APN's daily news review from Israel
Sunday January 22, 2017
You Must Be
Kidding:
"I hate leftists more than I hate Arabs. Arabs are supporting their people and their land. Leftists are Jews who hate their own people, they are against their own people, this is why I hate leftists. They are self-righteous and they don’t live in the reality. But in their heart, they know that it’s not possible for there to be equal rights between Jews and Arabs."
--Sapir Sabah, the high-school student who brought about the firing of her left-wing teacher, gave an interview to Mako.**
"I hate leftists more than I hate Arabs. Arabs are supporting their people and their land. Leftists are Jews who hate their own people, they are against their own people, this is why I hate leftists. They are self-righteous and they don’t live in the reality. But in their heart, they know that it’s not possible for there to be equal rights between Jews and Arabs."
--Sapir Sabah, the high-school student who brought about the firing of her left-wing teacher, gave an interview to Mako.**
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Trump was sworn-in as President of the US: “The power returns to the people”
- A reason for concern // Chemi Shalev
- Netanyahu received message from Trump advisors – and asked to freeze the annexation of Maaleh Adumim
- Security branches briefed Netanyahu on scenarios of escalation (of violence) should (US) embassy be moved to Jerusalem
- The (Bedouin) driver in Um al-Hiran was shot in the knee and the chest and died from loss of blood due to lack of medical treatment
- Milchan gave Sara Netanyahu jewelry worth $8,600 as per her demand in 2004
- Yes, a Prime Minister can fall because of cigars // Ido Baum
- Four family members died in a fire near Jerusalem
- The watchdog is tied up // Rogel Alpher
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Trumpland – Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States
- 55 parents of soldiers who fell in Operation Protective Edge (Gaza War 2014): “Don’t give a hand to hiding the State Comptroller report”
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- The swearing-in and the protest
- Without a future, without a dream // Ron Miburg
- 100 days of grace // Lilach Sagan
- They disrupted the celebrations // Shlomo Shamir
- Enormous demonstration in the Arab sector: “We demand an investigation committee” – Calls for resignation of Public Security Minister Erdan and Police Commissioner following reports that the driver who ran over (a policeman) was hot in the leg before (his car) sped up
- Assassinated in the heart of Tel-Aviv
Israel Hayom
- In his own way – A new era has begun: Our correspondent Boaz Bismuth reports from Washington
- Go your own way – and change the world // Haim Shine
- (We must have) Patience, (we must act) when we the time is right // Dror Eydar
- America is changing direction // Avraham Ben-Zvi
- After removal of growth: Chief of Staff released for recovery at home
- The assassins ambushed them in the stairway: two killed in criminal elimination in Tel-Aviv
- Tragedy in Jerusalem mountains: Hanadi Jaber and her three children were killed in a fire
News Summary:
With the stark exception of Israel Hayom, the Hebrew newspapers reported on the opposition to the swearing-in of Donald Trump as American’s 45th President and their columnists warned of the world’s future in the Trump era. (Arab leaders congratulated him, but Ynet noted that the Arab street was unhappy and a group of Palestinian activists burned his photo at an Israeli military checkpoint in Bethlehem to protest his support for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem.)
Today’s other two big stories were the request by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to postpone the vote today on annexing Maaleh Adumim due to pressure from Trump’s advisors and the massive demonstration by Arab Israelis over home demolitions and the killing of a Bedouin man, who the police said was a terrorist who rammed into a policeman, but which an autopsy showed that police had shot him first in the leg and chest likely causing him to lose control over the car. They also let him bleed to death.
Not only did the Trump’s advisors tell Netanyahu not to go ahead with the vote on annexation of one of Israel’s biggest settlements, but a group of former commanders, known as “Commanders for the Security of Israel,” called on Netanyahu not to adopt the bill, saying it was “a dangerous gamble,” Maariv reported. Also, the Palestinian presidency condemned the bill and Palestinian activists set up tents on the lands surrounding the settlement near the controversial E-1 corridor in protest of the annexation bill.
Thousands of Arab-Israelis protested in Wadi Ara following the police killing of a Bedouin man in Umm al-Hiran and the demolition of homes there and in Qalansaweh. Maan had the most detailed report of what the events at Um al-Hiran and what has happened since: “(Yakub) Abu al-Qian’s autopsy detailed that the teacher had been killed by two bullets that were fired at his vehicle, the first of which struck him on his right knee, and the second in a main artery in the chest area, before he was left to bleed to death. Israeli Channel 10 meanwhile reported that Abu al-Qian’s knee injury led to the acceleration of his vehicle after his leg pressed against the gas pedal, and added that he had lost large amounts of blood, which would have made it impossible to save him. Nevertheless, the channel reported that he had been left to bleed for a half and hour as police prevented ambulances from providing him with first aid. Meanwhile, the family of Abu al-Qian have continued to refuse conditions set by Israeli police in order to receive the slain body of Abu al-Qian. Meanwhile, members of Israel's Knesset Ahmad Tibi and Usama Saadi of the Joint List introduced a new bill on Thursday proposing a ten-year freeze on demolitions of homes built by Palestinians in Israel without government-issued permits, in order to develop a comprehensive zoning and development plan.” Arab MKs called on Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan to resign and to apologize, since he called the Bedouin man a terrorist who had intentionally rammed the policeman who was killed.
Interestingly, Ynet’s translation from Hebrew added opinions of the translator. Regarding the massive protest, Ynet reporter Hassan Shaalan wrote (in Hebrew) that “Protestors blocked Highway 65, and police responded with stun grenades in order to re-open the road." However, in the translation Ynet English wrote that “Protestors blocked Highway 65 and police had to respond with stun grenades…” Arab-Israeli leadership promised to fund the reconstruction of the demolished buildings in both Umm al-Hiran and Qalansuwa.
Quick Hits:
With the stark exception of Israel Hayom, the Hebrew newspapers reported on the opposition to the swearing-in of Donald Trump as American’s 45th President and their columnists warned of the world’s future in the Trump era. (Arab leaders congratulated him, but Ynet noted that the Arab street was unhappy and a group of Palestinian activists burned his photo at an Israeli military checkpoint in Bethlehem to protest his support for moving the US embassy to Jerusalem.)
Today’s other two big stories were the request by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to postpone the vote today on annexing Maaleh Adumim due to pressure from Trump’s advisors and the massive demonstration by Arab Israelis over home demolitions and the killing of a Bedouin man, who the police said was a terrorist who rammed into a policeman, but which an autopsy showed that police had shot him first in the leg and chest likely causing him to lose control over the car. They also let him bleed to death.
Not only did the Trump’s advisors tell Netanyahu not to go ahead with the vote on annexation of one of Israel’s biggest settlements, but a group of former commanders, known as “Commanders for the Security of Israel,” called on Netanyahu not to adopt the bill, saying it was “a dangerous gamble,” Maariv reported. Also, the Palestinian presidency condemned the bill and Palestinian activists set up tents on the lands surrounding the settlement near the controversial E-1 corridor in protest of the annexation bill.
Thousands of Arab-Israelis protested in Wadi Ara following the police killing of a Bedouin man in Umm al-Hiran and the demolition of homes there and in Qalansaweh. Maan had the most detailed report of what the events at Um al-Hiran and what has happened since: “(Yakub) Abu al-Qian’s autopsy detailed that the teacher had been killed by two bullets that were fired at his vehicle, the first of which struck him on his right knee, and the second in a main artery in the chest area, before he was left to bleed to death. Israeli Channel 10 meanwhile reported that Abu al-Qian’s knee injury led to the acceleration of his vehicle after his leg pressed against the gas pedal, and added that he had lost large amounts of blood, which would have made it impossible to save him. Nevertheless, the channel reported that he had been left to bleed for a half and hour as police prevented ambulances from providing him with first aid. Meanwhile, the family of Abu al-Qian have continued to refuse conditions set by Israeli police in order to receive the slain body of Abu al-Qian. Meanwhile, members of Israel's Knesset Ahmad Tibi and Usama Saadi of the Joint List introduced a new bill on Thursday proposing a ten-year freeze on demolitions of homes built by Palestinians in Israel without government-issued permits, in order to develop a comprehensive zoning and development plan.” Arab MKs called on Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan to resign and to apologize, since he called the Bedouin man a terrorist who had intentionally rammed the policeman who was killed.
Interestingly, Ynet’s translation from Hebrew added opinions of the translator. Regarding the massive protest, Ynet reporter Hassan Shaalan wrote (in Hebrew) that “Protestors blocked Highway 65, and police responded with stun grenades in order to re-open the road." However, in the translation Ynet English wrote that “Protestors blocked Highway 65 and police had to respond with stun grenades…” Arab-Israeli leadership promised to fund the reconstruction of the demolished buildings in both Umm al-Hiran and Qalansuwa.
Quick Hits:
- Netanyahu briefed on scenarios of violence should Trump move embassy to Jerusalem - Prime minister isn't sure whether or when the incoming U.S. president would announce the embassy's relocation, but has told defense officials to complete security preparations by the inauguration. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli intel warns Netanyahu against pushing Trump to undo Iran deal - Israeli intelligence agencies find the agreement holds and Iran complies to its terms. If U.S. goes back on deal and conflict develops with Iran, other powers would leave Israel hanging, former Military Intelligence chief tells Haaretz. (Haaretz+)
- Report: Billionaire Arnon Milchan May Have Gifted Sara Netanyahu $8.5K in Jewelry in 2004 - Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife may have received an estimated total sum of $170,000-184,000 in gifts from the Hollywood mogul, according to media reports from Haaretz and Israeli news channels. (Haaretz+)
- This week - Netanyahu will be questioned for a third time: "Evidentiary basis for indictments is being formulated" - The Prime Minister will be asked for information that arose from the evidence collected in the last week. Law enforcement source: "People will pass on details to save their own skins." Yair Netanyahu claimed: The only gift I got from Milchan was a doll. (Maariv)
- Attorney general: It is my obligation to handle cases involving the PM - Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit tells Bar Association that he is legally prohibited from stepping down from cases involving the prime minister, says steps underway to plug leaks • Netanyahu family denies Channel 2 report about illicit jewelry gift. (Israel Hayom)
- Cry of the families of the victims (of the 2014 Gaza War) - Just before the State Comptroller submits his report on the blunders of the tunnels and the (gov't) Cabinet's conduct, 55 of the 68 families who lost their sons in Operation Protective Edge demand the report be fully revealed. The fear: political considerations will prevent its publication. (Yedioth Hebrew)
- Two Months Later, No Evidence to Suggest Israel Fires Were 'Terrorist Arson' - Recent report concluded that almost 90 percent of the fires in November 2016 were set deliberately, but a closer look at the facts casts doubt on those claims. (Haaretz+)
- (Israeli-) Palestinian woman and her 3 children die in house fire in Jerusalem-area village - A Palestinian woman [an Israeli citizen - OH] and her three children died overnight on Friday after a fire erupted in their home in the (Israeli-Arab) village of Ein Naquba. The cause of the fire was not yet clear. (Maan)
- Amid Fears of PA Collapse, Israeli Banks Given Immunity for Deals With Palestinian Banks - In unprecedented move, Israel also guarantees indemnity from suits filed overseas that accuse banks of involvement in financing terrorism. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli authorities coerce Palestinian man to demolish own home in Issawiya (Jerusalem neighborhood) - Homeowner Firas Mahmoud told Ma’an that he had been notified by the Jerusalem municipality that if he didn’t take care of it himself, Israeli authorities would demolish his home themselves and charge Mahmoud 300,000 shekels ($78,518) for the cost of the demolition. (Maan)
- President Reuven Rivlin fitted with pacemaker - Dr. Aaron Medina, director of Shaare Zedek Medical Center's Electrophysiology Unit, performs operation after President Reuven Rivlin diagnosed with heart arrhythmia • Rivlin expected to return to work next week • PM spoke with president ahead of procedure. (Israel Hayom)
- Israel Mulls Setting Term Limit From Prime Ministers - but Not for Netanyahu - Justice minister to initiate bill limiting prime ministers to 8 years in office that would also prevent charges being brought against a sitting PM for misdemeanors and lesser crimes. (Haaretz+)
- Footage shows (Arab-Israeli) driver accelerate to strike police officer at roadblock (in Israel)- A driver smashes into a police officer at a roadblock in Nazareth Illit Friday, lightly wounding him; the driver flees, but police located the car and arrest all four of the occupants, Nazareth residents aged 18–20. (Ynet)
- With construction, Israeli town spreads over pre-1967 border - Residents of Tzur Hadassah in the Judean Hills object to construction beyond the town’s boundary. (Haaretz+)
- Antiquities robbers caught red handed by IAA - The largest antiquities smuggling ring in the north of Israel every discovered were caught in the act while trying to steal items from the biblical city of Mishkana. (Ynet)
- Attempt to oust Israeli Arab Knesset member hits legal snag - Even though Basel Ghattas was filmed smuggling cellphones to jailed terrorists, Israeli parliament’s legal advisor says this does not constitute proof of security crimes. (Haaretz+)
- Hugo Boss model leaves it all behind to enlist in IDF - 31-year-old British-born James Hirshfield doesn't care that the army told him he was too old or that his family told him he was giving up a successful career: He's starting his service as 'the best soldier I can be' in April, and he loves it here. (Ynet)
- Israeli Arab Actor Mohammad Bakri to Play Jewish Dad in Play About Libya Holocaust Story - Yossi Sucary's award-winning book 'Benghazi—Bergen-Belsen' has been adapted for the stage, and performances begin in March at La MaMa Experimental Theater Club in New York City’s East Village. (Haaretz+)
- Israel approves reconstruction for 1,500 homes destroyed in 2014 Gaza war - As of last August, some 50% of buildings completely destroyed during devastating 2014 war were still awaiting reconstruction. Israel increased cement deliveries recently to 4,000 tons a day instead of 3,000 tons. Cement restrictions are part of Israel's broader siege on the Gaza Strip. (Maan)
- Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian lands in eastern Khan Yunis - Israeli forces opened live fire on Palestinian land in eastern Khan Yunis of the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday. No injuries were reported. (Maan)
- Palestinian child injured by Israeli bullet in northern Gaza - A Palestinian child was reportedly injured on Friday evening after being struck by an Israeli bullet in Beit Lahiya in the north of the Gaza Strip after Israeli forces opened live fire at homes in the area. (Maan)
- After three-year delay, Ugandan Jews granted permission to study in Israel - In its decision to issue visas to African converts, the Israeli government is effectively granting formal recognition to this emerging Jewish community for the first time. (Haaretz+)
- CIA: British encouraged Arabs to oppose partition - According to documents recently released by the CIA, the British Government was actively encouraging the Arab leadership to oppose partition, turning a blind eye enabling Arabs to acquire arms to attack Jews. (Ynet)
- Marco Rubio, Joe Manchin introduce bipartisan anti-BDS bill - Republican senator from Florida and Democratic senator from West Virginia introduce bill protecting state and local governments passing anti-BDS legislation from lawsuits. (JTA, Haaretz)
- Putting Aside Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Jewish and Muslim Feminists Unite to Pray With Their Feet - Channeling Biblical heroines, Jewish feminists journey from across U.S. to march against Trump in D.C., and some pro-Palestinian rhetoric won't stand in their way. (Haaretz+)
- Rabbi Marvin Hier prays at Trump's inauguration: 'If I forget thee, O Jerusalem' - The rabbi said he had accepted the invitation to attend the inauguration in part because refusing it would cause 'ill will' toward Jews among the American public. (Haaretz)
- Jewish women divided ahead of march on Washington - Members of some organizations aren’t marching because of Shabbat, but others fear the event might push an agenda hostile to Israel. (Haaretz+)
- Jerusalem mayor welcomes Trump with video blasting Obama - A day before Donald Trump is to be sworn in, Mayor Nir Barkat urges Israelis in a video posted on Facebook, to sign a letter thanking the new U.S. president for his pledge to move the American embassy to Jerusalem. (Haaretz)
- Hundreds Rally in Tel Aviv Against Trump, in Solidarity With Women’s March - Israeli gay rights and anti-occupation activists join demonstration outside U.S. Embassy in Israel, some holding signs attacking Netanyahu: 'it's possible to bring center and left together.' (Haaretz+)
- ISIS Destroys Roman Landmarks in Syria's Ancient War-torn Palmyra - The extremists tear down facade of second-century theater and monument after recapturing the town from government troops. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Over 50 Killed, Including Scores of Firefighters, as Iconic Iranian Skyscraper Collapses in Fire - The Plasco building is an iconic presence on the Tehran skyline and was built in the early 1960s by an Iranian-Jewish businessman. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Builder of Wrecked Tehran Tower: Iranian Jewish Businessman Executed in '79 as 'Zionist Spy' - Habib Elghanian, founder of Plascokar industries for which the building was named, had the edifice put up in the 1960's, in a pre-Islamic revolutionary era when the Jews fared well in Iran. (Haaretz)
- Turkish assembly passes polemic bill to boost Erdoğan's powers - The bill could pave way for a referendum that would see Erdoğan in power until 2029, transforming the largely ceremonial presidential position to one with the ability to issue decrees, declare emergency rule, appoint ministers and state officials and dissolve parliament; supporters say foreign and domestic threats require the change, while opponents say it erodes balance in distribution of powers. (Agencies, Ynet)
Features:
Israeli Soldiers Kill a Palestinian at His Home, Then Lock His Mother In
Mohammed Salhi, a 32-year-old Palestinian who lived with his ailing mother in a West Bank refugee camp, wakes up in the middle of the night as soldiers burst into the house. They shoot him 11 times, claiming he threatened them with a knife. (Haaretz+)
Connections, hints and age: Abbas is already preparing for the day after
When the head of the Palestinian Authority starts talking about death and warns that the window of opportunity is closing, it’s not difficult to understand from where that’s coming. Jacky Khougy came back from Ramallah with conclusions: Abbas signaled who are his heirs (Jibril Rajoub for his seat and Saeb Erekat, Majd Faraj and Mahmoud Al-A’aloul for the leadership) in order to keep out loyalists to Marwan Barghouti and Mohammed Dahlan – and to keep out Hamas and he often hosts Israelis at the Muqata (headquarters). (Jacky Khugi, Maariv)
The Last Tango in Paris: Behind the scenes of the peace conference
An inside look at the 15-minute blame game in the Kerry-Netanyahu phone call, the surprising speech of the Saudi foreign minister and the new UN bid that was turned down at the last moment. (Barak Ravid, Haaretz+)
How Israel battled the Paris peace conference - on social media
Though not physically present at the Paris peace conference, Israel's Foreign Ministry was very much there by tweet and by soul. (Barak Ravid, Haaretz+)
How Jabel Mukaber (Palestinian neighborhood of Jerusalem) became a terror incubator
Fadi Qunbar, who murdered an IDF officer and three cadets in the East Talpiot vehicular attack, lived not far from the two cousins who murdered five worshippers and a policeman at a Jerusalem synagogue in 2014. As the villages annexed to Jerusalem in 1967 produce more and more terrorists, there is a growing demand to separate them from the city. But according to local resident Mahmoud Awisat, the solution begins with providing basic services to the neglected neighborhoods. (Oded Shalom and Elior Levy, Yedioth/Ynet)
Unique book on Israel's 50s' spy ring in Egypt up for auction
63 years after the Lavon Affair, a book is being made public that presents the Egyptian perspective on events; a former NSC head judges the book to probably have been made as Egyptian propaganda to paint Israel as a terrorist state, but considers the confessions it contains by Israelis to be authentic, if probably coerced. "The book was found without identifying details for the publisher or the place of publication," said Dr. Baruch Falah, a multidisciplinary historian and researcher who purchased the volume from an antiques dealer. The book will be displayed at Winner's Auctions on January 24th before it is publicly auctioned on January 31st. The starting bid will be $200. (Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
Israeli Coverage of the Incident at Umm al-Hiran Is Proof That Apartheid Exists (Rogel Alpher, Haaretz+) In the so-Orwellian Israeli animal farm, pigs live in Amona and rats live in Umm al-Hiran.
Annexing Settlements Like Thieves In the Night (Haaretz Editorial) In bid to push annexation, Israeli government tries to give Trump crash course in Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Netanyahu and Co. Present: A Jungle in the Villa (Uri Misgav, Haaretz+) From the prime minister, to his wife, to his son, to the billionaires, to the Mossad, to the National Security Council, to the lawyers, to the publishers, to the attorney general.
Say 'No' to Netanyahu's Industry of Lies (Iris Leal, Haaretz+) Despite Netanyahu's lies, the truth exists. It is not given to interpretation.
Trump’s Iranian challenge is an opportunity for Israel too (Amos Yadlin, Yedioth/Ynet) The question is not whether the new US administration should stick to the nuclear deal or tear it up, but rather how it should maintain the agreement’s achievements in the near future in order to fix its difficult strategic flaws in the long run. Israel is now being given a second chance to influence the US policy on this issue.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's Frightening Facebook Post (Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya, Haaretz+) The prime minister’s text is cynical and hurtful, and even though it hardly made waves among Jewish Israelis, it has deeply hurt the feelings of hundreds of thousands of Arabs.
There's Reality, and Then There's Netanyahu's Reality (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) There's no question that the prime minister will be forced to resign; the only thing open to debate is when it's going to happen.
Trump era brought an end to diplomacy as we knew it (Tal Schneider, Maariv) The world is following the change and rubbing its eyes without knowing what to think and how to plan. Everyone started to understand that everything will be arranged via Twitter debates of vulgar words and hasty statements.
The God That Failed - Notably for Masses of Jews (JP O'Malley, Haaretz+) If by chance the radical left begins raising its head in the Israeli body politic anytime soon, this tome will become an important point of reference.
Without a future, without hope, without a dream: Trump was sworn-in with a dark and apocalyptic speech (Ron Miburg, Maariv) It’s doubtful whether those present expected that dark speech. There was no connection between the America that Obama transferred to him and the one that Trump described in crude and fabricated colors.
America Uber Alles (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) Trump’s voice will echo throughout the world and will become a source of inspiration and legitimacy for the extreme right, from Europe to Israel.
Jews Have a Critical Role in Resisting the Trump Administration (Audrey Sasson, Haaretz+) The vast majority of U.S. Jews voted against Trump. We must be visible and outspoken in rejecting the hatred and bigotry his campaign and appointments represent. That's why we're marching on Washington.
A leftist stance, not a liberal one (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Those who speak contemptuously of Netanyahu's "foolish followers" fall into the category of his "foolish opponents" • It is impossible to analyze the partial transcripts that have emerged in the investigation into the prime minister.
Israel's Secularism Heading for Additional Catastrophes (Shlomo Sand, Haaretz+) The synthesis of Zionism and socialism has disintegrated, making way for a winning symbiosis of religion and strong ethno-nationalism.
The hill of evil council (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) For 68 years, the U.N. has occupied the High Commissioner's Palace in Jerusalem, with its breathtaking views, free of charge, as it passed multiple resolutions against Israel • Now some political figures are looking into the possibility of an eviction.
A Musical Interlude or the Horrors of the Occupation? An Israeli Journalist's Dilemma (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Bethlehem hosted an open day of musical events last week, including a master class by a renowned French violinist. If only the Israeli army wasn't so busy creating stories for me to cover.
Trump's Pentagon Pick: Aggressive on Russia, anti-Iran, and Doesn't Mince Words About IDF Either (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Marine General James Mattis, who reportedly loathes his nickname 'Mad Dog,' is the most level-headed among Trump's cabinet picks. He will most likely toe pro-Israel line in Pentagon, but had strong words about IDF's doctrine in Lebanon.
Tears of joy (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) This brash, often offensive man won because he reminded us that the secret of America's success has always been its people. When unfettered by overly intrusive government and the mind control of political correctness, Americans flourish.
Trump's Populist 'America First' Should Scare American Jews and Worry Israelis (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) But the really scary thing is the volatile mix of the 45th president's short fuse with the vast powers and arsenal now under his command.
Russia's Long Arm Reaches Into the Mediterranean, Iraq and Beyond (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Over the past year, Moscow has prowled many parts of the Mideast, not only to expand its influence but also to pose an alternative to the U.S., especially given its belief that Trump will prove isolationist.
Mohammed Salhi, a 32-year-old Palestinian who lived with his ailing mother in a West Bank refugee camp, wakes up in the middle of the night as soldiers burst into the house. They shoot him 11 times, claiming he threatened them with a knife. (Haaretz+)
Connections, hints and age: Abbas is already preparing for the day after
When the head of the Palestinian Authority starts talking about death and warns that the window of opportunity is closing, it’s not difficult to understand from where that’s coming. Jacky Khougy came back from Ramallah with conclusions: Abbas signaled who are his heirs (Jibril Rajoub for his seat and Saeb Erekat, Majd Faraj and Mahmoud Al-A’aloul for the leadership) in order to keep out loyalists to Marwan Barghouti and Mohammed Dahlan – and to keep out Hamas and he often hosts Israelis at the Muqata (headquarters). (Jacky Khugi, Maariv)
The Last Tango in Paris: Behind the scenes of the peace conference
An inside look at the 15-minute blame game in the Kerry-Netanyahu phone call, the surprising speech of the Saudi foreign minister and the new UN bid that was turned down at the last moment. (Barak Ravid, Haaretz+)
How Israel battled the Paris peace conference - on social media
Though not physically present at the Paris peace conference, Israel's Foreign Ministry was very much there by tweet and by soul. (Barak Ravid, Haaretz+)
How Jabel Mukaber (Palestinian neighborhood of Jerusalem) became a terror incubator
Fadi Qunbar, who murdered an IDF officer and three cadets in the East Talpiot vehicular attack, lived not far from the two cousins who murdered five worshippers and a policeman at a Jerusalem synagogue in 2014. As the villages annexed to Jerusalem in 1967 produce more and more terrorists, there is a growing demand to separate them from the city. But according to local resident Mahmoud Awisat, the solution begins with providing basic services to the neglected neighborhoods. (Oded Shalom and Elior Levy, Yedioth/Ynet)
Unique book on Israel's 50s' spy ring in Egypt up for auction
63 years after the Lavon Affair, a book is being made public that presents the Egyptian perspective on events; a former NSC head judges the book to probably have been made as Egyptian propaganda to paint Israel as a terrorist state, but considers the confessions it contains by Israelis to be authentic, if probably coerced. "The book was found without identifying details for the publisher or the place of publication," said Dr. Baruch Falah, a multidisciplinary historian and researcher who purchased the volume from an antiques dealer. The book will be displayed at Winner's Auctions on January 24th before it is publicly auctioned on January 31st. The starting bid will be $200. (Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
Israeli Coverage of the Incident at Umm al-Hiran Is Proof That Apartheid Exists (Rogel Alpher, Haaretz+) In the so-Orwellian Israeli animal farm, pigs live in Amona and rats live in Umm al-Hiran.
Annexing Settlements Like Thieves In the Night (Haaretz Editorial) In bid to push annexation, Israeli government tries to give Trump crash course in Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Netanyahu and Co. Present: A Jungle in the Villa (Uri Misgav, Haaretz+) From the prime minister, to his wife, to his son, to the billionaires, to the Mossad, to the National Security Council, to the lawyers, to the publishers, to the attorney general.
Say 'No' to Netanyahu's Industry of Lies (Iris Leal, Haaretz+) Despite Netanyahu's lies, the truth exists. It is not given to interpretation.
Trump’s Iranian challenge is an opportunity for Israel too (Amos Yadlin, Yedioth/Ynet) The question is not whether the new US administration should stick to the nuclear deal or tear it up, but rather how it should maintain the agreement’s achievements in the near future in order to fix its difficult strategic flaws in the long run. Israel is now being given a second chance to influence the US policy on this issue.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's Frightening Facebook Post (Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya, Haaretz+) The prime minister’s text is cynical and hurtful, and even though it hardly made waves among Jewish Israelis, it has deeply hurt the feelings of hundreds of thousands of Arabs.
There's Reality, and Then There's Netanyahu's Reality (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) There's no question that the prime minister will be forced to resign; the only thing open to debate is when it's going to happen.
Trump era brought an end to diplomacy as we knew it (Tal Schneider, Maariv) The world is following the change and rubbing its eyes without knowing what to think and how to plan. Everyone started to understand that everything will be arranged via Twitter debates of vulgar words and hasty statements.
The God That Failed - Notably for Masses of Jews (JP O'Malley, Haaretz+) If by chance the radical left begins raising its head in the Israeli body politic anytime soon, this tome will become an important point of reference.
Without a future, without hope, without a dream: Trump was sworn-in with a dark and apocalyptic speech (Ron Miburg, Maariv) It’s doubtful whether those present expected that dark speech. There was no connection between the America that Obama transferred to him and the one that Trump described in crude and fabricated colors.
America Uber Alles (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) Trump’s voice will echo throughout the world and will become a source of inspiration and legitimacy for the extreme right, from Europe to Israel.
Jews Have a Critical Role in Resisting the Trump Administration (Audrey Sasson, Haaretz+) The vast majority of U.S. Jews voted against Trump. We must be visible and outspoken in rejecting the hatred and bigotry his campaign and appointments represent. That's why we're marching on Washington.
A leftist stance, not a liberal one (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) Those who speak contemptuously of Netanyahu's "foolish followers" fall into the category of his "foolish opponents" • It is impossible to analyze the partial transcripts that have emerged in the investigation into the prime minister.
Israel's Secularism Heading for Additional Catastrophes (Shlomo Sand, Haaretz+) The synthesis of Zionism and socialism has disintegrated, making way for a winning symbiosis of religion and strong ethno-nationalism.
The hill of evil council (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) For 68 years, the U.N. has occupied the High Commissioner's Palace in Jerusalem, with its breathtaking views, free of charge, as it passed multiple resolutions against Israel • Now some political figures are looking into the possibility of an eviction.
A Musical Interlude or the Horrors of the Occupation? An Israeli Journalist's Dilemma (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Bethlehem hosted an open day of musical events last week, including a master class by a renowned French violinist. If only the Israeli army wasn't so busy creating stories for me to cover.
Trump's Pentagon Pick: Aggressive on Russia, anti-Iran, and Doesn't Mince Words About IDF Either (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Marine General James Mattis, who reportedly loathes his nickname 'Mad Dog,' is the most level-headed among Trump's cabinet picks. He will most likely toe pro-Israel line in Pentagon, but had strong words about IDF's doctrine in Lebanon.
Tears of joy (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) This brash, often offensive man won because he reminded us that the secret of America's success has always been its people. When unfettered by overly intrusive government and the mind control of political correctness, Americans flourish.
Trump's Populist 'America First' Should Scare American Jews and Worry Israelis (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) But the really scary thing is the volatile mix of the 45th president's short fuse with the vast powers and arsenal now under his command.
Russia's Long Arm Reaches Into the Mediterranean, Iraq and Beyond (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) Over the past year, Moscow has prowled many parts of the Mideast, not only to expand its influence but also to pose an alternative to the U.S., especially given its belief that Trump will prove isolationist.
Interviews:
Preventing the next terror attack from Israel’s prisons
There are about 6,200 security prisoners in eight of the Israel Prison Services’ detention facilities, and 70 percent of them are defined as having blood on their hands. In a joint interview, three intelligence officers serving in Israel’s most dangerous prisons discuss what it is like to be in the same room with eight murderers, how inmates are turned into informants and how MK Ghattas was caught allegedly smuggling cellphones into jail. (Interviewed by Shosh Mula in Yedioth/Ynet)
**Three years after she brought about the dismissal of her teacher for his left-wing statements, Sapir Sabah returns to attack
The student who complained a few years ago about her teacher, Adam Verta, because of his leftist views, returns and gives interview to Mako/Channel 2. “Back then I was afraid to appear extremist. Today I say what I want. I don’t have a problem that people say I’m a radical right-winger." She went on: "The left-wingers are a curse, I would never go out with one of those…Left-wing views are insanity. I hope with the right pills things will improve…I hate leftists more than I hate Arabs. Arabs are supporting their people and their land. Leftists are Jews who hate their own people, they are against their own people, this is why I hate leftists. They are self-righteous and they don’t live in reality, but in their heart, they know that it’s not possible for there to be equal rights between Jews and Arabs. I have not seen stuff like that. If I come across a left-winger I’ll tell him, ‘You feel things aren’t good for you here? Then get up and go.’” Sabah added that she doesn’t want relations with Leftists. "What can you do about it that Leftists think wrong? A Leftist will not be my good friend, will not be my friend and won’t be my partner. Even my roommates are right-wingers.” Sabah said at the end of the interview that she hopes to serve in the Knesset and admitted that she was a fan of Minister Miri Regev. "I want to be an MK. I wish. God willing, yes. Politics are very interesting to me. Maybe I'll go study something connected to it later, such as political science. I still don't know which party. I love Michael (Ben-Ari), Baruch (Marzel) and Itamar (Ben-Gvir) [all three are radical right-wingers – OH]. They are religious and I am a strong believer, but (I) also have interest-based considerations: what’s best for me. I'll go to the party where I have a chance (to get voted in). I'm crazy about Miri Regev. She does work in the best way there is. She’s a fan of Beitar (right-wing nationalist soccer team) and does what she wants and doesn’t care what anyone else thinks.” (Interviewed by Tehiya Barak in Hebrew at Mako and quoted in Maariv)
Preventing the next terror attack from Israel’s prisons
There are about 6,200 security prisoners in eight of the Israel Prison Services’ detention facilities, and 70 percent of them are defined as having blood on their hands. In a joint interview, three intelligence officers serving in Israel’s most dangerous prisons discuss what it is like to be in the same room with eight murderers, how inmates are turned into informants and how MK Ghattas was caught allegedly smuggling cellphones into jail. (Interviewed by Shosh Mula in Yedioth/Ynet)
**Three years after she brought about the dismissal of her teacher for his left-wing statements, Sapir Sabah returns to attack
The student who complained a few years ago about her teacher, Adam Verta, because of his leftist views, returns and gives interview to Mako/Channel 2. “Back then I was afraid to appear extremist. Today I say what I want. I don’t have a problem that people say I’m a radical right-winger." She went on: "The left-wingers are a curse, I would never go out with one of those…Left-wing views are insanity. I hope with the right pills things will improve…I hate leftists more than I hate Arabs. Arabs are supporting their people and their land. Leftists are Jews who hate their own people, they are against their own people, this is why I hate leftists. They are self-righteous and they don’t live in reality, but in their heart, they know that it’s not possible for there to be equal rights between Jews and Arabs. I have not seen stuff like that. If I come across a left-winger I’ll tell him, ‘You feel things aren’t good for you here? Then get up and go.’” Sabah added that she doesn’t want relations with Leftists. "What can you do about it that Leftists think wrong? A Leftist will not be my good friend, will not be my friend and won’t be my partner. Even my roommates are right-wingers.” Sabah said at the end of the interview that she hopes to serve in the Knesset and admitted that she was a fan of Minister Miri Regev. "I want to be an MK. I wish. God willing, yes. Politics are very interesting to me. Maybe I'll go study something connected to it later, such as political science. I still don't know which party. I love Michael (Ben-Ari), Baruch (Marzel) and Itamar (Ben-Gvir) [all three are radical right-wingers – OH]. They are religious and I am a strong believer, but (I) also have interest-based considerations: what’s best for me. I'll go to the party where I have a chance (to get voted in). I'm crazy about Miri Regev. She does work in the best way there is. She’s a fan of Beitar (right-wing nationalist soccer team) and does what she wants and doesn’t care what anyone else thinks.” (Interviewed by Tehiya Barak in Hebrew at Mako and quoted in Maariv)
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.