APN's daily news review from Israel

Thursday June 09, 2016
 

Quotes of the Day following the attack by two Palestinians in Tel-Aviv:
#1: MK Bezalel Smotrich from far right-wing Habayit Hayehudi party: "I am very troubled by the fact that the terrorists came out alive from the scene yesterday. A terrorist who comes to harm Jews must not remain alive. Period...It's because of the Elor Azariya affair [soldier on trial after he was filmed executing neutralized Palestinian assailant - OH] we have a fear of shooting and if it weren't for his trial...it would have ended in the terrorists' deaths."

#2: Opposition leader MK Isaac Herzog: "I do not want to think what would happen if the opposition leaders were Lieberman and Netanyahu. I do not believe in bombastic statements, but in deeds and actions that can extricate Israel from this terrible cycle of bloodshed."

#3: Tel-Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai: "Only if there is a terrorist attack here bigger than one we have ever known, then our leaders and the Israeli (people) will understand that we need to end the occupation and turn to peace."

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Front Page:

Haaretz

Yedioth Ahronoth

Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)

Israel Hayom

News Summary:
The shooting attack by two West Bank Palestinians in an entertainment area of Tel-Aviv, killing four people and wounding three others, was the main story of the Hebrew newspapers today. Video footage captured the moments of terror when two cousins in their early twenties, dressed in suits, and who had been ‘acting like regular customers' eating chocolate at Max Brenner suddenly opened fire murdering four Israelis in their 30’s and 40’s. (More details here.)
 
Unlike in most such attacks, the attackers, from Yatta, a poor town in the Hebron district, were caught without being killed. One was shot and wounded. The families of the two cousins had reported them missing to the Palestinian security services two days earlier.

Landing in Israel only minutes before the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised to “take a series of offensive and defensive steps.” The Hebrew papers were most interested in knowing how the newly-appointed Defense Minister, hardliner Avigdor Lieberman, would react. Many of the military analysts called it ‘Lieberman’s first test.’ The diplomatic-security cabinet held a special meeting today in Tel-Aviv. Deputy Defense Minister Eli Ben-Dahan promised, “Life in Yatta village won't carry on as usual. A village that has terrorists leaving from its midst will pay the price.” Last night, Israeli forces raided the village of Yatta and mapped out the homes of the attackers ahead of their demolition, Maariv reported. Israel also froze the 83,000 special Ramadan permits it had given to Palestinians to visit their relatives outside the West Bank and Gaza, including permits of 204 relatives of one of the attackers, Ynet reported.
 
Israeli left-wing politicians reacted to the attack saying it only showed the need to move toward a diplomatic solution. "In the end, we will have to return to the peace process,” said Meretz Chairwoman Zehava Gal-On. (Maariv)

Israel Hayom wrote that Palestinians celebrated “across the West Bank and Gaza.” Maariv was more specific and reported that crowds cheered at Damascus Gate in E. Jerusalem, a photo on Twitter showed someone handing out sweets in Tulkarem and that “in the Gaza Strip fireworks were reportedly shot into the air.”  The Fatah movement reacted to the attack by saying it was an ‘individual and natural response’ to Israeli state violence. Hamas expressed understanding - and support. Meanwhile, the mayor of Yatta, the hometown of the assailants, said that they were not known to be members of terror groups. "We're very surprised, and the only explanation for what happened is that the two were influenced by all that has happened recently," said Mayor Musa Muhamara. "It must be mentioned that the Hebron area, including Yatta, has paid a heavy price in terms of those killed and of incidents, and this apparently influenced them." 

The US, US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini condemned the attack. 

And on the subject of the non-existent peace process: Netanyahu’s office denied he had discussed the Saudi peace initiative with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. After the two leaders met, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a joint press conference with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki that Netanyahu had not expressed any opposition or desire to amend the initiative during the meeting. And, at a Haaretz policy conference yesterday, Zionist Union MK Amir Peretz said Netanyahu should announce a settlement freeze to prove commitment to two-state solution. But, instead Israel approved 82 more housing units in the Jerusalem settlement neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo. The PLO called it an 'insult' to international peace efforts.
 

Quick Hits:

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Commentary/Analysis:

Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.