APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday March 30, 2016
Quote of the day:
"In a normal country,...the state is the one that dictates the army’s mode of behavior and determines
its values, not vice versa. But in the Israel of 2016, that, absurdly enough, would be a recipe for disaster.
For if the army were to adopt the country’s values, the IDF would have to execute many more civilians than it
has so far."
--Haaretz journalist and commentator Zvi Bar’el writes that something is fundamentally wrong when the head of the military is the country's standard bearer for liberalism, values and human rights.
You Must Be Kidding:
“Since the incident, we have been harassed as if we are the criminals. We are all living in fear, mostly my wife and children. One of the girls has not left the house for days out of a fear they will attack her.” --Emad Abu-Shamsiyah.
"In the eyes of people who don’t agree with you, you become immediately a traitor of Israel." -- Yehuda Glick.
--Since the incident caught on video in which an IDF soldier shot in the head and killed a wounded Palestinian assailant lying on the ground, both Emad Abu Shamsiyah, the Palestinian who filmed the video, and Yehuda Glick, the far right-wing Temple Mount activist who called the killing 'horrific,' have received death threats from right-wing Israelis.
--Haaretz journalist and commentator Zvi Bar’el writes that something is fundamentally wrong when the head of the military is the country's standard bearer for liberalism, values and human rights.
You Must Be Kidding:
“Since the incident, we have been harassed as if we are the criminals. We are all living in fear, mostly my wife and children. One of the girls has not left the house for days out of a fear they will attack her.” --Emad Abu-Shamsiyah.
"In the eyes of people who don’t agree with you, you become immediately a traitor of Israel." -- Yehuda Glick.
--Since the incident caught on video in which an IDF soldier shot in the head and killed a wounded Palestinian assailant lying on the ground, both Emad Abu Shamsiyah, the Palestinian who filmed the video, and Yehuda Glick, the far right-wing Temple Mount activist who called the killing 'horrific,' have received death threats from right-wing Israelis.
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Fraud squad investigating two senior politicians for graft
- Head of Police Investigations Unit against the Police Commissioner: There are no complaints of sexual harassment and not because it ended
- Chief of Staff to distribute special letter within the army to stop the incitement (against the IDF brass)
- Katsav’s attorney slammed Katsav’s victims
- (Actor Moshe) Ivgi questioned at police and sent to house arrest
- Chief Justice: Some of the government’s criticism of the High Court is inappropriate to be said in a democracy
- Egyptian plane hijacked to Cyprus and caused panic for hours
- Education system leadership changing: The chief pedagogue: a religious educator
- Racist law // Haaretz Editorial
- Academic pyramid // Lior Dattal
- Why is construction in Israel so ugly? Architects try to explain
- (Minister) Deri suspected of graft
- The Shooting Soldier affair: He will be put on trial, but not for murder
- (Actor) Moshe Ivgi affair - under house arrest
- Suspicion of rape in the bathroom of the Mann Auditorium Culture Hall
- The trial of the masses – Hundreds stood in solidarity outside military court demanding release of the ‘Shooting Soldier’
- Anger at the gate of the court // Noam Amir at the support demonstration
- Their hero of Israel // Eyal Levi at the solidarity rally
- Channel 2: Senior politician suspected in serious corruption affair
- Ivgi under house arrest
- “I’m prepared to perform in Gaza, but not over the Green Line” – Actress Dafna Rechter reveals her political red lines
- Run to fill tanks: Gas prices jump tomorrow
- Attorney General: Probe into issues connected to Interior Minister Deri
- Chief of Staff will distribute open letter about IDF values
- Brig. Gen. Buchris and his accuser have face-off
- The ‘idiot’ who hijacked a plane
- At the end of the questioning: Ivgi was sent to house arrest
- US and the Europeans: Iran violated the nuclear agreement with the testing of ballistic missiles
News Summary:
The suspicion of graft against already once convicted Interior Minister Arye Deri, the continued fiery debate over the ‘Shooting Soldier’ and numerous reports related to accusations of rape and sexual harassment were top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers.
Hundreds of Israelis attended the two rallies in support
of the ‘Shooting Soldier,’ who was caught on video shooting dead an injured and neutralized Palestinian assailant. Maariv’s Noam Amir reported that the crowd outside the military court, where the soldier’s detention was extended for two more days, shouted expletives against the Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, as well as against the reporters present. Maariv reported on two ‘particularly ugly’ incidents, in which the crowd cursed the Ethiopian-Israeli reporter for Channel 2 and then began to “growl” at him as he was exiting the gate. “Tagenia tried to smile towards the demonstrators and continue towards the exit, but he was stopped by military police who feared for his safety.” And whenever Channel 10’s reporter, Or Heller, tried to speak to the camera, demonstrators yelled curses such as ‘fifth column,’ ‘son of Hitler,’ ‘I wish you would get throat cancer,’ ‘traitor of Israel,’ and more. Police present did not intervene. At the rally in Ramleh, which both the vulgar Likud MK Oren Hazan and the far right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman attended, participants demanded the release of the ‘Hero of Israel.’ “I am a disabled IDF veteran and I won’t let my son serve in the army,” said one father. MK Hazan: “Every terrorist needs to end an incident with a bullet in his head.” Maariv reporter Eyal Levy noted that there wasn’t a single person at the rally who was horrified by the video of the shooting by the soldier in Hebron. “The message was singular: A terrorist needs to die.”
The incitement by some Israelis against the military and their belief in a different set of values led the Chief of Staff Eisenkot to send soldiers a special letter clarifying the rules of engagement so that no such incident happens again. A soldier from the Kfir Brigade, the same brigade where the ‘Shooting Soldier’ serves, said that the rules were known. "We receive these orders in briefings before carrying out (missions)," he told Ynet. "The (commanders) are telling us that it is better to neutralize without killing for intelligence purposes and to prevent (public) discontent."
The Palestinian man in Hebron who filmed the killing of the wounded assailant has received death threats, as has Yehuda Glick, a far-right-wing activist, who condemned what appears to be an extra-judicial killing. [See translation of interview with him in Interviews below.] Veteran radio journalist Razi Barkai was reprimanded for saying that there are Israeli soldiers who murder and the girlfriend of an IDF officer who was killed by a Palestinian refused slammed an attempt to use his death as support for the Hebron killing. "Uri did not believe in shooting someone who is neutralized on the ground, even if he were a terrorist,” said Einat Bing, the girlfriend of the late Lt. Uri Binamo, Maariv reported. Bing rejected the comparison made between Binamo’s death and the controversial incident in Hebron. In a Facebook post she wrote: "This is not Uri’s legacy. He would come home with a clear conscience." Bing spoke out after a disabled IDF veteran wrote on Facebook that the case of the shooting soldier in Hebron was similar to the incident in which he allegedly could have opened fire but instead followed the rules and did not shoot and the terrorist blew up, killing Binamo.
Quick Hits:
- Israel Supreme Court president slams government for 'vitriol' over gas deal ruling - 'Things were said that shouldn’t be said,' Justice Miriam Naor says, after ministers and lawmakers criticize court for nixing government's deal with natural gas firms. (Haaretz)
- Palestinian incitement increases leading up to Passover - Hamas issues statement calls for all Palestinians and Israeli Arabs to 'rally around the al-Aqsa mosque and protect it from mass invasion'; a documentary claims Israel is carrying out excavations towards the mosque. (Ynet)
- Off-duty security guards allowed to carry weapons - Wave of terrorism prompts Knesset to approve temporary provision relaxing Firearms Law. Public Security Ministry: Move will bolster public's sense of security. Zionist Union MK: Putting more guns on the streets won't boost security, only insecurity. (Israel Hayom)
- Bills granting tax breaks to Israeli settlers pass first Knesset readings - Zionist Union MK Merav Michaeli: This is creeping annexation and encouragement of investment in settlements. (Haaretz+)
- Israel Police seek indictment against 2 left-wing activists for offenses related to West Bank land transactions - Suggestion comes after inquest raised suspicions of involvement of Ezra Nawi and Guy Butavia in conspiracy and other offenses. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli judge rejects Arab-Jewish activists' lawsuit over army harassment - Ruling comes despite video evidence showing Ta’ayush volunteers being verbally and physically harassed by soldiers while accompanying Palestinian farmers to their land. (Haaretz+)
- Radio journalist Razi Barkai said live: "There are IDF soldiers who are murderers" and was reprimanded - The veteran presenter was criticized Monday after voicing condemnation of the soldier who shot the (already shot and prone) terrorist in Hebron. Barkai was interviewing IDF Major (res.) Tuvia Brukner, who said that the complete support for the B’tselem cameras is "a very dangerous step to commanders and soldiers on the ground." Following a complaint by a right-wing activist, Barkai was reprimanded. Recently he (raised a storm when he) compared the (feelings of) bereaved Israelis and Palestinians. (Maariv)
- Actress Dafna Richter ready to appear in Gaza and not in settlements - The actress and singer launches her first album in Hebrew and provides some controversial political statements. (Maariv)
- Budget for protecting Israeli communities near Gaza - taken 'hostage' by (settler) Agriculture Minister Ariel - 42 million shekels meant for the Gaza area communities are stuck because Minister Uri Ariel is not willing to transfer them until budgets are made for settlements. (Yedioth, p. 8)
- "Hiel, Happy Purim”: left-wing activist sent a letter with Nazi symbols to (Likud) MK Nava Boker - Following her bill to significantly harshen penalties for causing harm to the state flag, Gideon Spiro sent MK Boker a letter showing Israeli flags with the symbol of the Nazi party. Naveh: "The word 'art' has long become a worn joke and a weapon in the hands of the extremists." (Maariv)
- Israel's chief rabbi denies urging the expulsion of non-Jews - Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef also denies Israeli media reports he had sanctioned killing Palestinian assailants once they have been wounded or taken into custody. (Haaretz)
- Israel's New N.Y. Envoy Dani Dayan Calls J Street 'un-Jewish' - Before his appointment became public, former settler leader Dayan slammed liberal advocacy group for 'endorsing all the anti-Israel candidates.' (Haaretz)
- Defunded for politics, Israeli Arab theater reaches deal with state - Attorney general told culture minister that he would be hard pressed to defend funding cut-off of Al-Midan theater due to freedom of expression issues. (Haaretz+)
- Senior IDF general: Ban on Palestinian produce in E. Jerusalem harming Israel - Coordinator of government activities in the territories slams Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel’s decision to bar sale of meat and dairy from PA. (Haaretz+)
- Court: No compensation for Bedouin child killed by 'dud' grenade in IDF firing zone - Judge rules that May 2006 death was due to explosion while child played with unexploded ordnance in army firing zone near his home. (Haaretz+)
- Netanyahu: Time has come for official ties with Indonesia - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with delegation of senior Indonesian journalists who are visiting Israel this week as guests of the Foreign Ministry. "We have many opportunities to cooperate in the fields of water and technology," PM says. (Israel Hayom)
- Convict ex-president Katsav insists rape was a 'misunderstanding' at parole hearing - Prosecution convinced ex-president still doesn’t grasp the gravity of his misdeeds, as defense lawyer assails complainants. (Haaretz+)
- Halt of anonymous sex complaints tied to police chief’s comments - Justice unit head alludes that statement by Roni Alsheich is deterring female police from speaking up. (Haaretz+)
- Channel 2 newscasters feud on-air - A discussion on Channel 2 News' flagship Friday evening newscast slipped into controversy, leading to journalist Dana Weiss accusing veteran Arab affairs analyst Ehud Yaari of chauvinism against women. (Ynet)
- Latest construction worker death raises cry of Israeli government neglect - Victim is ninth to die in work accident thus year; construction workers plan first-ever protest demonstration. (Haaretz+)
- Religious education innovator tapped for top Israel education job - Cabinet approval required before Dr. Moshe Weinstock can take position in charge of pedagogy. (Haaretz+)
- Report: Islamic State plans to murder Jewish children in Turkey - Sky News: Information on "imminent" Islamic State attack against Turkish Jews was obtained from six Islamic State operatives who were arrested in southern Turkey over past week. Israel urges citizens to leave Turkey, citing Islamic State threat. (Israel Hayom)
- Belgians protect Israeli flag at Brussels terror memorial -Amid the display of international unity, Israeli flags are destroyed, removed or covered up with Palestinian flags. (Haaretz)
- Belgian Jew to move to Israel after losing leg in Brussels attack - Walter Benjamin was walking through the airport to board a flight to Israel, when he became one of the hundreds wounded by the bombings on March 22. (JTA, Haaretz)
- World powers to UN: Iran missile tests pose threat to Israel - In joint letter, U.S. and its European allies call on U.N. Security Council to discuss "appropriate responses" to Iran's failure to comply with its obligations, and urge U.N. chief to report back on Iranian missile work inconsistent with Resolution 2231. (Agencies, Israel Hayom)
- Georgia becomes 6th state to adopt anti-BDS legislation - State Sen. Judson Hill says he’s ‘pleased to join our neighboring states in taking a stand against the anti-Semitism and discrimination of the BDS movement.’ (JTA, Haaretz)
- Venice's Jews celebrate their history on 500th anniversary of world's first ghetto - Dwindling community hopes to get a boost from yearlong calendar of events that includes U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice.’ (Haaretz)
- EgyptAir Hijacker Arrested and Identified; Hostages Safely Released - The hijacker, who is believed to have operated out of personal motives, has been identified as a 58-year-old Egyptian national with a criminal record. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Who Is the EgyptAir Hijacker and What Were His Motives? - More questions than answers remain in Tuesday's fortunately bloodless hijacking. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Israel and China Begin Negotiations Over Free-trade Deal - Asian powerhouse praises Middle East's start-up nation as 'a world-renowned' force of innovation. (Haaretz)
Features:
To Understand Ariel Sharon, Look to His Mother
David Landau's biography of Ariel Sharon is essential reading for anyone who wants to get to know the man who believed it was his destiny to save the Jewish people. I visited Sharon many times. He wanted to influence Haolam Hazeh (newspaper), and I wanted to influence him. For many years I’d been looking for a general who would place himself at the head of the peace camp and persuade the public that only peace would ensure the country’s security for the generations ahead. (Uri Avnery, Haaretz+)
Inside the BDS lions' den
Disguising herself as a fervent and devoted BDS supporter, Adi Cohen participated in rallies, speeches and panels during Israel Apartheid Week and discovered their recruitment methods and how they silence their opposition. (Adi Cohen, Yedioth/Ynet)
When plane hijackings were Palestinian terrorists' weapon of choice
The hijacking of an EgyptAir aircraft to Cyprus recalls a previous era when hijackings were a regular occurrence. (Haaretz)
500 Years Later The Mysterious Origin of the Word 'Ghetto'
Five hundred years after the first Ghetto was established, what it was is clear enough: a walled-off area of late medieval towns where the Jews were concentrated. But where the name came from is obscure. (Elon Gilad, Haaretz+)
New Excavation of Gath Reveals Ancient Lie: The Philistines Weren't Vicious Enemy
The Philistines were wronged by history: Not barbarian or even, it seems, particularly hostile, they lived cheek by jowl with the Judahites. (Philippe Bohstrom, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Israel's Liberals Have a New Guru - and He Heads the Country’s Most Violent Organization (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) When the head of the army constitutes the pillar of fire for liberalism, values and human rights, something fundamental here is out of order.
Israel's role reversal (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) In Israel, the IDF serves as necessary check against anti-democratic forces. This safeguards its image.
Fallout From Hebron Shooting Threatens to Spill Over Into Army (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Army brass fear the Internet storm could seep into the military's daily combat and encourage continued flouting of the rules of engagement.
The boycott is likely to force the Israeli government to move from its dangerous position (Ran Adelist, Maariv) The boycott of Israel is not meant to destroy it, but to stop the occupation. The battle against BDS is problematic, and like the war on terror, fighting it actually inflames it.
Suspension Bill Marks Another Step in the Erosion of Israeli Democracy (Haaretz Editorial) Though the bill is worded neutrally, it is clearly directed against the Arab MKs, and thus serves to advance a tyranny of a Jewish majority.
Put yourself in his shoes (Dr. Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) In the reality of war, which is by definition not normal, it's very hard to implement accepted norms.
American Jewry's greatest enemy (Odeh Bisharat, Haaretz+) The glowing reception accorded Donald Trump at the AIPAC conference showed just how far American Jews will go in the name of the occupation.
The IDF tackles its dilemmas (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) In a violent incident, Israeli soldiers should use all of the available firepower until the incident is over.
The 'Traitors' Who Filmed Our 'Heroic' Soldier Executing a Wounded Palestinian Terrorist (Uzi Baram, Haaretz+) According to Israel's right wing, the anti-occupation NGO B’Tselem is the guilty party.
Left selects which conventions to challenge (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Why is criticism of the IDF chief of staff "the end of democracy"? How is it different from the venomous criticism the Left fires off daily?
No one would serve in the Israeli army if they knew (Tair Kaminer, Haaretz+) The absence of a critical approach prevents Israeli teens from examining the army and the state before they enlist in the IDF. With one, they could turn their theoretical red lines into actions.
Uphold the law, avoid anarchy (Prof. Aviad Hacohen, Israel Hayom) Those who rush to judgment over the Hebron shooting would be wise to hold their tongues and let investigators do their jobs.
Israel’s Leaders Are Appeasing Extremists at the Cost of Diaspora Jewish Support (Rabbi Joshua Weinberg, Haaretz+) Two diametrically opposed world views are clashing in Israel – and at stake is whether Israel will continue to be a unifying symbol for Jews worldwide.
Yedioth's boycott festival (David M. Weinberg, Israel Hayom) Cynical and hysterical hand-wringing about a BDS "threat" lends an undeserved profile to the attention-seeking movement.
Why Is Pope Francis Sounding Like a Conspiracy Theorist? (Ariel David, Haaretz+) Does the pope really believe arms manufacturers are secretly backing ISIS and the bombers of European cities to create a market for their wares? Or does he just have a problem saying the words ‘radical Islam’?
How Israel and Lebanon could become unlikely allies against Hezbollah (Nicholas Saidel, Haaretz+) Fueling the Middle East rumor mill are suggestions Israel is considering a pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah. But there could be another – more clever and less bloody - way to disarm Lebanon's Party of God.
David Landau's biography of Ariel Sharon is essential reading for anyone who wants to get to know the man who believed it was his destiny to save the Jewish people. I visited Sharon many times. He wanted to influence Haolam Hazeh (newspaper), and I wanted to influence him. For many years I’d been looking for a general who would place himself at the head of the peace camp and persuade the public that only peace would ensure the country’s security for the generations ahead. (Uri Avnery, Haaretz+)
Inside the BDS lions' den
Disguising herself as a fervent and devoted BDS supporter, Adi Cohen participated in rallies, speeches and panels during Israel Apartheid Week and discovered their recruitment methods and how they silence their opposition. (Adi Cohen, Yedioth/Ynet)
When plane hijackings were Palestinian terrorists' weapon of choice
The hijacking of an EgyptAir aircraft to Cyprus recalls a previous era when hijackings were a regular occurrence. (Haaretz)
500 Years Later The Mysterious Origin of the Word 'Ghetto'
Five hundred years after the first Ghetto was established, what it was is clear enough: a walled-off area of late medieval towns where the Jews were concentrated. But where the name came from is obscure. (Elon Gilad, Haaretz+)
New Excavation of Gath Reveals Ancient Lie: The Philistines Weren't Vicious Enemy
The Philistines were wronged by history: Not barbarian or even, it seems, particularly hostile, they lived cheek by jowl with the Judahites. (Philippe Bohstrom, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Israel's Liberals Have a New Guru - and He Heads the Country’s Most Violent Organization (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) When the head of the army constitutes the pillar of fire for liberalism, values and human rights, something fundamental here is out of order.
Israel's role reversal (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) In Israel, the IDF serves as necessary check against anti-democratic forces. This safeguards its image.
Fallout From Hebron Shooting Threatens to Spill Over Into Army (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Army brass fear the Internet storm could seep into the military's daily combat and encourage continued flouting of the rules of engagement.
The boycott is likely to force the Israeli government to move from its dangerous position (Ran Adelist, Maariv) The boycott of Israel is not meant to destroy it, but to stop the occupation. The battle against BDS is problematic, and like the war on terror, fighting it actually inflames it.
Suspension Bill Marks Another Step in the Erosion of Israeli Democracy (Haaretz Editorial) Though the bill is worded neutrally, it is clearly directed against the Arab MKs, and thus serves to advance a tyranny of a Jewish majority.
Put yourself in his shoes (Dr. Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) In the reality of war, which is by definition not normal, it's very hard to implement accepted norms.
American Jewry's greatest enemy (Odeh Bisharat, Haaretz+) The glowing reception accorded Donald Trump at the AIPAC conference showed just how far American Jews will go in the name of the occupation.
The IDF tackles its dilemmas (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) In a violent incident, Israeli soldiers should use all of the available firepower until the incident is over.
The 'Traitors' Who Filmed Our 'Heroic' Soldier Executing a Wounded Palestinian Terrorist (Uzi Baram, Haaretz+) According to Israel's right wing, the anti-occupation NGO B’Tselem is the guilty party.
Left selects which conventions to challenge (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Why is criticism of the IDF chief of staff "the end of democracy"? How is it different from the venomous criticism the Left fires off daily?
No one would serve in the Israeli army if they knew (Tair Kaminer, Haaretz+) The absence of a critical approach prevents Israeli teens from examining the army and the state before they enlist in the IDF. With one, they could turn their theoretical red lines into actions.
Uphold the law, avoid anarchy (Prof. Aviad Hacohen, Israel Hayom) Those who rush to judgment over the Hebron shooting would be wise to hold their tongues and let investigators do their jobs.
Israel’s Leaders Are Appeasing Extremists at the Cost of Diaspora Jewish Support (Rabbi Joshua Weinberg, Haaretz+) Two diametrically opposed world views are clashing in Israel – and at stake is whether Israel will continue to be a unifying symbol for Jews worldwide.
Yedioth's boycott festival (David M. Weinberg, Israel Hayom) Cynical and hysterical hand-wringing about a BDS "threat" lends an undeserved profile to the attention-seeking movement.
Why Is Pope Francis Sounding Like a Conspiracy Theorist? (Ariel David, Haaretz+) Does the pope really believe arms manufacturers are secretly backing ISIS and the bombers of European cities to create a market for their wares? Or does he just have a problem saying the words ‘radical Islam’?
How Israel and Lebanon could become unlikely allies against Hezbollah (Nicholas Saidel, Haaretz+) Fueling the Middle East rumor mill are suggestions Israel is considering a pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah. But there could be another – more clever and less bloody - way to disarm Lebanon's Party of God.
Interviews:
(Far right-wing activist) Yehuda Glick: "The behavior of the soldier in Hebron was horrific, my morality is Jewish and universal"
Yehuda Glick, a far-right-wing Temple Mount activist and settler was critically injured 1.5 years ago when a Palestinian shot him due to his activities on the Temple Mount. Now, after describing the action of the ‘shooting soldier’ [shooting in the head an already immobilized prone Palestinian assailant] in Hebron as ‘horrific’ he has found himself attacked by his own camp. The right-wing have slandered him, threatened him and accused him of turning from a right activist into a radical left-winger. They wished him deada. But the Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick explains why, for him, the ‘shooting soldier’ is not a hero, and why both sides are wrong. (Interviewed by Arik Bender in Maariv’s Magazine supplement, cover)
“It’s not that I feel sorry for the terrorist, he certainly deserved to die. But the soldier is not a judge and nor the one who executes punishment. From the moment the incident ended, dealing with (the shooter) transfers to the medical people and military judicial establishment. It’s not the soldier’s job to decide if the terrorist deserves to die. In my case, the terrorist [who shot Glick and escaped] was killed in a security offices operation to catch him and he opposed.”
What is your understanding in the wake of right-wing attacks on you?
“We have a problem in our cultural dialogue. In the eyes of people who don’t agree with you, you become immediately a traitor of Israel. You are the enemy of the nation, you are a radical left-winger. People think on automatic. If you are right-wing then you must be in support of the soldier. If you are left-wing, you see (the soldier) as a murderer. There is also automatic thinking according to your sector of population. If you are from Habayit Hayehudi party, that means you support the soldier. If you are from the Labor party, you oppose the soldier. People have trouble accepting other views, especially if it’s someone from your camp, who dares to think differently. Many left-wingers were surprised that I, Glick, a radical right-winger, wrote what I wrote…My activity on the Temple Mount does not come from a radical right-wing feeling. I think it is wrong that Jews can’t pray (there). Action comes from the world of justices and morality and desire for a more just society. I am consistent about this. One can disagree with me. I love the state, the IDF and the Police. I have a desire for a more correct society. When I see evil, I make a complaint.”
Glick gave a surprise phone interview a day earlier on 103FM/Maariv with ‘Shai and Dror’:
S&D: "But what do you think about the act itself?"
Glick: "I think every person that knows the IDF and has served in it, as I have, knows that the IDF has military procedures, and they say that the role of a soldier is to fight and defend and his role is not to judge and punish."
S&D: "But he felt threatened."
Glick: "I'm not convinced."
S&D: "But how do you know? You were not there."
Glick: "I think when you see a person lying on the floor for ten minutes and everyone knows that this man is neutralized, to come out of nowhere and shoot him in the head, that is a contrary act, as I understand it."
And Glick told WallaNews that Education Minister Naftali Bennett needed to make a clear moral statement instead of giving the soldier support.
(Far right-wing activist) Yehuda Glick: "The behavior of the soldier in Hebron was horrific, my morality is Jewish and universal"
Yehuda Glick, a far-right-wing Temple Mount activist and settler was critically injured 1.5 years ago when a Palestinian shot him due to his activities on the Temple Mount. Now, after describing the action of the ‘shooting soldier’ [shooting in the head an already immobilized prone Palestinian assailant] in Hebron as ‘horrific’ he has found himself attacked by his own camp. The right-wing have slandered him, threatened him and accused him of turning from a right activist into a radical left-winger. They wished him deada. But the Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick explains why, for him, the ‘shooting soldier’ is not a hero, and why both sides are wrong. (Interviewed by Arik Bender in Maariv’s Magazine supplement, cover)
“It’s not that I feel sorry for the terrorist, he certainly deserved to die. But the soldier is not a judge and nor the one who executes punishment. From the moment the incident ended, dealing with (the shooter) transfers to the medical people and military judicial establishment. It’s not the soldier’s job to decide if the terrorist deserves to die. In my case, the terrorist [who shot Glick and escaped] was killed in a security offices operation to catch him and he opposed.”
What is your understanding in the wake of right-wing attacks on you?
“We have a problem in our cultural dialogue. In the eyes of people who don’t agree with you, you become immediately a traitor of Israel. You are the enemy of the nation, you are a radical left-winger. People think on automatic. If you are right-wing then you must be in support of the soldier. If you are left-wing, you see (the soldier) as a murderer. There is also automatic thinking according to your sector of population. If you are from Habayit Hayehudi party, that means you support the soldier. If you are from the Labor party, you oppose the soldier. People have trouble accepting other views, especially if it’s someone from your camp, who dares to think differently. Many left-wingers were surprised that I, Glick, a radical right-winger, wrote what I wrote…My activity on the Temple Mount does not come from a radical right-wing feeling. I think it is wrong that Jews can’t pray (there). Action comes from the world of justices and morality and desire for a more just society. I am consistent about this. One can disagree with me. I love the state, the IDF and the Police. I have a desire for a more correct society. When I see evil, I make a complaint.”
Glick gave a surprise phone interview a day earlier on 103FM/Maariv with ‘Shai and Dror’:
S&D: "But what do you think about the act itself?"
Glick: "I think every person that knows the IDF and has served in it, as I have, knows that the IDF has military procedures, and they say that the role of a soldier is to fight and defend and his role is not to judge and punish."
S&D: "But he felt threatened."
Glick: "I'm not convinced."
S&D: "But how do you know? You were not there."
Glick: "I think when you see a person lying on the floor for ten minutes and everyone knows that this man is neutralized, to come out of nowhere and shoot him in the head, that is a contrary act, as I understand it."
And Glick told WallaNews that Education Minister Naftali Bennett needed to make a clear moral statement instead of giving the soldier support.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.