APN's daily news review from Israel
Thursday July 20, 2017
Quote of the day:
"(East Jerusalem includes) villages with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Police do not enter them, and neither does the Education Minister."
--The response of MK Tzipi Livni (Zionist Camp) following the passing in a first reading of a bill to make it harder to divide Jerusalem for a future Palestinian state. Livni was referring to right-wing MK Naftali Bennett who initially proposed the bill.*
Quote of the day:
"(East Jerusalem includes) villages with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Police do not enter them, and neither does the Education Minister."
--The response of MK Tzipi Livni (Zionist Camp) following the passing in a first reading of a bill to make it harder to divide Jerusalem for a future Palestinian state. Livni was referring to right-wing MK Naftali Bennett who initially proposed the bill.*
Breaking News:
Palestinian Shot Dead (Allegedly) Trying to Stab Israeli Soldiers in West Bank
Initial reports say attack on Israeli soldiers took place near school of West Bank village of Tuqu. Ma'an reporter at the scene said Israeli soldiers fired four shots towards the Palestinian, while eyewitnesses said that an Israeli military vehicle then ran over the man. No Israeli injuries. Incident is the fourth to have taken place in almost 2 weeks. (Haaretz, Maan and Ynet)
Front Page:
Haaretz
- State advancing construction that will thwart contiguity between E. Jerusalem and Ramallah
- Tension at Temple Mount: IDF and Shin Bet support removing metal detectors
- Unprecedented ruling: Parents will share child support (according to means)
- When need and opportunity meet: the extent of aid to Syrians was revealed
- Trump met Putin alone, the White House did not report on it
- Intrigues and accusations of drug addiction: This is how the Syrian Crown Prince was dismissed // NYT
- Netanyahu attacked the European Union and admitted to dozens of attacks on Syria
- To come down from the Mount // Haaretz Editorial
- (Left-wingers) They are nice // Alexander Yakobson
Yedioth Ahronoth
- “Netanyahu needs to resign because of the gifts” – Retired chief justice Meir Shamgar
- Exclusive: Apartments instead of prisons – Finance Minister Kahlon’s plan
- The child support upheaval
- Exclusive: The solution to the adoption crisis – Social Welfare Minister formulating a reform to give straight and same-sex couples equal rights to adopt
- Exclusive: This is how the Egyptian submarines were given (Israeli) approval
- A beautiful creep – 47,000 fans at Radiohead concert in Tel-Aviv
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Netanyahu: Who said there is corruption in the submarines deal?
- Fear of violent clashes during Friday prayers at Temple Mount
- Netanyahu’s conversation with heads of countries heard by mistake: “The European Union is undermining Israel”
- Radiohead shook the Tel-Aviv park and 50,000 fans
- The child support reform
Israel Hayom
- IDF Chief of Staff in closed talks gives first comment on investigation into submarines affair: “If someone wearing uniform did something ethically wrong, his place is not with us”
- The child support revolution
- Police plan: Smart cameras at Temple Mount
- Radiohead at (Tel-Aviv) park
- Anger in Shas party: “Send all the MKS of the party for a polygraph test”
- Military Rabbinate opposes cooking competition in army: “No kosher supervision”
News Summary:
Tension rising at Temple Mount as the Shin Bet and IDF argue with the Police over whether to keep controversial metal detectors on site, a revolution in child support when the High Court ruled that the support will be divided equally between parents and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was recorded complaining about the European Union making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers – along with what critics considered an outstanding performance in Tel-Aviv by Radiohead.
As the situation at the Temple Mount becomes more tense over the police installment of metal detectors at the entrance to the worship site, Netanyahu will have to decide whether to support the police decision or go with the Shin Bet an IDF recommendation to remove them and lower the tension. (Maariv) The Waqf, the Islamic trust that controls and manages the Islamic buildings, warned the situation was explosive. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cut short his trip to China. The London newspaper, Sharq al-Awsat, reported today that Saudi Arabia was pressuring the Americans to get Israel to remove the metal detectors within 24 hours, meaning tonight, and the Americans suggested to Israel alternative security operations. Publicly, the White House said it was ‘very concerned' and called to maintain the status quo at the site holy to Muslims and Jews. Israel fears what will happen at Friday prayers. The Waqf has called on all imams in and around Jerusalem not to hold Friday prayers in their mosques but to come to Al-Aqsa for prayer instead. Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to arrive to the Temple Mount compound after the unprecedented appeal. The Waqf has banned Muslim worshippers from entering the Temple Mount through the metal detectors and Arab MKs called on Netanyahu to remove them. Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza demonstrated yesterday, as well.
Quick Hits:
- New Israeli Construction Plan to Cut Off Ramallah From East Jerusalem - The project would add 1,100 housing units to the settlement of Geva Binyamin, between the capital and the separation barrier. (Haaretz+)
- Construction minister expands public housing beyond Green Line - Decision to increase public housing includes units in east Jerusalem • "I am glad we managed to buy 94 housing units in Jerusalem, which will provide more families with homes and boost our presence in Israel's capital," says construction minister. (Israel Hayom)
- Investigation opened against a Border Policeman who beat a Palestinian on the Temple Mount - During an arrest in the latest clashes at the worship site, a combatant (Israeli Boarder Police) beat one of the detainees who appeared to be standing there. (Maariv VIDEO)
- Three Israelis convicted for violence against Arab farmers - Despite convictions, judge rejects racial motivation behind 2014 attacks, identifies contradictions in plaintiffs' version of events, notes their past convictions for violence and highlights unauthorized presence at the scene. (Ynet)
- AG opposes nation-state clause prioritizing Israel’s Jewish character over democratic one - Proposed Basic Law would force the Supreme Court to rule on all laws through prism of Israel’s definition as a Jewish state, but Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit says it’s legal. (Haaretz+)
- *Bill to prevent concessions in Jerusalem passes first reading - Proposed legislation would make the division of the capital contingent on the support of an 80-MK supermajority • "Israel will not allow the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital," says bill's sponsor Shuli Mualem-Rafaeli. (Israel Hayom and Maan)
- Bill aims to impose penalties on anyone waving Hamas, ISIS flags - Bill seeks to impose heavy fines, jail sentences on display of flags and symbols of enemy states and groups in public venues • Bill's sponsor: Israel has every right to protect its Jewish and democratic character. Rightist group: Free speech has limits. (Israel Hayom)
- Food, Gasoline and Medical Supplies: Israeli Army Reveals Extent of Humanitarian Aid to Syria - Via local contacts, Operation 'Good Neighborliness' includes insulin to 100 diabetic Syrians, a medical clinic, thousands of liters of fuel, food and clothing. (Haaretz+ and Israel Hayom)
- Israeli forces open fire at Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza - Eyewitnesses told Ma’an that Israeli gunboats opened fire towards fishing boats in the al-Sudaniya area of Beit Lahiya, forcing them to sail back to shore for safety. (Maan)
- Document shows Israel expected to approve submarines sale to Egypt - Despite claims by Netanyahu that 'it wasn't Israel's decision, it was Germany; we didn't decide to approve or not approve' Berlin's deal with Cairo, minutes of ThyssenKrupp meeting show Jerusalem's okay was sought for 2009 sale of less advanced submarines. (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Netanyahu: Submarine deal will go ahead as planned once probe ends - Prime minister refuses to confirm or deny if Israel gave green light for Germany's sale of submarines to Egypt. (Haaretz+ and Israel Hayom)
- Thousands demand return of Hamas-held IDF troops' bodies - Some 5,000 people rally in Tiberias to support families of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, whose remains are being held by Hamas • Shaul's mother demands government take action • Lebanese media reports of "slight progress" in indirect Israel-Hamas talks. (Israel Hayom)
- The organizations that help the IDF's 6,500 lone soldiers - 'We have set ourselves the task of standing beside lone soldiers and supporting them during and after their army service,' says FIDF CEO Maj. Gen. (res.) Meir Klifi-Amir. (Ynet)
- Rise in asylum-seekers leaving Israel for West, especially Canada - Refugees to America’s northern neighbor can apply for citizenship three years after arriving. (Haaretz+)
- French-Jewish immigration to Israel drops 25 percent in first half of year - Despite expectations of a 'Trump effect' on aliyah, American Jews staying put. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli minister urges France to defund play about terrorist - Culture Minister Miri Regev urges French counterpart to prevent staging of play about Mohamed Merah, who murdered three children and a teacher at a Jewish school in 2012 • Time has come to stop artistic activity that "glorifies terrorism," she says. (Israel Hayom)
- Israeli forces detain Palestinian woman visiting her 2 imprisoned children - According to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS), Israeli forces had detained Hanaa Tawfiq Hamadeh while she was visiting her two imprisoned sons in Israel’s Gilboa prison. (Maan)
- Uber-clone Careem Starts to Ply West Bank's Roads - The fact the mobile network is still 2G, that electronic payments are not the norm and that Israeli checkpoints are common, make using the service somewhat cumbersome. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- 5 Palestinians killed in accident between Palestinian vehicle, Israeli truck in Jenin -
- Israeli police said that Palestinian workers were inside of the commercial vehicle. The police added that those who were injured sustained moderate to light wounds. (Maan and Maariv)
- Palestinian child seriously injured after being struck by Israeli settler vehicle - A 10-year-old Palestinian child was seriously injured Wednesday after being hit by an Israeli settler vehicle in the area of Wadi al-Hsien in Hebron city. Incidents of Israeli settlers (cars) hitting Palestinians are common and usually treated by Israeli security forces as accidents, even in cases when witnesses claim the car rammings were deliberate. (Maan)
- Israeli forces obstruct wounded Palestinians from reaching Jerusalem clinic - Head of the Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital east of the Old City that also runs a clinic near the entrance to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, told Ma’an that Israeli forces have been preventing medics and patients from reaching the clinic. (Maan)
- Israel, Egypt team up to promote Egyptian goods at US trade fair - In sign of increasing economic ties, Israel and Egypt set up joint booth at textile fair in New York • Increased collaboration follows 2005 deal that allows Egypt to sell goods duty-free to U.S. through Israel, with at least 10.5% Israeli input. (Israel Hayom)
- U.S. Jewish LGBT leaders slam Israeli adoption policy as 'blatantly homophobic' - LGBT advocates in the U.S. said they had been heartened by reports of substantial resistance to the policies in Israel voiced by politicians, officials and civil society groups. (Haaretz+)
- ACLU urges U.S. senators to oppose bill targeting boycotts of Israel and settlements - ACLU's national political director says 'the government cannot, consistent with the First Amendment, punish U.S. persons based solely on their expressed political beliefs'. (JTA, Haaretz)
- U.S. State Department Faces Cuts, Israeli-Palestinian Peace Programming Untouched - In proposed budget, 40 percent of world 'reconciliation programs,' including water sanitation and efforts to combat child marriage, to be dedicated to peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. (Haaretz)
- Qatar Crisis: Saudi-led Coalition Drops 13 Demands to End the Boycott - Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain urge Qatar to commit to six principles in order to resolve the conflict. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- US imposes new sanctions on Iran over ballistic missile program - Washington slaps 18 Iranian individuals and groups with sanctions, although President Donald Trump decides to let the 2015 nuclear agreement stand • Iranian foreign minister: Sanctions "poison the atmosphere" and violate the "spirit" of the nuclear deal. (Agencies, Israel Hayom)
Features:
Old City, New Stories Amid Temple Mount Tensions, Fearless Directors Unite Jerusalem's
Quarters
Iranian Mohsen Makhmalbaf and American Todd Solondz are two of the foreign filmmakers participating in 'The Quarters,' a new project about the Old City of Jerusalem's four quarters. No one is underestimating the challenge. (Nirit Anderman, Haaretz+)
A Palestinian lawmaker is in detention without trial, and Israel doesn't say why
Dozens of Israeli troops marched into Khalida Jarrar's Ramallah home in the dark of night, beating up her daughter and seizing her husband's work hard drives before making the arrest; her family fears she will stay in jail indefinitely. (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
For Israel's Jews and Arabs to truly coexist, this is what needs to happen (Ron Gerlitz, Haaretz+) How to build a shared Israeli society where Jews and Arabs are equal and perceive themselves as sharing a joint homeland.
Who’s lynching the prime minister? (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) The people in charge of the institutions investigating all the recent affairs were selected by Netanyahu—Attorney General Mandelblit, State Comptroller Shapira, Police Commissioner Alsheikh. He is the innocent, helpless victim; and they are the incited mob, his hangmen.
Remove Metal Detectors First (Haaretz Editorial) Past experience shows that if there’s one issue that can unite the entire Arab world against Israel and lead to bloodshed, it’s the Temple Mount.
Own it to fight it: Yes, we U.S. Jews are complicit in violence against Palestinians and people of color (Rebecca Vilkomerson, Haaretz) Jewish Voice for Peace head responds: Jewish communities, in both Israel and the U.S., can't keep declaring prejudice and victimization when confronted with difficult truths.
The submarines affair: Until the state sets rules here, everyone will grab as much as he can (Meir Uziel, Maariv) It is surprising and unpleasant to hear about money being transferred to private pockets, while making security acquisitions and its awful that all this is legal. This is a culture of "if someone gives you – take."
Netanyahu’s Bigheaded Euro-bashing in Budapest Is Bannon 101 (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) In the prime minister’s jaundiced eyes, Barack Obama was essentially European but Donald Trump is pure American.
State of Israel couldn’t care less about gays (Dror Cohen and Victoria Gelfand, Ynet) The state’s objection to same-sex adoptions comes as no surprise. As part of the animosity and discrimination against homosexuals and lesbians in Israel, it reveals the simple truth: The state can’t stand the idea of gay people having a family in Israel.
Why Would American Orthodox Jews Fund a Campaign That Vilifies Them – and Israel? (Rabbi Avi Shafran, Haaretz+) The Jewish Federations, who once championed Jewish unity, are now contributing to the alienation of the pro-Israel Orthodox Jews who are the future of the U.S. Jewish community.
The inflation of 'religification' (Chanani Bleich, Israel Hayom) The media is devoting more and more articles to reporting alleged religious indoctrination in schools. But as the number increases, the merit of each claim decreases.
Israel's aiding of neighboring Syrians isn’t altruistic, but still commendable (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) The IDF identified the possibility of a deal with the residents of the area: Israel would step into the vacuum that was created and provide assistance. In exchange, the local militias would act to maintain quiet along the length of the border.
It's time to seize opportunities at the Temple Mount (Yoaz Hendel, Yedioth/Ynet) Friday’s terror attack should have served as an opportunity to change the chaos at the site and put things in order. Israel could have enlisted the international community, the US and Jordan for a direct debate on the operation of the world’s most important religious and archaeological site.
Formulating policy in Gaza? You made the decision makers laugh (Ran Adelist, Maariv) The Government of Israel is unable to admit its failure in handling Gaza, both in terms of civilian issues and security issues. However, the consequences of the situation in Gaza are coming back to us like boomerang.
He Sang 'Creep,' but We Expected More of Thom Yorke (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) One can fight politicians, global warming, big corporations and Donald Trump without needing much courage. Not so with the occupation.
What does Jordan bring? (Dr. Moshe Elad, Israel Hayom) Recent developments illustrate that Jordan feels no obligation toward Israel. It may be time to reassess Israel's strategic alliance with the kingdom.
A Good Word for Israel's Radical Left (Alexander Yakobson, Haaretz+) If a Jew threatens the integrity of an Israeli cop’s skull, one may assume he’s no anarchist but rather a great patriot, Amona-style.
Radiohead's Concert in Israel Is Another Brick in the Occupation’s Wall (Rogel Alpher, Haaretz+) There’s a good reason why Roger Waters is Public Enemy No. 1 in Israel – people recognize he is promoting the only action that could end the Israeli occupation
Why Adelson is pouring millions into an Israeli university in the West Bank (Judy Maltz, Haaretz+) Critics say the fiercely controversial Ariel University serves one purpose only: to entrench the settlements, putting the final nail into the coffin of any potential peace agreement.
Iranian Mohsen Makhmalbaf and American Todd Solondz are two of the foreign filmmakers participating in 'The Quarters,' a new project about the Old City of Jerusalem's four quarters. No one is underestimating the challenge. (Nirit Anderman, Haaretz+)
A Palestinian lawmaker is in detention without trial, and Israel doesn't say why
Dozens of Israeli troops marched into Khalida Jarrar's Ramallah home in the dark of night, beating up her daughter and seizing her husband's work hard drives before making the arrest; her family fears she will stay in jail indefinitely. (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+)
Commentary/Analysis:
For Israel's Jews and Arabs to truly coexist, this is what needs to happen (Ron Gerlitz, Haaretz+) How to build a shared Israeli society where Jews and Arabs are equal and perceive themselves as sharing a joint homeland.
Who’s lynching the prime minister? (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) The people in charge of the institutions investigating all the recent affairs were selected by Netanyahu—Attorney General Mandelblit, State Comptroller Shapira, Police Commissioner Alsheikh. He is the innocent, helpless victim; and they are the incited mob, his hangmen.
Remove Metal Detectors First (Haaretz Editorial) Past experience shows that if there’s one issue that can unite the entire Arab world against Israel and lead to bloodshed, it’s the Temple Mount.
Own it to fight it: Yes, we U.S. Jews are complicit in violence against Palestinians and people of color (Rebecca Vilkomerson, Haaretz) Jewish Voice for Peace head responds: Jewish communities, in both Israel and the U.S., can't keep declaring prejudice and victimization when confronted with difficult truths.
The submarines affair: Until the state sets rules here, everyone will grab as much as he can (Meir Uziel, Maariv) It is surprising and unpleasant to hear about money being transferred to private pockets, while making security acquisitions and its awful that all this is legal. This is a culture of "if someone gives you – take."
Netanyahu’s Bigheaded Euro-bashing in Budapest Is Bannon 101 (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) In the prime minister’s jaundiced eyes, Barack Obama was essentially European but Donald Trump is pure American.
State of Israel couldn’t care less about gays (Dror Cohen and Victoria Gelfand, Ynet) The state’s objection to same-sex adoptions comes as no surprise. As part of the animosity and discrimination against homosexuals and lesbians in Israel, it reveals the simple truth: The state can’t stand the idea of gay people having a family in Israel.
Why Would American Orthodox Jews Fund a Campaign That Vilifies Them – and Israel? (Rabbi Avi Shafran, Haaretz+) The Jewish Federations, who once championed Jewish unity, are now contributing to the alienation of the pro-Israel Orthodox Jews who are the future of the U.S. Jewish community.
The inflation of 'religification' (Chanani Bleich, Israel Hayom) The media is devoting more and more articles to reporting alleged religious indoctrination in schools. But as the number increases, the merit of each claim decreases.
Israel's aiding of neighboring Syrians isn’t altruistic, but still commendable (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) The IDF identified the possibility of a deal with the residents of the area: Israel would step into the vacuum that was created and provide assistance. In exchange, the local militias would act to maintain quiet along the length of the border.
It's time to seize opportunities at the Temple Mount (Yoaz Hendel, Yedioth/Ynet) Friday’s terror attack should have served as an opportunity to change the chaos at the site and put things in order. Israel could have enlisted the international community, the US and Jordan for a direct debate on the operation of the world’s most important religious and archaeological site.
Formulating policy in Gaza? You made the decision makers laugh (Ran Adelist, Maariv) The Government of Israel is unable to admit its failure in handling Gaza, both in terms of civilian issues and security issues. However, the consequences of the situation in Gaza are coming back to us like boomerang.
He Sang 'Creep,' but We Expected More of Thom Yorke (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) One can fight politicians, global warming, big corporations and Donald Trump without needing much courage. Not so with the occupation.
What does Jordan bring? (Dr. Moshe Elad, Israel Hayom) Recent developments illustrate that Jordan feels no obligation toward Israel. It may be time to reassess Israel's strategic alliance with the kingdom.
A Good Word for Israel's Radical Left (Alexander Yakobson, Haaretz+) If a Jew threatens the integrity of an Israeli cop’s skull, one may assume he’s no anarchist but rather a great patriot, Amona-style.
Radiohead's Concert in Israel Is Another Brick in the Occupation’s Wall (Rogel Alpher, Haaretz+) There’s a good reason why Roger Waters is Public Enemy No. 1 in Israel – people recognize he is promoting the only action that could end the Israeli occupation
Why Adelson is pouring millions into an Israeli university in the West Bank (Judy Maltz, Haaretz+) Critics say the fiercely controversial Ariel University serves one purpose only: to entrench the settlements, putting the final nail into the coffin of any potential peace agreement.
Interviews:
What Israel's first and only Muslim police general had to say about the Temple Mount attack
Gamal Hakroosh is the officer in charge of the Israeli police's minority affairs. Last week, three members of the Arab minority killed two policemen from the Druze minority. 'I'm not willing to feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place,' he says. (Interviewed in Haaretz+ by Nir Gontarz)
What Israel's first and only Muslim police general had to say about the Temple Mount attack
Gamal Hakroosh is the officer in charge of the Israeli police's minority affairs. Last week, three members of the Arab minority killed two policemen from the Druze minority. 'I'm not willing to feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place,' he says. (Interviewed in Haaretz+ by Nir Gontarz)
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.