APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday August 29, 2018
Quote of the day:
"But you can't solve anything with an axe in your hand. From my vantage point today, you see also the
complexity, which is in the connection between the security components and the diplomatic
interests."
--Shin Bet Chief Nadav Argaman.*
--Shin Bet Chief Nadav Argaman.*
Front Page:
Haaretz
- Precedent-setting ruling at district court: It’s possible to legalize an outpost if the land it was allotted was in good faith
- Iran and Russia are preparing for a battle over the control in Syria the day after Assad’s victory
- Senior Israeli: We will continue to act against Iran’s attempts to transfer forces to Syria
- Residents of Shfaram identified a suspect who attacked them; His arrest was extended
- A profile drawing from DNA: Police to improve its forensic ability
- Court against Bituach Yashir insurance company: You offered free tire changes only to women - discrimination
- Former female employee of Fox clothing company: CEO forcefully kissed me and shoved my hand in his pants
- Donald blessed is he // B. Michael
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Exclusive - “It’s impossible to solve everything with an axe” - Head of Shin Bet concludes half a term in a conversation with his associates
- (Convicted tycoon) Nochi Dankner’s judgment day - High Court to rule if he will go to jail
- The faces behind the strike of the day care centers - Fear: 100,000 infants will stay home
- Another testimony against (Fox clothing company) Harel Weisel
- Police investigators asked MK Biton, suspected of bribery: “Why did you receive 55,000 in cash?”
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Senior diplomat: Pressure on Iran has begun to take affect - Iranian President revealed to parliament: Many in the nation have lost home in the future of the country; In Jerusalem they responded to Teheran’s announcement that it will aid the rehabilitation of the Syrian army: “IDF will continue to act against attempts to transfer forces into Syria”
- Precedent-setting decision: Court ordered to legalize the settlement Mitzpeh Kramim in Judea and Samaria
- The handicapped: We will escalate the battle after the holidays
Israel Hayom
- “I don’t regret anything” - On Friday, Elor Azaria in his first interview. “I acted exactly as they trained me to be a combat soldier,” [said soldier who extrajudicially killed an already prone, wounded Palestinian assailant - OH]
- Precedent: It’s possible to legalize an outpost that was established on privately-owned [Palestinian-OH] land
- Ruling: Saving hundreds of homes from destruction // Haim Shine
- Senior diplomatic official: “We will fight against establishment of Iranian forces in Syria”
- When the left-wing is scared of its own demagoguery // Eitan Orkibi
News Summary:
A senior Israeli official said Israel will continue to try to thwart Iranian entrenchment in Syria and an Israeli district court made a precedent-setting ruling allowing the legalization of settler outposts built on privately-owned Palestinian land making top stories in today’s Hebrew newspapers. Also in the news, another suspect in the attack on three Arab-Israelis was arrested and two of the main newspapers ran front-page interviews, with very different messages, and MaarivOnline shared an interview with a former senior Air Force commander who said, “I see troubling signs of dictatorship and fascism.”
Following the military cooperation agreement signed between Syria and Iran this week that includes the continued presence of Iranian advisers in Syria as well as more troops - despite US pressure for Iranian forces to get out - a ‘senior Israeli official’ spoke to Israeli military affairs reporters [in what appears to be a message to Russia and Iran - OH] and told them that “the IDF will continue to act with full determination against Iran's attempts to transfer military forces and weapons systems to Syria,” both diplomatically and militarily.
In a precedent-setting ruling, Jerusalem District Court Judge Arnon Darel ruled that the settler outpost of Mitzpeh Kramim can be legalized by Israel even though it was built on privately-owned Palestinian land, because the government allocation of the disputed land was “done in good faith.” Yedioth/Ynet wrote that the possible outcome of the legal precedent is that Israelis who settled in outposts on Palestinian-owned lands under government approval will not be evacuated anymore. (Also Haaretz+) The residents told Maariv: “We are happy to announce the victory in the district court in the battle over our home. We thank the government of Israel and especially Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Education Minister Naftali Bennett who after a long path helped to reach the wished for results.” [Questions: 1. Why did the government give land to settlers to establish an illegal outpost? 2. How did the government not know the land it was giving illegally was not privately-owned? - OH]
Former senior Air Force official, Brig. Gen. (res.) Asaf Agmon, criticized the discourse of incitement against the left-wing and he criticized the conduct of the prime minister: “The divisive discourse in Israeli society is difficult for me,” he said in an interview on 103FM/Maariv. “It is troubling for me that there is a lot of talk and little willingness to do something. The attack on the deputy chief of staff (Yair Golan), who said harsh and correct things about the government's policy, is troubling to me. I see troubling signs of dictatorship and fascism, together with the racism that exists in the Nation-State Law and the harsh statements of our leaders. I fought in the army a little more than Netanyahu and Lieberman - (but) I did not fight for these things," Agmon said. "I am a zealous Israeli but this does not make me a right-winger and a dictator. I was right-wing in my youth, but I underwent tough education about the occupation. For four years I learned its significance and what it does to Israeli society and its neighbors. That is what shaped my worldview. I am not discouraged - I am very worried and angry at my friends and even more at those who incite the country in a direction that destroys the High Court.” At the end of the interview, Agmon called on the prime minister to address the attack in Kiryat Haim [where a group of 8-10 Jewish Israelis brutally attacked beat, cut and whipped three Arab-Israelis - OH]: "We are a country where Arabs are beaten on the beach, a despicable security guard at the airport sprayed a Druze family with tear gas. Imagine how Bibi would react if that (had happened) to Jews. I expect the prime minister to respond. We have not heard a single word from him. Instead he legislates the Nation-State law."
*Yedioth ran a part of a Friday magazine interview with the Shin Bet Chief Nadav Argaman who spoke about the need for diplomacy to get to security. He spoke about all the efforts to prevent attacks on Israelis, and added, "But you can't solve anything with an axe in your hand. From my vantage point today, you see also the complexity, which is in the connection between the security components and the diplomatic interests." While Israel Hayom ran an interview with the ‘Shooting Soldier from Hebron,’ Elor Azaria, who was convicted after he extra-judicially executed an already shot, prone and incapacitated Palestinian assailant. Azaria said he had no remorse and that the army had trained him to act as he did and that he would do it again.
In diplomacy:
- Abbas backs demilitarized Palestinian state, says funds better spent on schools - Palestinian leader tells Israeli academics: 'I want unarmed police forces with batons, not guns.’ (Times of Israel and Maariv)
- Netanyahu: 'Arab countries view Israel as an ally, not enemy' - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that there is a path to achieving peace with the Palestinians that could be through the "normalization" of relations between Israel and other Arab countries. (Maan)
-
Palestinian Cabinet condemns Trump administration - The Cabinet accused the Trump
administration of "working hard" to pulverize the Palestinian refugees' right of return. The Cabinet also
demanded Hamas to commit to the reconciliation plan of Palestinian President Abbas and confirmed its
rejection to use foreign aid as a tool for political pressure and "blackmailing." (Maan)
Quick Hits:
- Israeli Settlers Set Up Unauthorized Outpost in Northern West Bank - The tiny agricultural settlement near Eli is one of a number of such outposts going up near the outer edge of state-owned enclaves, part of an effort to create territorial contiguity. (Haaretz+)
- Israel sentences activist sheikh of al-Araqib Bedouin village - Sheikh Sayyah al-Turi of the unrecognized Bedouin village of al-Araqib was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment. The appeal was submitted after the Bedouin village was demolished by Israel for the 132nd time, displacing its residents. [In the past, the sheikh was arrested and jailed in the past for “trespassing” on “state-owned land.” (Maan. See also +972mag from 2013 and 2016)
- MK urges investigation against Arab lawmakers over UN bid - Calling on the attorney general to "end this disgrace," MK Oded Forer says bid by Joint Arab List MKs for U.N. General Assembly resolution condemning Israel over nation-state law violates Knesset's Code of Ethics and may constitute a criminal offense. (Israel Hayom)
- 'Joint Arab List has no standing to promote UN appeal,' Arab MK says - Joint Arab List MK Ahmad Tibi dismisses report that his party is promoting a U.N. General Assembly resolution condemning Israel over nation-state law as "fake news." Still, Tibi says Arab MKs would be "remiss" if they did not "warn world about this law." (Israel Hayom)
- Five-year Plan for East Jerusalem Schools Focuses on ‘Israelization,’ Critics Charge - Many are convinced that the plan’s sole purpose is to end the Palestinian Authority’s monopoly on the curriculum – or as some parents put it, 'to brainwash our children.’ (Haaretz+)
- Israeli forces shoot, injure Palestinian youth in Nablus - Hundreds of Israeli settlers raided Nablus under heavy military protection, sparking violent clashes with dozens of local Palestinian youths. Soldiers shot live ammunition, rubber-coated steel bullets and tear-gas bombs towards Palestinian youths to disperse them. (Maan)
- In video - Palestinian child forced to climb her way home - An Israeli activist and spokesperson of the Breaking the Silence Non-Governmental Organization, Achiya Schats, captured on video the moment a Palestinian child was forced to climb an Israeli military fence to be able to go home in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron. (Maan)
- In video - Israeli soldier steals Palestinian child's bicycle - Video footage was shared across social media sites shows several Israeli forces surrounding a group of Palestinian children, who were playing in their neighborhood in the Old City of Hebron, and preventing them from playing under the pretext that it was prohibited. Then, one soldier is seen pushing a child and subsequently stealing his bicycle. (Maan)
- Cruelty, collusion and cover ups in IAF Technical School - Judge sentences an IDF commander to 60 days in prison for beating a soldier with a stick, which soldiers claim was common practice; testimonies and phone calls show attempts to conceal incidents, but IAF insists they were isolated incidents. (Ynet)
- Military razes home of terrorist who murdered Samaria settler - Military demolishes the Kauber home of Muhammad Tarek Ibrahim Dar Yusuf, who killed Adam resident Yotam Ovadia in late July. Dozens of Palestinians riot, hurl rocks and firebombs at the troops. Defense minister: We will fight terror with iron fist. (Israel Hayom and Ynet)
- IDF to begin treating wounded soldiers within enemy lines - In effort to reduce IAF helicopters’ exposure to enemy fire and to cut delays caused by evacuating wounded troops, doctors will now begin providing emergency aid behind enemy lines. (Ynet)
- Israeli Cybersecurity Agency Abandons Role of Protecting Business as Security Officials Fill Key Roles - Officials from the Shin Bet security service who join the unit bring an inappropriate national-security mindset with them, ex-staffers say. (Haaretz+)
- Mayor of West Bank Settlement Charged With Promising Jobs in Exchange for Chabad Votes - Ezra Gershi allegedly deposited 300,000 shekels in escrow to back up his promises of jobs and funding in exchange for Chabad votes. (Haaretz+)
- (Likud MK David) Bitan accused of taking bribe to keep building inspectors away - Developer Doron Glazer, a state's witness, told police he gave the former coalition head $55,000 in cash as bribe for his help in keeping building inspectors away from his construction sites; Bitan denies allegations in police questioning. (Yedioth/Ynet)
- Jewish Agency offers loans to suffering businesses near Gaza - Donation from the Ness Fund for the development of the Negev enables Jewish Agency to make loans of up to $28,000 available to owners of small businesses in Gaza-vicinity communities. Expo of Gaza-area businesses kicks off at Tel Aviv Port. (Israel Hayom)
- Israel Police Rabbi Rebuked for Alleged anti-LGBT Stance but Allowed to Stay Put - Yoel Shem-Tov, a rabbi for the Border Police, has been told to avoid political subjects after his name appeared on a letter calling LGBT people 'perverts.’ (Haaretz+)
- Israel Seeks to Indict Hamas Militants Who Allegedly Ran Cell in Hebron and recruited women - The Shin Bet security service says it has uncovered the unit featuring women who worked with Hamas offices in both the Gaza Strip and abroad. Women's chapter of the network, led by wife of terrorist who murdered 4 Israelis, was entrusted with conveying intelligence, money laundering; Shin Bet: network sought to take control of municipal system and charitable institutions in Hebron. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Egypt to ease travel for Palestinians at Rafah crossing - Sources confirmed that the ease of travel is in order to ensure the Palestinians' safety and ease their suffering. (Maan)
- French Jewish MP receives death threat, envelope with white powder - Threatening letter is full of anti-Semitic slurs and stenciled on a piece of paper supposedly taken from MP Meyer Habib's office, which is evacuated for two hours. Habib: Beyond the personal aspect, I'm very concerned for the French republic. (Israel Hayom)
- NATO Confirms Russian Naval Build Up Off Syria, Calls for Restraint - 'It is important that all actors in the region exercise restraint and refrain from worsening an already disastrous humanitarian situation in Syria,' a NATO spokesman told Haaretz in a statement. (Haaretz)
- U.S. Offered Assad to Leave Syria if Iran Withdraws From South, Report Says - American intel officials met Syrian officials in Damascus last months for four hours, Lebanon's al-Akhbar reports. (Haaretz(
- US says will 'vigorously defend' itself against Iran in top UN court - Iran's filing with the International Court of Justice in The Hague "is an attempt to interfere with the sovereign rights of the United States to take lawful actions, including reimposition of sanctions," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says. (Israel Hayom)
- 'US, UK plotting chemical attack in Syria,' Russian official claims - Senior British officer rejects allegation as "absolutely ridiculous propaganda." Russian official also warns of imminent U.S. attack in Syria, notes the presence of U.S. air force bomber in Qatar and guided-missile destroyer in the Mediterranean. (Israel Hayom)
Commentary/Analysis:
How Israel Outsourced the Occupation to Others (David Rosenberg, Haaretz+) International donors pay bills and the Palestinians provide services, Israel does nothing and it’s the Palestinian economy that pays the price.
Having their cake and eating it, too (Gideon Allon, Israel Hayom) MKs from the Joint Arab List took the same oath of office as every other MK. But they are using their parliamentary privileges to openly undermine the government and embarrass Israel internationally.
Calling Arab MKs 'Traitors', Israel's Tourism Minister Betrays His Job (Odeh Bisharat, Haaretz+) Minister Yariv Levin lent a hand to the exclusion of a quarter of the country’s population, which he is supposed to serve no less than he is supposed to serve the rest of the population.
Let the Palestinians make lemonade of Trump's lemons (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) US cutting its aid to the Palestinians and funding to UNRWA are welcomed steps, but they must be done gradually and alongside supplementary economic moves to help end Palestinian dependency on donations.
Uri Avnery’s ‘White General Staff’ (Uzi Baram, Haaretz+) I was 17 years old when I met Avnery, and left there like someone who had visited an enemy country, but the meeting became deeply etched in my consciousness.
Iran, Russia Prepare to Battle Each Other Over Control of Post-war Syria (Amos Harel and Amir Tibon, Haaretz+) U.S. sanctions are pushing Iran to try and carve out even more profits from Syria's post-war reconstruction.
A Resignation Worth Emulating (Haaretz Editorial) The resignation of two German scientists from the German-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research strengthens the conclusion that minister Akunis is causing damage to Israeli science.
Netanyahu's Incitement Is Bringing About the End of the Third Commonwealth (Nehemia Shtrasler, Haaretz+) Rabin’s murderer was influenced by the incitement overseen by Netanyahu. So were the eight skinheads on the beach near Haifa who just beat three Arabs nearly to death.
John McCain Made Israelis Feel He Was One of Them (Daniel B. Shapiro, Haaretz+) Israelis respected McCain because of his strong record of support for Israel’s ability to defend itself, but also because the arc of his life resonated so strongly with their experience.
It seems that Jerusalem has become a symbol of the victory of the madness of the country’s managers (Yitzhak Ben-Ner, Maariv) The name of the city sanctifies the concept of the Netanyahu-like status quo - treading in dirty waters, where you can fish a few dirty deals, but G-d forbid not at the watershed, where we have to decide one way or the other.
http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/Article-658708
Israel's Racist Lynch Mobs Are Hunting Arabs. And They're Fueled by Government Incitement (Noam Shuster Eliassi, Haaretz+) I was assaulted in Tel Aviv for 'looking Arab.' My privilege - being a Jew of Mizrahi origin - spared me, but won’t protect millions of Israel’s Arab citizens, serially delegitimized by legislation, three of whom were viciously attacked last weekend.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-s-racist-lynch-mobs-are-hunting-arabs-incited-by-its-leaders-1.6415627
m Tirtzu—from consciousness to reality (Alon Schvartzer, Yedioth/Ynet) In an opinion piece, former Shin Bet director Carmi Gillon warned against Im Tirtzu. But while we're the leading voice against those who seek to uproot the belief in the justness of Zionism, the New Israel Fund finances NGOs that defame IDF soldiers, petition the courts against Israel's security policy, defend terrorists in courts, and lead the campaign of delegitimization of Israel.
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5336999,00.html
Settler Violence - a Commandment From God (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Attacks on Palestinians, accompanied by a feeling of superiority and mission on behalf of the Blessed Holy One, is a winning formula for settlers.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-violence-from-god-1.6427708

Dr. Reuven Berko | Drinking from the fountain of incitement
Arab MKs are working to distance the Arab minority, citizens of this country, from the circle of inclusion by tendentiously defining them as separatist Palestinian "nationalists
http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/drinking-from-the-fountain-of-incitement
Trump's Rule-breaking Doctrine on the Peace Process Is an Optical Illusion (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) As much as Trump tries to alter the rules of the game, the refugees won’t disappear, Jerusalem will continue to be a core issue, and the settlements will determine the map of the borders.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-trump-s-rule-breaking-doctrine-on-the-mideast-is-an-optical-illusion-1.6429151
Dr. Haim Shine | Voting on a vision
Previous Knesset elections have focused on issues such as the peace process and the economy. In the 2019 election, Israelis will be voting on the very essence of the state.
http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/voting-on-a-vision/?redirected=293773
Debunked: Four Myths About Netanyahu’s Travels Abroad (Noa Landau, Haarez+) Many criticize Netanyahu for traveling the world in search of nothing but a good time – a rumor that's not only exaggerated, but also misses the point.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-debunked-four-myths-about-netanyahu-s-travels-abroad-1.6428164
On the right and the left, they prefer the superiority of the political camp instead of going out to fight against violence (Lilach Sigan, Maariv) The perception that one must lie for the sake of one (political) side is distorted: in both cases it is a non-value choice, because there will always be someone who will justify the violent acts instead of taking them seriously.
http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/Article-658645
Dirty Deals (Haaretz Editorial) Reports of the events in Myanmar have not kept the Israeli government from cooperating with those suspected of war crimes.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/editorial/dirty-deals-1.6429524
Yoav Limor | UNIFIL's existence is in Israel's interest
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon might hinder the IDF's operations in times of war, but for the most part, it is an efficient venting mechanism and a vital liaison to the Lebanese government.
http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/unifils-existence-is-in-israels-interest/
Not just a military power: Putin's latest moves - demonstrating geopolitical power (Leah Landman, Maariv) Russia announced its preparations for its largest military exercise in 40 years not by accident: it is a demonstration of power and power that is both military and geopolitical.
http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/opinions/Article-658828
Jeremy Corbyn's 'Good Jews' Are Mostly Dead (Adam Wagner, Haaretz+) The Labour leader has spent a lifetime among fellow Marxist revolutionary believers steeped in a virulent anti-Zionism, tinged with anti-Semitism. That informs his view that our poor, pre-Zionist socialist grandparents were 'good Jews' but, we, apparently, are not.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-jeremy-corbyn-s-good-jews-are-mostly-dead-1.6419528
How Israel Outsourced the Occupation to Others (David Rosenberg, Haaretz+) International donors pay bills and the Palestinians provide services, Israel does nothing and it’s the Palestinian economy that pays the price.
Having their cake and eating it, too (Gideon Allon, Israel Hayom) MKs from the Joint Arab List took the same oath of office as every other MK. But they are using their parliamentary privileges to openly undermine the government and embarrass Israel internationally.
Calling Arab MKs 'Traitors', Israel's Tourism Minister Betrays His Job (Odeh Bisharat, Haaretz+) Minister Yariv Levin lent a hand to the exclusion of a quarter of the country’s population, which he is supposed to serve no less than he is supposed to serve the rest of the population.
Let the Palestinians make lemonade of Trump's lemons (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) US cutting its aid to the Palestinians and funding to UNRWA are welcomed steps, but they must be done gradually and alongside supplementary economic moves to help end Palestinian dependency on donations.
Uri Avnery’s ‘White General Staff’ (Uzi Baram, Haaretz+) I was 17 years old when I met Avnery, and left there like someone who had visited an enemy country, but the meeting became deeply etched in my consciousness.
Iran, Russia Prepare to Battle Each Other Over Control of Post-war Syria (Amos Harel and Amir Tibon, Haaretz+) U.S. sanctions are pushing Iran to try and carve out even more profits from Syria's post-war reconstruction.
A Resignation Worth Emulating (Haaretz Editorial) The resignation of two German scientists from the German-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research strengthens the conclusion that minister Akunis is causing damage to Israeli science.
Netanyahu's Incitement Is Bringing About the End of the Third Commonwealth (Nehemia Shtrasler, Haaretz+) Rabin’s murderer was influenced by the incitement overseen by Netanyahu. So were the eight skinheads on the beach near Haifa who just beat three Arabs nearly to death.
John McCain Made Israelis Feel He Was One of Them (Daniel B. Shapiro, Haaretz+) Israelis respected McCain because of his strong record of support for Israel’s ability to defend itself, but also because the arc of his life resonated so strongly with their experience.
It seems that Jerusalem has become a symbol of the victory of the madness of the country’s managers (Yitzhak Ben-Ner, Maariv) The name of the city sanctifies the concept of the Netanyahu-like status quo - treading in dirty waters, where you can fish a few dirty deals, but G-d forbid not at the watershed, where we have to decide one way or the other.
http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/Article-658708
Israel's Racist Lynch Mobs Are Hunting Arabs. And They're Fueled by Government Incitement (Noam Shuster Eliassi, Haaretz+) I was assaulted in Tel Aviv for 'looking Arab.' My privilege - being a Jew of Mizrahi origin - spared me, but won’t protect millions of Israel’s Arab citizens, serially delegitimized by legislation, three of whom were viciously attacked last weekend.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-s-racist-lynch-mobs-are-hunting-arabs-incited-by-its-leaders-1.6415627
m Tirtzu—from consciousness to reality (Alon Schvartzer, Yedioth/Ynet) In an opinion piece, former Shin Bet director Carmi Gillon warned against Im Tirtzu. But while we're the leading voice against those who seek to uproot the belief in the justness of Zionism, the New Israel Fund finances NGOs that defame IDF soldiers, petition the courts against Israel's security policy, defend terrorists in courts, and lead the campaign of delegitimization of Israel.
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5336999,00.html
Settler Violence - a Commandment From God (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Attacks on Palestinians, accompanied by a feeling of superiority and mission on behalf of the Blessed Holy One, is a winning formula for settlers.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-violence-from-god-1.6427708

Dr. Reuven Berko | Drinking from the fountain of incitement
Arab MKs are working to distance the Arab minority, citizens of this country, from the circle of inclusion by tendentiously defining them as separatist Palestinian "nationalists
http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/drinking-from-the-fountain-of-incitement
Trump's Rule-breaking Doctrine on the Peace Process Is an Optical Illusion (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) As much as Trump tries to alter the rules of the game, the refugees won’t disappear, Jerusalem will continue to be a core issue, and the settlements will determine the map of the borders.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-trump-s-rule-breaking-doctrine-on-the-mideast-is-an-optical-illusion-1.6429151
Dr. Haim Shine | Voting on a vision
Previous Knesset elections have focused on issues such as the peace process and the economy. In the 2019 election, Israelis will be voting on the very essence of the state.
http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/voting-on-a-vision/?redirected=293773
Debunked: Four Myths About Netanyahu’s Travels Abroad (Noa Landau, Haarez+) Many criticize Netanyahu for traveling the world in search of nothing but a good time – a rumor that's not only exaggerated, but also misses the point.
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-debunked-four-myths-about-netanyahu-s-travels-abroad-1.6428164
On the right and the left, they prefer the superiority of the political camp instead of going out to fight against violence (Lilach Sigan, Maariv) The perception that one must lie for the sake of one (political) side is distorted: in both cases it is a non-value choice, because there will always be someone who will justify the violent acts instead of taking them seriously.
http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/Article-658645
Dirty Deals (Haaretz Editorial) Reports of the events in Myanmar have not kept the Israeli government from cooperating with those suspected of war crimes.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/editorial/dirty-deals-1.6429524
Yoav Limor | UNIFIL's existence is in Israel's interest
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon might hinder the IDF's operations in times of war, but for the most part, it is an efficient venting mechanism and a vital liaison to the Lebanese government.
http://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/unifils-existence-is-in-israels-interest/
Not just a military power: Putin's latest moves - demonstrating geopolitical power (Leah Landman, Maariv) Russia announced its preparations for its largest military exercise in 40 years not by accident: it is a demonstration of power and power that is both military and geopolitical.
http://www.maariv.co.il/journalists/opinions/Article-658828
Jeremy Corbyn's 'Good Jews' Are Mostly Dead (Adam Wagner, Haaretz+) The Labour leader has spent a lifetime among fellow Marxist revolutionary believers steeped in a virulent anti-Zionism, tinged with anti-Semitism. That informs his view that our poor, pre-Zionist socialist grandparents were 'good Jews' but, we, apparently, are not.
https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-jeremy-corbyn-s-good-jews-are-mostly-dead-1.6419528
Interviews:
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.