APN's daily news review from Israel
Monday July 14, 2014
Quote of the day:
“I want something final, not something ‘lite.’ If they want to make peace, fine; if it’s a military
operation, also fine. If they want me to hand out candies in Gaza for it to be quiet, I’ll give out
candies.”
--David Habaz, a member of Kerem Shalom, a kibbutz on the outside edge of Gaza, wants a solution.**
--David Habaz, a member of Kerem Shalom, a kibbutz on the outside edge of Gaza, wants a solution.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- Rockets from south up to Haifa; Thousands evacuated from north of Gaza Strip
- [Side by side photos: Man tries to calm emotional Israeli woman standing near medic at site where rocket fell in Ashkelon; Palestinian mothers hug Palestinian children, some laying on the floor in an UNRWA schoolroom
- Ceasefire plan - Abbas opens diplomatic campaign to increase the pressure on Israel
- No to a ground incursion // Haaretz Editorial; No signs of breaking// Amos Harel; Hamas is actually getting stronger // Amira Hass; The IDF can't win // Amir Oren; Hamas is looking at Egypt // Zvi Bar'el; Close to Gaza without Iron Dome // Roy Chicky Arad; Farmers in the combat zone // Shirley Seidler; Dear Citizens of Israel // Abeer Ayoub
- The suspects in the murder of Abu Khdeir will claim insanity
- Ahead of recommendation to indict: The home of (Labor MK) Ben Eliezar was confiscated
- Germany won the World Cup
- Contrary to the spirit of the commander - After the letter to his subordinates, the Commander of Givati Brigade lost the right to lead his soldiers // Menny Friedman
- Hamas is stressed
- The choice of our lives // Nahum Barnea
- Stop at the top // Sima Kadmon
- Fateful days // Alex Fishman
- Waiting for a decision // Yossi Yehoshua
- Hothouse for hatred // Eli Amir
- Ger-mania - Germany won the World Cup
- Obama pressuring Netanyahu: The diplomatic path is preferable
- Dozens of rockets launched across the country
- 16-year-old severely injured from shrapnel in Ashkelon
- Time to decide // Gen. (res.) Eliezar (Cheney) Merom
- Pro-Palestinian demonstrators besieged worshippers at a synagogue in Paris
- Germany is the champion
- The protecting force: Battery #9 of Iron Dome
- Military front: IDF Spokesman - "Hamas did not make any achievements"
- Diplomatic front: Contacts over ceasefire - and offers to mediate
- Hamas was beaten - now we need a decision // Dan Margalit
- Iron Dome is impressive, but in defense it is not enough // Yoav Limor
- In the end, Germany wins again
- Sad ending: The 9-year-old, who drowned in the pool in Kiryat Ata, died
- And the poor fans: It's final - Neil Young's performance was cancelled
Israeli security officials said Hamas has been badly struck by Israel and that Israel could agree to a ceasefire,
the IDF prepared for a ground invasion that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu put off, while discussions
continued over a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the IDF continued to aerial attacks on Gaza and Gazan militants
continued to shoot rockes, raising the death toll in Gaza to 181 and causing hundreds of Gazan families in the
north of the Strip to flee their homes.
The papers are all stressing today, how 'Hamas got hit hard.' They quote Israeli security officials saying that Hamas is in dire straits and now the Israel can make a ceasefire or go in with ground invasion and attack all of the rockets and rocket launchers in the Gaza Strip. The decision must be made with a day or two write the military analysts. (NOTE: the Israeli security officials may have told the Israeli reporters that Hamas got hit hard in order to prepare Israelis for pulling out and ending this operation despite not having a big showy victory.- OH)
The ceasefire would be based in part on a return to the ceasefire agreement of 2012's Pillar of Defense. Maariv writes that Israeli political sources say that Israel won't be satisfied with just returning to the understandings of 2012, like Egypt and the US are offering. Netanyahu's position is still not formulated and he is waiting for the international efforts to continue. But Israel sources have already passed messages to the various mediators (Egypt, US and possibly Qatar) that Israel wants the long-range missiles removed from Gaza and wants an international system created to supervise and guarantee the implementation of the understandings and the demilitarization of Gaza. Yedioth military analyst Alex Fishman writes that in the next 24 hours a few formulas will come up by which to narrow the differences between the two sides. "If no catastrophe takes place that causes a lot of deaths on either of the sides, it is likely that the fire will die down this week," he wrote. Yedioth also writes that Turkey, Qatar, Norway and Italy all have offered to mediate, but Israel wants only Egypt, "which can deliver the goods."
Both US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Netanyahu yesterday, urging him to agree to a ceasefire. Obama criticized the intensity of the military operations in Gaza, reported Maariv. Obama emphasized that the diplomatic path is preferable over massive bombing of the Gaza Strip, which would lead to severe reactions against Israel. Kerry also spoke about a ceasefire based on the 2012 agreement. He is expected here later this week to advance a ceasefire. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon to discuss the situation.
In the security-cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu did not give a green light for a ground operation in Gaza, despite the urging of right-wing ministers. But the cabinet decided to continue mobilizing troops while persisting in carrying our aerial attacks. Some 40,000 out of the authorized 48,000 reservists have been called up so far. As part of discussions around a potential ceasefire, the security cabinet is expected to deliberate the details of a new $50 billion economic initiative in exchange for demilitarization of Gaza put forth Sunday by former defense minister and IDF chief of staff Shaul Mofaz.
Since Operation Protective Edge began a week ago, the Israeli military has struck more than 1,300 targets in Gaza and brought the Palestinian death toll to 167 in six days. Haaretz's coverage focused on the Palestinian side. The front page reported that 13 more people were killed in Gaza and that hundreds of families fled their homes after Israeli dropped warning leaflets on neighborhoods of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, calling on them to evacuate ahead of a significant military move aimed at targeting rockets and launchers. Gaza's Interior Ministry urged residents to ignore Israel's warnings and to stay in their homes, saying the announcement was Israeli "psychological warfare" and an attempt to create confusion. Haaretz+ reported on the dire straits of Gaza's hospitals where there is an extreme shortage of medicine and equipment, particularly for trauma injuries. Hundreds of Gazans with foreign passports also fled, but they got to leave the Strip altogether. Haaretz+ interviewed some of them at the crossing. Haaretz has an excellent summary of Day 6 of Operation Protective Edge (no paywall).
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the UN to stop the Israeli operation in Gaza. Haaretz's+ Jack Khoury writes that Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki will ask his colleagues to draft a resolution calling for an end to the Israeli operation in Gaza that would be submitted to the Security Council for a vote later this week, or next week. The US blocked the Palestinian effort to get the Security Council to pass such a resolution last week, while it was still in preliminary stages. In addition, the Palestinian Authority will ask the Swiss government to hold an emergency meeting of countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention, which the Palestinians joined recently, to discuss the situation in Gaza.
The papers are all stressing today, how 'Hamas got hit hard.' They quote Israeli security officials saying that Hamas is in dire straits and now the Israel can make a ceasefire or go in with ground invasion and attack all of the rockets and rocket launchers in the Gaza Strip. The decision must be made with a day or two write the military analysts. (NOTE: the Israeli security officials may have told the Israeli reporters that Hamas got hit hard in order to prepare Israelis for pulling out and ending this operation despite not having a big showy victory.- OH)
The ceasefire would be based in part on a return to the ceasefire agreement of 2012's Pillar of Defense. Maariv writes that Israeli political sources say that Israel won't be satisfied with just returning to the understandings of 2012, like Egypt and the US are offering. Netanyahu's position is still not formulated and he is waiting for the international efforts to continue. But Israel sources have already passed messages to the various mediators (Egypt, US and possibly Qatar) that Israel wants the long-range missiles removed from Gaza and wants an international system created to supervise and guarantee the implementation of the understandings and the demilitarization of Gaza. Yedioth military analyst Alex Fishman writes that in the next 24 hours a few formulas will come up by which to narrow the differences between the two sides. "If no catastrophe takes place that causes a lot of deaths on either of the sides, it is likely that the fire will die down this week," he wrote. Yedioth also writes that Turkey, Qatar, Norway and Italy all have offered to mediate, but Israel wants only Egypt, "which can deliver the goods."
Both US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Netanyahu yesterday, urging him to agree to a ceasefire. Obama criticized the intensity of the military operations in Gaza, reported Maariv. Obama emphasized that the diplomatic path is preferable over massive bombing of the Gaza Strip, which would lead to severe reactions against Israel. Kerry also spoke about a ceasefire based on the 2012 agreement. He is expected here later this week to advance a ceasefire. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon to discuss the situation.
In the security-cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu did not give a green light for a ground operation in Gaza, despite the urging of right-wing ministers. But the cabinet decided to continue mobilizing troops while persisting in carrying our aerial attacks. Some 40,000 out of the authorized 48,000 reservists have been called up so far. As part of discussions around a potential ceasefire, the security cabinet is expected to deliberate the details of a new $50 billion economic initiative in exchange for demilitarization of Gaza put forth Sunday by former defense minister and IDF chief of staff Shaul Mofaz.
Since Operation Protective Edge began a week ago, the Israeli military has struck more than 1,300 targets in Gaza and brought the Palestinian death toll to 167 in six days. Haaretz's coverage focused on the Palestinian side. The front page reported that 13 more people were killed in Gaza and that hundreds of families fled their homes after Israeli dropped warning leaflets on neighborhoods of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, calling on them to evacuate ahead of a significant military move aimed at targeting rockets and launchers. Gaza's Interior Ministry urged residents to ignore Israel's warnings and to stay in their homes, saying the announcement was Israeli "psychological warfare" and an attempt to create confusion. Haaretz+ reported on the dire straits of Gaza's hospitals where there is an extreme shortage of medicine and equipment, particularly for trauma injuries. Hundreds of Gazans with foreign passports also fled, but they got to leave the Strip altogether. Haaretz+ interviewed some of them at the crossing. Haaretz has an excellent summary of Day 6 of Operation Protective Edge (no paywall).
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the UN to stop the Israeli operation in Gaza. Haaretz's+ Jack Khoury writes that Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki will ask his colleagues to draft a resolution calling for an end to the Israeli operation in Gaza that would be submitted to the Security Council for a vote later this week, or next week. The US blocked the Palestinian effort to get the Security Council to pass such a resolution last week, while it was still in preliminary stages. In addition, the Palestinian Authority will ask the Swiss government to hold an emergency meeting of countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention, which the Palestinians joined recently, to discuss the situation in Gaza.
Quick Hits:
- In Israeli court, suspects in Mohammed Abu Khdeir killing to plead insanity - The two minors who have confessed to involvement in the killing ‘aren’t functioning individuals,’ a source says. (Haaretz+)
- 30 injured in Aqsa, East Jerusalem clashes - Clashes broke out earlier Sunday morning when Israeli officers closed the area to Palestinian worshipers and opened the Moroccan Gate for a group of right-wing Israelis. (Maan)
- WATCH: Deadliest single bombing yet in Gaza; Hamas fires biggest yet rocket barrage at Tel Aviv - The home of a Gaza police chief was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike Saturday night killing 18 people, the same night Hamas militants launched their largest rocket attack on Tel Aviv to date. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Alleged collaborator 'executed' in Gaza City - Witnesses in Rafah reported seeing gunmen kill a man in the middle of the street in what appeared to be the execution of someone suspected of collaborating with Israel. (Maan)
- IDF commander seeks God’s help to fight ‘blasphemous’ Gazans - Col. Ofer Winter criticized for letter to Givati Brigade officers, calling for divine aid in fighting ‘foe which curses God’s name.’ (Times of Israel)
- "The enemy curses God": Habayit Hayehudi party gives support to commander - The party issued a statement of support and started a Facebook group for Col. Ofer Winter, who distributed a paper to combatants in which he wrote that the enemy curses the name of G-d. Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs: "This was written in genuine humility. (Maariv)
- Kerem Shalom resident blocks transfer of goods into Gaza - "If we were only transferring necessary goods, that would be fine, but ... it's not just fuel and basic food products, but also cans of Coca-Cola," says Kerem Shalom resident Daniel Matari. IDF says only necessary items being transferred for now. (Israel Hayom)
- Living next door to Gaza: What local kibbutzniks think of Hamas - Residents living within walking distance of the border may differ in political opinion, but they all seem to agree on one thing: They want a lasting solution to the hostilities. (Haaretz+)
- Rally at (Arab town) Tira: "Jews and Arabs refuse to be enemies" - 400 activists attended the rally designed to call for the continuation of Jewish-Arab partnership, despite the difficult circumstances. The rally was conducted peacefully, without disturbances. Hadash MK Dov Khanin: "It's time for another way, not one of madness and hatred, but of peace and justice for both sides." (Maariv)
- New York-bound flight returns to Israel with emergency technical problem - No indication the plane's problem related to Israeli-Palestinian conflict or terrorism. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- WATCH: Indyk: Israeli 'bluff' of mobilizing tanks hasn't worked - Hamas understands that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is very cautious about using force, says former U.S. peace envoy. (Haaretz)
- IAF Pilot calls off strike on Gaza target after spotting children nearby - ‘We are not going to strike this target now’, pilot says in video distributed by IDF upon identifying civilians close by. (Ynet)
- Thanks to Iron Dome, WhatsApp, less anxiety among Israelis - Health officials report a relatively low number of people suffering anxiety from rocket fire compared to previous operations. "Thanks to WhatsApp groups, people can make sure their loved ones are safe right away," says psychologist. (Israel Hayom)
- Video war: Israel and Palestinians fight it out in propaganda - Pro-Israel videos show difficulty in finding shelter form rockets in the seconds before impact, while Palestinian videos take more militant tone. (Ynet)
- Netanyahu to US viewers: Imagine 80% of Americans under attack - Interviewed by U.S. television networks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defends Israeli operation in Gaza. "We will do what the U.S. would do," he says. Netanyahu says Israel faces a "very brutal terrorist enemy." (Israel Hayom)
- WATCH: Naftali Bennett's prop on Fox News: Grad rocket shrapnel - Israel's economy minister uses shrapnel in appeal to American public opinion with Mike Huckabee. (Haaretz)
- Tourism cancellations reach 30% - The Israel Hotel Association reports that 30-40% of tourists in Tel Aviv left earlier than planned. (Globes)
- Gaza war takes big toll on Israeli retailing - Credit-card purchases dropped 18% in first week of Protective Edge. Decline in number of Israeli Arabs shopping in Jewish-area malls. (Haaretz+)
- Living next door to Gaza: What local kibbutzniks think of Hamas - Residents living within walking distance of the border may differ in political opinion, but they all seem to agree on one thing: They want a lasting solution to the hostilities. (Haaretz+)
- Gaza fighting won't stop Birthright, but other tourists wary of visiting Israel - Itineraries on the free Taglit have been adjusted for security situation, but not a single participant has canceled. (Haaretz+)
- Rabbi of Casablanca assaulted over Israel’s Gaza operation - Moroccan Jewish community leader beaten as he walked to synagogue for Sabbath services. (JTA, Haaretz)
- Pope urges Israel and Palestinians to heed calls for peace - Pope leads worshipers in prayer asking God to 'listen to the cry of our people to transform our weapons into instruments of peace, our fears into trust and our tensions into forgiveness.' (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Gazans owe Israel Electric Corp. NIS 220m - The Gazan debt is part of NIS 1.5 billion owed by Palestinian electricity consumers. (Globes)
- Livni quits bid to have details of key panel’s discussions revealed - Justice Minister Tzipi Livni fails in her attempt to achieve transparency at the Ministerial Committee for Legislation. (Haaretz+)
- Dutch urge PA: Stop funding convicted terrorists' salaries - The Dutch parliament passes a motion requesting the government to take a stand against the Palestinian Authority's payments to convicts in Israeli prisons. (JTA, Haaretz)
- Israel Aerospace Industries in talks to sell $1.2 billion of electronic systems - The impending deal with an unidentified foreign customer evidently includes advanced radar systems. (Haaretz)
- Jewish-Australian leader slammed for accusing Hamas of 'war crimes' - Vic Alhadeff's remarks are "inappropriate" for someone in a government-appointed position, says Premier Mike Baird's spokesperson. (JTA, Haaretz)
- Eight killed in mortar attack in Egypt's Sinai, near Israel border - Militants fired mortar rounds at military post in el-Arish, killing a soldier as well as seven civilians, including two children. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Netanyahu says leaving Iran with nuclear enrichment would be 'catastrophic' - Kerry and other Western foreign ministers make no progress in faltering nuclear talks, with British foreign secretary saying there's a "huge gap." (Agencies, Ynet)
- Last ditch attempt to reach Iran agreement before deadline - Iran and the six world powers are expected to extend the July 20 deadline, in order to give themselves time to resolve remaining issues. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Commentary/Analysis:
The Iron Dome over our consciences (Uri Misgav, Haaretz+) Restraint? I’d like to see how Israelis would react if just once an F-16
squadron swooped down on a residential neighborhood and dropped a ton of smart bombs on it.
"Gaza is in the political equation" (Meretz MK NItzan Horovitz, Maariv) Another ceasefire agreement with Hamas will not change the situation. We need a real arrangement that will give solutions to the residents of the Gaza Strip as part of the Palestinian state.
The sick math of the Gaza war (Elliott Abrams, Israel Hayom) In the event of a ground incursion, the twisted moralists will be back, accusing Israel of war crimes for the "disproportionate" use of force.
Is Israel committing war crimes in Gaza? (Aeyal Gross, Haaretz+) The data indicating that many of the casualties in Gaza are civilians raises the prospect that Israel has committed forbidden actions. There's a fine line between war and war crimes.
In Gaza, Israel sits uncomfortably between S&M and soft power (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) The choice is between quick and painful or long and weak. Either way, the people will buy what Benjamin Netanyahu sells them.
We need a clear plan for two states (Gilad Sher, Maariv) When the current round of bloodshed comes to an end, Israel will have to take steps to act to separate from the Palestinian Authority with borders that will be determined in negotiations or independently by us. It is forbidden for us to continue to hang our future on the Palestinians or the Americans.
Ground forces not rushing in where angels fear to tread (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Despite the convoy of tanks heading south, infantry amassing near Gaza border, Israel is in no hurry for operation's ground phase.
Another blood libel against Israel (Alan M. Dershowitz, Israel Hayom) It is simply false, malicious and defamatory to say that "Jewish youth in Israel hate Arabs."
Israel showed restraint in Gaza before attacking? You must be kidding (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Our media ingrains warped terminology that bolsters the effort to portray Israel as a victim. Here are a few examples.
Come on, calm down already: Some of the right-wing have lost control during this operation (Ben Caspit, Maariv) To avoid any doubt: In this dispute I am much more right-wing. All members of Hamas are of sons of death (and) the IDF needs to go in and finish the job. Yet, we still need to condemn the beating of left-wing demonstrators and the attempt to silence any different opinion.
Winning the psychological war (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) While the media has failed to uplift Israeli spirits, the reality of failed Hamas attacks gives Israelis strength.
Al-Sisi is in no rush to broker ceasefire (Smadar Perry, Yedioth/Ynet) As far as Egyptian president is concerned, Israel can continue crushing Hamas.
Israel must remain on the path of restraint (Haaretz Editorial) Rather than being dragged after Hamas and letting it dictate the intensity and character of the confrontation, Israel must be proactive and seek diplomatic solutions that will serve its interests.
Netanyahu: A responsible and experienced leader (Dr. Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Throughout Operation Protective Edge, the prime minister has displayed political wisdom, judgment, skill and leadership.
Hamas did manage to surprise in this confrontation (Aviram Zeno, Maariv) Contrary to the forecasts of the intelligence, the Gazan organization showed that it still has long-range capabilities and now it is also looking for that has dared to show long-term capabilities and now he's looking for the victory photo. The security cabinet must make a decision to avoid prolonged gunfire from the Gaza Strip.
The shame of an Israel dripping with venom (Uzi Baram, Haaretz+) A new protest is forming, and not just against the occupation. It's against the racism that’s erupting everywhere.
It's time for a ceasefire (Amos Yadlin, Yedioth/Ynet) If Israel's strategic purpose was to create deterrence, it seems to have achieved it at a minimal cost and should settle for that. The longer the battle, the bigger the chance for difficult, unexpected incidents.
Between Ashdod and Tel Aviv (David Baron, Israel Hayom) Why are some residents of the south happy that Tel Aviv is finally getting a taste of rocket fire from Gaza?
Dear world, let Gaza be! (Oudeh Basharat, Haaretz+) Gaza is being bombed by the compassionate Jews, whose morality is light years ahead of the brutal Arabs. What irony: The Palestinians are driven from their homeland and attacked in the refugee camps, and the Jews boast of being more moral.
Obama's ongoing shameful behavior toward Israel (Isi Leibler, Israel Hayom) It is time for the United States and the EU to unequivocally support the forces of democracy against the forces of evil.
Israel's message to Hamas: We control the escalation (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) Decision to bomb entire areas in northern Gaza after warning residents indicates is aimed at signaling to Hamas that Israel is climbing one more step up the ladder.
When dealing with terrorists, deterrence is a useless tool (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) Obviously, the individual terrorist, the suicide bomber, cannot be deterred, no matter how powerful Israel is, but can Hezbollah, Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, Al-Qaida be deterred?
Fear, loathing and frustration in Tel Aviv, with small slivers of hope (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) 'Shall the sword devour you forever?' Abner asked Joab in the second book of Samuel; in Israel this week, the answer was an emphatic yes.
Israel's goal must be demilitarization of Gaza (Yossi Yehoshua, Yedioth/Ynet) Ahead of ceasefire, IDF must demand a complete stop to rocket manufacturing in Strip or a free hand to attack Hamas' military industry. Otherwise, next round will follow very soon.
The violence of peace activists (Sagi Melamed, Israel Hayom) What horrified me more than all the latest traumatic events was the attack on Economy Minister Naftali Bennett by participants at the Haaretz peace conference.
What really happened to Bennett at the Israel Conference for Peace (Uri Misgav, Haaretz+) The hero's whining after he was heckled and booed may have been pathetic, but the leftist peace camp certainly has a lesson to learn from the right-wing leader's on-stage performance.
"Gaza is in the political equation" (Meretz MK NItzan Horovitz, Maariv) Another ceasefire agreement with Hamas will not change the situation. We need a real arrangement that will give solutions to the residents of the Gaza Strip as part of the Palestinian state.
The sick math of the Gaza war (Elliott Abrams, Israel Hayom) In the event of a ground incursion, the twisted moralists will be back, accusing Israel of war crimes for the "disproportionate" use of force.
Is Israel committing war crimes in Gaza? (Aeyal Gross, Haaretz+) The data indicating that many of the casualties in Gaza are civilians raises the prospect that Israel has committed forbidden actions. There's a fine line between war and war crimes.
In Gaza, Israel sits uncomfortably between S&M and soft power (Amir Oren, Haaretz+) The choice is between quick and painful or long and weak. Either way, the people will buy what Benjamin Netanyahu sells them.
We need a clear plan for two states (Gilad Sher, Maariv) When the current round of bloodshed comes to an end, Israel will have to take steps to act to separate from the Palestinian Authority with borders that will be determined in negotiations or independently by us. It is forbidden for us to continue to hang our future on the Palestinians or the Americans.
Ground forces not rushing in where angels fear to tread (Amos Harel, Haaretz+) Despite the convoy of tanks heading south, infantry amassing near Gaza border, Israel is in no hurry for operation's ground phase.
Another blood libel against Israel (Alan M. Dershowitz, Israel Hayom) It is simply false, malicious and defamatory to say that "Jewish youth in Israel hate Arabs."
Israel showed restraint in Gaza before attacking? You must be kidding (Amira Hass, Haaretz+) Our media ingrains warped terminology that bolsters the effort to portray Israel as a victim. Here are a few examples.
Come on, calm down already: Some of the right-wing have lost control during this operation (Ben Caspit, Maariv) To avoid any doubt: In this dispute I am much more right-wing. All members of Hamas are of sons of death (and) the IDF needs to go in and finish the job. Yet, we still need to condemn the beating of left-wing demonstrators and the attempt to silence any different opinion.
Winning the psychological war (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) While the media has failed to uplift Israeli spirits, the reality of failed Hamas attacks gives Israelis strength.
Al-Sisi is in no rush to broker ceasefire (Smadar Perry, Yedioth/Ynet) As far as Egyptian president is concerned, Israel can continue crushing Hamas.
Israel must remain on the path of restraint (Haaretz Editorial) Rather than being dragged after Hamas and letting it dictate the intensity and character of the confrontation, Israel must be proactive and seek diplomatic solutions that will serve its interests.
Netanyahu: A responsible and experienced leader (Dr. Haim Shine, Israel Hayom) Throughout Operation Protective Edge, the prime minister has displayed political wisdom, judgment, skill and leadership.
Hamas did manage to surprise in this confrontation (Aviram Zeno, Maariv) Contrary to the forecasts of the intelligence, the Gazan organization showed that it still has long-range capabilities and now it is also looking for that has dared to show long-term capabilities and now he's looking for the victory photo. The security cabinet must make a decision to avoid prolonged gunfire from the Gaza Strip.
The shame of an Israel dripping with venom (Uzi Baram, Haaretz+) A new protest is forming, and not just against the occupation. It's against the racism that’s erupting everywhere.
It's time for a ceasefire (Amos Yadlin, Yedioth/Ynet) If Israel's strategic purpose was to create deterrence, it seems to have achieved it at a minimal cost and should settle for that. The longer the battle, the bigger the chance for difficult, unexpected incidents.
Between Ashdod and Tel Aviv (David Baron, Israel Hayom) Why are some residents of the south happy that Tel Aviv is finally getting a taste of rocket fire from Gaza?
Dear world, let Gaza be! (Oudeh Basharat, Haaretz+) Gaza is being bombed by the compassionate Jews, whose morality is light years ahead of the brutal Arabs. What irony: The Palestinians are driven from their homeland and attacked in the refugee camps, and the Jews boast of being more moral.
Obama's ongoing shameful behavior toward Israel (Isi Leibler, Israel Hayom) It is time for the United States and the EU to unequivocally support the forces of democracy against the forces of evil.
Israel's message to Hamas: We control the escalation (Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet) Decision to bomb entire areas in northern Gaza after warning residents indicates is aimed at signaling to Hamas that Israel is climbing one more step up the ladder.
When dealing with terrorists, deterrence is a useless tool (Moshe Arens, Haaretz+) Obviously, the individual terrorist, the suicide bomber, cannot be deterred, no matter how powerful Israel is, but can Hezbollah, Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, Al-Qaida be deterred?
Fear, loathing and frustration in Tel Aviv, with small slivers of hope (Chemi Shalev, Haaretz+) 'Shall the sword devour you forever?' Abner asked Joab in the second book of Samuel; in Israel this week, the answer was an emphatic yes.
Israel's goal must be demilitarization of Gaza (Yossi Yehoshua, Yedioth/Ynet) Ahead of ceasefire, IDF must demand a complete stop to rocket manufacturing in Strip or a free hand to attack Hamas' military industry. Otherwise, next round will follow very soon.
The violence of peace activists (Sagi Melamed, Israel Hayom) What horrified me more than all the latest traumatic events was the attack on Economy Minister Naftali Bennett by participants at the Haaretz peace conference.
What really happened to Bennett at the Israel Conference for Peace (Uri Misgav, Haaretz+) The hero's whining after he was heckled and booed may have been pathetic, but the leftist peace camp certainly has a lesson to learn from the right-wing leader's on-stage performance.
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.