APN/ Peace Now in the News: February 13-17, 2017

The Palm Beach Post: February 17, 2017
Israeli Settlement Sees Friendly Face in Trump Ambassador Pick,” Peace Now reveals that Israel’s latest approved settlement plans were developed by Sukkat Ovadia Learning Center, a beneficiary of Friends of Beit El, an organization supported by David Friedman and his family.

i24: February 16, 2017
"Former ambassador calls Trump's Israel Envoy pick 'unqualified,' too 'extreme,'" APN among groups opposing confirmation of David Friedman as US ambassador to Israel.

The Forward (JTA Story): February 16, 2017
"Jewish Groups Slam 'Dangerous' Trump For Trashing Two-State Solution," quoted APN's statement in a story on US Jews' reactions to the Trump-Bibi meeting.

Haaretz: February 16, 2017
American Jewish Leaders Call Trump’s Ideas on Israel 'Terrifying' and 'Bizarre',” APN’s Ori Nir warned that the discussion of the possibility of a one-state solution undermines Israel’s chances for peace and its future as a democratic and Jewish state.

The Times of Israel: February 16, 2017
Trump’s Pick for Israel Ambassador Faces Dicey Senate Hearing,” APN, the New Israel Fund, and the National Democratic Jewish Council urge American Jews to call their senators to oppose David Friedman’s nomination.

Times of Israel: February 15, 2017
"Israel's envoy to apologize for calling liberal Jews 'kapos,'" APN among groups advocating against confirmation of David Friedman as ambassador to Israel.

Times of Israel: February 15, 2017
"For some left-wing groups, Trump-Bibi meet-up is not top protest priority," quoted APN's press release on the meeting: "Prime Minister Netanyahu knows what agenda he should advance in the White House if he wants to demonstrate true statesmanship and prudent leadership. If, however, he wants to continue importing Israel's petty politics to Washington - as he has been doing for years - he will be serving neither the interest of Israel nor that of the United States."

JTA: February 14, 2017
"Letters from rabbis, Holocaust survivors decry Trump Israel envoy pick David Friedman," APN and other groups supporting the two-state solution have been organizing the push to block Friedman's nomination as ambassador to Israel for his use of the term "kapo," among other reasons.

UPI: February 14, 2017
Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss tough line on Iran,” APN’s Ori Nir said Trump will only get tougher on Iran after his meeting with Netanyahu earlier this week.

VOA: February 13, 2017
"Trump Interview in Israeli Press Renews Confusion Over US Mideast Policy," Ori Nir quoted saying "As a dealmaker, Trump should know that actions speak louder than words. If he really wants to make a difference and make a deal, he should resist being manipulated by Israeli, Palestinian, or other politicians and pursue what he knows best serves America's national security interests: a two-state solution based on guidelines set by consecutive U.S. administrations. This imperative should guide the president when he meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu next week."

The Arab Weekly: February 13, 2017
"Trump and Netanyahu to discuss tough line on Iran," Ori Nir quoted saying "Netanyahu will try to pocket some of the toughening in the US attitude towards Iran and present it as his own achievement. He really believes in getting tougher on Iran."

Haaretz: February 13, 2017
Over 600 Rabbis and Cantors Sign Petition Opposing David Friedman as U.S. Ambassador to Israel,” APN, in collaboration with other progressive Jewish organizations, helps collect signatures to petition Donald Trump’s nomination for David Friedman as US Ambassador to Israel.