APN's daily news review from Israel
Thursday November 12, 2015
Quote of the day:
"Dr. Bibi and Mr. Netanyahu say opposite things depending on the time and the
audience.”
--MK Essawi Freij (Meretz) yesterday. Arab MKs rejected Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's statement this week that he made "a mistake" when he said on the eve of elections that 'Arabs are flocking in droves to the polls.'
--MK Essawi Freij (Meretz) yesterday. Arab MKs rejected Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's statement this week that he made "a mistake" when he said on the eve of elections that 'Arabs are flocking in droves to the polls.'
Breaking News:
Undercover Israeli forces pretending to escort a pregnant woman, storm Palestinian hospital ward, detain a wanted patient and shoot dead his cousin.
(Maan+VIDEO, Ynet, Times of Israel, Haaretz+ and Maariv)
Front Page:
Haaretz
- European Union begins labeling products from settlements and the Golan
- Shin Bet: Terrorists are motivated from a despairing reality and the feeling of national, personal and economic deprivation
- (Haaretz’s) Israel Peace Conference:
- Rivlin: The left and the right are burying their heads in the sand
- UN Secretary General: The leadership failed after Oslo
- Shas spiritual leader called on security forces to refuse orders to evacuate (and demolish) synagogue (on privately owned Palestinian land)
- Breakthrough in discussions between IDF and Ministry of Finance over military pension reform
- Diary of (Culture Minister) Regev’s associate: String of culture jobs to be given to Likud activists
- 56% of welfare budgets given to men
- Attorney General ordered (Minister) Ariel to give budget for spaying street cats
- Actually Hilary Clinton won in the fourth Republican debate // Chemi Shalev
- Critical timing // Haaretz Editorial
- Lost the path // Gideon Levy
- Corruption on the highways // Avi Bar-Eli
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Miri Regev about the Attorney General: “What garbage”
- Miri trip // Nahum Barnea
- Double standard // Ben-Dror Yemini
- The European disconnection // Yifat Ehrlich
- Boycott against a boycott
- “I won’t let the evil defeat me” – Rachel Eisenkott, who was stabbed by a terrorist in Rishon L’tsion, returns to the moment of terror
- Dangerous anesthesia
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- (Settlement products:) Labeled
- No free lunches // Ben Caspit
- Report: Israel attacked again in Syria
- The quiet terror – Hundreds of incidents of stone-throwing on roads in north
- Soldiers of Ethiopian-descent: We were forced to pay bribes in order to bring our families to the country
- For the first time since being appointed: Minister of Finance leaves for business trip in the US
Israel Hayom
- Shame of Europe – Storm over labeling products; Netanyahu: “It’s immoral, the EU needs to be ashamed”
- Again, Europe labels us // Boaz Bismuth
- Report: “Israel attacked near Damascus airport”
- Prime Minister returns from US: Summoned coalition leaders over their behavior surrounding the budget and voting
- Ahead of the appointment of the new Police Commissioner: Raise of 1,500 shekels to non-commissioned officers in police and prison service
News Summary:
Israel reacted to European Union labeling of settlement products, the IDF reportedly attacked in Syria and Culture Minister Miri Regev was caught on tape calling the Attorney General ‘trash’ making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers. Also in the news, the Shin Bet reveals that Palestinian youth are attacking Israelis because of their sense of personal, economic and national despair and discrimination.
Netanyahu was angry and settlers were worried over the EU decision to label settlement goods from E. Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Golan Heights. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin cancelled his meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels and EU Ambassador to Israel, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where he was informed Israel was suspending diplomatic dialogue in several important European forums. Faaborg-Andersen told Maariv that "labeling products is just a minor technical step” and that Israel "should keep things in proportion, this is not a boycott.” Interestingly, in his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Netanyahu expressed interest in restarting talks with the Palestinians: “We need to resume the political process so that the boycott won’t be expanded.” (Maariv)
Meanwhile, Palestinian groups have called off their meetings with the Mayor of London because he said it was “foolish” to boycott Israel. (Also, Maan and Times of Israel) Among Jews, views were divided. Some Jewish groups opposed the settlement product labeling, but others, such as Americans for Peace Now as well as Meretz and Joint List MKs praised it as a victory for human rights. And in the Knesset, a bill banning boycott backers from entering Israel passed a preliminary reading.
Echoing recent statements by Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, a Shin Bet report said that feelings of national discrimination, as well as economic, personal and psychological problems, are motivating Palestinian youth to attack Israeli civilians and security forces. The attackers, seven of whom were women, are acting on their own, said the Shin Bet. The Shin Bet gave its statistics for attacks.
What the report did not list as a motivation was the revenge aspect. In court yesterday, Muawiya Alqam, the 13 (or 14) year old Palestinian boy who attacked a security guard on the Jerusalem light rail said he was motivated by the killing of his cousin who committed an attack in October, the papers reported, without naming who the cousin was.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that under Israeli occupation, security and stability were unattainable. Abbas added that settlements, violence, and state terror -- including executions, holding the bodies of killed Palestinians, arbitrary detentions and home demolitions -- would not stop Palestinians from moving forward on the road to freedom, sovereignty and independence, Maan wrote.
Israel reacted to European Union labeling of settlement products, the IDF reportedly attacked in Syria and Culture Minister Miri Regev was caught on tape calling the Attorney General ‘trash’ making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers. Also in the news, the Shin Bet reveals that Palestinian youth are attacking Israelis because of their sense of personal, economic and national despair and discrimination.
Netanyahu was angry and settlers were worried over the EU decision to label settlement goods from E. Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Golan Heights. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin cancelled his meeting at EU headquarters in Brussels and EU Ambassador to Israel, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where he was informed Israel was suspending diplomatic dialogue in several important European forums. Faaborg-Andersen told Maariv that "labeling products is just a minor technical step” and that Israel "should keep things in proportion, this is not a boycott.” Interestingly, in his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Netanyahu expressed interest in restarting talks with the Palestinians: “We need to resume the political process so that the boycott won’t be expanded.” (Maariv)
Meanwhile, Palestinian groups have called off their meetings with the Mayor of London because he said it was “foolish” to boycott Israel. (Also, Maan and Times of Israel) Among Jews, views were divided. Some Jewish groups opposed the settlement product labeling, but others, such as Americans for Peace Now as well as Meretz and Joint List MKs praised it as a victory for human rights. And in the Knesset, a bill banning boycott backers from entering Israel passed a preliminary reading.
Echoing recent statements by Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, a Shin Bet report said that feelings of national discrimination, as well as economic, personal and psychological problems, are motivating Palestinian youth to attack Israeli civilians and security forces. The attackers, seven of whom were women, are acting on their own, said the Shin Bet. The Shin Bet gave its statistics for attacks.
What the report did not list as a motivation was the revenge aspect. In court yesterday, Muawiya Alqam, the 13 (or 14) year old Palestinian boy who attacked a security guard on the Jerusalem light rail said he was motivated by the killing of his cousin who committed an attack in October, the papers reported, without naming who the cousin was.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that under Israeli occupation, security and stability were unattainable. Abbas added that settlements, violence, and state terror -- including executions, holding the bodies of killed Palestinians, arbitrary detentions and home demolitions -- would not stop Palestinians from moving forward on the road to freedom, sovereignty and independence, Maan wrote.
Quick Hits:
- Shas spiritual leader calls to refuse to demolish synagogue built on Palestinian land - Senior Mizrahi rabbis sign letter calling not to carry out High Court order to destroy illegally built synagogue in Givat Ze’ev by Nov. 17. (Haaretz+ and Israel Hayom)
- Two Israelis arrested after beating Bedouin man outside Be’er Sheva mall - Security guard detained Salman Abu Madia contrary to procedures, even though he did not intend to enter mall; soldier also arrested after beating was caught on camera. (Haaretz+)
- The Joint List party does not forgive Netanyahu: "His sweet talk won’t hide his incitement (against Arabs)" - The party rejected the remarks Netanyahu made during his US visit, that his statement on the eve of elections that “Arabs are flocking in droves to the polls” was "a mistake." Arab MK Essawi Freij (Meretz) also rejected Netanyahu's apology: "Dr. Bibi and Mr. Netanyahu say opposite things depending on the time and the audience.” (Maariv)
- Bennett Blasts Netanyahu: Talk About Ceding Territory in Midst of Terror Wave Is Reward for Terrorists - Education Minister reacts to PM's speech at Center for American Progress, where he said he does not rule out unilateral steps in the West Bank; Likud says PM's comments misunderstood. (Haaretz+)
- After criticism from the coalition, Netanyahu made it clear: "(I) have no intention of evacuating or uprooting communities (settlements)" - After the prime minister said Tuesday that a unilateral move in the West Bank would be possible under certain conditions - he explained that the intention was “the possibility of unilateral steps but specifically those that would strengthen security interests." (Maariv)
- 70 injured in West Bank clashes during Arafat commemoration marches - Large rallies were held in Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and other West Bank cities to commemorate the late president's death in 2004, with crowds of people waving Palestinian flags and carrying portraits of Arafat. One protester, shot in the chest with live fire, is in a critical condition. (Maan)
- 13 injured by live fire as clashes break out in Qalandiya refugee camp during Israeli raid - All Palestinians admitted were shot in their lower extremities during the clashes, medics said. Residents said 16-year-old camp resident Faris Abu al-Esh was shot before being detained and his condition is not known. (Maan)
- Israeli troops detain 14-year-old Palestinian from Silwan school - Israeli forces on Wednesday detained a 14-year-old Palestinian boy from his school in Silwan in occupied East Jerusalem after storming the campus. (Maan)
- Israeli forces raid, shut down stores in Nablus village - Israeli soldiers raided dozens of stores in Huwwara, seizing their surveillance cameras, before ordering their closure, after locals reportedly threw stones and Molotov cocktails at settlers' cars traveling through the village. (Maan)
- Palestinian woman who stabbed Israeli guard in critical condition - The woman, identified as Hilwa Salim Darwish, 25, from Bethlehem's Hussan village, is currently being held in the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem and is in "very critical" condition, her lawyer said. (Maan)
- Israeli authorities demolish 3 wells in northern West Bank - Israeli forces accompanied bulldozers into the village of Tinnik northwest of Jenin where they destroyed the wells. (Maan)
- Brazilian Jews accuse popular singer of surrendering to anti-Semitism - Caetano Veloso, who visited a West Bank village after a July performance in Tel Aviv, announced that due to Palestinian 'oppression' he will not return to Israel. (Haaretz)
- Lebanon detains (local) UN staffer for allegedly spying for Israel - The force, known as UNIFIL, said in a statement that after reviewing the information provided by authorities. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- New Israeli consulate general opened in Munich - In close vicinity to Adolf Hitler's former office, the new Israeli consulate general in Munich has opened its doors. The building is close to the former headquarters of the National Socialists as well as to the former “Führer's building.” (Ynet)
- New IAF drone's star set to rise - Hermes 900 "Star" unmanned aerial vehicle becomes fully operational, joins existing air force lineup. New UAV designed for long-endurance tactical missions, can remain airborne for 30 hours. It will "revolutionize the drone world," senior officer says. (Israel Hayom)
- IDF and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon reach breakthrough on defense budget reforms - Defense officials believe the sides will compromise on a budget of 60 or 61 billion shekels a year for the next five years. (Haaretz+)
- WATCH: 'Stonehenge' monument in Golan Heights fuels ancient mystery - Known as Rujm el-Hiri in Arabic, meaning the 'stone heap of the wild cat,' the complex has five concentric circles, the largest more than 152 meters wide, and a massive burial chamber in the middle. (Haaretz)
- A treasure trove of 'ancient' archaeology tucked away in Gaza - Nafez Abed, an expert archaeologist, preserver and restorer, presides over an emporium of Middle Eastern antiquity that is tucked away in the Strip. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Steinitz say offshore gas exploration to accelerate in next few months - 'There is still the potential for new discoveries in our economic waters,' says Israel's energy minister, who recently met officials from dozens of energy firms. (Haaretz)
Commentary/Analysis:
Israel's Approach to Terror Erodes Its Democracy (Haaretz Editorial) Instead of collecting corpses and jailing children, Israel should
resume negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in order to reach a two-state
solution.
European hypocrisy: Why single Israel out? (Ofir Haivry, Ynet) There are thousands of conflict areas worldwide, and hundreds of areas where EU doesn't recognize the sovereign government, yet Europe chooses to label products from one region only.
Israelis Without a Country (Eran Yashiv, Haaretz+) There are two entities here, with the State of Dan carrying the State of Judea on its back as the latter becomes more and more religious and extremist.
Netanyahu shows D.C. liberals why he’s the 'armor-plated bullshitter’ (Peter Beinart, Haaretz+) Instead of admitting his opposition to a Palestinian state, Netanyahu twisted the concept beyond recognition.
Netanyahu and Obama: Not all is forgotten (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth/Ynet) Monday's White House meeting marks the beginning of the Israeli prime minister's probation period. The Americans will now follow him closely to ensure that he does not violate any of his renewed declarations-promises.
Israelis and Palestinians Need Two States Before It Is Too Late (Ban Ki-Moon, Haaretz) After so many years of setbacks, we must spare no effort to bring the sides back to meaningful negotiations.
King Bibi rules, but he's weaker than you think (Asher Schechter, Haaretz+) Israelis may idolize Benjamin Netanyahu, but they worship at the church of the status quo.
This Is What the Moral Decline of Society Looks Like (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) A sane society wound not incarcerate children as young as 12, but would instead try to treat the roots of their motivation.
A grim omen (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) The EU's product labeling plan is akin to the yellow Star of David. It is the first step on a road whose end is unknown.
The EU Is Disengaging From the Settlements Not From Israel (Anders Persson, Haaretz+) Rather than boycotting Israel, the EU’s new 'differentiation strategy' specifically separates out the democratic and internationally recognized Israel within the 1967 borders - with whom it seeks close ties - from the non-democratic and non-recognized settlements.
There are no free lunches: The European boycott arrived because we ignored the writing on the wall (Ben Caspit, Maariv) Almost everyone expressed disgust and righteous indignation at the European boycott on the settlements. This writing was on the wall in huge letters, and we ignored it. Our problem.
To regain its credibility, Israel's left must hold Palestinians accountable for violence (Steven Klein, Haaretz) Can the peace camp reboot its principles, while insisting the Palestinians also hold themselves accountable for their actions?
Netanyahu tries bringing back the Dems (Richard Baehr, Israel Hayom) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a sophisticated understanding of American politics, and is aware that damage has been done to the historic bipartisan support for Israel.
American aid will be the death of Israel (David Rosenberg, Haaretz+) One can only hope that Netanyahu's unfathomable strategy of alienating Washington, even the Democrats, while seeking more aid, won't work – at any level.
Netanyahu Wasn’t Bluffing Obama (Israel Harel, Haaretz+) Even in Jerusalem, to which he swore eternal loyalty again and again, Netanyahu has built less than any other prime minister.
Netanyahu's Overtures Come Too Little, Too Late (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) The prime minister made the international community fed up with him, and by doing so, made it fed up with Israel as well.
European hypocrisy: Why single Israel out? (Ofir Haivry, Ynet) There are thousands of conflict areas worldwide, and hundreds of areas where EU doesn't recognize the sovereign government, yet Europe chooses to label products from one region only.
Israelis Without a Country (Eran Yashiv, Haaretz+) There are two entities here, with the State of Dan carrying the State of Judea on its back as the latter becomes more and more religious and extremist.
Netanyahu shows D.C. liberals why he’s the 'armor-plated bullshitter’ (Peter Beinart, Haaretz+) Instead of admitting his opposition to a Palestinian state, Netanyahu twisted the concept beyond recognition.
Netanyahu and Obama: Not all is forgotten (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth/Ynet) Monday's White House meeting marks the beginning of the Israeli prime minister's probation period. The Americans will now follow him closely to ensure that he does not violate any of his renewed declarations-promises.
Israelis and Palestinians Need Two States Before It Is Too Late (Ban Ki-Moon, Haaretz) After so many years of setbacks, we must spare no effort to bring the sides back to meaningful negotiations.
King Bibi rules, but he's weaker than you think (Asher Schechter, Haaretz+) Israelis may idolize Benjamin Netanyahu, but they worship at the church of the status quo.
This Is What the Moral Decline of Society Looks Like (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) A sane society wound not incarcerate children as young as 12, but would instead try to treat the roots of their motivation.
A grim omen (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) The EU's product labeling plan is akin to the yellow Star of David. It is the first step on a road whose end is unknown.
The EU Is Disengaging From the Settlements Not From Israel (Anders Persson, Haaretz+) Rather than boycotting Israel, the EU’s new 'differentiation strategy' specifically separates out the democratic and internationally recognized Israel within the 1967 borders - with whom it seeks close ties - from the non-democratic and non-recognized settlements.
There are no free lunches: The European boycott arrived because we ignored the writing on the wall (Ben Caspit, Maariv) Almost everyone expressed disgust and righteous indignation at the European boycott on the settlements. This writing was on the wall in huge letters, and we ignored it. Our problem.
To regain its credibility, Israel's left must hold Palestinians accountable for violence (Steven Klein, Haaretz) Can the peace camp reboot its principles, while insisting the Palestinians also hold themselves accountable for their actions?
Netanyahu tries bringing back the Dems (Richard Baehr, Israel Hayom) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a sophisticated understanding of American politics, and is aware that damage has been done to the historic bipartisan support for Israel.
American aid will be the death of Israel (David Rosenberg, Haaretz+) One can only hope that Netanyahu's unfathomable strategy of alienating Washington, even the Democrats, while seeking more aid, won't work – at any level.
Netanyahu Wasn’t Bluffing Obama (Israel Harel, Haaretz+) Even in Jerusalem, to which he swore eternal loyalty again and again, Netanyahu has built less than any other prime minister.
Netanyahu's Overtures Come Too Little, Too Late (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) The prime minister made the international community fed up with him, and by doing so, made it fed up with Israel as well.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.