APN's daily news review from Israel
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
You Must Be Kidding:
"Shove the coexistence in Haifa into the fat body of the Mayor Yona Yahav."
----A Facebook post by Anat Levy, a right-wing Israeli Tax Authority employee, who was punished for publishing posts against the IDF for not acting harsh enough against Gaza and she also called for the death of Arab MK Ayman Oudeh.**
Front Page:
"Shove the coexistence in Haifa into the fat body of the Mayor Yona Yahav."
----A Facebook post by Anat Levy, a right-wing Israeli Tax Authority employee, who was punished for publishing posts against the IDF for not acting harsh enough against Gaza and she also called for the death of Arab MK Ayman Oudeh.**
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Livni threatens: If I’m not appointed chairwoman of the opposition, I will dismantle the Zionist Camp
- A worthy opposition head is not a member of the Zionist Camp // Haaretz Editorial
- Partition between men and women at Chabad rally at Rabin Square
- Ombudsman of Soldiers’ Complaints: Army in severe crisis, quality commanders are abandoning (the military)
- Thousands protested the economic crisis in Iran
- The reason for the acquittal of the doctor who raped his patient: It’s possible she staged an emotional display
- Bedouin man kept in detention because there was no infrastructure in his village to operate an electronic cuff
- Prince William landed in Israel
- Herzog and the plague // Roni Bar
- Regev and Hazan won // Nechamia Strassler
- The [anti-war] rock opera, ‘Mami,’ returns as a movie. Is Israel able to accept it today?
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Expose: The electricity farm of Gaza - Humanitarian initiative to solve the energy crisis in the Strip
- “Sara forced workers to pay for her from their own money”
- Royal landing (Photo of Prince William)
- Third generation of wings - Her grandfather and father were pilots and this week Y. will continue the family legacy when she gets her wings
- Creator of “Tales of a Handmaid,” in special interview
- Av-El - Ortal Amar and (pop singer) Ben-El Tavori are pregnant
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Open account - Another chapter from the recordings of state witness Nir Hefetz was revealed describing the wasteful conduct of the Netanyahu couple at the expense of the public
- “Israel will advance a port in Cyprus for the Gazans”
- And in its center a wall (Photo of Chabad rally at Rabin Square with partition between men and women)
- To touch a prince - The Duke of Cambridge opened his visit in Israel: “He didn’t come for politics”
Israel Hayom
- Mass protest in Iran: “Death to the dictator”
- Legal Advisors Law: It’s not an end to democracy
- Sir, the Prince
- Stop on the side: Within a year - a 50% drop in car theft
- Draw me a flight - When A. finishes pilot’s course this week, he’ll have a memento: 320 pages of cartoons his mother drew him based on his stories from the course
- Report: “Israel and Cyprus will establish a naval port for Gaza”
News Summary:
The revealing of more recordings with claims about improper financial conduct by Sara Netanyahu, Israel suddenly moves forward with two solutions for the Gaza humanitarian crisis, the arrival Monday to Israel of Prince William, and the gender-segregated Chabad event at Rabin Square in Tel-Aviv last night were today’s top stories in the Hebrew newspapers. Meanwhile, the latest on Gaza and the Trump administration’s peace deal.
Gaza and Trump Deal:
- Erekat: Kushner offered money to Arab governments instead UNRWA - Chief Palestinian negotiator says Kushner offering to pay Arab governments funds previously directed to the United Nation Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in return for those governments serving the American agenda in the area. Says, American move part of a concerted effort to undermine the status of Palestinian refugees. (Ynet)
- Alongside Jordanian King, Trump Promises 'Lot of Progress' Made on Middle East Peace Deal - Trump says progress 'started with end of Iran deal' ■ Jordan's King Abdullah visits D.C. in last-ditch attempt to influence peace plan. (Haaretz+)
- In Moscow, Hamas Officials Say Russia Promised to Oppose U.S. Peace Plan - Top Hamas official tells Haaretz that delegation timed Moscow visit alongside Trump envoys' Mideast trip. (Haaretz+)
- Israel has approved a solar farm on its territory to transfer electricity to the Gaza Strip - According to the publication in Yediot Ahronot, the farm will be built on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing, financed by Israeli and foreign private entities. Political sources in Jerusalem said that this was a unilateral move that was agreed without Hamas involvement. (HaaretzHebrew and Yedioth, p. 1)
- Report: Israel-supervised Gaza seaport to be built in Cyprus - Channel 2 News says defense minister and Cypriot president have agreed to begin planning stages that would cater for Israel's security needs while facilitating Gaza's rehabilitation, but plan said to be contingent on Hamas releasing remains of IDF soldiers, captive civilians. (Ynet)
- Palestinian Report: Israeli Army Opens Fire on Youths in Southern Gaza Strip - No casualties have been reported, and the Israeli army has not confirmed the report. (Haaretz)
- Hamas seeks a major conflict with Israel, defense officials warn - Israel believes that Hamas sees another round of conflict as a possible fix for the crisis in Gaza, but the group is also afraid of the implications of a full-scale war. (Haaretz+)
- New photos and video from Shalit's time in Hamas captivity - Twelve years after the abduction, Hamas published pictures and videos of Shalit's five years in captivity. The tapes show the Israeli soldier drinking coffee and watching television alongside his captors - some of whom have been assassinated or killed since. (Maariv and MakoHebrew)
Quick Hits:
- Israeli settlers burn 300 Palestinian olive trees in Nablus district - Israeli settlers from the Nablus-area illegal settlement of Havat Gilad set fire to several dunams of agricultural lands in Tell village, burning at least 300 olive trees belonging to three Palestinian families. (Maan)
- Israel Pushing Plan to Expand Settlement Toward Bethlehem, Isolating West Bank Village - The plan would create territorial contiguity between Jerusalem and the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, which is adjacent to Bethlehem. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli forces close off Bethlehem-area village following alleged shooting - Israeli forces claimed that a speeding car with a Palestinian license plate fired shots towards the illegal Israeli settlement of Migdal Oz and immediately fled towards Beit Fajjar. No damage or injuries to Israelis. (Maan)
- IDF ombudsman presents gloomy report of military shortfalls - In fresh annual report, General (res.) Yitzhak Brik bemoans the fact that soldiers and commanders continue to use smartphones during operations, risking unit positions, casts doubt on IDF’s readiness for next war, laments falling standards among senior staff; ‘If I read this, you would fall over.’ (Ynet)
- Sources in the IDF oppose the Ombudsman for Soldiers: "He exceeded his authority" - In the army they are attacking Gen. (res.) Yitzhak Brik, who warned in his annual report against the growing and expanding phenomenon of non-compliance with orders, expressed his fear of a lack of readiness for the next war. (Maariv)
- Attorney General Mandelblit: Legal advisor bill could seriously damage rule of law - During heated debate at Knesset’s Constitution Committee, attorney general warns against ‘bad’ proposal aimed at changing selection process of ministries’ legal advisors, saying it could harm gatekeepers; MKs slam Justice Minister Shaked, who says ministers should be involved in their legal advisors’ appointment. (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Bedouin’s Release to House Arrest Delayed for Lack of Cellular phone Signal - The house arrest of a resident of a Bedouin has been delayed because the village does not have a suitable infrastructure for electronic monitoring. (Haaretz+)
- **Civil servant reprimanded for posts against IDF, Israeli officials - Tax Authority employee wrote several disparaging Facebook posts calling to fire the IDF’s top brass, wishing MK Ayman Odeh would get a 'bullet in the head' and mocking Haifa's 'fat' mayor (for supporting co-existence between Arab and Jewish residents of the city - OH). (Ynet)
- Citing racism, Israeli lawmakers slam immigration officials for rejecting Ugandan Jews - 'Do you have special criteria for black converts?' MK asks Interior Ministry at Knesset session on difficulties faced by Jewish converts wanting to move to Israel. (Haaretz+)
- Tzipi Livni threatens to break up Zionist Union if not made opposition leader - 'I see the opposition leadership as essential for the continuation of the partnership,' Livni says following Herzog's appointment as chairman of the Jewish Agency. Gabbay was asked to appoint a new opposition leader. [NOTE: If Zionist Camp party broke up, MK Ayman Oudeh, leader of the next largest opposition party, Joint List, would become opposition leader. - OH] (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- IDF acquires device for quadcopter interception - New US-manufactured rifle successfully intercepts two quadcopters with flammable materials and ignition mechanisms attached to them; several such devices are currently at the disposal of IDF forces in the Gaza region. (Ynet)
- IDF tests new camouflage uniforms ahead of possible makeover - Some 330 soldiers from variety of units take part in month-long trial to test new uniforms that better mimic natural settings • New material is more comfortable, airy, light and durable, and aims to improve operational capability and appearance, IDF says. (Israel Hayom)
- Police probing attempted torching of Netanyahu critic's car - Meni Naftali is a former chief caretaker of the Netanyahu residence, and one of the leaders in the public protest against the premier. (Haaretz and Ynet)
- Putin invites Netanyahu to visit Moscow to watch World Cup final - Prime minister yet to announce decision on whether to accept or decline invitation to July 15 final, which was also extended to other leaders, including PA President Mahmoud Abbas. (Ynet)
- WATCH: Israeli Consulate truck at NYC LGBT Pride March - Consul-General Dani Dayan attends the annual New York City parade along with consulate staff, posing for pictures with famous drag queens; Dj Aron Abikzer plays latest Israeli hits as NYC crowds dance to Netta Barzilai's 'Toy'.' (Yedioth/Ynet)
- In Berlin, Jews and Muslims ride tandem bicycles to fight hatred - Some 25 Jews and Muslims team up to ride through the German capital in a protest against growing anti-Semitism and attacks on Muslims • Despite tensions, "the majority of Muslims and Jews want to live peacefully together," says Berlin Imam Ender Cetin. (Agencies, Israel Hayom)
- Iranian currency falling, Iranian Protesters Clash With Police Outside Parliament in Tehran - Antagonized by the rial's drop and unease over Iran's future after the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal, demonstrators force shopkeepers to close their stalls. (Agencies, Haaretz and Maariv)
- Iran seeking to buy Gaza's support with money, food - Hoping to gain the loyalty of the residents as Tehran seeks to surround Israel with its supporters, Tehran donates hot meals during month of Ramadan, gives $500 to families of ‘martyrs.’ (Ynet)
- Turkish opposition leader yields to loss, warns of 'one-man regime' - Muharrem Ince says Erdogan's government reform 'has cut off' links with democracy. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Greece's Energean reportedly in talks to develop Gaza’s natural gas fields - Sources say bringing Gaza Marine into production would benefit Israel, too. (Haaretz+)
- Saudi Woman Drives Formula 1 Car, Marking End of Ban on Female Drivers - 'I believe today is not just celebrating the new era of women starting to drive, it’s also the birth of women in motorsport in Saudi Arabia,' Aseel Al-Hamad says. (Agencies, Haaretz and VIDEO)
- Saudi-led Coalition Says It Killed Eight Hezbollah Militants in Yemen - Coalition says Saudi air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles fired by Houthi rebels from Yemen. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Russia says 70 Syrian rebels killed in fighting in country's south - Russian officials hope to discuss the situation in Syria with U.S. national security adviser John Bolton during his visit to Moscow. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Jordan says won't take Syrian refugees displaced by latest offensive - More than 17,000 people have reportedly fled their homes following a regime attack on southern Syria. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Walk or die: Algeria forces 13,000 migrants into the Sahara Desert - Algeria has abandoned more than 13,000 people in the past 14 months, including pregnant women and children, stranding them without food or water and forcing them to walk - sometimes at gunpoint. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Features:
We Flew a Drone Over the Fires Raging Around Gaza. This Is What We Saw
The good news: No one was killed. The bad news is everything else: Huge swaths of charred land, millions in damages, dead wildlife and health problems. Two months since the flaming kites began landing in Israel, Haaretz assesses the situation from a bird's eye view. (Almog Ben Zikri, Haaretz)
Commentary/Analysis:
A bright warning sign: the Ombudsman for Soldiers Complaints raised worthy points for a deep public debate (Tal Lev-Ram, Maariv) For years Gen. Yitzhak Brik has been warning about deep problems within the IDF, but now that he has completed his tenth year in office, he has issued the document with the most criticism since he took office.
A Royal Visit Despite 'Occupied Palestinian Territories': Prince William Helps Netanyahu Crack the Diplomatic Isolation Theory (Noa Landau, Haaretz+) Netanyahu takes the historic visit as validation that there is no 'diplomatic tsunami' over the occupation. But after all the glam flies back to London, Israel will remain with the occupied territories.
When the High Court of Justice assumes that Judea and Samaria is not ours, it has no interest in dealing with illegal Palestinian construction (Kalman Liebeskind, Maariv) A study by the Regavim organization illustrates the difference between the attitude toward the petitions from the right-wing, which seek to destroy illegal Arab construction, and the petitions from the left-wing that seek to demolish illegal Jewish construction.
A necessary lesson (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) By referring to parts of Jerusalem as "occupied Palestinian territories," the U.K. continues to deny reality as well as Israel's historic right to Jerusalem in its entirety.
Ayman Odeh for Israeli Opposition Leader (Haaretz Editorial) Electing Odeh, an Arab, to the national post of leader of the opposition would also make an important symbolic contribution to Israeli democracy and advance equality between Arabs and Jews in this country.
Bennett’s disservice to Gaza border residents (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) Instead of holding a serious cabinet discussion on diplomatic, economic and military moves to change the reality in Gaza, the ministers flexed their muscles in front of the microphones. The education minister went as far as suggesting that the IDF shoot every child flying a kite. Children’s funerals in Gaza, Bennett believes, will bring peace to the Gaza vicinity communities.
Toking on the Base in Israel (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Maybe the soldiers realize that something is essentially wrong with serving in an institution whose job is to suppress 4 million subjects.
Ramallah is unavailable (Amnon Lord, Israel Hayom) With the Palestinian Authority's position declining, the U.S. Middle East peace plan involves other regional elements. Still, a visit by an American envoy to Ramallah does not seem feasible.
Pressuring the Palestinians from above (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) The U.S. realizes that when it comes to the Palestinians, there is no one to talk to and nothing to talk about, and it is no longer in the Arab nations' interest to fan the flames of conflict.
Trump's Peace Plan May Have a Surprising Palestinian Partner: Hamas (Muhammad Shehada, Haaretz+) Senior Hamas figures are sending up a direct-negotiations trial balloon, indicating interest in buying into the White House plan to ease the crisis in Gaza. The consequences could be explosive.
A challenge to the legal establishment (Dr. Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Attorneys general have become representatives of the High Court of Justice within government ministries instead of competent and proficient representatives of the government facing the High Court.
Typhus, Cholera, Intermarriage (Roni Bar, Haaretz+) It’s a plague. Like typhus, cholera, smallpox. In Herzog’s view, intermarriage, too, could cause the collapse of bodily systems.
Until we stop being ashamed of the love of our national homeland, we will continue to dream of participating in the World Cup (Yossi Ahimeir, Maariv) While in the world the level of national pride is rising steadily - and the intense and colorful expression of this is in the current World Cup - in Israel, the willingness to strive for the sake of national honor and the flag is dropping.
Jerusalem's multiple wannabe mayors could split the secular vote (Nir Hasson, Haaretz+) Lawmaker Rachel Azaria's decision to run may bode ill for the non-Haredi, pluralistic community, but also shows that rumors of the latter's death were premature.
The end of an era (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) In their love affair with Abbas, the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini promised the Palestinian leader the earth at Israel's expense.
The Bigger Missile Will Win (Gadi Taub, Haaretz+) With a little less of Obama’s sophistication and a little more simplicity like that of Reagan and Trump, maybe the Middle East wouldn't be drowning in blood.
The good news: No one was killed. The bad news is everything else: Huge swaths of charred land, millions in damages, dead wildlife and health problems. Two months since the flaming kites began landing in Israel, Haaretz assesses the situation from a bird's eye view. (Almog Ben Zikri, Haaretz)
Commentary/Analysis:
A bright warning sign: the Ombudsman for Soldiers Complaints raised worthy points for a deep public debate (Tal Lev-Ram, Maariv) For years Gen. Yitzhak Brik has been warning about deep problems within the IDF, but now that he has completed his tenth year in office, he has issued the document with the most criticism since he took office.
A Royal Visit Despite 'Occupied Palestinian Territories': Prince William Helps Netanyahu Crack the Diplomatic Isolation Theory (Noa Landau, Haaretz+) Netanyahu takes the historic visit as validation that there is no 'diplomatic tsunami' over the occupation. But after all the glam flies back to London, Israel will remain with the occupied territories.
When the High Court of Justice assumes that Judea and Samaria is not ours, it has no interest in dealing with illegal Palestinian construction (Kalman Liebeskind, Maariv) A study by the Regavim organization illustrates the difference between the attitude toward the petitions from the right-wing, which seek to destroy illegal Arab construction, and the petitions from the left-wing that seek to demolish illegal Jewish construction.
A necessary lesson (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) By referring to parts of Jerusalem as "occupied Palestinian territories," the U.K. continues to deny reality as well as Israel's historic right to Jerusalem in its entirety.
Ayman Odeh for Israeli Opposition Leader (Haaretz Editorial) Electing Odeh, an Arab, to the national post of leader of the opposition would also make an important symbolic contribution to Israeli democracy and advance equality between Arabs and Jews in this country.
Bennett’s disservice to Gaza border residents (Nahum Barnea, Yedioth/Ynet) Instead of holding a serious cabinet discussion on diplomatic, economic and military moves to change the reality in Gaza, the ministers flexed their muscles in front of the microphones. The education minister went as far as suggesting that the IDF shoot every child flying a kite. Children’s funerals in Gaza, Bennett believes, will bring peace to the Gaza vicinity communities.
Toking on the Base in Israel (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Maybe the soldiers realize that something is essentially wrong with serving in an institution whose job is to suppress 4 million subjects.
Ramallah is unavailable (Amnon Lord, Israel Hayom) With the Palestinian Authority's position declining, the U.S. Middle East peace plan involves other regional elements. Still, a visit by an American envoy to Ramallah does not seem feasible.
Pressuring the Palestinians from above (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) The U.S. realizes that when it comes to the Palestinians, there is no one to talk to and nothing to talk about, and it is no longer in the Arab nations' interest to fan the flames of conflict.
Trump's Peace Plan May Have a Surprising Palestinian Partner: Hamas (Muhammad Shehada, Haaretz+) Senior Hamas figures are sending up a direct-negotiations trial balloon, indicating interest in buying into the White House plan to ease the crisis in Gaza. The consequences could be explosive.
A challenge to the legal establishment (Dr. Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Attorneys general have become representatives of the High Court of Justice within government ministries instead of competent and proficient representatives of the government facing the High Court.
Typhus, Cholera, Intermarriage (Roni Bar, Haaretz+) It’s a plague. Like typhus, cholera, smallpox. In Herzog’s view, intermarriage, too, could cause the collapse of bodily systems.
Until we stop being ashamed of the love of our national homeland, we will continue to dream of participating in the World Cup (Yossi Ahimeir, Maariv) While in the world the level of national pride is rising steadily - and the intense and colorful expression of this is in the current World Cup - in Israel, the willingness to strive for the sake of national honor and the flag is dropping.
Jerusalem's multiple wannabe mayors could split the secular vote (Nir Hasson, Haaretz+) Lawmaker Rachel Azaria's decision to run may bode ill for the non-Haredi, pluralistic community, but also shows that rumors of the latter's death were premature.
The end of an era (Dr. Reuven Berko, Israel Hayom) In their love affair with Abbas, the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini promised the Palestinian leader the earth at Israel's expense.
The Bigger Missile Will Win (Gadi Taub, Haaretz+) With a little less of Obama’s sophistication and a little more simplicity like that of Reagan and Trump, maybe the Middle East wouldn't be drowning in blood.
Interviews:
The President is worried
More than 30 years ago, Dorit Beinisch was the main prosecutor in the trial of the (terrorist) Jewish underground. Today, retired from her position as the High Court chief justice, Beinisch sees with concern a straight line that connects between the extremism of the convicts of the underground and what is happening today in the country. In an interview on the occasion of the launching of a TV series about the (terrorist) Jewish underground, she explains why she fears the Legal Advisors legislative bill, the Overriding Bill and the attempts to limit the power of the High Court. (Interviewed by Noam Barkan in ’24 Hours,’ cover)
“Price-tag (Jewish attacks on Palestinians and their property and on soldiers - OH) and Duma (Jewish arson-murder of a Palestinian family) are the fruits of racist poisoning.”
“It’s again a type of terror if someone who doesn’t agree with you is a traitor and it’s permissible to kill him. That is part of the very dangerous processes. It brings incitement, racism. It’s not a political issue in my view. It’s not related to the question of whether someone wants to change the prime minister or not.”
According to Beinisch, the Jewish Underground had two main characteristics.
“One, which we didn’t know about in the beginning, was the messianic aspect, with the intention of destroying the mosque, which they call ‘shit,’ and to build the (3rd) Holy Temple. Another part of the group, was the part that demanded to dictate the violent security policy towards Arabs in the Territories…The central problem from the aspect of the society is that both they (the radicals -OH) and the society don’t see (being in the terrorist Jewish Underground) as a stigma. Members of the underground received public support.”
The President is worried
More than 30 years ago, Dorit Beinisch was the main prosecutor in the trial of the (terrorist) Jewish underground. Today, retired from her position as the High Court chief justice, Beinisch sees with concern a straight line that connects between the extremism of the convicts of the underground and what is happening today in the country. In an interview on the occasion of the launching of a TV series about the (terrorist) Jewish underground, she explains why she fears the Legal Advisors legislative bill, the Overriding Bill and the attempts to limit the power of the High Court. (Interviewed by Noam Barkan in ’24 Hours,’ cover)
“Price-tag (Jewish attacks on Palestinians and their property and on soldiers - OH) and Duma (Jewish arson-murder of a Palestinian family) are the fruits of racist poisoning.”
“It’s again a type of terror if someone who doesn’t agree with you is a traitor and it’s permissible to kill him. That is part of the very dangerous processes. It brings incitement, racism. It’s not a political issue in my view. It’s not related to the question of whether someone wants to change the prime minister or not.”
According to Beinisch, the Jewish Underground had two main characteristics.
“One, which we didn’t know about in the beginning, was the messianic aspect, with the intention of destroying the mosque, which they call ‘shit,’ and to build the (3rd) Holy Temple. Another part of the group, was the part that demanded to dictate the violent security policy towards Arabs in the Territories…The central problem from the aspect of the society is that both they (the radicals -OH) and the society don’t see (being in the terrorist Jewish Underground) as a stigma. Members of the underground received public support.”
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.