APN's daily news review from Israel
Sunday May 18, 2014
Quote of the day:
"We demand government action to stop these ugly acts. We will say together no to racism, no to
violence, and yes to living together in peace."
--50 IDF reservists intend to make a protest tent outside the extremist Yitzhar settlement against price-tag attacks.**
--50 IDF reservists intend to make a protest tent outside the extremist Yitzhar settlement against price-tag attacks.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- US plan: Netanyahu and Abbas "will stew in their own juices"
- MK close to (Minister) Shalom: Despite the closing of the (sexual harassment) case, I won't support him (for the presidency)
- Modi's wave: Charismatic nationalist swept India
- Despite the guidelines, regional rabbis don't live in their communities
- Assad creating territorial contiguity
- The construction works that sparked the Bar Kochba Revolt
- Maccabbi Tel-Aviv basketball
Yedioth Ahronoth
- And now the trophy - Tonight at 21:00 Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Euroleague finals
- Obama: Israel guilty of failure of negotiations
- "Why are they denying me?" - Holocaust survivor who don't sleep at nights because of government debt collection
Maariv This Week
- The meeting and the embarrassment (Livni met with Abbas in London) (Hebrew)
- Playing pretend // Ben Caspit (Hebrew)
- Another miracle, please - Tonight in Milano, Maccabi Tel-Aviv in final four playoffs
- Hundreds of thousands celebrated at Mt. Meron last night (Hebrew)
- Newsweek: "Israel is third in states that spy on US"
Makor Rishon
- Senior members of coalition react to Livni's meeting with Abu Mazen: "She should quit the government" (Hebrew)
- The blame of the diplomatic institution // Amnon Lord
- Maccabi Tel-Aviv will play tonight in Euroleague finals
- Celebrating in Miron (Hebrew)
Israel Hayom
- With pride and hope - Tonight in Milano: Maccabi Tel-Aviv wants another miracle in the playoffs against Real Madrid
- Tribal bonfire - People of Israel opened Lag B'Omer celebrations last night
- Noni's channel: This is how 'ynet' took over the Heritage Channel
- Associate of PM: "Netanyahu told Livni that 'at the meeting with Abu Mazen - you represent yourself"
News Summary and Peace Process Highlights:
Maccabi Tel-Aviv is hoping for a miracle at the Euroleague finals tonight and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said that Justice Minister and chief Israeli negotiator Tzipi Livni represented only herself when she met with Palestinian President last week, making top headlines in Hebrew papers today. Moreover, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman hinted at an alternative track for peace, while US President Barack Obama reportedly blamed Israel and its settlement expansion for the failure of the peace talks. Meanwhile, there was no follow-up to the story of Israel's killing of two Palestinian youth on Nakba Day, only a story about the almost lynching of two Israeli journalists in the West Bank.
Far right-wing Habayit Yehudi party called on Livni to quit the government after Channel 2 News revealed she met with Abbas last week in London. Questions swirled over Netanyahu's knowledge of the meeting in advance. Israel Hayom reported that he found out from someone else, while Haaretz reported that she told him. Either way, Netanyahu did not prohibit her from meeting him, despite Israel breaking off the talks, but Netanyahu did say she was not representing the State of Israel. Some papers reported that Netanyahu was furious about the meeting, but, Maariv's Ben Caspit wrote that Netanyahu is only pretending he opposed the meeting and that she likely got his approval. In the meeting, Livni told Abbas that a unity government with Hamas was very problematic for Israel and will make it difficult to renew negotiations, an Israeli official told Haaretz. The goal of the meeting, he said, was to understand Abbas' intentions following the breakdown of peace talks with Israel. Livni received special diplomatic immunity from the British government in order to travel to London so that she would not be detained and tried for war crimes over Israel's Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. But that did not prevent protests from being held against her in the capital where she was called a 'war criminal.'
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman also downplayed the importance of the meeting in London and hinted at a new Israeli direction regarding negotiations, saying, "The Foreign Ministry and the foreign minister have presented an alternative plan to the prime minister, whose details shouldn't be revealed just now." Then, speaking on Channel 2's Meet the Press, Lieberman said, "There is a business community that suffers from Abbas," he said, "and they should be our partners."
But speaking to the New York Times, a senior Obama administration official said that Obama blames Israel's settlement expansion for the failed talks. Earlier this month, anonymous American officials involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks – among them it is believed special envoy Martin Indyk – provided a harsh assessment to respected Yedioth journalist Nahum Barnea about why the negotiations failed, highlighting Israel’s continued settlement construction as the issue “largely to blame.” The officials also said that even if Israel doesn’t like it, the Palestinians will get a state, whether through violence or through international organizations. On Thursday, the senior Obama administration official told the NYT that the assessment may as well have been provided by the US president himself and that the White House had “cleared the interview” with Barnea, and that “the critical remarks faithfully reflect the president’s own views.” Now, writes Haaretz+ and the NYT, Obama’s plan is to 'pause' and "let Netanyahu and Abbas stew in their juices," so that they understand it is in their interest to renew talks.
US Secretary of State John Kerry also held 'surprise' talks with Livni, as they took advantage of being in London at the same time. Kerry gave Livni the same message as he had stressed to Abbas -- that the fate of the talks lies in the hands of the Israelis and Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Kerry urged "both sides to refrain from unhelpful steps," a senior State Department official said in a statement after Israeli forces killed two Palestinian youth in Nakba Day protests. Kerry was 'concerned' about the Palestinian deaths. Amnesty slammed Israeli soldiers' "recklessness in their use of force" and said that "Israeli forces have repeatedly resorted to extreme violence to respond to Palestinian protests against Israel’s occupation, discriminatory policies, confiscation of land and construction of unlawful settlements."
There was no follow-up to the killings in the Israeli media, with the exception of Ynet's Elior Levy who reported that the medical report from Ramallah Hospital says that live rounds killed the two boys, contradicting IDF claims that rubber bullets were used. In light of the reports, the IDF announced it would launch an investigation. (See Ynet Photos) Thousands attended the march to the burial places of the two boys, Nadim Siyam Nuwara, 15, and Muhammad Audah Abu al-Thahir, 17, waving flags for both Hamas and Fatah and calling for "revenge for the blood of the martyrs." The boys were younger than what the Israeli media had reported. Crowds gathered at three vigils to pay tribute to the life of 15-year-old Nadim Siyam Nuwara: at Saint George's High School, at his scouts organization and at Ramallah's Manara square.
What was reported was that an Israeli journalist, who was covering Nakba Day protests on Friday, was 'almost lynched' when he was surrounded by an angry Palestinian mob and ""hit and kicked from behind" before being extricated by two Palestinian security officers in plainclothes.
Maccabi Tel-Aviv is hoping for a miracle at the Euroleague finals tonight and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said that Justice Minister and chief Israeli negotiator Tzipi Livni represented only herself when she met with Palestinian President last week, making top headlines in Hebrew papers today. Moreover, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman hinted at an alternative track for peace, while US President Barack Obama reportedly blamed Israel and its settlement expansion for the failure of the peace talks. Meanwhile, there was no follow-up to the story of Israel's killing of two Palestinian youth on Nakba Day, only a story about the almost lynching of two Israeli journalists in the West Bank.
Far right-wing Habayit Yehudi party called on Livni to quit the government after Channel 2 News revealed she met with Abbas last week in London. Questions swirled over Netanyahu's knowledge of the meeting in advance. Israel Hayom reported that he found out from someone else, while Haaretz reported that she told him. Either way, Netanyahu did not prohibit her from meeting him, despite Israel breaking off the talks, but Netanyahu did say she was not representing the State of Israel. Some papers reported that Netanyahu was furious about the meeting, but, Maariv's Ben Caspit wrote that Netanyahu is only pretending he opposed the meeting and that she likely got his approval. In the meeting, Livni told Abbas that a unity government with Hamas was very problematic for Israel and will make it difficult to renew negotiations, an Israeli official told Haaretz. The goal of the meeting, he said, was to understand Abbas' intentions following the breakdown of peace talks with Israel. Livni received special diplomatic immunity from the British government in order to travel to London so that she would not be detained and tried for war crimes over Israel's Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. But that did not prevent protests from being held against her in the capital where she was called a 'war criminal.'
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman also downplayed the importance of the meeting in London and hinted at a new Israeli direction regarding negotiations, saying, "The Foreign Ministry and the foreign minister have presented an alternative plan to the prime minister, whose details shouldn't be revealed just now." Then, speaking on Channel 2's Meet the Press, Lieberman said, "There is a business community that suffers from Abbas," he said, "and they should be our partners."
But speaking to the New York Times, a senior Obama administration official said that Obama blames Israel's settlement expansion for the failed talks. Earlier this month, anonymous American officials involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks – among them it is believed special envoy Martin Indyk – provided a harsh assessment to respected Yedioth journalist Nahum Barnea about why the negotiations failed, highlighting Israel’s continued settlement construction as the issue “largely to blame.” The officials also said that even if Israel doesn’t like it, the Palestinians will get a state, whether through violence or through international organizations. On Thursday, the senior Obama administration official told the NYT that the assessment may as well have been provided by the US president himself and that the White House had “cleared the interview” with Barnea, and that “the critical remarks faithfully reflect the president’s own views.” Now, writes Haaretz+ and the NYT, Obama’s plan is to 'pause' and "let Netanyahu and Abbas stew in their juices," so that they understand it is in their interest to renew talks.
US Secretary of State John Kerry also held 'surprise' talks with Livni, as they took advantage of being in London at the same time. Kerry gave Livni the same message as he had stressed to Abbas -- that the fate of the talks lies in the hands of the Israelis and Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Kerry urged "both sides to refrain from unhelpful steps," a senior State Department official said in a statement after Israeli forces killed two Palestinian youth in Nakba Day protests. Kerry was 'concerned' about the Palestinian deaths. Amnesty slammed Israeli soldiers' "recklessness in their use of force" and said that "Israeli forces have repeatedly resorted to extreme violence to respond to Palestinian protests against Israel’s occupation, discriminatory policies, confiscation of land and construction of unlawful settlements."
There was no follow-up to the killings in the Israeli media, with the exception of Ynet's Elior Levy who reported that the medical report from Ramallah Hospital says that live rounds killed the two boys, contradicting IDF claims that rubber bullets were used. In light of the reports, the IDF announced it would launch an investigation. (See Ynet Photos) Thousands attended the march to the burial places of the two boys, Nadim Siyam Nuwara, 15, and Muhammad Audah Abu al-Thahir, 17, waving flags for both Hamas and Fatah and calling for "revenge for the blood of the martyrs." The boys were younger than what the Israeli media had reported. Crowds gathered at three vigils to pay tribute to the life of 15-year-old Nadim Siyam Nuwara: at Saint George's High School, at his scouts organization and at Ramallah's Manara square.
What was reported was that an Israeli journalist, who was covering Nakba Day protests on Friday, was 'almost lynched' when he was surrounded by an angry Palestinian mob and ""hit and kicked from behind" before being extricated by two Palestinian security officers in plainclothes.
Quick Hits:
- Palestinian man 'dies of heart attack' after Israeli forces raid home - 70-year-old Abd al-Salam Ata Ubeido died of a heart attack following a heated argument with Israeli soldiers, who raided his house in Hebron to summon his son for interrogation. (Maan)
- Settlers destroy 58 trees in orchard near Bethlehem -Raji Abd al-Aziz Sabateen told Ma'an that when he went to his field outside the village of Husan Friday morning he found 58 trees had been mangled and torn apart. This was not the first time that settlers from the nearby Beitar Illit have attacked his orchard, he said. (Maan)
- Last illegal structure in Givat Assaf outpost demolished - Current wave of outpost demolitions comes to an end; owner of demolished home: 'If they want to demolish - let them, but I can't help them with that.' (Ynet)
- Right-wing minister predicts explosive growth in settler population - Housing Minister Uri Ariel, who published settlement construction tenders cited by Abbas for dooming talks, sees 50% increase in West Bank's Jewish population by 2019. (Agencies, Ynet)
- **(Israeli) reservists to demonstrate at Yitzhar (settlement) against "price tag" (attacks) - Following the attack on the soldiers' encampment in Yitzhar, dozens of reserve soldiers will arrive at the community set up a protest tent against "Jewish terror," they said. (NRG Hebrew)
- Israeli forces injure Palestinian fisherman in north Gaza - A Palestinian man was shot in the leg by Israeli forces while he was fishing off the coast of the Gaza Strip. (Maan)
- Israeli forces 'detain pardoned Aqsa Brigades militant' - Israeli troops at the checkpoint stopped Rabee Bassam Uweid and three other men while they were en route to a wedding party in a nearby village. Soldiers released the other three men but took Uweid into custody. Uweid used to be a militant in Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, but was pardoned by Israel, the sources said. (Maan)
- Palestinian couple celebrates wedding day in pre-Nakba village - Imad al-Din Younis Rumman insisted on taking his bride in her white wedding dress to the village of Suba that his great-grandfathers were expelled from more than six decades before by Zionist militias. [Arab village conquered by Palmach fighters in July 1948. In October 1948, established Kibbutz Tsuba next to it - OH] (Maan+PHOTOS)
- Palestinian Authority complains to Australia after envoy meets Israeli official in East Jerusalem - Palestinians lodge letter of protest over ambassador's routine meeting with Ariel in Sheikh Jarrah, as right-wing Israeli media jumps to term it Australian recognition of Israeli authority over East Jerusalem. (Haaretz)
- NGOs urge Belgian firm to abandon Israel port project - On Wednesday, the Palestinian BDS National Committee published an open letter on its website urging the Belgian Jan De Nul Group to reconsider involvement in a project to build new port facilities in Haifa and Ashdod. (Maan)
- Im Tirtzu joins efforts to keep New Israel Fund out of NYC Israel parade - The right-wing Israeli movement joins other American Jewish organizations who claim the New Israel Fund is anti-Zionist. (Haaretz)
- Haniyeh: Details of security forces reconciliation worked out - Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said on Thursday evening that Hamas had agreed to the details of the reunification of security forces with Fatah, resolving a key obstacle in the implementation of the national reconciliation agreement. (Maan)
- PPP: All Palestinian factions involved in forming unity gov't - All factions are working to agree on candidates in the technocratic government, said PPP leader Bassam al-Salihi, noting that meetings discussing the formation of the unity government were "not restricted to Hamas and Fatah." (Maan)
- Venezuela to send oil to Palestine - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pledged to send oil and diesel to the Palestinian Authority, as part of agreements signed with its leader Mahmoud Abbas during his visit to Caracas. (Maan and Haaretz)
- 'Israel ranked 3rd most aggressive intelligence service against US' - In new NSA document leaked by Edward Snowden, Israel is said to spy on US to learn its true positions on Mideast issues. (Ynet)
- PM slammed for foot dragging on leadership of powerful Knesset Panel - After losing battle to head Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Ofer Shelah criticizes Netanyahu for months of indecision; 'Nothing happened for six months, just like the decision concerning the Governor of the Bank of Israel' (Ynet)
- Anti-Israel slur used by Turkish premier - Turkish PM Erdogan heard yelling 'why are you running away, Israeli spawn?' at demonstrator upon being crowded by furious protestors at site of mine blast in Soma, western Turkey. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Israel, U.S. import disputed crude oil from Iraqi Kurdistan - The Iraqi government has repeatedly said oil sales bypassing Baghdad are illegal and has threatened to sue any company involved in the trade. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- US warns 'time is short' as Iran nuclear talks make little progress - While Western officials believe deal can be finalized by July 20 deadline, they say 'a little bit more flexibility' expected on Tehran's side. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Netanyahu to Hagel: We mustn't let the ayatollahs win - Visiting Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says at press conference with PM that the U.S. 'will do what we must' to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Netanyahu not surprised by UN report on Iran's activities - Israeli PM met with US secretary of defense to discuss Islamic republic's pursuit of nuclear weapons; Hagel: 'American support for Israel at all-time high." (Ynet)
Features:
Pope's Holy Land trip overshadowed by politics
Roman Catholic pontiff will have to navigate local and global issues when he arrives in the region later this month. (Agencies, Ynet)
The revolutionary pope comes to Jerusalem
Israel, Jordan and PA prepare for upcoming papal visit, but "It is not easy to arrange a visit to three countries when good relations do not always exist," says Jerusalem vicar. There are plenty of reasons why the visit of this pope may be described as symbolic, challenging and perhaps as even the most tense visit of a pope to Israel since 1964. This pope's visit reportedly seeks to support persecuted Middle East Christians. (Israel Hayom)
Retracing the Nakba in West Jerusalem's al-Malha
Towering above the gargantuan Jerusalem Mall and the repetitive, non-descript homes of the Malha (or Manahat) suburb of West Jerusalem is a curious sight -- a large minaret from which the call to prayer never rings forth. The haunting absence of the Palestinian refugees of al-Malha, denied their right of return to their homes for the last 66 years, is felt even more urgently in the fervently visible nationalism of the village's new residents. (Maan)
UN photo archive tells story of Palestinian exodus
In bid to preserve documentation of Palestinian 'Nakba' refugees, UN aid agency has digitized thousands of photos in organization’s archive. (Agencies, Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
Roman Catholic pontiff will have to navigate local and global issues when he arrives in the region later this month. (Agencies, Ynet)
The revolutionary pope comes to Jerusalem
Israel, Jordan and PA prepare for upcoming papal visit, but "It is not easy to arrange a visit to three countries when good relations do not always exist," says Jerusalem vicar. There are plenty of reasons why the visit of this pope may be described as symbolic, challenging and perhaps as even the most tense visit of a pope to Israel since 1964. This pope's visit reportedly seeks to support persecuted Middle East Christians. (Israel Hayom)
Retracing the Nakba in West Jerusalem's al-Malha
Towering above the gargantuan Jerusalem Mall and the repetitive, non-descript homes of the Malha (or Manahat) suburb of West Jerusalem is a curious sight -- a large minaret from which the call to prayer never rings forth. The haunting absence of the Palestinian refugees of al-Malha, denied their right of return to their homes for the last 66 years, is felt even more urgently in the fervently visible nationalism of the village's new residents. (Maan)
UN photo archive tells story of Palestinian exodus
In bid to preserve documentation of Palestinian 'Nakba' refugees, UN aid agency has digitized thousands of photos in organization’s archive. (Agencies, Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
Israel's strict adherence to (Groucho) Marxism (B. Michael, Haaretz+) Israel's policy toward the Palestinians could be summed up by tweak of Groucho's
famous credo: 'Anyone who claims to be ready to talk with us proves, by saying so, that he is not worthy to be
a negotiating partner.'
Words of fire (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) Pope Francis will visit King David's tomb in Jerusalem in 10 days amid rising religious tensions. The defense establishment is already on edge, and is on the lookout for price-tag attacks and worse, which could be catastrophic for Israel's image.
Allow freedom of worship (Haaretz Editorial) It must be made clear: the Christians in Jerusalem are not temporary visitors – they are part of the city, its history and its present.
If we love our kids why do we frighten them? (Yossi Sarid, Haaretz+) Israel's schools are frightening children with the Holocaust and the intifada, and the debate in higher education is even crazier
Administrative detention must end (Daoud Kuttab, Maan) Imagine being stopped at an Israeli checkpoint then finding yourself in an Israeli jail for six months without charge or trial and after six months, the administrative order is renewed. At present, 186 Palestinian doctors, parliamentarians and teenagers are held without charge or trial by Israel, a country that calls itself the Middle East's only democracy. Palestinians and their supporters are using social media networks to raise awareness about this Israeli form of punishment.
A Knesset member whose irresponsible violence belies her appearance (Ravit Hecht, Haaretz+) Ayelet Shaked is gradually finding her place in the pantheon of the extreme right that has taken over the country.
Invest in and secure the Jordan Valley (David M. Weinberg, Israel Hayom) With the Kerry process stalled, Israel should move to reinforce its presence in areas well within national consensus -- like the Jordan Valley and E1.
Radical pyromania: How the religious right and the Haredim are setting Israel aflame (Rabbi Daniel Landes, Haaretz+) Israel’s political and religious ideologues have embraced a radical aspect of the Lag B’Omer story that is leading us to an isolated, anti-democratic and separatist Israel.
Meeting between Livni and Abu Mazen: When the prime minister plays pretend (Ben Caspit, Maariv) If the Cabinet decided there are no negotiations with the PA, then Netanyahu knew or did not know about the meeting between the two? Answer: He knew and even approved with a wink. He cannot afford to let the Justice Minister resign now. That's how it is when the Prime Minister is stuck between the CEOs in the Likud party and his coalition partners.
Rajoub begins his run (Matthew Kalman, Haaretz+) Politically quiet since 2008, Jibril Rajoub has unofficially begun his power play for the presidency of Palestine.
Memo to Netanyahu: Read ADL survey, and stop equating Israel criticism with anti-Semitism! (Carlo Strenger, Haaretz+) Israel’s right wingers consistently make the most horrible of mistakes by associating with European parties and politicians from the extreme right.
Words of fire (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) Pope Francis will visit King David's tomb in Jerusalem in 10 days amid rising religious tensions. The defense establishment is already on edge, and is on the lookout for price-tag attacks and worse, which could be catastrophic for Israel's image.
Allow freedom of worship (Haaretz Editorial) It must be made clear: the Christians in Jerusalem are not temporary visitors – they are part of the city, its history and its present.
If we love our kids why do we frighten them? (Yossi Sarid, Haaretz+) Israel's schools are frightening children with the Holocaust and the intifada, and the debate in higher education is even crazier
Administrative detention must end (Daoud Kuttab, Maan) Imagine being stopped at an Israeli checkpoint then finding yourself in an Israeli jail for six months without charge or trial and after six months, the administrative order is renewed. At present, 186 Palestinian doctors, parliamentarians and teenagers are held without charge or trial by Israel, a country that calls itself the Middle East's only democracy. Palestinians and their supporters are using social media networks to raise awareness about this Israeli form of punishment.
A Knesset member whose irresponsible violence belies her appearance (Ravit Hecht, Haaretz+) Ayelet Shaked is gradually finding her place in the pantheon of the extreme right that has taken over the country.
Invest in and secure the Jordan Valley (David M. Weinberg, Israel Hayom) With the Kerry process stalled, Israel should move to reinforce its presence in areas well within national consensus -- like the Jordan Valley and E1.
Radical pyromania: How the religious right and the Haredim are setting Israel aflame (Rabbi Daniel Landes, Haaretz+) Israel’s political and religious ideologues have embraced a radical aspect of the Lag B’Omer story that is leading us to an isolated, anti-democratic and separatist Israel.
Meeting between Livni and Abu Mazen: When the prime minister plays pretend (Ben Caspit, Maariv) If the Cabinet decided there are no negotiations with the PA, then Netanyahu knew or did not know about the meeting between the two? Answer: He knew and even approved with a wink. He cannot afford to let the Justice Minister resign now. That's how it is when the Prime Minister is stuck between the CEOs in the Likud party and his coalition partners.
Rajoub begins his run (Matthew Kalman, Haaretz+) Politically quiet since 2008, Jibril Rajoub has unofficially begun his power play for the presidency of Palestine.
Memo to Netanyahu: Read ADL survey, and stop equating Israel criticism with anti-Semitism! (Carlo Strenger, Haaretz+) Israel’s right wingers consistently make the most horrible of mistakes by associating with European parties and politicians from the extreme right.
Interviews:
'Zionism has been kidnapped by the far right,' says Holocaust historian Friedlander
Holocaust historian Saul Friedlander says Israel's left has no choice but to base its arguments on lessons of the Shoah. (Interviewed by Anshel Pfeffer in Haaretz+)
Former Palestinian spymaster: Only solution is a single Palestinian state
The president will be a Palestinian Muslim and the vice president can be a Palestinian Jew, says ex-chief of Palestinian intelligence Tawfik Tirawi, who adds those are just details. (Interviewed by Amira Hass in Haaretz+)
When you speak at conferences, do you talk about the two-state solution?
“Yes. I say that the two-state solution is dead and that it is the occupation that killed it. You say that the Israeli right wing does not want peace with the Palestinians, and my opinion is that the right, left and center in Israel are not willing to give the minimum for the establishment of a Palestinian state. In a visit by Israelis to Abu Mazen, Mohammed el-Madani [the Fatah official in charge of relations with the Israeli public] told someone I didn’t know: ‘Tawfik is against the negotiations.’ An Israeli person who turned out to be the secretary of the Labor Party asked me, ‘Really?’ I said I would convene a press conference right away and announce that I supported the talks if he would say that he supported having (East) Jerusalem within the 1967 borders as the capital of Palestine. And he answered, ‘No. I don’t support that.’”
Holocaust historian Saul Friedlander says Israel's left has no choice but to base its arguments on lessons of the Shoah. (Interviewed by Anshel Pfeffer in Haaretz+)
Former Palestinian spymaster: Only solution is a single Palestinian state
The president will be a Palestinian Muslim and the vice president can be a Palestinian Jew, says ex-chief of Palestinian intelligence Tawfik Tirawi, who adds those are just details. (Interviewed by Amira Hass in Haaretz+)
When you speak at conferences, do you talk about the two-state solution?
“Yes. I say that the two-state solution is dead and that it is the occupation that killed it. You say that the Israeli right wing does not want peace with the Palestinians, and my opinion is that the right, left and center in Israel are not willing to give the minimum for the establishment of a Palestinian state. In a visit by Israelis to Abu Mazen, Mohammed el-Madani [the Fatah official in charge of relations with the Israeli public] told someone I didn’t know: ‘Tawfik is against the negotiations.’ An Israeli person who turned out to be the secretary of the Labor Party asked me, ‘Really?’ I said I would convene a press conference right away and announce that I supported the talks if he would say that he supported having (East) Jerusalem within the 1967 borders as the capital of Palestine. And he answered, ‘No. I don’t support that.’”
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.