January 7th

Israeli security chief estimates "low" chance of third intifada
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua
January 7, 2013 - 1:00am


  The chance that Palestinians in the West Bank launch another violent uprising against Israel is low, according to a recent assessment by the director of Israel's Shin Bet security service.


Case dropped against Israeli teen accused of detonating Palestinian taxi
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua
January 6, 2013 - 1:00am


  The Attorney Office of Jerusalem District decided on Sunday to close an investigation against a 13- year-old Jewish settler suspected of hurling a Molotov cocktail at a Palestinian taxi in August 2012. In a statement obtained by Xinhua, the lawsuit was closed due to "lack of sufficient evidence" which could connect the defendant with the crime.


Netanyahu's rivals eye centre-left pact for Israel vote
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
by Dan Williams - January 5, 2013 - 1:00am


  Three Israeli parties on Saturday proposed forming a centre-left opposition bloc to try to topple conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Jan. 22 election, but disagreements over the terms suggested any pact could be elusive.


Egypt says it foils car bombing near Gaza border
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Ashraf Sweilam - January 7, 2013 - 1:00am


  The Egyptian military said Monday it foiled an attempted car bombing that was likely targeting an abandoned church or a nearby military camp under construction along the Egypt-Gaza border.


US senator calls for gradual cut in aid to Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Aron Heller - January 7, 2013 - 1:00am


  U.S. Sen. Rand Paul on Monday called for a gradual reduction of American foreign aid, delivering the message in an unlikely venue — since Israel is among the top recipients of American assistance.


Israel Plans to Construct a Syrian Border Fence
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Isabel Kershner - January 6, 2013 - 1:00am


 


Palestinian PM warns of cash crisis
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
by Karin Laub - January 6, 2013 - 1:00am


  The Palestinian self-rule government is in "extreme jeopardy" because of an unprecedented financial crisis, largely because Arab countries have failed to send hundreds of millions of dollars in promised aid, the Palestinian prime minister said Sunday.


January 4th

NEWS: Fatah holds its first rally in Gaza in years, which some see as more evidence of potential Palestinian national reconciliation. An Israeli and a Palestinian chef co-author a book on Jerusalem food. Former Shin Bet chief Diskin harshly criticizes PM Netanyahu's attitudes towards Iran. Two documentaries on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are shortlisted for this year's Academy Awards. Palestinian officials say the PA fiscal crisis may make joining more UN and multilateral agencies prohibitively costly. Pres. Abbas says Palestinians need Arab financial support, which has been pledged but not delivered. Abbas authorizes PA agencies to operate under the rubric of the "State of Palestine" on all official documents. Reports suggest the Israeli government may be delaying highly controversial E1 settlement construction plans. Palestinian refugees trying to flee the war in Syria are being charged hefty visa fees at the Lebanese border. COMMENTARY: Ziad Asali and Ghaith al-Omari say the international community needs to move quickly to salvage the Palestinian institution-building program. Zbigniew Brzezinski says it would make no sense for the United States to attack Iran. Yoel Marcus says if Pres. Peres really believes in his strong disagreement with Israel's policies towards the Palestinians, he should resign. Sawsan Zaher says the Israeli government is engaged in a cover-up of information clearing MK Zoabi from any wrongdoing in the Gaza flotilla affair. The Jerusalem Post says Israel's diplomats can't be expected to defend policies that lack adequate explanation. Ben Caspit says Israeli society is acting recklessly on Jerusalem. Akiva Eldar says demographics suggest a continued rise of Israel's right-wing parties. Adnan Abu Amer says it's only a matter of time before there is another Gaza war. Shlomi Eldar strongly criticizes Hamas' efforts to ban journalists in Gaza from working with any Israeli media outlets. Alan Berger says the US should help Israelis make peace with the Palestinians, even if that means meddling in their elections. Alan Philps says Israel's slide to the extreme right is gravely endangering the country.

Israel's paranoid slide to the right pushes it towards a cliff
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National
by Alan Philps - (Opinion) January 4, 2013 - 1:00am


  An Israeli election, such as is being held on January 22, would normally be heralded by alarmist headlines proclaiming "last chance for peace" or "make or break". This election, however, is being passed over almost in silence.


Obama should meddle in Israel’s election
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Boston Globe
by Alan Berger - (Opinion) January 4, 2013 - 1:00am


 



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