January 24th, 2013

Palestinian president wants to talk peace with Israelis before new government formed
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


  The Palestinian president will invite Israeli politicians to the West Bank to try to make sure peacemaking is on the new government’s agenda, a senior official said Thursday, as a top Israeli hard-liner proposed sidelining the polarizing issue.


Haniyeh invites elections commission to Gaza
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


 Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Thursday invited the Central Elections Commission to the Gaza Strip, a government spokesman said.


Witness: Israeli soldier killed woman 'in cold blood'
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


"I saw an Israeli soldier on the main road firing gunshots haphazardly, so I put my left hand on Lubna's back, and grabbed her to try and run backward.


Palestinians say may have no choice but to take Israel to Hague court
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


  The Palestinians declared Wednesday that they will have no choice but to complain about Israel to the International Criminal Court if the Jewish state proceeds with plans to build housing on land the Palestinians want for a future state.


Israel arrests senior PA officials in Jerusalem
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


Israeli authorities detained two senior Palestinian Authority officials on Thursday in occupied East Jerusalem, the PA's deputy prisoners minister said. 


Gaza's Hamas rulers arrest 6 local reporters
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


   


Israeli vote may strengthen Obama hand with Netanyahu
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
by Matt Spetalnick - January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


  Get ready for The Barack and Bibi Show, Part Two.


Netanyahu-Obama Ties May Thaw After Israel Election
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Mark Landler - January 23, 2013 - 1:00am


 


The Making of Israel’s New Power Broker
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Jodi Rudoren - January 24, 2013 - 1:00am


  They pitched tents along Rothschild Boulevard and took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, hundreds of thousands demonstrating against the rising costs of gas, apartments, even cottage cheese.


January 23rd

NEWS: The underperformance of PM Netanyahu's factions in the Israeli elections is seen as a rebuke by voters. Political novice Lapid is widely viewed as the big winner in the vote, with 19 seats, and as the new kingmaker. Palestinians say they are planning new outreach to the Israeli public, and say any new Israeli government should be evaluated according to its policies. A 21-year-old Palestinian woman is shot and killed by occupation forces near Hebron, and a teenage girl dies of her wounds in Bethlehem. Hamas officials say they agree Pres. Abbas can head a new unity government. Abbas says he is willing to talk to any Israeli government that recognizes Palestinian statehood. COMMENTARY: Tom Friedman suggests a series of steps, including on Israeli-Palestinian issues, for the incoming Secretary of State. Crispian Balmer thinks the close vote in Israel may constrain Netanyahu's foreign policy options, assuming he remains PM. Jack Khoury says Israel's Arab citizens can't help but feel they've lost an opportunity in this election. Amos Harel says Israel's new government will probably have two priorities: the role of the ultra-Orthodox in society and Iran. Aluf Benn explains why, as he predicted, political newcomer Lapid outperformed expectations while Netanyahu underperformed them. Jeffrey Goldberg asks if the results can help the peace process. Raja Shehadeh says the election means little for most Palestinians. Ron Kampeas says Pres. Obama is likely to see more Israeli support for a two-state solution in the results. The National says the vote shows an ambivalent Israeli public, which offers opportunities for the Palestinians. Faisal Al Yafai worries that Israelis and Palestinians are too divided internally to make agreements with each other. Zvika Krieger says Israel's next election will be more important than this one.

American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017