabs it is prohibited, but about right-wing voters it is allowed?” However, Maariv reported that Channel 2 News presenter Rina Matzliach tweeted that Waxman’s remarks were “neither horrible, nor racist." Matzliach wrote: “The day is coming that we won’t be able to express an opinion that is not pro-Likud," and added, "Sorry, I can’t join the celebrations."
Quick Hits:
- Aid groups urge world to push for end of Gaza blockade - With Gaza blockade in place, situation in war ravaged Strip would deteriorate and conflict would be inevitable, AIDA report says. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- For first time in years, Israeli authorities raze house in Galilee Arab town - Calls mount for Arab general strike after illegally built home in Kafr Kana is demolished. (Haaretz+)
- Strike in Kafr Kanna after night of clashes - Six protestors lightly hurt in clashes with police after officers seal off Israeli Arab neighborhood to demolish house of resident. (Ynet)
- Rights group: Israeli settlers profit from Palestinian child labor - Human Rights Watch say settlement farms, mostly in the Jordan Valley, employ children as young as 11, pay them low wages and subject them to dangerous working conditions. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- IDF soldier charged for ordering Palestinian to drive him to settlement - Palestinian man from West Bank town of Burin, near Nablus, says he thought he was being abducted and drove into a tree; soldier, who was carrying weapon at the time, charged with extortion. (Haaretz+)
- Likud official: Netanyahu mulling unity government with Herzog - A unity government would signal to the U.S. and Europe that Jerusalem wants an arrangement with the Palestinians, blunting international measures being taking against Israel. (Haaretz+)
- Survivors of Nahal Oz outpost ambush: Soldiers returned fire - Two soldiers who were stationed in an outpost attacked by a Hamas cell on the 20th day of last summer's Operation Protective Edge refute criticism of their unit's conduct during the attack, which killed five of their fellows. (Israel Hayom)
- Armed men shut down main street in Nablus - The closure of Jerusalem Street was reportedly in protest against the continued detention of 17 wanted criminals in a Palestinian Authority jail in Jericho. (Maan)
- Israel among the least religious countries in the world - Only 30% of Israelis say they are religious, survey finds; Thailand is most religious country in the world and China is the least. (Haaretz)
- Middle East Updates / ISIS launches fierce assault on Iraq's biggest oil refinery - Iraqi forces launch counter-attack against ISIS in Anbar; UN's Syria envoy to consult on new political talks; Iran suspends pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia as tensions between countries rise. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Hezbollah: Saudi Arabia to pay 'heavy price' over Yemen 'genocide' - Hezbollah deputy commander lashes out at Saudi Arabia, saying it was making a ' strategic mistake' by intervening in internal Yemen conflict, but fails to address Iran's role in conflict. (Agencies, Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
Zionist Union must resist temptation of joining Netanyahu's
government (Haaretz Editorial) The party must not betray the trust of its voters and of the
peace-and-democracy camp.
For Israel, Iran missile deal is an obstacle - but not insurmountable (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) The Israel Air Force believes any defense can eventually be breached with the appropriate investment of thought and resources.
S-300 will not prevent potential Israeli strike on Iran (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) Should Russia give Iran the advanced missile defense system it will undoubtedly effect the possibility of a military strike – but Israel's air force is well trained in the system's ins-and-outs.
Settlements, Iran and Hamas: Hillary Clinton's Israel policy (Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynet) After finally announcing her bid for the US presidency, Ynet takes a look back at Clinton's positions on Israel, starting from her time as a first lady, then as a senator, until leading US foreign policy as secretary of state.
Hillary Clinton's campaign launch reflects an increasingly liberal America (Peter Beinart, Haaretz) Despite the absence of serious primary challengers, the newly declared presidential candidate has gone left anyway.
Humiliating Obama on Iran could fuel anti-Semitism (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth/Ynet) Netanyahu can defeat Obama in battle over Iran agreement, but humiliating president of world's greatest power will serve as further 'proof' that Jews are pulling strings with their fortune.
Zionist Union, don't join Netanyahu (David Ricci, Haaretz+) It's clear the prime minister wants the center-left party to join his right-wing Likud. But Zionist Union – and Israel – have much to lose if this happens.
Why Putin is playing friendly with Iran (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) Putin's decision to provide Iran with the S-300 air defense system has three strategic goals, according to experts: Challenging US, securing Moscow's oil revenue and strengthening Russian position in the Middle East.
A political vacuum that only Netanyahu can fill (Yitzhak Laor, Haaretz+) If Netanyahu is correct, and Israel is a legitimate partner in American politics, then “national unity” is unavoidable amid this emptiness.
The news from Russia’s decision: prospects of a military option against Iran are diminishing (Yossi Melman, Maariv) We were surprised again by the Russian decision to sell their defense systems to Tehran, but our impact on Putin's foreign policy is marginal in the marginal.
Is the Iran deal more a Munich or a Versailles? (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) It can be said the nuclear agreement is like the treaty that helped cause World War II or the one that failed after World War I. Either way, Israel needs U.S. military commitments.
The resurrection of the dead (Annika Hernroth-Rothstein, Israel Hayom) My friends in Hebron are often referred to as settlers, but to me they are returners, lamplighters who allow the rest of us to find our way back home.
Will this top Democratic senator defy Obama on Iran? (Seth Lipsky, Haaretz+) Charles Schumer seeks to position himself as the Democrats' leading pro-Israel senator. But will his drive to become the party's leader in the Senate push him to back the president?
Obama undermines Clinton (Boaz Bismuth, Israel Hayom) Barack Obama would reap the rewards of a deal with Iran, while his heir -- who may be Hillary Clinton -- would have to clean up the inevitable mess.
Hillary guarantees Democrats will keep the U.S. Jewish vote (Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, Haaretz+) American Jews overwhelmingly vote Democrat, except when the presidential candidate is viewed as unsympathetic to Israel.
Between two world wars (Avi Primor, Israel Hayom) European Jews thought their sacrifice in World War I earned them social assimilation, but we all know what happened little over 20 years later.
For Israel, Iran missile deal is an obstacle - but not insurmountable (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) The Israel Air Force believes any defense can eventually be breached with the appropriate investment of thought and resources.
S-300 will not prevent potential Israeli strike on Iran (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) Should Russia give Iran the advanced missile defense system it will undoubtedly effect the possibility of a military strike – but Israel's air force is well trained in the system's ins-and-outs.
Settlements, Iran and Hamas: Hillary Clinton's Israel policy (Yitzhak Benhorin, Ynet) After finally announcing her bid for the US presidency, Ynet takes a look back at Clinton's positions on Israel, starting from her time as a first lady, then as a senator, until leading US foreign policy as secretary of state.
Hillary Clinton's campaign launch reflects an increasingly liberal America (Peter Beinart, Haaretz) Despite the absence of serious primary challengers, the newly declared presidential candidate has gone left anyway.
Humiliating Obama on Iran could fuel anti-Semitism (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth/Ynet) Netanyahu can defeat Obama in battle over Iran agreement, but humiliating president of world's greatest power will serve as further 'proof' that Jews are pulling strings with their fortune.
Zionist Union, don't join Netanyahu (David Ricci, Haaretz+) It's clear the prime minister wants the center-left party to join his right-wing Likud. But Zionist Union – and Israel – have much to lose if this happens.
Why Putin is playing friendly with Iran (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) Putin's decision to provide Iran with the S-300 air defense system has three strategic goals, according to experts: Challenging US, securing Moscow's oil revenue and strengthening Russian position in the Middle East.
A political vacuum that only Netanyahu can fill (Yitzhak Laor, Haaretz+) If Netanyahu is correct, and Israel is a legitimate partner in American politics, then “national unity” is unavoidable amid this emptiness.
The news from Russia’s decision: prospects of a military option against Iran are diminishing (Yossi Melman, Maariv) We were surprised again by the Russian decision to sell their defense systems to Tehran, but our impact on Putin's foreign policy is marginal in the marginal.
Is the Iran deal more a Munich or a Versailles? (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) It can be said the nuclear agreement is like the treaty that helped cause World War II or the one that failed after World War I. Either way, Israel needs U.S. military commitments.
The resurrection of the dead (Annika Hernroth-Rothstein, Israel Hayom) My friends in Hebron are often referred to as settlers, but to me they are returners, lamplighters who allow the rest of us to find our way back home.
Will this top Democratic senator defy Obama on Iran? (Seth Lipsky, Haaretz+) Charles Schumer seeks to position himself as the Democrats' leading pro-Israel senator. But will his drive to become the party's leader in the Senate push him to back the president?
Obama undermines Clinton (Boaz Bismuth, Israel Hayom) Barack Obama would reap the rewards of a deal with Iran, while his heir -- who may be Hillary Clinton -- would have to clean up the inevitable mess.
Hillary guarantees Democrats will keep the U.S. Jewish vote (Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, Haaretz+) American Jews overwhelmingly vote Democrat, except when the presidential candidate is viewed as unsympathetic to Israel.
Between two world wars (Avi Primor, Israel Hayom) European Jews thought their sacrifice in World War I earned them social assimilation, but we all know what happened little over 20 years later.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.