APN's daily news review from Israel
Tuesday May 31, 2016
Quote of the day:
"Since I don't remember there being any section in the Arab Peace Initiative that deals with the
killing of (Palestinian leader from Hamas, Ismail) Haniyeh, then we obviously have a new
Lieberman."
--Maariv's political commentator Ben Caspit writes in an analysis about the statements yesterday by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressing support for 'elements' of the Arab Peace Initiative.*
--Maariv's political commentator Ben Caspit writes in an analysis about the statements yesterday by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressing support for 'elements' of the Arab Peace Initiative.*
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Lieberman sworn-in as defense minister: “I support a two-state solution”
- Defense Minister Lieberman is an addition that the mind cannot accept // Amir Oren
- Soldier lightly wounded in stabbing attack in Tel-Aviv
- With the intervention of senior police, the nationalist motive was returned to the allegations against the [Palestinian] suspects in the rape of the mentally ill young woman
- Knesset legislative committee approved bill that expands the authorities in the battle against terror
- Court: Operating a brothel is not a crime if the women working in prostitution are running it
- The decision is out of touch with the reality of prostitution in Israel – and will only hurt the women
- Police Investigating Police Unit: Suspect in the murder in Rishon L’tsiyon committed suicide and was not shot by police
- Ahead of Justice Minister Shaked’s decision, the battle for child custody renewed
- [Culture and Sports Ministry] Against the periphery // Haaretz Editorial
- ¼ page ad: No Flag Dance in the Muslim Quarter on the Eve of Ramadan! We, peace-seeking citizens in the state of Israel and the Diaspora, call on the government of Israel, the Police, the Jerusalem Municipality, to wake up and prohibit the ‘Flag Dance’ from passing…in the Muslim Quarter in Jerusalem, next to the Temple Mount on the eve of Ramaddan. One spark is enough to spark a fire whose price will be blood of innocent…[signed and paid for by 89 named people]
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman
- Tragedy in Ashdod: Toddler forgotten in car and died
- Reality star ‘Tiltil’ presents: Survivor Tel-Aviv – Among the civilians who overpowered the terrorist, 17, who lightly injured a soldier, 19, was the ‘Survivor’ reality star
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Netanyahu: Prepared to negotiate over the Arab Peace Initiative – Chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu was sworn-in as Defense Minister and declared: “I support a two-state solution”
- In the meantime, only words // Ben Caspit
- Police Investigating Police Unit: The murderer from Rishon L’Tsiyon committed suicide
- Soldier lightly wounded in stabbing attack in Tel-Aviv
- Father went to sleep, the baby died in the car
- Following the Sarah Netanyahu storm, the Police Commissioner is adamant: No publishing recommendations from a police probe
Israel Hayom
- Defense Minister Lieberman
- The declarations ended, the test begins // Mati Tuchfeld
- Stabbing attack in Tel-Aviv: Terrorist ran from door to door
- “After hours I understood: I forgot the boy in the car”
- Wasn’t eliminated by the head of district police: Yan Gabrielov, the murderer from Rishon L’tsiyon, committed suicide
- Attorney General and Police Commissioner had dispute over the announcement about Netanyahu’s residences: From
now on – announcements without (including) recommendations
News Summary:
Just the words ‘Defense Minister Lieberman’ were meaningful enough for the top headline today in three of the four main Hebrew papers. Another stabbing attack, this one against a soldier in Tel-Aviv, and the dispute between the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General over whether Sara Netanyahu should have been named in the police announcement to the media over allegations against her were the other top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers.
After Lieberman was sworn-in as Israel’s Defense Minister Monday, he and Netanyahu expressed their support for ‘elements’ in the Arab Peace Initiative – a historical first from an Israeli Prime Minister. Many have their doubts about the intentions behind those words, as Maariv’s top political commentator Ben Caspit writes today. (See Commentary/Analysis below.) Before the swearing in, MKs took to the podium to slam Netanyahu and his new minister, calling him “a racist man, a violent man convicted of assaulting a person.”
Also making headlines was the dispute between Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit and Police Commissioner Ronnie Alsheikh, after Mendelblitt tried to prevent the police from releasing a censored announcement that did not name Sara Netanyahu as the person it was announcing that it recommended be put on trial. But Alsheikh insisted it did not need to act on Mendelblitt's words because he was a political appointee. (Maariv) Former police fraud squad officer, Adv. Pini Fischler, told Maariv: "The Police Commissioner is not a great success, to say the least" and said that “The police tried to hide (the recommendation to put Sara Netanyahu on trial). We are in chaos.” (Maariv)
Just the words ‘Defense Minister Lieberman’ were meaningful enough for the top headline today in three of the four main Hebrew papers. Another stabbing attack, this one against a soldier in Tel-Aviv, and the dispute between the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General over whether Sara Netanyahu should have been named in the police announcement to the media over allegations against her were the other top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers.
After Lieberman was sworn-in as Israel’s Defense Minister Monday, he and Netanyahu expressed their support for ‘elements’ in the Arab Peace Initiative – a historical first from an Israeli Prime Minister. Many have their doubts about the intentions behind those words, as Maariv’s top political commentator Ben Caspit writes today. (See Commentary/Analysis below.) Before the swearing in, MKs took to the podium to slam Netanyahu and his new minister, calling him “a racist man, a violent man convicted of assaulting a person.”
Also making headlines was the dispute between Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit and Police Commissioner Ronnie Alsheikh, after Mendelblitt tried to prevent the police from releasing a censored announcement that did not name Sara Netanyahu as the person it was announcing that it recommended be put on trial. But Alsheikh insisted it did not need to act on Mendelblitt's words because he was a political appointee. (Maariv) Former police fraud squad officer, Adv. Pini Fischler, told Maariv: "The Police Commissioner is not a great success, to say the least" and said that “The police tried to hide (the recommendation to put Sara Netanyahu on trial). We are in chaos.” (Maariv)
Quick Hits:
- Israel Remapped West Bank Land to Pave Way for Settlement Construction - In order to permit construction on land that was declared as state land before 1999, the (Israeli) Civil Administration is required to map it again. The mapping project would allow government to use areas designated as 'state-owned land' to expand existing isolated settlements. Apparently, one of the objectives of the new mapping is to prevent Palestinians living in military fire zones from petitioning the High Court of Justice against the activity taking place near their homes. (Haaretz+)
- Israel's Interior Minister Moves to Revoke Citizenship of Arab Terror Suspect - Ala’a Ziwad injured four, two seriously, in a combined car-ramming and stabbing in October. Ziwad’s mother — but not his father — is an Israeli citizen. Minister Aryeh Dery also said the father’s residency permit would not be renewed. (Haaretz)
- Israeli Army Bars Right-wing Activist From West Bank - Dov Oved, convicted of violence against Palestinians and threats on the house of Peace Now activist Hagit Ofran, has also been prohibited from contacting 87 individuals for 'state security' reasons. (Haaretz+)
- In court, police waver on motive behind suspected rape by two Palestinians - Views changed in courtroom as to possible reason for alleged attack of mentally challenged Jewish woman after police representative receives text message to his phone. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- The violent incident at the Tel Aviv supermarket: Police Investigating Police Unit summoned eight police who were filmed in a video clip - Maysam Abu Al-Qian, the Arab-Israeli employee at Super-Yuda supermarket, was beaten by [undercover] Border Police after apparently refusing to identify himself to them. Now the investigation against the Border Police has become a criminal one. (Maariv)
- Three Palestinian teens to be charged with attack on Jerusalem women - Two youths are suspected of attacking five elderly women, stabbing two, near Armon Hanatziv promenade. A third was involved in the plan, but changed his mind at the last minute, police say. (Haaretz+, Maan and Ynet)
- Suspect in Double Homicide Committed Suicide, Was Not Shot by Israeli Top Cop [as police previously claimed] - Yan Gabrielov shot his ex-girlfriend and her lover in their home. Police first announced that it was a top officer who shot him down following a chase. (Haaretz)
- Israel reduces fishing zone off Gaza coasts to 6 miles - Israeli authorities notified the Palestinian liaison office that the fishing zone off the southern coast of the Gaza Strip, which had been extended to nine nautical miles in early April, would return to its previous size of six nautical miles along the entire coast of the blockaded Palestinian enclave. (Maan)
- Israeli army bulldozers level lands in southeastern Gaza - Bulldozers reportedly entered and leveled private Palestinian lands east of Khan, approximately 50 meters into Gaza while Israeli jets hovered in the sky. No gunfire was reported. (Maan)
- Gazan kids put on play of death - Dressed as Islamic Jihad activists, children place a bomb under an IDF tank, raid an Israeli outpost and take an Israeli soldier captive in Gaza elementary school play. (Ynet)
- 58 Gazans travel to Jordan via Allenby Bridge crossing - The Israeli liaison department reported that “the number of Palestinian passengers from the Gaza Strip travelling to Jordan and on to European countries and other Western countries via Israeli crossings has been increasing.” (Maan)
- Digging terror tunnels to carry 15-year jail sentence - Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee backs final draft of anti-terrorism legislation with a vote of 10 in favor, two against. Bill includes 135 articles meant to give law enforcement agencies new tools to fight terrorism in a global age. (Israel Hayom)
- Almost Every Female Israeli Lawmaker Has Been Victim of Sexual Harassment or Assault - MKs from across the political spectrum go on TV to relay their experiences; two say they continue to face harassment even after entering the Knesset. (Haaretz)
- Earnings of Men in Jerusalem Are 53% of Their Counterparts in Tel Aviv, Study Finds - The city's large ultra-Orthodox Jewish and Arab populations gives its workforce a profile that is unique in Israel. (Haaretz+)
- TechNation: High-tech Out of Reach for Many Israeli Arabs, Poll Finds - Rambam, U.S. firms team up to create digital medicine incubator; Jerusalem video-messaging startup to shift focus to smartwatch technology. (Haaretz)
- Missing Sultan Yacoub soldier's sister hopes returned tank will help bring about answers - Following the announcement by Russia stating that a tank captured by the Syrians during the first Lebanon war will be returned to Israel, the sister of still-missing soldier Yehuda Katz expressed her hope that new information will come about. (Ynet)
- Likud MK Benny Begin: The right-wing that supported replacing Ya'alon with Lieberman is a foolish right-wing - Likud MK divided the right-wing into 'moderate, extremist and foolish' and called those who demanded the ouster of former defense minister Yaalon, who opposed a Palestinian state foolish for being happy instead with the appointment a person who promised the occupation of Gaza, the eradication of terrorism and a kosher death penalty. (Maariv)
- Ya'alon reaches out to U.S. donors in preparation for potential PM run - 'I regard this period as a time-out after which I intend to return and run for Israel’s national leadership,' former defense minister writes in letter. (Haaretz)
- Bennet supports term limits on PM - Education Minister Naftali Bennet expresses support for term limits on prime minister position; will continue to support the Zionist Union initiative as long as it doesn't become a partisan issue. (Ynet)
- Over 1,500 to take part in anti-BDS conference at UN - Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon says the "Building Bridges, Not Boycotts" conference will "send a clear message to all of our adversaries -- Israel will not relent and will continue to reveal the lies propagated by the BDS movement." (Israel Hayom)
- NSC head begins briefing Diplomatic-Security Cabinet - Following his demand to appoint military secretary to Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett lauds compromise with PM Netanyahu. Bennett says ministers had become uninformed "rubber stamps" and need to be updated regularly. (Israel Hayom)
- Israel's Syrian Liaison Unit - To better aid Syrian civilians on the border, Israel has created a new unit designed to maintain a relationship between those civilians and the Jewish state; Unit is based on Lebanese Liaison Unit framework. (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Former Israeli Minister Ben-Eliezer Rejected Plea Deal Although It Spared Him Prison, Source Says - Benjamin Ben-Eliezer rejected deal, where he would have confessed to charges of breach of trust, tax evasion and falsified reporting, among other reasons because of fine's size. (Haaretz+)
- Globes CEO Tells Employees Walla Has Scrapped Plan for Free Daily Paper - Legal proceedings by Globes workers, media disclosure lead to cancellation. (Haaretz+)
- Three Palestinians Convicted of Murder Executed by Hamas in Gaza - Implementing the verdicts is a legal and moral obligation to safeguard the social system in the enclave, says Gaza's general prosecutor. Capital punishment is legal for collaborators, murderers and drug traffickers under Palestinian law. (Haaretz+ and Israel Hayom)
- Momentous Jewish Wedding in Turkey Sparks anti-Semitism Online - In Edirne a newly reopened Synagogue celebrated its first wedding in over four decades; responses to the live stream included 'kill the Jews' and references to 'occupied Palestine.' (JTA, Haaretz)
- Machete Attack Brings Israeli Arab Restauranteur in Ohio to Close Shop - Hany Baransi has owned and operated Nazareth Restaurant & Deli for 27 years in Columbus, but expenses related to the attack have forced him to declare bankruptcy. (JTA, Haaretz and Times of Israel)
Features:
This Could Be the Israeli Sinai, but Instead It's the Last Resort
The Israeli-Arab coastal town of Jisr al-Zarqa is rich in natural resources, so why is it one of the country’s poorest places with lousy schools and a failing infrastructure? Blame the feeble Israeli government. (Meirav Arlosoroff, Haaretz+)
Basketball offers new hope for the disabled women of Gaza
Top U.S. coach Jess Markt traveled to the Strip once last year to train coaches and referees, now he has returned to help teach disabled Palestinians more about the game and organize teams for a tournament. (Fares Akram, Agencies, Haaretz)
Lone soldiers on the home front, Part 1
Around 3,300 lone soldiers from abroad currently serve in the IDF. Most haven't seen their families in months. Shortly ahead of Independence Day, Yedioth Ahronoth and the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) foundation came up with an idea: Give 4 of them a trip home, and surprise their loved ones. Part 1 of 4. (Yedioth/Ynet)
Netanyahu's tangled webs: From 'Bibi-Tours' to Bar-On
A rundown of cases involving the prime minister and his wife over the last 20 years, some closed due to lack of evidence, others pending. (Sharon Pulwer, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Neo-fascists Threaten the West. In Israel They've Already Arrived (Larry Derfner, Haaretz+) From America to Austria, belligerent, xenophobic ultra-nationalism is rising. But its hold on power in Israel is far more secure — and uncontested.
*Meanwhile, just words: there is no reason to get excited about talk of a political [peace] process (Ben Caspit, Maariv) "I stand behind everything I promised," Netanyahu said to Al-Sisi. "I do not retract anything. I'm ready to move forward." The Egyptian President did not understand. Moving forward? With Lieberman? Where to? Netanyahu yesterday provided the goods. Oh well. Not really any goods that can be actualized, but the first historical Israeli statement, about a kind of vague recognition of the Arab Peace Initiative (which should be updated) as a basis for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Lieberman echoed after him. Because I do not remember any section in the Arab Peace Initiative that deals with the killing of (Ismail) Haniyeh, then we obviously have a new Lieberman. What did Netanyahu pledge to? In the framework of the international effort, he made a commitment that Israel will make moves in the field that illustrate its commitment to the two-state solution, and that it will declare its recognition of the Arab Peace Initiative as a basis for negotiations (subject to modifications). The second commitment he already fulfilled. The first is too vague. What did the Arabs pledge? That is actually interesting: they pledged to begin the process of normalization in parallel with progress of the peace process. Until now, the Arab states agreed for the normalization only at the end, after obtaining the arrangement (ie, never). Now, at the initiative of Egypt, they are willing to make their first steps in parallel with our steps. Is all this really going to happen? Hard to believe. Netanyahu updated Lieberman during their recent discussions that a real "political hurricane" threatens Israel. This is Bibi’s version of Ehud Barak’s “political tsunami”. The Prime Minister knows what he fears. Obama will be free and seeking vengeance between November and January, the Europeans opened the emergency depots, the danger is real. He is advancing all of this in a regional move that in the meantime costs him only in words…
Culture Minister Miri Regev vs. Israel's Periphery (Haaretz Editorial) In total contradiction to Regev's declarations, her ministry’s acts of commission and omission under her leadership have consistently harmed the very groups whose savior she purports to be.
The calm after the storm (Mati Tuchfeld, Israel Hayom) The recent political drama resulted in a right-wing government that could be in power a long time.
Welcome to Israel's Post-liberal Democracy (Noa Landau, Haaretz+) The gap between the ‘Jewish democratic’ system and reality is steadily widening. Whether the occupation is a cause or an effect is debatable.
Our society is radicalizing itself (Avihu Sofer, Maariv) The State Comptroller's report, published last week, dealt with a wide range of issues, but the media chose, as usual, to focus solely on the populist angle. In one of the less famous chapters in the report, the comptroller describes the "ongoing failure of the education system in preventing racism." Statistics presented to him showed that in the education system a conscious decision was made by ministers and senior officials of the Education Ministry not to develop a systemic to tackle the rifts in Israeli society. The report criticizes the lack of an orderly work plan, noting, “Nowadays teachers have no tools to help them manage lessons on subjects that are politically controversial." In the past two years we have seen a split in Israeli society. Polls published daily on radicalization among different groups within the nation and society, and militancy in every field. Almost any topic brought up becomes a war between left-right or religious-secular. This dangerous process creates an absurd situation that obviates the possibility to hold a serious discussion on ethical issues.
A cautionary tale of obsession (Dr. Limor Samimian-Darash, Israel Hayom) If the Left invested in building an ideological alternative, rather than simply trying to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, maybe their situation among the electorate wouldn't be so dismal.
Not so fast Bibi: When Netanyahu's manipulation tactics finally failed (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) Netanyahu has tried to fill important posts with those who he knows would not oppose his family, but the attempts failed: His wife Sara may just be indicted.
Shaping the spirit of the IDF (Itamar Segal, Israel Hayom)
Our soldiers don't need to be inculcated with doubt; rather they need encouragement.
ISIS is fighting for its life (Roi Kais, Ynet) After losing vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, and with its capital in Raqqa under threat of attack, ISIS seems to be fighting for its life and its grip on power.
From Fallujah to Baghdad to ISIS-ruled Mosul: Iraq's Parallel Realities (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) The distance between a tranquil life and hell can be a few kilometers in this war-torn country, which is trying to vanquish its demons – and terrorism too.
Battle of the Kaaba (Smadar Perry, Yedioth/Ynet) The upcoming Hajj is just another event highlighting the ongoing tensions between two of the world's most important Muslim nations: Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Erdogan Pulls Strings on All Fronts (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) U.S. support of Kurdish militias angers Turkey's leader, but he is wary of criticizing President Obama – or confronting Moscow.
The Israeli-Arab coastal town of Jisr al-Zarqa is rich in natural resources, so why is it one of the country’s poorest places with lousy schools and a failing infrastructure? Blame the feeble Israeli government. (Meirav Arlosoroff, Haaretz+)
Basketball offers new hope for the disabled women of Gaza
Top U.S. coach Jess Markt traveled to the Strip once last year to train coaches and referees, now he has returned to help teach disabled Palestinians more about the game and organize teams for a tournament. (Fares Akram, Agencies, Haaretz)
Lone soldiers on the home front, Part 1
Around 3,300 lone soldiers from abroad currently serve in the IDF. Most haven't seen their families in months. Shortly ahead of Independence Day, Yedioth Ahronoth and the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) foundation came up with an idea: Give 4 of them a trip home, and surprise their loved ones. Part 1 of 4. (Yedioth/Ynet)
Netanyahu's tangled webs: From 'Bibi-Tours' to Bar-On
A rundown of cases involving the prime minister and his wife over the last 20 years, some closed due to lack of evidence, others pending. (Sharon Pulwer, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
Neo-fascists Threaten the West. In Israel They've Already Arrived (Larry Derfner, Haaretz+) From America to Austria, belligerent, xenophobic ultra-nationalism is rising. But its hold on power in Israel is far more secure — and uncontested.
*Meanwhile, just words: there is no reason to get excited about talk of a political [peace] process (Ben Caspit, Maariv) "I stand behind everything I promised," Netanyahu said to Al-Sisi. "I do not retract anything. I'm ready to move forward." The Egyptian President did not understand. Moving forward? With Lieberman? Where to? Netanyahu yesterday provided the goods. Oh well. Not really any goods that can be actualized, but the first historical Israeli statement, about a kind of vague recognition of the Arab Peace Initiative (which should be updated) as a basis for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Lieberman echoed after him. Because I do not remember any section in the Arab Peace Initiative that deals with the killing of (Ismail) Haniyeh, then we obviously have a new Lieberman. What did Netanyahu pledge to? In the framework of the international effort, he made a commitment that Israel will make moves in the field that illustrate its commitment to the two-state solution, and that it will declare its recognition of the Arab Peace Initiative as a basis for negotiations (subject to modifications). The second commitment he already fulfilled. The first is too vague. What did the Arabs pledge? That is actually interesting: they pledged to begin the process of normalization in parallel with progress of the peace process. Until now, the Arab states agreed for the normalization only at the end, after obtaining the arrangement (ie, never). Now, at the initiative of Egypt, they are willing to make their first steps in parallel with our steps. Is all this really going to happen? Hard to believe. Netanyahu updated Lieberman during their recent discussions that a real "political hurricane" threatens Israel. This is Bibi’s version of Ehud Barak’s “political tsunami”. The Prime Minister knows what he fears. Obama will be free and seeking vengeance between November and January, the Europeans opened the emergency depots, the danger is real. He is advancing all of this in a regional move that in the meantime costs him only in words…
Culture Minister Miri Regev vs. Israel's Periphery (Haaretz Editorial) In total contradiction to Regev's declarations, her ministry’s acts of commission and omission under her leadership have consistently harmed the very groups whose savior she purports to be.
The calm after the storm (Mati Tuchfeld, Israel Hayom) The recent political drama resulted in a right-wing government that could be in power a long time.
Welcome to Israel's Post-liberal Democracy (Noa Landau, Haaretz+) The gap between the ‘Jewish democratic’ system and reality is steadily widening. Whether the occupation is a cause or an effect is debatable.
Our society is radicalizing itself (Avihu Sofer, Maariv) The State Comptroller's report, published last week, dealt with a wide range of issues, but the media chose, as usual, to focus solely on the populist angle. In one of the less famous chapters in the report, the comptroller describes the "ongoing failure of the education system in preventing racism." Statistics presented to him showed that in the education system a conscious decision was made by ministers and senior officials of the Education Ministry not to develop a systemic to tackle the rifts in Israeli society. The report criticizes the lack of an orderly work plan, noting, “Nowadays teachers have no tools to help them manage lessons on subjects that are politically controversial." In the past two years we have seen a split in Israeli society. Polls published daily on radicalization among different groups within the nation and society, and militancy in every field. Almost any topic brought up becomes a war between left-right or religious-secular. This dangerous process creates an absurd situation that obviates the possibility to hold a serious discussion on ethical issues.
A cautionary tale of obsession (Dr. Limor Samimian-Darash, Israel Hayom) If the Left invested in building an ideological alternative, rather than simply trying to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, maybe their situation among the electorate wouldn't be so dismal.
Not so fast Bibi: When Netanyahu's manipulation tactics finally failed (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) Netanyahu has tried to fill important posts with those who he knows would not oppose his family, but the attempts failed: His wife Sara may just be indicted.
Shaping the spirit of the IDF (Itamar Segal, Israel Hayom)
Our soldiers don't need to be inculcated with doubt; rather they need encouragement.
ISIS is fighting for its life (Roi Kais, Ynet) After losing vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, and with its capital in Raqqa under threat of attack, ISIS seems to be fighting for its life and its grip on power.
From Fallujah to Baghdad to ISIS-ruled Mosul: Iraq's Parallel Realities (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) The distance between a tranquil life and hell can be a few kilometers in this war-torn country, which is trying to vanquish its demons – and terrorism too.
Battle of the Kaaba (Smadar Perry, Yedioth/Ynet) The upcoming Hajj is just another event highlighting the ongoing tensions between two of the world's most important Muslim nations: Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Erdogan Pulls Strings on All Fronts (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) U.S. support of Kurdish militias angers Turkey's leader, but he is wary of criticizing President Obama – or confronting Moscow.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.