APN's daily news review from Israel
Thursday June 12, 2014
Quote of the day:
"Just as we saw in the case of Firing Zone 918 [in the South Hebron Hills], after the Palestinians are
expelled on grounds that it’s a firing zone, settlers are allowed to take control of the land."
--MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) responds to statements by Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Elkin that there is no choice but remove Palestinians from their homes in IDF firing zones.**
--MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) responds to statements by Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Elkin that there is no choice but remove Palestinians from their homes in IDF firing zones.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- Autopsy of youth from Beitunya shows he was shot by live fire
- Last night: At least one dead in Israel Air Force attack in Gaza Strip
- Iraq disintegrating: Jihad organization on way to Baghdad
- Doctors who participate in force-feeding of (Palestinian) detainees likely to be put on trial at The Hague
- MK Sheetrit's secret agreement: The housecleaner claimed he sexually harrassed her, the police did not investigate
- Mundial opens today in Brazil without a carnival and with a spirit of protest
- Kiryat Gat resident accused of "causing minors to sodomize her"
- Shock in the Republican party: The majority leader was defeated by an unknown from the Tea Party
- 1/4 page ad: Detained without trial - Hunger-strikers. Did you know that the State of Israel is holding 188 administrative detainees without a trial, some of them years on end, and others over 10 years? Did you know that 126 administrative detainees are hunger-striking to demand ending the administrative detainee policy that allows people to be jailed without a legal procedure? Did you know that 70 of them are hospitalized, handcuffed with heavy security? ....MachsomWatch
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Fury in Labor party: (Former presidential candidate, Meir) Sheetrit almost toppled us - The housemaid affair
- Rivlin in interview with Yedioth: The difficult meeting with Netanyahu
- Father murdered his two children (visiting from the US)
- Attorney General examining purchase of garden furniture by Sarah Netanyahu
- Happy Mundial holiday // Ruvi Rivlin
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links)
- "We will put the disputes behind us" - Netanyahu and Rivlin met
- Book week is launched
- The Iraqi mud
Israel Hayom
- Horror: Father murdered his two children
- Reconciliation meeting (between Netanyahu and Rivlin)
- "If Sheetrit (sexually) harassed - there is no choice but investigation," say the police
- Tension following assassination in Gaza: The terrorist planned to Shoot down a helicopter
- Iraq is burning: Islamists on attack, getting close to Baghdad
- Book week: What are the most loved children's books?
News Summary:
The meeting between President-elect Ruvi Rivlin and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the anger in the Labor party over the suspicion that Rivlin's opponent for the position, Labor MK Meir Sheetrit, sexually harassed his housekeeper, and the conquering by Jihadists of northern Iraq were top stories in today's Hebrew papers.
FYI: In contrast to how President-elect Reuven Rivlin has been referred to until now, i.e. 'Rubi', News Nosh will now write 'Ruvi,' as per an article in today's Yedioth, which explains that it's a 'v', not a 'b.' The nickname is a shortened version of what his mother used to call him: Ruvaleh. News Nosh apologizes to Ruvi and readers for the earlier mistake. Yedioth also reported that Ruvi and his wife, Nechamah, would like to stay in their apartment in Har Nof neighborhood of Jerusalem. However, if the cost of securing it is too high, they will move to the official President's Residence. Maariv reported that Rivlin accepted an invitation to participate in the Kafr Qassem massacre memorial ceremony in October, to which he was invited by the United Arab List - Taal party.
Among the wave of congratulations to Rivlin came a surprising one: from the Syrian opposition. Maariv's Knesset reporter, Arik Bender, and a new Arab affairs reporter, Yasser Ukabi, reported that the "Union of Revolutionaries of a Future Syria" even invited him to come to Damascus if and when they took over the country and expressed hope for a real peace between the two countries.
Maariv also reported that there is pressure on Justice Minister and former peace negotiator Tzipi Livni to hook up to a center-left bloc, headed by Labor MK Yitzhak Herzog. Reporter Yuval Bagano writes that the crisis in the talks with the Palestinians and the cooperation with other parties in the presidential elections that led to Labor MK Meir Sheetrit making the final round has led Livni to look outside of the Netanyahu government. The two MKS from her party behind that move were both former Labor party chiefs: Environment Minister Amir Peretz and MK Amram Mitzna. Israel Hayom's Mati Tuchfeld also writes that alliances formed in presidential race could affect coalition.
Meanwhile, Yedioth's Alex Fishman reported that Israel is pleased with the US stance in the talks with Iran. Iranian representatives in Geneva were 'surprised to discover' that the Americans were finished with being patient. During the talks, the Americans presented the Iranians with more stringent conditions regarding the nuclear program and demanded full details of what was done until now.
Hunger-Striking Palestinian Detainees: Day 50
The meeting between President-elect Ruvi Rivlin and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the anger in the Labor party over the suspicion that Rivlin's opponent for the position, Labor MK Meir Sheetrit, sexually harassed his housekeeper, and the conquering by Jihadists of northern Iraq were top stories in today's Hebrew papers.
FYI: In contrast to how President-elect Reuven Rivlin has been referred to until now, i.e. 'Rubi', News Nosh will now write 'Ruvi,' as per an article in today's Yedioth, which explains that it's a 'v', not a 'b.' The nickname is a shortened version of what his mother used to call him: Ruvaleh. News Nosh apologizes to Ruvi and readers for the earlier mistake. Yedioth also reported that Ruvi and his wife, Nechamah, would like to stay in their apartment in Har Nof neighborhood of Jerusalem. However, if the cost of securing it is too high, they will move to the official President's Residence. Maariv reported that Rivlin accepted an invitation to participate in the Kafr Qassem massacre memorial ceremony in October, to which he was invited by the United Arab List - Taal party.
Among the wave of congratulations to Rivlin came a surprising one: from the Syrian opposition. Maariv's Knesset reporter, Arik Bender, and a new Arab affairs reporter, Yasser Ukabi, reported that the "Union of Revolutionaries of a Future Syria" even invited him to come to Damascus if and when they took over the country and expressed hope for a real peace between the two countries.
Maariv also reported that there is pressure on Justice Minister and former peace negotiator Tzipi Livni to hook up to a center-left bloc, headed by Labor MK Yitzhak Herzog. Reporter Yuval Bagano writes that the crisis in the talks with the Palestinians and the cooperation with other parties in the presidential elections that led to Labor MK Meir Sheetrit making the final round has led Livni to look outside of the Netanyahu government. The two MKS from her party behind that move were both former Labor party chiefs: Environment Minister Amir Peretz and MK Amram Mitzna. Israel Hayom's Mati Tuchfeld also writes that alliances formed in presidential race could affect coalition.
Meanwhile, Yedioth's Alex Fishman reported that Israel is pleased with the US stance in the talks with Iran. Iranian representatives in Geneva were 'surprised to discover' that the Americans were finished with being patient. During the talks, the Americans presented the Iranians with more stringent conditions regarding the nuclear program and demanded full details of what was done until now.
Hunger-Striking Palestinian Detainees: Day 50
- Israeli doctors who force-feed Palestinian prisoners risk trial abroad - Israel Medical Association says it could not protect member physicians outside country; Knesset bill would allow jails to ask court for permission to force-feed hunger-striking prisoner whose life is in danger. (Haaretz+)
- Hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners plan to donate their organs - The hunger strikers said in a letter that "despite the pains of hunger which have impaired some of our organs, we still have some usable organs despite looming death." (Maan)
Quick Hits:
- Autopsy reveals Palestinian teen killed by live fire in Nakba Day clashes - Though the official results have not been compiled, sources say entry and exit wounds indicate that Nadim Nuwara was shot dead last month with a non-rubber-coated bullet. (Haaretz+, Ynet, Maariv, Israel Hayom, and Maan)
- Gaza rocket slams into southern Israel - For second time since Palestinian unity government announced, rocket fired from Gaza Strip hits Israel; no injuries reported; 'Attack shows Hamas still controls Gaza, unity government isn't real,' security official says. (Ynet)
- One Palestinian killed in IAF strike in northern Gaza - IDF says strike was a joint operation with Shin Bet, targeting terror cell planning attacks against Israel. (Ynet)
- Following European pressure, Israel freezes settlement expansion plans - Israel's Civil Administration to go ahead with only 381 of intended 1,800 homes in West Bank settlements. (Haaretz+)
- **Defense Ministry: Army to keep expelling Palestinians from firing zones - Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon responded to query about a Haaretz report that the military uses training zones to displace Palestinians. (Haaretz+)
- Brawl breaks out in E. Jerusalem's Silwan neighborhood, ultra-Orthodox teen hit in the head with baseball bat - Violent altercation erupts betweens Jews and Arabs after ultra-Orthodox teen urinates on tree in the village. Accused's attorney: Teens were there to commit price tag attack. (Ynet)
- More than half of Palestinians oppose new talks with Israel, poll finds - Survey by Palestinian Center for Public Opinion also finds that 59% of respondents believe Hamas-Fatah unity will last this time. (Ynet)
- Israel refuses permission for Munib al-Masri to visit Gaz - Top Palestinian businessman, Musri was planning to oversee arrangements for an investment conference scheduled to be held in Gaza in November. [Al-Masri supports a two-state solution and showed support for Hamas-Fatah unity government - OH] (Maan)
- Israeli-Arab who plotted to abduct soldier signs plea bargain - State prosecution to ask court to sentence Yussef Warda, who plotted with an Islamic Jihad terrorist cell to kidnap an IDF soldier, to 10 years, instead of the maximum 20. (Ynet)
- Bill on Palestinian murderers passes first vote in Knesset - After receiving support from cabinet ministers, bill to prevent release of Palestinian prisoners sentenced with murder passes first of five votes. (Ynet)
- First Druze Golani brigade commander took office - Colonel Ghassan Alian was appointed yesterday commander of the Golani Brigade. The new brigade commander, "We will face any challenge." (Maariv)
- Large police force evacuates Biram, again - Descendents of Galilee villagers told to leave in 1948 had been maintaining presence around village church. "I’ve never seen anything like it ... it was a frightening amount of policemen,” said Riyad Rantous. “All we had done was close some of the openings in the school building and priest’s home during the snow in the winter. (Haaretz+)
- After watermelon spat with Israeli counterpart - PA Ministry of Agriculture will not prohibit Israeli imports - Official said that although the ministry is not planning to "prohibit" the sale of fruits and vegetables from Israel, it wants to "protect local market from being glutted with foreign products, especially from Israel." (Maan)
- Palestinian Professor who took students to Auschwitz resigns over fallout - University officials dissappointed by resignation after giving support for Professor's trip including personal bodyguards upon his return. (Ynet)
- Spoke with the State Attorney's wife and suspected of threats - Young resident of Beit Shemesh, whose brother and mother were arrested on suspicion of involvement in 'price tag' events, tried to contact State Attorney Shai Nitzan in order to release them. But after visiting Nitzan's home and speaking with his wife, he was summoned for questioning on suspicion of threatening his wife. (MYnet)
- For 70th time: the residents of Al-Araqib village in Negev were evicted - After the court rejected the appeal of local Bedouin residents, roads were closed to the village and the demolition of the place began. Residents fear that the cemetery will be damaged. Police: "It will remain in place." (Maariv)
- Artwork by autistic Israeli children displayed at UN - Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prossor: We are proud to raise awareness. Alut Director-General Einat Cassuto-Shefi says there is "great importance" to the issue of autism being brought the U.N. (Israel Hayom)
- Gaza banks reopen after Palestinian wage dispute - Hamas, Fatah overcome first political crisis since unity deal, announce Gaza banks to reopen after pay dispute settled. (Ynet)
- Palestinian Security forces assault journalists during Hamas march in West Bank - A number of journalists were injured Wednesday after scuffles broke out between a Hamas-affiliated group and security forces during a protest against a wave of recent political detentions. (Maan)
- Gazan 'Arab Idol' to FIFA: Viva Palestine - Wearing Muslim headscarf around his neck, Mohammed Assaf ends FIFA Congress performance with an 'Viva Palestine.' (Agencies, Ynet)
- U.S. ups aid to Syrian rebels, sending them missiles and guns - Supplies include anti-tank missiles and light weapons, not advanced anti-aircraft missiles that could possibly endanger civil aviation in neighboring states. (Haaretz+)
- Islamist militants vow to march on Baghdad after seizing key Iraqi Sunni cities - Iraqi government mulls state of emergency over insurgents' gains; Kurds say oil-rich Kirkuk now in their hands after Iraqi army flees. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Egypt deploys infantry battalion in Sinai to prevent attacks on Eilat - Sources say deployment was coordinated with Israel, in light of the growing threat from Sinai militants. (Haaretz)
- Egypt's al-Sissi apologizes to victim of sexual assault - New president visits woman in Cairo hospital; several women were assaulted during Sunday's inaugural festivities in Cairo's central Tahrir square. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Senior Republican Cantor suffers shocking loss to tea party rival - U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia loses to college economics professor David Brat in a stunning Republican primary upset. During campaign, Brat accused Cantor of betraying conservative principles on spending, debt and immigration. (Israel Hayom)
- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz: Israel could strike Iran within months - Cruz spoke to a closed national leadership meeting of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs in Washington. The Tea Party Republican from Texas met Netanyahu in Israel last month. (Haaretz+)
- In wake of Brussels attack, EU and Arab League join forces against jihadi threat - The two regional groups agree to cooperate as an estimated 2,000 European citizens join extremists in Syria. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Commentary/Analysis:
It will never happen here (Yossi Klein, Haaretz+) The army has officers, journalists, a political agenda and kids who are overly
obedient soldiers at best, or overly enthusiastic at worst. What is missing is a serious enemy against whom
they can direct all that power.
Lapid repented - but does he mean it? (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) Only one swift, decisive move can be made in a short time in order to advance a two-state situation - freezing construction in isolated settlements beyond the separation barrier.
Lapid's proposal would cost us dearly (Gershon Mesika, Israel Hayom) Yair Lapid's diplomatic plan -- a unilateral withdrawal from Judea and Samaria -- would turn Tel Aviv into Sderot.
Israel must act to separate from Palestinians (Gilead Sher, Yedioth/Ynet) We should not depend on Palestinian unity government, but rather create the reality of two states for two people ourselves.
Most Israelis are wrong (Ravit Hecht, Haaretz+) In the name of natural, clear and justified fear, most Israelis have become exactly what they fear, exactly what they are quick to accuse Palestinian terrorists of being.
It's not a Hamas government ... yet (Elliott Abrams, Israel Hayom) The new PA government of does not present a crisis, but permitting Hamas to run in the upcoming election does.
JNF must not let Israel's government hijack its funds (Alon Tal, Haaretz+) Surrendering to pressure to relinquish $720 million for undefined government initiatives, would be an ethical failure - and a betrayal of Zionism.
We deserve a nationalist president (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) The president of Israel is a symbol, not a leader. And we deserve a president who represents what most of the people want and who won't undermine the government.
Don't let Israel go. Come. Listen. Talk. Crack the wall. (Bradley Burson, Haaretz+) It is as if U.S. and Israeli Jews are in separate compartments with no real contact beside muffled, incomprehensible word-sounds.
Modest, Zionist, Jewish (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) As president, Reuven Rivlin will speak for the powerless and do his best to build bridges. He knows that the role of the president is to support the government, not dictate policy.
With latest onslaught, Islamic state vision takes shape in Iraq (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) In the absence of strong, central governments in Iraq and Syria, the Western strategy in the region is in urgent need of revision.
ISIS expansions in Iraq and Syria bring Middle East to brink of complete chaos (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) ISIS Islamic militants capture Iraq's second biggest city; Iraqi military buckles and runs under pressure of religious, ethnic divisions.
One way ticket out of Holot detention center (Haaretz Editorial) The case of a Sudanese asylum seeker held in migrant detention center until he became ill shows the state's callousness toward those in need.
Lapid repented - but does he mean it? (Ari Shavit, Haaretz+) Only one swift, decisive move can be made in a short time in order to advance a two-state situation - freezing construction in isolated settlements beyond the separation barrier.
Lapid's proposal would cost us dearly (Gershon Mesika, Israel Hayom) Yair Lapid's diplomatic plan -- a unilateral withdrawal from Judea and Samaria -- would turn Tel Aviv into Sderot.
Israel must act to separate from Palestinians (Gilead Sher, Yedioth/Ynet) We should not depend on Palestinian unity government, but rather create the reality of two states for two people ourselves.
Most Israelis are wrong (Ravit Hecht, Haaretz+) In the name of natural, clear and justified fear, most Israelis have become exactly what they fear, exactly what they are quick to accuse Palestinian terrorists of being.
It's not a Hamas government ... yet (Elliott Abrams, Israel Hayom) The new PA government of does not present a crisis, but permitting Hamas to run in the upcoming election does.
JNF must not let Israel's government hijack its funds (Alon Tal, Haaretz+) Surrendering to pressure to relinquish $720 million for undefined government initiatives, would be an ethical failure - and a betrayal of Zionism.
We deserve a nationalist president (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) The president of Israel is a symbol, not a leader. And we deserve a president who represents what most of the people want and who won't undermine the government.
Don't let Israel go. Come. Listen. Talk. Crack the wall. (Bradley Burson, Haaretz+) It is as if U.S. and Israeli Jews are in separate compartments with no real contact beside muffled, incomprehensible word-sounds.
Modest, Zionist, Jewish (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) As president, Reuven Rivlin will speak for the powerless and do his best to build bridges. He knows that the role of the president is to support the government, not dictate policy.
With latest onslaught, Islamic state vision takes shape in Iraq (Zvi Bar'el, Haaretz+) In the absence of strong, central governments in Iraq and Syria, the Western strategy in the region is in urgent need of revision.
ISIS expansions in Iraq and Syria bring Middle East to brink of complete chaos (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) ISIS Islamic militants capture Iraq's second biggest city; Iraqi military buckles and runs under pressure of religious, ethnic divisions.
One way ticket out of Holot detention center (Haaretz Editorial) The case of a Sudanese asylum seeker held in migrant detention center until he became ill shows the state's callousness toward those in need.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.