News Nosh 06.14.16

APN's daily news review from Israel
Tuesday June 14, 2016
 
Quote of the day:
“The interesting thing about this system is that we aren’t born with it already developed, but it is shaped throughout our lives,”
--World-class brain researcher, Prof. Talma Hendler, explains the ‘mentalization system' in the brain, which enables us to see the other’s point of view and thereby feel empathy for him, even when he is our enemy or when he is experiencing something we have not experienced ourselves. For some, this system doesn't develop and for others it gets sidelined.*

You Must Be Kidding: 
 “(Spit) on you and your honor, you dog.”  
--An Arab abroad wrote on Facebook in response to the declaration by Saudi journalist Dahham Bin Tarif al-Enazi, following the Palestinian attack in Tel-Aviv that killed four, that "Our empathy with the Palestinians doesn’t mean that we agree to murder civilians and innocents."

“Those left-wing maniacs deserved to diiiiiiie – all of them. Amen."
--Jewish Israeli wrote on Facebook following the Palestinian attack in Tel-Aviv that killed four Israelis. See Op-Ed by Nurit Cannetti.


Front Page:
Haaretz
Yedioth Ahronoth
  • America is crying
  • The scream of the periphery – Mayors to make ‘Equality March’ today for division of funds for education and social welfare
  • Dan region was paralyzed when a multi-story building caught on fire  
  • 15,000 questions on language – is what Hebrew Language Academy receives
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
Israel Hayom

News Summary:
Tragic stories of death from the Orlando nightclub were the main headlines in today’s Hebrew newspapers, while Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu equated the attack with Palestinian attacks on Israelis and ridiculed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, while Israeli Opposition leader Isaac Herzog ridiculed Netanyahu for all his ‘talk.’ Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel would never accept the Arab Peace Initiative as a basis for negotiations, Israeli MKs will likely be allowed to visit the Temple Mount/Harram Al-Sharif after being prohibited since October, and for the first time, an Israeli was appointed the head of a UN committee.
 
At the Israeli government cabinet meeting Monday morning, following the massacre in Orlando, Netanyahu said that “terror is threatening the whole world" and that Israel stands “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the American people. (MaarivNetanyahu also berated the Palestinian President saying, “Abbas should watch and learn how Muslim Arabs can condemn a terrorist attack and hatred properly. I say this because of Abbas’ feeble condemnation of the terrible murder attack in Tel Aviv. Unlike Abbas, there are Arabs and Muslims who know how to condemn an attack.”  Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdullah both condemned the Orlando attack Monday as a ‘senseless act of terror and hate” and sent their condolences to the US victims. Opposition leader MK Isaac Herzog attacked Netanyahu saying, "I won't advise the US government what to do. I leave that mission to the security leadership here in Israel, which always knows how to advise others, to write books, posts and Tweets about the war on terror. I have only one request from our leadership: Start dealing with the terror here - in Tel-Aviv, in Hebron, in Jerusalem, in Gush Etzion, in Beersheva, in Raanana, and in Ariel. After you taught the whole world how it needs to defeat terror, the time hasn't come that you prove that here? Maybe we can finally see what you know how to do besides talking and posting."
  
Later in the day in a meeting with Likud ministers, Netanyahu said he approved of the parts of the Arab Peace Initiative about the Arab states making peace and normalizing relations with Israel, but didn’t approve of the parts about returning land and about refugees. [In other words, he wants to take but not give. – OH]
 
Quick Hits:
  • Israeli Court Rules to Keep Palestinian Clown in Jail Without Trial Despite Int’l Outcry - Mohammed Abu Saha's arrest sparked an international campaign by circus performers for his release. Though no charges have been filed against him, Shin Bet claims he's a member of the PFLP terrorist group. (Haaretz and Maan)
  • Palestinian stabbing attack foiled near Nablus - IDF troops positioned at a pillbox near Nablus shoot and seriously wound Palestinian man, who allegedly ran toward them wielding a knife. Palestinian official claims man was mentally unstable and posed no threat to the soldiers. (Israel Hayom and Maan
  • Israeli settler runs over Palestinian shepherd's flock of sheep, kills 25 - Palestinian security sources said settler was driving at a high speed and ran over the flock of sheep while they crossed road near al-Zubeidat village in Jericho district on Friday. Palestinian shepherd requested that Israeli authorities penalize Israeli settler and provide compensation for losses. (Maan)
  • Shin Bet Eases Stance on Questioning Israeli Political Activists - ‘Calling in political activists for friendly chats with the security service is not a practice that characterizes a democratic regime,’ the Association for Civil Rights in Israel says. (Haaretz+) 
  • Palestinian activist must be jailed to keep him away from 'bacterial surroundings,' IDF prosecutor says - Israeli army prosecutor appeals release on bail of Bil'in's Abdullah Abu Rahma, arrested while trying to reach his village's lands that lie beyond the separation barrier. (Haaretz+) 
  • Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody close to death, in need of heart surgery - Bassam Amin al-Sayeh, 43, from the city of Nablus in the northern occupied West Bank was reported to be in critical need of a pacemaker implantation surgery to save his life. His wife said he is fighting death under the Israeli policy of deliberate medical negligence. (Maan
  • When fear of terror affects livelihood of Arab Israelis - As terror in Israel continues, more and more Jews are reluctant to allow Arab workers into their homes; 'Jews no longer want Arab cab drivers.' (Ynet)
  • Netanyahu Delaying Transfer of 2.5 Billion Shekels to Arab (Israeli) Communities, Finance Minister Says - Funds delayed because state has yet to develop a mechanism to enforce planning and construction laws in these towns, Kahlon says. (Haaretz)
  • Israeli Health Ministry Ignores Arabs in Nutrition Campaigns, NGO Claims - According to Health Ministry figures, children in Israel's Arab community consume more sweetened drinks than their Jewish counterparts. Child obesity is also more severe in the Arab community. (Haaretz+) 
  • Israeli Lawmakers Extend Emergency Rule Limiting Palestinian Family Reunification - Despite criticism, 2003 regulation that prevents Palestinians who married Arab Israelis from living with them in Israel was again extended for a year. Meretz MK Galon: Right-wing government 'hates and excludes Arabs.' (Haaretz+ and Maan
  • Islamic endowment slams Israel for latest 'provocations' at Al-Aqsa - The Islamic Endowment condemned Israeli authorities  for the latest “provocations and harassment” on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and for barring Palestinians from the holy site during Ramadan. “Muslims wait all the year for this month,” so they can perform their prayers in Al-Aqsa Mosque. Hours later, 66 Israelis entered the compound under heavy armed guard. (Maan
  • Knesset Committee Catapults Fine for Desecrating Israeli National Flag - Knesset committee sets fine at $15,137, instead of the 300 lirot (the old Israeli currency) still stipulated in the law. (Haaretz+)  
  • Israeli plan for new Jerusalem neighborhood raises Palestinian ire - PLO condemns construction plan for some 15,000 housing units over the Green Line. Municipality: Project involves employment zone, not homes. (Haaretz+) 
  • Three Israelis injured in rock throwing incident - Palestinian rock throwers target an Israeli bus passing through East Jerusalem Sunday evening, causing three injuries; police launch an investigation to locate and arrest the suspected rock throwers; in a separate incident rocks hurled at car near Kiryat Arba. (Ynet)
  • Jerusalem Arab given three life sentences for deadly bus attack - Bilal Abu Ghanem, 21, was one of two terrorists who, armed with guns and knives, killed three Israelis and wounded seven others on a bus in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood last October. His accomplice was killed on scene. (Haaretz and Ynet
  • Israel agrees to return 7 detained bodies of Palestinians slain during recent unrest - The Israeli minister of public security and the Israeli general prosecution agreed on Monday to return seven detained bodies of Palestinians to their families, but have yet to confirm a deadline for their release. (Maan
  • Palestinian youth detained from East Jerusalem for incitement on Facebook - The young Palestinian man, said to be in his twenties from Shufat refugee camp in occupied East Jerusalem, was detained on June 6 for allegedly posting various pictures and text posts praising the activities of Hamas in the past 18 months, as well as expressing support for an “Intifada to liberate Jerusalem.” (Maan and Ynet)
  •  **Arab journalists berated for condemning Tel Aviv shooting - The media’s response in the Arab world to the terror attack at the Sarona Market was one more indicator of the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Several journalists who condemned the attacks suffered negative consequences. (Ynet)
  • Israel gets singular focus at UN rights body - Of the United Nations Human Rights Council's 233 country-specific resolutions in the last decade, more than a quarter focus on Israel, easily topping Syria, Saudi Arabia. (Agencies, Ynet
  • Jewish National Fund to Fund Political Parties, Religious Factions and Other Organizations, Despite Being Against Its Charter - $4.65 million allocation contravenes organization's stated objectives. (Haaretz+) 
  • Israeli Government Torn Over Outmoded Tax Break Policy Aimed at Immigrant Communities - Interior Ministry wants to abolish the old system and establish a fund that will distribute the government's municipal tax payments in a more egalitarian way that will benefit poorer cities. Mayors' protest march due to start Tuesday demanding more equal funding. (Haaretz+)
  • Lieberman's new chief of staff named - Israel’s new Defense Minister chose to appoint Sharon Shlom, the man who served as his chief of staff in the Foreign Ministry between 2009-2015. (Ynet
  • MK Oren Hazan stripped of deputy speaker post - The colorful [controversial – OH] Likud MK Oren Hazan has been ousted from his post as deputy Knesset speaker, a position he has been filling in name only, as the speaker, Yuli Edelstein, has for months been preventing him from presiding over plenum sessions. Likud MK Nava Boker beat Hazan in secret vote held within Likud party. (Times of Israel and Maariv
  • Vandalism, threats cause film festival to remove poster - A poster for a TV pilot of a religious man who becomes a gigolo at a Sderot film festival was torn down by religious passersby who threatened the organizers; the management responded by ceding to those offended. (Ynet
  • Israel, South Korea to launch free trade talks in two weeks - Both sides hope for a quick deal that would erase most customs duties for high tech, agriculture and investment ventures. (Haaretz
  • Archaeologists discover ancient monument in Jordan's Petra - Massive man-made stone platform could be 2,150 years old, archaeologists say. The platform, stretching the size of six professional basketball courts, is close to the ancient city center and might have been used for ceremonial purposes. (Israel Hayom
  • Bahrain Detains One of Arab World's Most Prominent Rights Activists - No reason for the arrest of Nabeel Rajab was given, his wife said on her Twitter account. (Agencies, Haaretz
  • Trump Has Virtually No Support in Arab World, Israeli Survey Finds - When asked who their preferred candidate was, just 3.8 percent of Egyptian respondents chose Trump. In Saudi Arabia, only 6 percent favored Trump. (Agencies, Haaretz)
  • Imam of Orlando Gay Club Shooter Supports Donald Trump - 'If Trump were in office, the anger would shift away from Muslims,' Imam Shafiq Rahman reportedly said. (Haaretz
  • Orlando Jews Call for Unity With Muslims in Wake of Deadly Shooting - Central Florida’s Jewish community laid the groundwork for interfaith cooperation with Muslims as the nation reeled in grief and anger after an anti-gay gunman massacred 50 people. (Haaretz)
  • G4S Shares Drop by $282 Million After Reports Omar Mateen Was an Employee - World's largest security firm screened the Orlando shooter as recently as 2013 with 'no findings.' G4S recently said it was winding down its operations in Israel and the occupied West Bank due to financial issues and denied that the move was related to its being targeted by anti-Israel campaigners. (Haaretz)


Features:
Posing as a pizza delivery man and following people on Facebook: this is how the IDF eradicates draft-dodging
Only 50% of the military age population, including Arabs and ultra-Orthodox, are doing compulsory military service. Also, there has been a rise in draft-dodgers and a growing phenomenon of deserters. As a result, the military police launched a special operation "to create deterrence.” (Noam Amir, Maariv
*Why do people commit acts of violence that aren't meant to protect?
Studies are showing a correlation between the size of the prefrontal cortex, which developed in simians and humans and is responsible for social skills, and the level of empathy. (Ido Efrati, Haaretz+)
The Christian Who Wakes Up Muslims in Time to Eat for Ramadan
In an age of alarm clocks and smartphones, the preserver of a thousand-year-long tradition is a local hero, even though he's of a different faith. (Jack Khoury, Haaretz+) 
Ramadan in Egypt: Too Costly for Some and Too Dangerous for Others
Egypt has launched a campaign to assist the poor acquire basic food packages. As usual, it is an opportunity for fly-by-night merchants to sell the low-cost packages at market prices. (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) 
Israel's legal war on terror
Israeli jurists have become in recent years the world's most in-demand lecturers on all facets of handling terrorism; after a decade of preparation, the draft for a comprehensive anti-terrorism bill is ready. (Tova Tzimuki, Yedioth/Ynet)
How the cover was blown on Palestinian hackers spying against Israel
Israeli cybersecurity company traced Gazan malware designer after he forgot to erase the properties on a Word document. (Oded Yaron, Haaretz+)
 
Commentary/Analysis:
With Lieberman in Office, Netanyahu Goes Back to Recalcitrance on Peace (Haaretz Editorial) The prime minister's rejection of the Arab peace initiative is not just another right turn, but the same old tiresome pattern whose aim is to foil negotiations in advance and avoid debating the issues they involve. 
***Not in our school: We must end the gloating of Jews over the murder of their fellow Jews (Nurit Canetti, Maariv) We were shocked when (Jews) danced on the blood of the more than 100 Europeans murdered in Paris. It was equally shocking, perhaps even more, when people, their names and their photographs shown on social networks, expressed satisfaction and happiness over the deaths of Israelis and Jews - because they are in Tel Aviv. And because if they sat at the Sarona entertainment compound, then they must have been also left-wingers. Therefore, in the view of those [Israelis] who wrote [after the Palestinian attack in Tel-Aviv] that "the days of the messiah” had arrived or “As long as it happened in Tel Aviv" and “those left-wing maniacs deserved to diiiiiiie – all of them, Amen"- it was a double celebration. The victims were both from Tel Aviv (although, it was clear from the beginning that the dead also came from other places like Rishon Letzion and Ramat Gan) and they were left-wingers.) Like all social processes, if no one stops those on the fringes of society, they will gnaw their way to the center. And a society is the sum of all its parts, including those on the fringes, even the few, even the wild weeds… 
Omar Mateen Doesn't Represent Orlando Muslims (Aaron Weil, Haaretz+) As a Jewish community leader working closely with the local Muslim community, we have spoken with one voice against hatred. 
Two views - Point/Counterpoint: Government's response to terrorism (Noah Klieger & Nechama Duek, Yedioth/Ynet) Noah Klieger argues that the occupation isn't causing terror - fanatical, irrational hatred of Jews does; Nechama Duek argues that giving the Palestinians a state and ending the West Bank occuation is the only way to stop terror. 
Orlando Massacre: Terrorists Have Changed the Rules of Hostage Taking (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) No longer interested in negotiating the release of prisoners, terrorists use hostage-situations to lengthen the attack and enhance its effect. Authorities have so far failed to adapt.
Zionism didn't cause the Farhud, Israel didn't cause Sarona (Ben-Dror Yemini, Yedioth/Ynet) 75 years later on, the motives behind the pogroms on Baghdad's Jews are the same as the Sarona Market and Orlando attacks: murderous hatred; Huldai is presumptuous and erroneous to justify terrorism.
Are the Israeli Government's Decisions Being Carried Out? (Meirav Arlosoroff, Haaretz+) Until the Prime Minister's Office took them to task, it seems that many ministries didn't quite understand that cabinet decisions are meant to be acted on. 
Maybe we are not to blame? (Dr. Limor Samimian-Darash, Israel Hayom) Why must Israel insist on blaming itself for acts of terrorism before the dead have even been buried?
Only BDS Can Force Israel to Prove It's a Democracy for Its Arab Citizens Too (Jamil Dakwar and Nimer Sultany, Haaretz+) When Michael Karayanni was appointed law school dean, Isaac Herzog hailed it as 'break[ing] another glass ceiling for Israel’s Arabs'. But one academic's success can't erase Israel's institutionalized racism directed at its Arab citizens. 
It's global jihad, stupid (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) The policy of the Israeli government is no more to blame for Palestinian violence against its populace than LGBT activism is at fault for Omar Mateen's rampage in Orlando.
 
 
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.