APN's daily news review from Israel
Monday September 12, 2016
You Must Be
Kidding:
“The group operates according to its principles, which have been guiding it for years.”
--The Samaria Settlers Council, an Israeli NGO in the West Bank, did not deny complaints it was disseminating material that encouraged creating disturbances and establishment of unauthorized outposts, called for hampering army operations, and praised the torching of [Palestinian] fields and property and the assaulting of Palestinians.**
“The group operates according to its principles, which have been guiding it for years.”
--The Samaria Settlers Council, an Israeli NGO in the West Bank, did not deny complaints it was disseminating material that encouraged creating disturbances and establishment of unauthorized outposts, called for hampering army operations, and praised the torching of [Palestinian] fields and property and the assaulting of Palestinians.**
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Clinton felt ill and left the commemoration ceremony for the September 11 attacks
- A harsh blow, possibly fatal // Chemi Shalev
- High Court approved forced feeding for prisoners who are hunger-striking
- A country in traffic jams – use of cars jumped by 50% in a decade
- Right to sex, internet and a cellular phone: Recommendations for mentally ill were updated
- Bronze medal to Moran Samuel at ParaOlympics
- Provoking America // Haaretz Editorial
- Palestinian children that beg are at the center of a new film
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Hillary’s collapse
- Campaign in intensive care // Orly Azoulay
- Rowing to a medallion
- Expose - The words Israel demands that Facebook remove from the Internet
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Clinton’s fall
- Credibility problem // Shmuel Rosner
- Clinton failed // Tal Schneider
- Report: Netanyahu and Erdogan to meet next week in New York
- “Since you left, my body began to betray me” – Family of Oron Shaul, whose body is held by Hamas in Gaza, published the last letter his father, Herzl, wrote to his son before the father died
Israel Hayom
- Collapse – and questions – Drama in New York: Clinton felt ill and was taken away from commemoration ceremony for the September 11 attacks
- Embarrassing: Deputy commander of squadron falsified results of a training – and was dismissed
- A champion with a bronze medal (from ParaOlympics)
- The last letter of Herzl Shaul to his son Oron: “I imagine you at home”
- “Suspicion of obstruction” – Netanya's mayor’s detention extended by three days
News Summary:
US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s fall yesterday was the top story in today’s Hebrew newspapers as analysts examined how it would affect the race. Also in the news, the heartbreaking last letter that Herzl Shaul, who died last week, wrote to his son Oron, whose body is being held by Hamas in Gaza, the Israeli High Court's approval of force-feeding hunger-striking Palestinians, and the statement of the US Ambassador to Israel that the US military aid package to Israel will be the largest in US history.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shot back at Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, saying it was Israel that was 'carrying out ethnic cleansing.’ Abbas responded to Netanyahu’s Friday video equating the Palestinian leadership's desire for the evacuation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank as ethnic cleansing. Netanyahu ally and Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz defended Netanyahu’s widely-criticized statements saying that Abbas says he wants to clean Israel of Jews, Maariv reported, and US Presidential candidate Donald Trump sided with Netanyahu. Trump's adviser told Haaretz+ that Palestinians want 'their so-called state' to be, 'as the Nazis said, Judenrein' or devoid of Jews.
And, Netanyahu’s office denied a Channel 1 report that he would be meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this month.
US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s fall yesterday was the top story in today’s Hebrew newspapers as analysts examined how it would affect the race. Also in the news, the heartbreaking last letter that Herzl Shaul, who died last week, wrote to his son Oron, whose body is being held by Hamas in Gaza, the Israeli High Court's approval of force-feeding hunger-striking Palestinians, and the statement of the US Ambassador to Israel that the US military aid package to Israel will be the largest in US history.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shot back at Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, saying it was Israel that was 'carrying out ethnic cleansing.’ Abbas responded to Netanyahu’s Friday video equating the Palestinian leadership's desire for the evacuation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank as ethnic cleansing. Netanyahu ally and Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz defended Netanyahu’s widely-criticized statements saying that Abbas says he wants to clean Israel of Jews, Maariv reported, and US Presidential candidate Donald Trump sided with Netanyahu. Trump's adviser told Haaretz+ that Palestinians want 'their so-called state' to be, 'as the Nazis said, Judenrein' or devoid of Jews.
And, Netanyahu’s office denied a Channel 1 report that he would be meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this month.
Quick Hits:
- B'Tselem: Palestinian youth killed in al-Fawwar refugee camp in August was away from clashes when shot dead - Israeli soldiers entered home of Bajes al-Hamuz, locked family in bedroom and carved hole into wall, used by a sniper to shoot at youth throwing stones from a rooftop at soldiers raiding the camp. Near 5PM, Muhammad Yudef Sebar Abu Hashhash, 19, exited his home nearby and began walking toward a group of youth trying to hide from a sniper, when he suddenly fell to the ground after being shot in the back. “I don’t know what made the sniper shoot the guy. It was quiet when he was hit, and for ten minutes before that,” said his neighbor, Ayad al-Hamuz. (Maan)
- **State NGO Watchdog Raps Settler Organization That Compared Europeans to Nazis - Registrar of Associations passes findings on Samaria Residents’ Council to Attorney General. NGO exceeded stated objectives, report says. (Haaretz+)
- Case closed for Druze attacked by Jews for speaking Arabic - Tommy Hasson, a 22 year old Druze man who served in the IDF, was attacked in 2015 by 10 Jewish people because he was speaking Arabic; The Jerusalem District Attorney's Office has closed the case against the attackers for 'lack of evidence.' (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Likud MK Berko to Meretz MK Zandberg: "Hope you're not on drugs, go lay on Arafat's grave" - The two MKs clashed over the Prime Minister's remarks comparing the evacuation of settlements to ethnic cleansing. MK Tamar Zandberg: "The video is irresponsible, harmful, inflammatory. Perhaps Netanyahu wanted to wink towards the right-wing after train affair.” [i.e. Netanyahu’s failed attempt to appease religious over infrastructure works on train during Shabbat – OH] (Maariv/103FM)
- The FBI to a member if Israel's extreme right: If you go to Israel, we will arrest you - An Israeli-American, who calls himself 'Oshriko,' has published pictures of President Rivlin, PM Netanyahu and others in kaffiyehs and Nazi uniforms. "They warned me than an arrest warrant is waiting for me in Israel. I will not stop, the US has freedom of expression." Photo shows him holding sign in support of Trump. (Maariv)
- Under fire for abetting 'Palestinian incitement,' Facebook execs to meet Israeli officials - Delegation in Israel this week amid controversy over social media's role in abetting violence. (Haaretz and Yedioth/Ynet)
- Google takes on ISIS - A Google tech incubator that aims to counter violent extremism worldwide has developed technology that could redirect users who type pro-Islamic State phrases into search engines to anti-extremist messages. (Ynet)
- How Israeli-made spyware made it to the Arab world - Defense Ministry and Foreign Ministry officials have made it clear that while NSO, which is now controlled by US company Francisco Partners, was not involved in any data breach itself, they still claim that "any ties to a cyber attack on a human rights activist causes damage to the reputation of the state." (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Thousands of housing units to be built for Arab sector - Minister of Construction Yoav Galant (Kulanu) arrived in the northern Arab town of Baqa al-Gharbiya on Thursday to sign a widespread agreement with 15 local municipal authorities regarding building new housing units for the Arab sector; 30,000 units are due to be built, in what will cost the government roughly 4.1 billion shekels. (Ynet)
- Staff Sgt. in Azaria trial: 'He never shot out of malice' - Sgt. Elor Azaria's Staff Sergeant testified Sunday in the special military court in Jaffa, insisting that the defendant 'never behaved like a thug,' before slamming his commanders for 'trying to cover their own backsides.' (Ynet)
- Israeli officials not invited to UN Middle East peace seminar - Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon tells U.N. secretary-general: Such events damage the integrity of the organizationץ According to Danon, Palestinian officials, BDS activists participated extensively in the conference. (Israel Hayom)
- European MPs ask FIFA to ban Israeli settlement soccer clubs - Sixty-six parliamentarians write to FIFA international soccer federation urging it to force five Judea and Samaria-based teams to move or be banned from Israel Football Association. MP: Israel cannot use football as instrument of territorial expansion. (Israel Hayom)
- Protestors call for Israeli captive's return from Hamas - The family of Avraham 'Abera' Mengistu gathered before the PMO in Jerusalem with supporters to protest government inaction in returning the man to Israel, who has been missing since he crossed to Gaza in 2014. (Ynet)
- Israeli Lawmaker Accuses Israel of Aiding Syrian Rebel Group Formerly Known as Nusra Front - MK Akram Hasson says the group formerly known as Nusra Front is bombing the Syrian Druze village of Khadr with Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s support and protection. (Haaretz+)
- Iran Welcomes U.S.-Russia Syria Cease-fire Deal - Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi: 'Iran has always welcomed a cease-fire in Syria and the facilitation of humanitarian access to all people in this country.' (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Russia-US-brokered Syria ceasefire to start at sunset - The cessation of hostilities to begin Monday, with the verbal backing of President Assad's government and amid mixed messages of commitment from Syria's various rebel factions. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Vowing to Keep Fighting ISIS, Hezbollah Voices Support for Syrian Cease-fire - Lebanese group fighting for regime vows to continue battle against ISIS and al-Qaida's offshoot, but promises to respect Syrian government decision. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Jordanian Beer Manufacturer Joins a Growing Brotherhood of Arab Brewers - Carakale is the first craft beer in Jordan. The West Bank already has three independent breweries - Taybeh, newcomer Shepherds and tiny Wise Men's Choice. (Haaretz)
- Iran begins building 2nd nuclear power plant with Russian help - First nuclear project since Iran signed deal with West in 2015. Russian atomic agency is assisting with technology to comply with safety standards. Facility, in southern city Bushehr, is expected to include two power plants and to go online in 10 years. (Agencies, Israel Hayom)
- Unrest Erupts in Turkey's Kurdish Areas After Government Purges Mayors 'Linked to Terrorism' - Elected officials all members of opposition Peoples' Democratic Party, which decried move as 'administrative coup.' U.S. embassy voices concern, urges respect for right to peaceful protest. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Features:
Refugee on His Land: Israeli Arab Rock Singer Is the Voice of the Minority
Bassam Beroumi a true underdog in Israel: an Arab rocker. (Ben Shalev, Haaretz+)
Daily planner for school kids encourages return to Gush Katif
Parents outraged at controversial planner given to elementary school children in the national-religious sector, which contains messages of Jewish superiority over the gentiles, religious preaching and problematic political texts concerning historic events. (Shahar Chai, Ynet/Yedioth’s ’24 Hours’ supplement, cover)
60,000 Political Prisoners and 1,250 Missing: Welcome to the New Egypt
The elements that drove the popular Egyptian uprising against President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 are still there today, and are liable to trigger any future protest against Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi. (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
With 'Ethnic Cleansing' Video, Netanyahu Serves No One but Himself (Haaretz Editorial) Netanyahu knows that the Palestinian refusal to allow enclaves of Israelis – not 'Jews' – in their state is neither ethnic nor cleansing; he just wanted to spark a storm.
Netanyahu's new clothes (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) The prime minister knows his 'ethnic cleansing' video presents him in his nakedness, but these are not easy times, and any headline—as long as it is not about the never-ending police investigation against him—will do.
Netanyahu Abuses His Power, With No One Standing in His Way (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) In one case of abuse – at the prime minister’s residence – the PM will say he acted without malice. He’ll probably get away with it and go back to the bluster.
Bibi at his best (Yifat Erlich, Yedioth/Ynet) Every words in Netanyahu's 'ethnic cleansing' video was accurate. The vision of two states for two people includes the creation of a 'judenrein' area, a territory where no Jew can set foot.
Clinton's campaign enters intensive care (Orly Azoulay, Yedioth/Ynet) If Hillary Clinton remains in the presidential race, she will no longer be able to shake off the growing interest in her health, particularly the medications she has been taking and their affect on the possible future commander-in-chief of the US Armed Forces. If she decides to drop out, all options are on the table as to who will replace her as the Democratic nominee.
Israelis Have No Right to Determine Fate of Conquered Palestinian Lands (Odeh Bisharat, Haaretz+) A leftist campaign that calls for a referendum on the future of the occupation is an affront to Palestinians.
Another headache (Sima Kadmon, Yedioth/Ynet) A new initiative aims to have the question of the Palestinian territories' fate answered via a referendum in Israel. While some on the left have praised the idea, right-wing politicians have been quite silent on it so far. And how should PM Netanyahu, who has publicly supported the two-state solution, feel about this?
Could Videos Kill Hillary Clinton’s Candidacy? (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) The Democratic candidate’s pneumonia diagnosis won’t erase the disturbing images of her knees buckling out from under her.
Here to stay (Dr. Haim Shine, Yedioth/Ynet) Israel's attempts to strike peace with the Palestinians have only been met with terrorism. The Jewish people will not abandon their lust for life for their neighbors' culture of death.
A cold and calculated truce (Alex Fishman, Yedioth/Ynet) Israel does not believe that the recently agreed upon ceasefire in Syria will be implemented, as its success lies in the confidential documents that outline it, and beyond that—in the outcomes of both the US and Iranian elections.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.