--Senior Yedioth political commentator, Sima Kadmon, writes to Elor Azariya, the soldier who received a light sentence after being convicted of killing an incapacitated Palestinian assailant.*
Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.
This week, Alpher discusses the mixed messages from the Trump-Netanyahu press statements last week in Washington - two-state solution or one-state solution, direct bilateral negotiations or broader Arab involvement; what Netanyahu's increasingly powerful right-wing supporters want; "the regional approach"; and the nuances of the one-state proposition.
The Palm Beach Post: February 17, 2017
“Israeli Settlement Sees Friendly Face in Trump Ambassador Pick,” Peace Now reveals that
Israel’s latest approved settlement plans were developed by Sukkat Ovadia Learning Center, a beneficiary of
Friends of Beit El, an organization supported by David Friedman and his family.
i24: February 16, 2017
"Former ambassador calls Trump's Israel Envoy pick 'unqualified,' too 'extreme,'" APN among
groups opposing confirmation of David Friedman as US ambassador to Israel.
The Forward (JTA Story): February 16, 2017
"Jewish Groups Slam 'Dangerous' Trump For Trashing Two-State Solution," quoted APN's
statement in a story on US Jews' reactions to the Trump-Bibi meeting.
Haaretz: February 16, 2017
“American Jewish Leaders Call Trump’s Ideas on Israel 'Terrifying' and 'Bizarre',” APN’s Ori
Nir warned that the discussion of the possibility of a one-state solution undermines Israel’s chances for peace
and its future as a democratic and Jewish state.
The Times of Israel: February 16, 2017
“Trump’s Pick for Israel Ambassador Faces Dicey Senate Hearing,” APN, the New Israel Fund,
and the National Democratic Jewish Council urge American Jews to call their senators to oppose David Friedman’s
nomination.
Times of Israel: February 15, 2017
"Israel's envoy to apologize for calling liberal Jews 'kapos,'" APN among groups advocating
against confirmation of David Friedman as ambassador to Israel.
Times of Israel: February 15, 2017
"For some left-wing groups, Trump-Bibi meet-up is not top protest priority," quoted APN's
press release on the meeting: "Prime Minister Netanyahu knows what agenda he should advance in the White House
if he wants to demonstrate true statesmanship and prudent leadership. If, however, he wants to continue
importing Israel's petty politics to Washington - as he has been doing for years - he will be serving neither
the interest of Israel nor that of the United States."
JTA: February 14, 2017
"Letters from rabbis, Holocaust survivors decry Trump Israel envoy pick David Friedman," APN
and other groups supporting the two-state solution have been organizing the push to block Friedman's nomination
as ambassador to Israel for his use of the term "kapo," among other reasons.
UPI: February 14, 2017
“Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss tough line on Iran,” APN’s Ori Nir said Trump
will only get tougher on Iran after his meeting with Netanyahu earlier this week.
VOA: February 13, 2017
"Trump Interview in Israeli Press Renews Confusion Over US Mideast Policy," Ori Nir quoted
saying "As a dealmaker, Trump should know that actions speak louder than words. If he really wants to make a
difference and make a deal, he should resist being manipulated by Israeli, Palestinian, or other politicians and
pursue what he knows best serves America's national security interests: a two-state solution based on guidelines
set by consecutive U.S. administrations. This imperative should guide the president when he meets with Prime
Minister Netanyahu next week."
The Arab Weekly: February 13, 2017
"Trump and Netanyahu to discuss tough line on Iran," Ori Nir quoted saying "Netanyahu will
try to pocket some of the toughening in the US attitude towards Iran and present it as his own achievement. He
really believes in getting tougher on Iran."
Haaretz: February 13, 2017
“Over 600 Rabbis and Cantors Sign Petition Opposing David Friedman as U.S. Ambassador to
Israel,” APN, in collaboration with other progressive Jewish organizations, helps collect signatures to
petition Donald Trump’s nomination for David Friedman as US Ambassador to Israel.
Americans for Peace Now (APN) issued this following statement following today's joint press conference by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump in the White House:
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu's press conference today presented an opportunity for the two leaders to signal to Israelis, Palestinians, Americans and the world a clear commitment to peace. It was an opportunity to signal that they can chart a constructive way forward for U.S.-Israel relations and for Israel's future, for its security and its well-being as a democracy and a Jewish state.
Netanyahu and Trump squandered this opportunity.
Please join APN on Wednesday, February 22nd, 11am, for a briefing call with Peace Now's Anat Ben-Nun. She will be discussing "Current Challenges to the Israeli Peace Movement"
Anat Ben Nun is Peace Now's Director of Development and External relations. She is responsible for Peace Now's international advocacy efforts which focus on preventing settlement expansion. Prior to her work with Peace Now, Anat worked at the Palestinian Israeli Peace NGO Forum, a platform for cooperation and capacity building for 80 NGOs, and took part in a variety of initiatives promoting dialogue and understanding. Anat has a Master's degree in International Affairs from the American University in Washington and a Bachelor's degree from Brandeis University.