APN's daily news review from Israel
Sunday October 26, 2014
Quote of the day:
"To enter Palestinian ghettos and get into conflicts with women and children is a recipe for killing
women and children."
--Maariv commentator Ran Adelist blames the government for inciting E. Jerusalem to violence.**
--Maariv commentator Ran Adelist blames the government for inciting E. Jerusalem to violence.**
Front Page News:
Haaretz
- Yaalon will prevent Palestinians from traveling with settlers in (public) buses
- Yaalon was boycotted by the Americans – until he apologizes // Barak Ravid
- After violent clashes over the weekend - record tension in E. Jerusalem ahead of funeral of terrorist today
- Emergency situation declared in Sinai following terror attack that killed 33 soldiers
- Mother of six children murdered in Ramleh; Nine of her family members murdered in past
- Students return to studies – Universities accuse: private people pressured to approve (giving) doctorates in the colleges
- Panic in New York following first incidence of Ebola in city
- Two Israelis killed in bus accident in Nepal
- Did you remember to move the clock back an hour?
Yedioth Ahronoth
- Until death did they part – They survived the Nepal snow storm, but death chased Omer Shemesh, 21, and Shira Dabush, 30, who died in a bus accident
- American hazing (of Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon) // Shimon Shiffer
- Because of the riots: School trips to Jerusalem cancelled
- Did you remember to move back the clock?
- Back to studies – Campuses open today: what awaits the students and will a degree bring them work?
- Israeli achievement – This is how we beat the US in the big tender for selling Rafael missiles to India
Maariv This Week (Hebrew links only)
- Fear of worsening of clashes in Jerusalem
- It is no longer possible to hide the tension with Washington; Lapid: "There is a crisis and it needs to be dealt with"
- Omer and Shira were killed in Nepal - Disaster after disaster
- Winter clock: Did you remember adjust the clocks?
Israel Hayom
- Saved from an avalanched - and died in a bus accident - Cruel fate in Nepal: Omer Shemesh and Shira Dabush killed when bus fell into abyss
- Up to 1000 police in Jerusalem
- Winter clock arrived: Did you remember to turn your clocks back an hour?
- Lapid: "There is a crisis in relations with the US"; Yaalon: It was a good meeting with Heigel
- India preferred to purchase Israeli anti-tank missiles for $500 million over US missiles
News Summary:
High tension and increased forces in Jerusalem after continued clashes over the weekend, a 'hazing' of Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon by US officials, and two more Israelis killed in an accident in Nepal, made top stories in today's Hebrew newspapers. Also today, the Ministerial Legislative Committee will vote to approve a controversial 'High Court bypass law.'
A record police presence is in Jerusalem today after over 1,000 troops joined Jerusalem District Police's efforts to 'maintain the order' in Arab neighborhoods after clashes continued between youth and police in E. Jerusalem over the weekend. Tel Aviv schools have cancelled trips to Jerusalem, as a result. The funeral of the killer who ran over the 3-month-old Jewish baby last Wednesday was postponed due to the tension, Haaretz+ reported. A security source told Haaretz+ that a police crackdown won't halt the Jerusalem violence. "As long as radicals on both sides continue to stir the pot, the situation will only get worse," he said. Haaretz wrote that 'although neither the Palestinian Authority nor Hamas has generated the uprising, both of them are trying to jump on the bandwagon." The 'Jerusalem Intifada' began after East Jerusalem teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir was murdered by Jews in July, and hundreds of young residents have been arrested since. Police may hold (Arab) parents of children under age 14 who are involved in stone-throwing legally liable for crimes and charge them fines or prison terms, as is presently done by Israeli military order in the West Bank, Haaretz+ reported. Maariv's commentator Ran Adelist suggested that instead of using force to stop the clashes, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barekat should meet with the representatives of the Arab neighborhoods and make peace with them. (See Commentary/Analysis below.)
The White House refused to give Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon an audience with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry, and National Security Advisor Susan Rice during his trip to the US. The White House also tried to cancel Yaalon's meeting with US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, but the objection to the meeting arrived too late to avert the appointment. Nevertheless, in the meeting, Power gave Yaalon a hard time over settlement construction beyond the Green Line.
A number of statements Yaalon made six months ago, criticizing the Obama administration and Kerry in particular, were the reason for the cold shoulder. But Yedioth's political analyst Shimon Shiffer said that while the Yaalon was the one who was burned, it was Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that the White House was directing its anger toward. Yaalon tried to play down the tension saying the West was 'ignorant' about the Arabs, and its policies were led by 'misconceptions.' But Finance Minister Yair Lapid declared that Israel-US relations were in a 'crisis.' "We need to act with more respect. We must remember that US funds and technology helped the Gaza operation."
Today the Ministerial Committee on Legislation is expected to approve a controversial bill seeking to limit the High Court's authority and prevent if from disqualifying Knesset legislation. Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein opposes the bill, which was introduced by far-right-wing Habayit Hayehudi MK Ayelet Shaked. Those who oppose the bill say it destroys the checks and balance system of a democracy.
High tension and increased forces in Jerusalem after continued clashes over the weekend, a 'hazing' of Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon by US officials, and two more Israelis killed in an accident in Nepal, made top stories in today's Hebrew newspapers. Also today, the Ministerial Legislative Committee will vote to approve a controversial 'High Court bypass law.'
A record police presence is in Jerusalem today after over 1,000 troops joined Jerusalem District Police's efforts to 'maintain the order' in Arab neighborhoods after clashes continued between youth and police in E. Jerusalem over the weekend. Tel Aviv schools have cancelled trips to Jerusalem, as a result. The funeral of the killer who ran over the 3-month-old Jewish baby last Wednesday was postponed due to the tension, Haaretz+ reported. A security source told Haaretz+ that a police crackdown won't halt the Jerusalem violence. "As long as radicals on both sides continue to stir the pot, the situation will only get worse," he said. Haaretz wrote that 'although neither the Palestinian Authority nor Hamas has generated the uprising, both of them are trying to jump on the bandwagon." The 'Jerusalem Intifada' began after East Jerusalem teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir was murdered by Jews in July, and hundreds of young residents have been arrested since. Police may hold (Arab) parents of children under age 14 who are involved in stone-throwing legally liable for crimes and charge them fines or prison terms, as is presently done by Israeli military order in the West Bank, Haaretz+ reported. Maariv's commentator Ran Adelist suggested that instead of using force to stop the clashes, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barekat should meet with the representatives of the Arab neighborhoods and make peace with them. (See Commentary/Analysis below.)
The White House refused to give Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon an audience with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry, and National Security Advisor Susan Rice during his trip to the US. The White House also tried to cancel Yaalon's meeting with US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, but the objection to the meeting arrived too late to avert the appointment. Nevertheless, in the meeting, Power gave Yaalon a hard time over settlement construction beyond the Green Line.
A number of statements Yaalon made six months ago, criticizing the Obama administration and Kerry in particular, were the reason for the cold shoulder. But Yedioth's political analyst Shimon Shiffer said that while the Yaalon was the one who was burned, it was Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that the White House was directing its anger toward. Yaalon tried to play down the tension saying the West was 'ignorant' about the Arabs, and its policies were led by 'misconceptions.' But Finance Minister Yair Lapid declared that Israel-US relations were in a 'crisis.' "We need to act with more respect. We must remember that US funds and technology helped the Gaza operation."
Today the Ministerial Committee on Legislation is expected to approve a controversial bill seeking to limit the High Court's authority and prevent if from disqualifying Knesset legislation. Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein opposes the bill, which was introduced by far-right-wing Habayit Hayehudi MK Ayelet Shaked. Those who oppose the bill say it destroys the checks and balance system of a democracy.
Quick Hits:
- Palestinian-American teen killed by IDF gunfire during West Bank protest - According to the military, the boy, Orwa Hammad, was about to throw a firebomb toward Route 60. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki called for a "speedy and transparent investigation." (Haaretz)
- Putin calls on Israel to halt settlement in major policy speech, report says - Russian president calls the Middle East conflict a 'major cause of tension, not only in the region but in the whole world.' (Haaretz)
- Irish upper house backs Palestinian state - Seanad recognizes Palestine in nonbinding resolution last week, following British parliament's vote last week. (Haaretz)
- Housing minister said to be mulling move to east Jerusalem - Habayit Hayehudi Minister Uri Ariel to take up residence in east Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, in show of support of an association trying to boost Jewish presence in the capital. Move criticized by Left as "political provocation by radical Right." (Israel Hayom)
- 'Apologize for massacre or don't come,' Arabs tell president - Ahead of President Rivlin visit to Kafr Qasim, local residents urge government to recognize them as terror victims of historic massacre; 'It's time for Israel to apologize for killing people in cold blood.' (Ynet)
- Israeli rightists hold anti-Palestinian demo at light rail station - Thursday night Protesters held aloft signs reading "Death to Arabs!" and "Revenge" by the Ammunition Hill light rail station in Sheikh Jarrah, the site of a suspected attack which left a three-month-old baby dead. (Maan)
- Questions plague mother of Jerusalem car attack suspect - Inas Sharif, 42, the mother of Abd al-Rahman al-Shaludi, 21, who drove his car into pedestrians last Wednesday, said she did not know if her son did it on purpose or not, but she could identify with the loss felt by the woman whose baby girl was killed. "I feel her pain, I am a mother after all," she said. "I don't wish any mother in the world to lose her child." (Maan)
- Israel to seal or demolish Jerusalem suspect's home - Israeli Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich said the house of Abd al-Rahman al-Shaludi would either be sealed or demolished. (Maan and Israel Hayom)
- Palestinian woman injured in Jewish Quarter attack - A Palestinian woman was injured after an unknown assailant hurled a rock at her as she walked through the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem on Thursday. (Maan)
- Palestinian dies at Nilin checkpoint west of Ramallah -
- Othman Hassan, 24, was en route to to hospital after suffering head injury during soccer game when he was stopped at the Nilin military checkpoint, but no emergency services were available. Israeli soldiers attempted to revive him, but failed and he died. (Maan)
- Ya'alon bans Palestinians from Israeli-run bus lines in West Bank, following settler pressure - Settlers have tried on multiple occasions to prevent Palestinian workers from commuting on these buses, and have released a video calling for them to be banned. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli forces detain Palestinian man who removed settler tent - Israeli forces detained Ahmad Muhammad Mahmoud al-Hadar, 35, after he took down a tent set up by settlers on the al-Hadar family's property in the village of Susiya, south of Hebron. (Maan)
- Israel confiscates 5 acres of Palestinian land near Salfit - Israeli bulldozers began razing 5 acres of agricultural lands in the Palestinian village of Haris near Barqan settlement on Thursday. Locals said dozens of Israelis from nearby Jewish settlement helped destroy the fields. Land seizure came on same day that Israeli authorities halted plans to take 4 acres nearby. (Maan)
- Israel's Education Ministry working overtime to stress 'Jewish identity' - State-sponsored elementary school project aims to promote 'Jewish people’s national asset' - Shabbat; group chosen to run project detracts from secular traditions, critics say. (Haaretz+)
- Palestinians subject to frequent search raids in Ramon prison - Palestinians jailed in Ramon prison in southern Israel have been subject to frequent raids by Israeli prison guards this month and the Israeli Prison Service also banned several TV channels and refused to provide prisoners with sheets, blankets, and clothes, a PPS lawyer said. (Maan)
- State comptroller launches review of Operation Protective Edge - State Comptroller Yosef Shapira's review is expected to scrutinize decision-making process in the IDF, government, throughout the 50-day Gaza Strip campaign. Review to consider previous findings on Israel's investigative mechanisms. (Israel Hayom)
- Mother of six murdered in Ramle shooting - Buseina Abu Ganem is the latest woman in her family to be murdered, following nine previous deaths between 2000-2007. Her sister and stepmother were also murdered a few years ago. (Haaretz+)
- Two male Knesset members to quit and make way for women - Kadima’s Israel Hasson to be replaced by Ronit Tirosh; Hadash’s Mohammed Barakeh to be replaced by Nabila Espanioly. (Haaretz+)
- Pope Francis to receive Israeli university's top honor - Bar-Ilan University to recognize pontiff's efforts to build bridges between different nations and faiths. (Haaretz)
- Jordanian minister: Israel gas deal expected next month - Noble Energy to export natural gas to Hashemite kingdom from offshore Leviathan rig to compensate for disruptions in Egyptian supply. (Agencies, Ynet)
- India buys $525m worth of missiles from Israel, rejecting rival U.S. offer - India will buy at least 8,000 Spike anti-tank guided missiles, more than 300 launchers, Indian official says. (Haaretz)
- Pig's head among kosher food in South African anti-Israel protest - Students place head in kosher section of Cape Town supermarket which stocks Israeli products. (Haaretz)
- Arab Bank starts appeal against Hamas finance ruling - U.S. lawsuit found Jordan-based bank liable for giving material support to Hamas, said must compensate victims of two dozens attacks. (Haaretz)
- Middle East Updates / Report: ISIS using chlorine bombs - Car bomb kills 25, mostly Egyptian soldiers, in Sinai; Iraqi officials say ISIS used chlorine gas; Three Kurdish fighters killed in attack on Turkish power plant. (Haaretz)
- Egypt may relocate thousands of Bedouin to widen buffer zone near Gaza border - At least 33 security personnel were killed in the Sinai Peninsula, near the Israel-Gaza border, in some of the worst anti-state violence since Abdel Fattah al-Sissi came to power. (Agencies, Haaretz)
Features:
Continuous invasions by settlers spoil the joy of Palestinians’ olive harvest
A once-annual visit is all the villagers of Deir al-Hatab get to see whether squatters have invaded their land. (Haaretz+)
Jerusalem light rail - a microcosm of a city divided
From symbol of coexistence to ghost train, the capital's Jewish residents prefer to disembark before the rails reach East Jerusalem, with its stonings and firebombings. (Ofer Petersburg, Yedioth/Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
A once-annual visit is all the villagers of Deir al-Hatab get to see whether squatters have invaded their land. (Haaretz+)
Jerusalem light rail - a microcosm of a city divided
From symbol of coexistence to ghost train, the capital's Jewish residents prefer to disembark before the rails reach East Jerusalem, with its stonings and firebombings. (Ofer Petersburg, Yedioth/Ynet)
Commentary/Analysis:
U.S. will continue to ostracize Ya'alon until he apologizes (Barak
Ravid, Haaretz) Not only is Israel's defense minister detached from reality, but Ya’alon has
managed to do the impossible: make people miss Ehud Barak.
US is settling scores with Netanyahu through Ya'alon (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth/Ynet) Our leaders have yet to internalize the need for courtesy towards those who help secure Israel's existence to the tune of $3 billion a year.
Violence can still be prevented (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) We must focus not only on what the final status of Jerusalem will be in a future deal, but also on what can be done to improve coexistence until then.
Netanyahu must not give in to Bennett on his coalition’s right wing (Haaretz Editorial+) Habayit Hayehudi is proving that Israel's security is not its top priority, but rather the fulfillment of the settlers’ messianic vision.
For or Against? The bill to bypass the High Court of Justice (Ayelet Shaked vs. Zehava Gal-On, Yedioth's '24 Hours 24 Hours' supplement/Ynet)
Two members of the Knesset, from two different ends of the spectrum, discuss their respective stances on a contentious bill to override court rulings.
The Palestinians’ right and duty to resist (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) Faced with a reality in which Israel is strong and the United States is in its pocket, it is the duty of Palestinians to resist the occupation. The only question relates to the means.
No solution (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) The last century has shown that the region's Arab tribes are bonded by their aspirations to eliminate Israel.
Why is Kerry singling out Israel? (Guy Bechor, Yedioth/Ynet) US secretary of state keeps saying Israeli-Palestinian issue cannot remain unchanged. But what about the situation in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Russia, China and Turkey?
Israeli restrictions on movement strangle Palestinian life (Daoud Kuttab, Maan) The travel troubles facing Palestinians, especially those of Gaza, are apparently a major motivation for attempts to emigrate (legally or illegally) to Europe or any other Western country whose passports are much more respected than Palestinian or Arab passports.
**The State is encouraging an Intifada (Ran Adelist, Maariv) Instead of talking about maintaining order in the capital through increased enforcement, it would be better if Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barekat held peace talks with representatives of the Palestinian neighborhoods and sent their sanitation workers and builders of roads and drainage. Currently what Barekat is suggesting is to impose order in the capital through increased enforcement, including the additional personnel and special measures, which the IDF can use. If someone takes this crap seriously, then increase or drop of a special force to establish order in the (E. Jerusalem village of) Issawiya will look like this: An armored vehicle will drive down a main street and run into a burning tire and a demonstration of stone-throwing children. A nervous and scared policeman will get out and will open a burst of fire (special measures, we have already said) at a bunch of children. What Barekat is suggesting is to turn incidents in the West Bank villages into a daily routine in a dense urban population. To enter Palestinian ghettos and get into conflicts with women and children is a recipe for killing women and children. Jews (killed) in car rampage attacks and Palestinians (killed) by live ammunition. The basic idea is to show "them" who's boss. In this respect, there is no difference between the provocations by (Kahanists) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Baruch) Marzel, between Barekat's doctrine of fighting and between government policy. They are all supporters of an intifada. Whoever built the Givat Ze'ev and Neve Ya'akov Jewish neighborhoods along the road that crosses (the Arab neighborhoods of) Beit Hanina and Shuafat, while closing off the Palestinian roads with Jewish neighborhoods (in order to cause the Arab residents to leave) is the one who made the light rail into a cursed train. Whoever is sneaking armed yeshiva students into houses in Silwan is the person who is eliminating the potential for tourism and investment in the capital. Who is formulating in these days the legislative bills to break the status quo on the Temple Mount is the one who is assuring us that the riots in Jerusalem will be nothing compared to when the Arabs of Israel and the Arab world in general, will join the celebration. What Barekat needs to do is to conduct peace talks at a street level and at the level of a municipality representatives with representatives of Palestinian neighborhoods. At the same time, do not put soldiers and armored personnel carriers (in E. Jerusalem), instead put in street cleaners and builders of roads and sewers. What the state needs to do is not to make mass arrests of Palestinians and without trial (over 700 as of now), but rather of the (Jewish) right-wing provocateurs and harrasseers. Or as per Bibi Netanyahu's wording ("The car driver who ran over (Jews) is Abu Mazen's partner"): This is how the partners of the prime minister of Israel operate.
Israel must not sell arms to the Azeris (Yair Auron, Haaretz+) The sale of weapons to a government committing genocide is like the sale of weapons to Nazi Germany during World War II.
Palestinian terrorism is no accident (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) Jihadism is a contagious form of barbarism that has young people scrambling to sign up. Palestinians are no exception.
Becoming post-Israeli: Why I immigrated to Berlin (Na’aman Hirschfeld, Haaretz) Although like many Israelis of my generation I was experiencing financial difficulties, that was not my reason for leaving for Berlin. The reason was and is the feeling that there is no future in Israel.
There is no tax on words (Yoram Ettinger, Israel Hayom) Arab nations have always showered Palestinians with rhetoric, but never with resources. Why?
Memories of peace: A return to Jordan (Smadar Perry, Yedioth's Musaf L'Shabbat supplement/Ynet) It's been 20 years since King Hussein and Yitzhak Rabin exchanged warm words and optimism prevailed; but two decades on, the bubble has burst on hopes of normalized ties between Israel and Jordan. Smadar Perry returns to where it all began – and ended.
Future peace treaty with Jordan is not clear (Yossi Ahimeir, Maariv) The agreement with Jordan remains stable for 20 years even though the country is teeming with hatred of Israel. But will the relationship endure in the coming years? And what will be the future of the Hashemite Kingdom?
Force won’t solve the problem of Jerusalem (Friday Haaretz Editorial) What is needed in Jerusalem is a political horizon that would include discussion of one of the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – the capital's status.
Obama has no credit (Gonen Ginat, Israel Hayom) Americans just learned what the Middle East has known for years.
The lonely life of the subversive Israeli leftist (Yossi Sarid, Haaretz+) If Israelis like me are 'radical left,' then there are no more moderates among us and the whole country is right, posing as 'center.'
Jerusalem is a time-bomb, and Israel can't hear the ticking (Alex Fishman, Yedioth/Ynet) Israelis are fooling themselves if they think that the unrest in the Palestinian side, primarily over the Temple Mount, is just going to go away.
The Temple Mount of conflict (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) Funds from Qatar and Islamic foundations go to Muslim "study" groups that harass Jewish visitors. Fatah, Hamas and the Islamic Movement are all fanning the flames. With more rabbis permitting Jews to visit the site, police are stuck in the middle.
Nothing will change in Jerusalem until we understand: it's war (Avishai Ivri, Maariv) Israel regards violence against Jews as something between a prank and a minor offense. As long as Netanyahu - the only one responsible for security in Jerusalem - does not understand that this is a battle for everything, things will not change.
The capital is ours (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) It's time to put an end to the ineffective policy of tolerance and containment in the face of Muslim violence in Jerusalem.
US is settling scores with Netanyahu through Ya'alon (Shimon Shiffer, Yedioth/Ynet) Our leaders have yet to internalize the need for courtesy towards those who help secure Israel's existence to the tune of $3 billion a year.
Violence can still be prevented (Dan Margalit, Israel Hayom) We must focus not only on what the final status of Jerusalem will be in a future deal, but also on what can be done to improve coexistence until then.
Netanyahu must not give in to Bennett on his coalition’s right wing (Haaretz Editorial+) Habayit Hayehudi is proving that Israel's security is not its top priority, but rather the fulfillment of the settlers’ messianic vision.
For or Against? The bill to bypass the High Court of Justice (Ayelet Shaked vs. Zehava Gal-On, Yedioth's '24 Hours 24 Hours' supplement/Ynet)
Two members of the Knesset, from two different ends of the spectrum, discuss their respective stances on a contentious bill to override court rulings.
The Palestinians’ right and duty to resist (Gideon Levy, Haaretz+) Faced with a reality in which Israel is strong and the United States is in its pocket, it is the duty of Palestinians to resist the occupation. The only question relates to the means.
No solution (Dror Eydar, Israel Hayom) The last century has shown that the region's Arab tribes are bonded by their aspirations to eliminate Israel.
Why is Kerry singling out Israel? (Guy Bechor, Yedioth/Ynet) US secretary of state keeps saying Israeli-Palestinian issue cannot remain unchanged. But what about the situation in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Russia, China and Turkey?
Israeli restrictions on movement strangle Palestinian life (Daoud Kuttab, Maan) The travel troubles facing Palestinians, especially those of Gaza, are apparently a major motivation for attempts to emigrate (legally or illegally) to Europe or any other Western country whose passports are much more respected than Palestinian or Arab passports.
**The State is encouraging an Intifada (Ran Adelist, Maariv) Instead of talking about maintaining order in the capital through increased enforcement, it would be better if Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barekat held peace talks with representatives of the Palestinian neighborhoods and sent their sanitation workers and builders of roads and drainage. Currently what Barekat is suggesting is to impose order in the capital through increased enforcement, including the additional personnel and special measures, which the IDF can use. If someone takes this crap seriously, then increase or drop of a special force to establish order in the (E. Jerusalem village of) Issawiya will look like this: An armored vehicle will drive down a main street and run into a burning tire and a demonstration of stone-throwing children. A nervous and scared policeman will get out and will open a burst of fire (special measures, we have already said) at a bunch of children. What Barekat is suggesting is to turn incidents in the West Bank villages into a daily routine in a dense urban population. To enter Palestinian ghettos and get into conflicts with women and children is a recipe for killing women and children. Jews (killed) in car rampage attacks and Palestinians (killed) by live ammunition. The basic idea is to show "them" who's boss. In this respect, there is no difference between the provocations by (Kahanists) Itamar Ben-Gvir and (Baruch) Marzel, between Barekat's doctrine of fighting and between government policy. They are all supporters of an intifada. Whoever built the Givat Ze'ev and Neve Ya'akov Jewish neighborhoods along the road that crosses (the Arab neighborhoods of) Beit Hanina and Shuafat, while closing off the Palestinian roads with Jewish neighborhoods (in order to cause the Arab residents to leave) is the one who made the light rail into a cursed train. Whoever is sneaking armed yeshiva students into houses in Silwan is the person who is eliminating the potential for tourism and investment in the capital. Who is formulating in these days the legislative bills to break the status quo on the Temple Mount is the one who is assuring us that the riots in Jerusalem will be nothing compared to when the Arabs of Israel and the Arab world in general, will join the celebration. What Barekat needs to do is to conduct peace talks at a street level and at the level of a municipality representatives with representatives of Palestinian neighborhoods. At the same time, do not put soldiers and armored personnel carriers (in E. Jerusalem), instead put in street cleaners and builders of roads and sewers. What the state needs to do is not to make mass arrests of Palestinians and without trial (over 700 as of now), but rather of the (Jewish) right-wing provocateurs and harrasseers. Or as per Bibi Netanyahu's wording ("The car driver who ran over (Jews) is Abu Mazen's partner"): This is how the partners of the prime minister of Israel operate.
Israel must not sell arms to the Azeris (Yair Auron, Haaretz+) The sale of weapons to a government committing genocide is like the sale of weapons to Nazi Germany during World War II.
Palestinian terrorism is no accident (Ruthie Blum, Israel Hayom) Jihadism is a contagious form of barbarism that has young people scrambling to sign up. Palestinians are no exception.
Becoming post-Israeli: Why I immigrated to Berlin (Na’aman Hirschfeld, Haaretz) Although like many Israelis of my generation I was experiencing financial difficulties, that was not my reason for leaving for Berlin. The reason was and is the feeling that there is no future in Israel.
There is no tax on words (Yoram Ettinger, Israel Hayom) Arab nations have always showered Palestinians with rhetoric, but never with resources. Why?
Memories of peace: A return to Jordan (Smadar Perry, Yedioth's Musaf L'Shabbat supplement/Ynet) It's been 20 years since King Hussein and Yitzhak Rabin exchanged warm words and optimism prevailed; but two decades on, the bubble has burst on hopes of normalized ties between Israel and Jordan. Smadar Perry returns to where it all began – and ended.
Future peace treaty with Jordan is not clear (Yossi Ahimeir, Maariv) The agreement with Jordan remains stable for 20 years even though the country is teeming with hatred of Israel. But will the relationship endure in the coming years? And what will be the future of the Hashemite Kingdom?
Force won’t solve the problem of Jerusalem (Friday Haaretz Editorial) What is needed in Jerusalem is a political horizon that would include discussion of one of the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – the capital's status.
Obama has no credit (Gonen Ginat, Israel Hayom) Americans just learned what the Middle East has known for years.
The lonely life of the subversive Israeli leftist (Yossi Sarid, Haaretz+) If Israelis like me are 'radical left,' then there are no more moderates among us and the whole country is right, posing as 'center.'
Jerusalem is a time-bomb, and Israel can't hear the ticking (Alex Fishman, Yedioth/Ynet) Israelis are fooling themselves if they think that the unrest in the Palestinian side, primarily over the Temple Mount, is just going to go away.
The Temple Mount of conflict (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) Funds from Qatar and Islamic foundations go to Muslim "study" groups that harass Jewish visitors. Fatah, Hamas and the Islamic Movement are all fanning the flames. With more rabbis permitting Jews to visit the site, police are stuck in the middle.
Nothing will change in Jerusalem until we understand: it's war (Avishai Ivri, Maariv) Israel regards violence against Jews as something between a prank and a minor offense. As long as Netanyahu - the only one responsible for security in Jerusalem - does not understand that this is a battle for everything, things will not change.
The capital is ours (Nadav Shragai, Israel Hayom) It's time to put an end to the ineffective policy of tolerance and containment in the face of Muslim violence in Jerusalem.
Interviews:
Livni wants to save Bibi from Bibi
In a wide ranging interview, the justice minister discusses her determination to pursue peace talks, the deal with Lapid and Lieberman, her opposition to restricting the High Court, and how she became a defender of women's rights. (Interviewed by Nahum Barnea and Tova Tzimuki in Yedioth's Friday Mosaf supplement/Ynet)
In a wide ranging interview, the justice minister discusses her determination to pursue peace talks, the deal with Lapid and Lieberman, her opposition to restricting the High Court, and how she became a defender of women's rights. (Interviewed by Nahum Barnea and Tova Tzimuki in Yedioth's Friday Mosaf supplement/Ynet)
Prepared for APN by Orly Halpern, independent freelance journalist based in Jerusalem.