July 29th, 2013

ATFP Welcomes New Direct Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations
Press Release - Contact Information: Ghaith al-Omari - July 29, 2013 - 12:00am

  July 29, Washington DC -- The American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) welcomes today's scheduled resumption of direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations for the first time since 2010.


July 26th

NEWS:
 
Former Pres. Morsi is arrested on espionage charges, mainly related to collaboration with Hamas. (AP/AFP)
 
Hamas denounces Morsi's arrest. (AFP)
 
Egypt bans Gaza fishermen from fishing in its territorial waters. (Al Monitor)
 
Hamas shuts down several media outlets in Gaza, Including Al Arabiya and Ma'an. (New York Times/Xinhua/Ma'an)
 
The media office closures in Gaza are widely condemned by Palestinians. (Ma'an)
 
Hamas is trying to bolster local support through mobilizing and controlling the Gaza mosque system. (Al Monitor)
 
Peace talks are set to resume, but obstacles remain. (NPR)
 
PM Netanyahu's personal aide Molcho will be attending the new talks in Washington. (The Forward)
 
A broad range of Jewish Americans write a letter of encouragement to Netanyahu as he reenters negotiations. (JTA)
 
In comments at the UN, Sec. Kerry refers to Palestine as a "country." (AFP)
 
Years of quiet diplomacy led Kerry to be able to relaunch Israeli-Palestinian talks. (Daily Beast)
 
Israel's strategic affairs minister says the country is willing to make "serious territorial concessions." (Daily Telegraph)
 
Israeli officials say they will limit new settlement housing tenders to 1,000 during peace talks. (Ha'aretz/Times of Israel)
 
Palestinians are pushing for the introduction of 3G smart phone service in the West Bank. (Christian Science Monitor)
 
Israel says it will respond to new EU guidelines by not cooperating with EU projects and representatives in the West Bank. (Ha'aretz/The Guardian)
 
EU officials attend an Israeli occupation civil administration planning meeting about "Area C." (Ha'aretz)
 
Israel's plan for the forced mass resettlement of Bedouins in southern Israel is widely seen as discriminatory. (New York Times)
 
Israeli human rights groups say the Atty. Gen. is "playing games" with a wildcat "unauthorized" settlement outpost. (YNet)
 
Rights groups also say only 8.5% of investigations into crimes against Palestinians in the occupied territories lead to indictments. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Fighting rages in the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria. (AP)
 
Israeli occupation forces arrest a Palestinian man they say was planning to shoot at a bus in the West Bank. (Xinhua)
 
The scheduled opening of an Israeli clothing chain store branch in Ramallah causes controversy on both sides. (AP)
 
Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian and Japanese officials meet to discuss opening a West Bank industrial park. (Xinhua)
 
Militants appear to continue to gain strength in the Sinai Peninsula. (Los Angeles Times)
 
Israeli officials complain Turkey is trying to humiliate, and not reconcile with, Israel. (Jerusalem Post)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Hussein Ibish looks at growing tensions between Hamas and the Egyptian military and new government. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
The New York Times says Kerry deserves credit for his perseverance on Middle East peace. (New York Times)
 
Aaron David Miller lists five reasons why Kerry might be optimistic about real progress. (Washington Post)
 
Gadi Baltiansky and Nidal Foqaha say a peace deal can be a win-win for Israelis and Palestinians. (YNet)
 
Bradley Burston says he's confident there will be peace. (Ha'aretz)
 
Christopher Dickey says, despite the risks, pursuing Israeli-Palestinian peace is the Obama administration's best chance to influence the direction of the Middle East. (Daily Beast)
 
Ahmad Majdoubeh says peace is possible and Pres. Obama and Kerry deserve applause for their initiative. (Jordan Times)
 
Uri Dromi says everyone should support the new peace initiative. (Miami Herald)
 
George Hishmeh says, with its new occupation guidelines, the EU has taken the lead in the quest for peace. (Gulf News)
 
Shlomi Eldar notes Netanyahu likes some EU decisions and hates others. (Al Monitor)
 
Jeffrey Goldberg says Israel should take warnings about the occupation from top US generals very seriously. (Bloomberg)
 
Patrick Smith says Israel should pay close attention to the implications of the new EU occupation guidelines. (Salon)
 
Abraham Foxman encourages the US Supreme Court to overturn the ruling that Americans born in Jerusalem cannot cite Israel as country of birth. (Ha'aretz)
 
Amira Hass says Israel's new railway plan in the occupied Palestinian territories will face hundreds of objections. (Ha'aretz)

July 25th

NEWS:
 
 
PM Netanyahu is pushing forward with legislation that would subject any peace agreement to areferendum. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Gaza's economy continues to suffer due to Egypt's crackdown on Hamas' smuggling tunnels and border restrictions. (New York Times/AP)
 
Pres. Abbas will visit Cairo on Sunday to discuss Egyptian-Palestinian relations, border issues and more. (PNN)
 
The PLO presents a plan for ending violence at Palestinian refugee camps in Syria. (Ma'an)
 
Three Palestinians are injured in confrontations with Israeli occupation forces near Jenin. (Ma'an)
 
Palestinians accuse Israel of seeking new policies to strip them of Jerusalem residency. (PNN)
 
Analysts doubt the US Supreme Court will reverse an appellate court ruling that Americans born in Jerusalem cannot cite Israel as their country of birth. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel is pushing forward with a massive railway project in the occupied Palestinian territories that ignores borders. (Ha'aretz/Times of Israel)
 
A retired senior US general says settlements are liable to turn Israel into "an apartheid state."(Ha'aretz)
 
Israel and Turkey disagree regarding a compensation package for the deadly flotilla incident. (AP)
 
Hezbollah's leader warns of "EU complicity in future Israeli aggression against Lebanon." (Xinhua/AFP)
 
Israel reportedly attempted to capture Hamas' military chief in 2008. (Times of Israel)
 
The EU has launched a €21 million construction project for seven courthouses and the headquarters' building of the Palestinian Bar Association. (PNN)
 
Israeli architects work to promote peace. (Ha'aretz)
 
Quiet high-tech deals are reshaping aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. (Forbes)
 
Evangelical Christian American supporters of Israel slam the Obama administration's peace efforts. (The Forward)
 
A car bomb explodes prematurely, killing three militants, as violence continues to spread in Sinai. (Times of Israel)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
David Ignatius says Sec. Kerry has made surprising progress on reviving Middle East peace talks. (Washington Post)
 
The LA Times expresses strong support for Kerry's efforts. (Los Angeles Times)
 
Noah Klieger says the new talks will yield nothing, as usual. (YNet)
 
Daniel Levy says, despite reasonable skepticism, Kerry's initiative might actually work. (Foreign Policy)
 
Fareed Zakaria calls Kerry's efforts "a fool's errand worth pursuing." (Time)
 
Henry Siegman says the Obama administration has to be willing to pay the political price for pressuring Israel to make progress on peace. (Ha'aretz)
 
Natan Sachs says the new talks require a "safety net" and potential interim measures in case of failure. (Foreign Policy)
 
Karl Vick lists nine reasons why the talks might fail. (Time)
 
Shlomo Brom looks at the complexities about "talks about talks" from the Israeli perspective. (INSS)
 
Edward Beck says any agreement will depend on unity and consensus among all parties. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Gideon Levy says the idea of a referendum on peace is a "smokescreen" but both peoples do need to be consulted. (Ha'aretz)
 
Israel Harel says, despite the rhetoric, Netanyahu has already agreed to talks based on the 1967 borders. (Ha'aretz)
 
Gordon Robison says Israelis and Palestinians have agreed to negotiate mainly to maintain good relations with Washington. (Gulf News)
 
Akiva Eldar says many patriotic Israelis support the EU guidelines on noncooperation with the occupation. (Al Monitor)
 
Mazal Mualem interviews Peace Now chair Yariv Oppenheimer, who says the EU guidelines helped push Israel back into talks. (Al Monitor)
 
The Jerusalem Post complains Palestinians don't appreciate Israel's "goodwill gestures." (Jerusalem Post)
 
J.J. Goldberg says retired Gen. Mattis is right, the US must act with urgency towards a two-state solution in its own vital national interests. (The Forward)
 
J.J. Goldberg also says Netanyahu's biggest opponents on peace will be some of his own closest colleagues. (The Forward)
 
The LA Times agrees with an appellate court ruling that Americans born in Jerusalem cannot list Israel as their country of birth. (Los Angeles Times)
 
David Makovsky says Hamas needs to reevaluate its policies following the ouster of former Pres. Morsi. (Al Hayat)
 
Jeffrey Goldberg says ultimately peace requires removing Hamas from power in Gaza. (Bloomberg)
 
Hassan Tahsin says it is essential for everyone that all Gaza smuggling tunnels be permanently closed. (Al Arabiya)
 
Alan Elsner says all parties have a stake in reviving the health of the Palestinian economy. (The Jewish Chronicle)

July 24th

NEWS:
 
A US federal appeals court rules Americans born in Jerusalem cannot list "Israel" as their country of birth. (AP)
 
Palestinian and Israeli negotiators are still expected to visit Washington next week. (Xinhua)
 
Palestinian negotiators say they are still seeking assurances on 67 Lines and prisoner release before talks resume. (PNN)
 
The CSM finds even some skeptical experts see value in renewed negotiations. (Christian Science Monitor)
 
Palestinian nonviolent protesters are worried about the potential impact of failed negotiations. (Al Monitor)
 
Israeli and Palestinian representatives exchange accusations at the UN. (Times of Israel)
 
PM Netanyahu clarifies that the fate of the West Bank must be included in any referendum on a peace deal with the Palestinians. (AP)
 
Finance Minister Lapid also backs the idea of a referendum. (Jerusalem Post)
 
55% of Israelis say they are inclined to vote for a peace agreement. (Ha'aretz)
 
Settlers are reportedly worried that the ultra-Orthodox will go along with a peace agreement in exchange for government funding. (Ha'aretz)
 
Netanyahu insists there is no unspoken settlement freeze in place, but his Housing Minister disputes this. (YNet)
 
Experts say by calling for referenda on agreements, both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are keeping their options open. (Xinhua)
 
Hamas says Fatah has to choose between national reconciliation and negotiating with Israel. (Xinhua)
 
Hamas says Egypt is plotting to restore its rule in Gaza. (Jerusalem Post)
 
The UN says an Egyptian tunnel crackdown and Israeli restrictions have resulted in severe shortages in Gaza. (Ma'an)
 
Egypt's closure of an estimated 80% of smuggling tunnels cost Gaza's economy an estimated$230 million in June.(Reuters/Ma'an)
 
Israel says it is preparing for an even bigger Egyptian counter-offensive against extremists in Sinai. (Jerusalem Post/Times of Israel)
 
Three more Palestinian refugees are reportedly killed in fighting in Syria. (Ma'an)
 
Facing a court deadline on Thursday, Jewish settlers in "Amona" outpost conduct a token self-eviction. (Los Angeles Times)
 
Controversy erupts over Israeli security involvement in settler youth programs. (YNet)
 
The Chinese government is accused of meeting with Israeli counterterrorism officials toorganize a cover-up in a Bank of China terrorism lawsuit. (Ha'aretz)
 
Israeli experts worry that Hamas and Hezbollah missile capabilities are outstripping Israel's defenses. (Ha'aretz)
 
Israeli and Palestinian youths gain greater understanding through attending Seeds of Peace summer camps. (YNet)
 
Former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan is suing Pres. Abbas on various charges. (Times of Israel)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
The CSM says American commitment and goodwill are crucial to pushing the Israelis and Palestinians towards peace. (Christian Science Monitor)
 
Ha'aretz says it is absurd to cancel a Palestinian children puppets festival on "security" grounds. (Ha'aretz)
 
Carlo Strenger says the idea of a referendum could strengthen the chances for an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. (Ha'aretz)
 
Aviad Kleinberg says a referendum is just another obstacle to peace. (YNet)
 
Amira Hass says young Palestinians aren't in a hurry for a peace agreement because they know Israel isn't ready for one. (Ha'aretz)
 
Daniel Tauber argues that the new negotiations are not in Israel's national interests. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Ben Caspit says to be evenhanded about prisoner release, the US should free convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. (Jerusalem Post)
 
J.J. Goldberg says, surprisingly, it was Israel that convinced the EU to ban only Hezbollah's military wing. (The Forward)
 
Rami Khouri says the EU should be applauded for its new settlement and occupation guidelines. (The Daily Star)
 
Alsir Sidahmed wonders what in the United States is trying to accomplish with the new Israeli-Palestinian talks. (Arab News)
 
Ben Caspit says neither side can deliver what the other wants, so talks had better proceed very slowly and cautiously. (Al Monitor)
 
Yaron Sideman says it's time to give peace a chance with the Kerry initiative. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
 
Michael Singh says there is a real virtue even in "talks about talks." (Washington Post)
 
Kenneth Bandler says there is no alternative to a two-state solution. (Orlando Sun Sentinel)
 
Abeer Ayyoub says Hamas is worried that the Egyptian "Tamarod" grassroots rebellion movement will spread to Gaza. (Al Monitor)
 
Sigal Samuel asks if applying Israel's anti-discrimination against women laws in the occupied territories is feminist or annexationist. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
B'Tselem says Israel must take action to regulate the status of tens of thousands of Gazans living without IDs. (B'Tselem)
 
Stephen Walt says the United States should not link policies towards Iran and Israel and the Palestinians. (Foreign Policy)

July 23rd

NEWS:
 
The White House says it still expects Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to resume shortly, but there appear to be unresolved questions. (Times of Israel/Xinhua/Reuters)
 
Palestinians repeat they received written guarantees from the United States about terms for the resumption of talks. (UPI)
 
Palestinians say they expect negotiators from both sides will meet in Washington soon, buthaven't received an official invitation yet. (Xinhua/Ma'an)
 
Israel is coming under pressure to ease restrictions that impede Palestinian economic growth in the occupied territories. (Ha'aretz)
 
Palestinians are still insisting talks be based on the 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, and are still waiting for clarification of terms. (Ha'aretz)
 
Israel reportedly asked the US to free convicted spy Pollard in exchange for its release of Palestinian prisoners. (Ha'aretz)
 
PM Netanyahu is fast tracking legislation that would require any peace agreement be put to a referendum. (AP)
 
The prospect of new negotiations is intensifying divisions between Hamas and Fatah. (AFP)
 
EU foreign policy chief Ashton says all Israeli settlement products will be clearly labeled in EU states by the end of 2013. (Ha'aretz)
 
Two of the largest Dutch retail chains announce they won't sell Israeli settlement productsanymore, a move that alarms settlers. (YNet)
 
Two more Palestinians are killed in fighting in Syria. (Ma'an)
 
An Israeli court orders the eviction of a Palestinian family from its home in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ma'an)
 
A new contingent of international peacekeepers is being dispatched to the Golan Heights. (Xinhua)
 
An Egyptian police officer is shot by gunmen in Sinai. (Ma'an)
 
The security crisis in Sinai has greatly intensified since the ouster of former Egyptian Pres. Morsi. (Al Monitor)
 
Israel welcomes the EU decision to designate Hezbollah's military wing as a terrorist organization following the bus bombing in Bulgaria. (Xinhua/Washington Post/Ha'aretz)
 
Egypt continues to intensify its crackdown on Gaza smuggling tunnels. (The National)
 
Construction in Gaza is at a standstill given Egypt's new security measures. (Al Monitor)
 
Israel opens a "virtual embassy" to GCC states on Twitter. (Ha'aretz)
 
The Israeli clothing chain Fox plans to open a shop in Ramallah. (Xinhua)
 
Israeli archaeologist Yoav Farhi makes a specialty of history through ancient coins. (Christian Science Monitor)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Diana Moukalled says the "Arab Spring" has placed Palestine squarely in its broader regional context. (Asharq Al Awsat)
 
Aaron David Miller says there are five indicators to watch for to track the seriousness of new Israeli-Palestinian talks. (Foreign Policy)
 
Bernard Avishai says Sec. Kerry understands the new talks put both Israeli and Palestinian leaders on the spot. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Shibley Telhami says Kerry is right to understand that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is still at the heart of Middle East instability. (Foreign Policy)
 
The Jordan Times says the creation of a Palestinian state is inevitable. (Jordan Times)
 
Roger Cohen says both parties desperately need a two-state solution, but cling to other fantasies. (New York Times)
 
Mazal Mualem says few in his own Likud party support Netanyahu in the new negotiations or believe he is serious. (Al Monitor)
 
Ben Sales says proposed new Israeli-Palestinian talks are surrounded by unanswered questions. (JTA)
 
David Makovsky says, despite the difficulties in organizing resumed negotiations, the really difficult work lies ahead. (WINEP)
 
Hassan Barari says skepticism about the new talks is warranted. (Jordan Times) 
 
Akiva Eldar says history suggests an unhappy ending to the new round of talks. (Al Monitor)
 
Jeffrey Goldberg doubts Kerry's mission has much chance of success. (Bloomberg)
 
Yossi Beilin says both Kerry and the parties need a "Plan B," which would be an interim agreement. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Hillel Halkin says Kerry is wasting his time looking for the traditional two-state solution and what's needed is a more creative arrangement. (The Forward)
 
Bloomberg says US foreign policy should focus on Iran, not the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Bloomberg)
 
Ha'aretz says Netanyahu is wrong in arguing there is a need for a referendum on any peace agreement. (Ha'aretz)
 
Aeyal Gross says Netanyahu's draft referendum legislation is just another way of extending Israeli law into occupied Palestinian territories. (Ha'aretz)
 
Shaul Rosenfeld says the EU's growing opposition to Israel's occupation and settlement products is an unfair "double standard." (YNet)
 
David Newman says Israeli outrage at the EU guidelines reflects unrealistic expectations about international attitudes towards the occupation. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Noga Tarnopolsky looks at the complicated background and context of the EU guidelines.
 
Tzipi Livni and Sami Ramadani present opposing viewpoints on the EU designation of Hezbollah's military wing as a terrorist group. (The Guardian)
 
Benajmin Weinthal asks how effective the new EU sanctions on Hezbollah will be. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Adnan Abu Amer says Morsi's downfall may prompt some in Hamas to seek to renew ties with Iran. (Al Monitor)
 
Jonathan Schanzer says Hamas' difficulties present an opportunity to try to bankrupt the group. (Foreign Policy)
 
Hussein Ibish says Hamas has never been more isolated, desperate or out of options. (Now Media)

July 22nd

 
NEWS:
 
An aide to Pres. Abbas says the formula for negotiations with Israel is not yet fully realized, and Israeli sources also express doubts. (AP/Ma'an/The Guardian/The National)
 
 
Palestinians are still insisting that the 1967 borders, with agreed land swaps, serve as the basis for new talks, and say the US assured them of this in writing. (Reuters/AP)
 
Israeli Economy Minister Bennett, using the budget issue, continues to threaten to bring down the coalition over the prospect of new negotiations. (Ha'aretz/YNet)
 
PM Netanyahu has been using secrecy and behind-the-scenes maneuvers to get around Bennett's opposition. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Netanyahu may seek permission from his cabinet to resume negotiations with the Palestinians. (Reuters)
 
Abbas and Netanyahu both vow that any agreement will be put to a referendum. (AFP/Ha'aretz)
 
A release of about 80 Palestinian prisoners is crucial in laying the groundwork for resumed negotiations with Israel. (AFP/New York Times/Washington Post/Los Angeles times)
 
Pres. Peres says the prospect of renewed talks is "a great opportunity." (Xinhua) 
 
MK Tibi warns of a potential third intifada if talks fail. (YNet)
 
Iran and Hamas bitterly denounce the idea of new Israeli-Palestinian talks. (AFP/Ma'an)
 
Former official Martin Indyk may head a new US Middle East negotiating team. (New York Times/Times of Israel)
 
Settler leaders hold an emergency meeting to try to oppose new Israeli-Palestinian talks. (Jerusalem Post)
 
APN and ATFP foster dialogue on Israeli-Palestinian relations featuring interns and college students. (APN)
 
The Israeli government is planning to impose its anti-discrimination against women labor laws in "Area C" of the occupied West Bank. (YNet)
 
Peace Now says the Israeli government is pressing forward with more than 5000 new settler housing units. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel is challenged by increasing numbers of conscientious objectors who refuse to serve in the occupied Palestinian territories. (New York Times)
 
Another Palestinian refugee is killed in Syria, as regime forces are accused of using gas in refugee camps. (Ma'an/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel's Supreme Court orders the military to review its use of white phosphorus. (Xinhua) 
 
Israeli officials say a Hamas rocket almost struck Ashkelon by mistake in June. (Times of Israel)
 
Increasing numbers of Jewish Israelis are boycotting the outlying but large settlement of Ariel. (Xinhua) 
 
A new Israeli film looks at the son of an Israeli-Palestinian couple and his own mixed marriage. (Ha'aretz)
 
The Israeli and American air forces hold a joint drill. (Xinhua) 
 
Three Egyptian security personnel are shot dead by extremists in Sinai. (Xinhua) 
 
A B'Tselem spokesperson says she was unjustly shot by Israeli occupation forces while covering a West Bank protest and has the video to prove it. (+972)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Aluf Benn says the potential resumption of talks with the Palestinians gives Netanyahu the chance of a lifetime. (Ha'aretz)
 
Abdullah Iskandar says merely announcing the resumption of talks is an achievement for Kerry and the US. (Al Hayat)
 
Hassan Barari says the resumption of talks, on their own, isn't much of an achievement. (Arab News)
 
Rami Khouri says Kerry deserves support, but could use a new strategy. (The Daily Star)
 
Dalia Hatuqa says political conditions make the talks ripe for failure. (The National)
 
Nasouh Majali urges everyone to give new talks a chance to succeed. (Jordan Times)
 
Shlomi Eldar says fs Israeli and Palestinian leaders can answer a short set of very difficult questions, peace will be quickly achieved. (Al Monitor)
 
Avi Issacharoff says Israel's agreement on prisoner release could give Abbas real political protection. (Times of Israel)
 
Nahum Barnea warns that Washington is a great place to celebrate agreements, but not to conduct Israeli-Palestinian talks. (YNet)
 
Orly Azoulay says skepticism and cynicism cannot diminish Kerry's accomplishment. (YNet)
 
Haviv Rettig Gur says, in a troubled region, new talks are by definition a hopeful sign. (Times of Israel)
 
Hussein Ibish says both Israel and the Palestinians are eager to avoid being seen as the obstructionist party. (Sydney Morning Herald)
 
Linda Gradstein says Kerry forced Abbas and Netanyahu into talks despite massive domestic opposition on both sides. (The Media Line)
 
Herb Keinon says Israel may not be willing to agree to the minimal Palestinian demands for an agreement. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Amira Hass says the new EU guidelines on cooperating with the occupation helped Abbas agree to renewed talks. (Ha'aretz)
 
Moshe Arens says the EU guidelines are ridiculous and will be ignored by everybody. (Ha'aretz)
 
The LA Times welcomes the appointment of the first Muslim student as a member of the University of California Board of Regents. (Los Angeles Times)
 
Oudeh Basharat says discrimination against Arabs in the Negev is a way of life in Israel. (Ha'aretz)

July 19th

NEWS:
 
Sec. Kerry will reportedly hold an emergency meeting with Pres. Abbas to discuss his peace initiative later today. (The Independent)
 
Kerry meets again with the chief Palestinian negotiator to discuss modalities for resuming negotiations with Israel. (AP/Reuters)
 
American officials say the announcement of new Israeli-Palestinian talks is "not imminent."(Washington Post)
 
 
Some Palestinian figures say they find Kerry's proposals insufficient to restart talks with Israel. (New York Times/Los Angeles Times/Ha'aretz)
 
Palestinian objections center around the need for talks to be based on the 1967 borders with agreed land swaps. (AP/Ma'an)
 
Habayit Hayehudi leader Bennett threatens to leave the Netanyahu coalition over the issue of the 1967 borders. (Ha'aretz/Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel denies reports it's willing to accept the Arab Peace Initiative as a basis for talks. (Xinhua)
 
President Obama urges PM Netanyahu to resume negotiations with the Palestinians. (Reuters)
 
Jordan offers to support resumed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. (Xinhua)
 
Palestinian officials praise Jordan's role on Jerusalem. (Jordan Times)
 
Israel's attorney general says the state should prioritize demolishing settler structures built onprivate Palestinian property in the occupied territories. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Israeli occupation forces detain five Palestinians in the West Bank. (Ma'an)
 
The number of Palestinians traveling to Israel and occupied East Jerusalem this Ramadan isdrawing income away from Palestinian businesses. (Ma'an)
 
The EU formally publishes its new settlement policy guidelines despite Israeli objections. (Ha'aretz)
 
The EU guidelines may damage the holdings of some Israeli banks, among other impacts. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Israelis are concerned unrest in Sinai may spill into Israel. (YNet)
 
The ouster of former Pres. Morsi may have been partly caused by turning a blind eye to extremists in Sinai. (AP)
 
Israel indicts a Palestinian man it held secretly since he went missing in Egypt a month ago. (Reuters)
 
An Israeli general issues a rare admission that soldiers erred in arresting a five-year-old Palestinian child. (Times of Israel)
 
After some heated controversy, a Palestinian teenager is allowed to attend a Central Pennsylvania high school. (Patriot News)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Hussein Ibish says Kerry's diplomatic push should be supported by bottom-up Palestinian civil society initiatives. (Foreign Policy)
 
Jeremy Ben-Ami condemns cynicism and defeatism on US Middle East peace efforts. (New York Times)
 
Herb Keinon says Palestinian hesitancy over Kerry's proposals reveals a lack of Arab League clout. (Jerusalem Post)
 
The Jordan Times looks at Jordan's role in efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian talks. (Jordan Times)
 
The Daily Star already dismisses Kerry's peace efforts as an "abject failure." (The Daily Star)
 
Lisa Goldman says Kerry stands little chance of altering the present status quo. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
The New York Times talks to outgoing Israeli Ambassador Oren. (New York Times)
 
Ari Shavit says Israel's arrogance and complacency led to the EU settlement guidelines fiasco. (Ha'aretz)
 
Dan Illouz asks why Israel, a country noted for innovation, can't think outside the box when it comes to peace. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Alan Phillips says the new EU guidelines show Europe will no longer be played for a fooled by Israel. (The National)
 
AFP says the new EU guidelines turn up the heat on Israel regarding peace. (AFP)
 
Nehemia Shtrasler says such sanctions will only intensify until they hit all Israelis in the pocketbook. (Ha'aretz)
 
Barak Ravid says diplomatic failures were involved, but ultimately Netanyahu is responsible for the EU measure. (Ha'aretz)
 
Israel Harel says Israel should fight back against the EU directive and has the leverage to do so. (Ha'aretz)
 
The Jerusalem Post says the EU directive will only hamper efforts to revive peace talks. (Jerusalem Post)
 
David Weinberg says the guidelines are just another example of European anti-Semitism. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Noah Beck dismisses the EU measure as simply designed to placate oil-rich Arab states. (YNet)
 
Samuel Lebens says European sanctions against Israel can work, but these are not the right ones. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
Ha'aretz says settlers are stealing money from the Israeli state to fund stealing lands from the Palestinians. (Ha'aretz)
 
Hazem Balousha says Hamas is trying to mitigate the fallout of the ouster of Morsi. (Al Monitor)
 
Abeer Ayyoub says Palestinians in Gaza feel punished by Egypt this Ramadan. (Al Monitor)
 
Miriam Pellicano says Israeli laws tear Palestinian families apart. (Al Jazeera)

July 18th

NEWS:
 
Sec. Kerry is again visiting the Middle East for more peace efforts, and will brief Arab leaderstoday. (New York Times/AFP)
 
Palestinian officials reportedly say Kerry is "determined to announce new peace talks" before leaving the region. (YNet)
 
Israel was reportedly taken by surprise by new EU guidelines rejecting any more cooperation with Israel's occupation. (Ha'aretz)
 
The PA welcomes the EU decision, but Israelis are "furious." (Jerusalem Post/The Media Line)
 
PM Netanyahu says Israel will "not tolerate external edicts on our borders," and promises to protect settlers. (Ha'aretz/YNet)
 
Israeli diplomats are engaging in "damage control" following the new EU guidelines. (YNet)
 
EU officials say Israel is "overreacting" to the new guidelines. (Times of Israel)
 
Ha'aretz publishes the complete text of the EU guidelines. (Ha'aretz)
 
Israeli experts say the guidelines could cut aid to Israeli R&D by up to 40%. (Ha'aretz)
 
Israeli NGOs say Israel is set to approve another 1,071 settler housing units in the occupied Palestinian territories. (AFP)
 
Palestinians say they are willing to turn to a new level of "peaceful struggle" if negotiations with Israel prove fruitless. (Jordan Times)
 
Palestinians are worried that an influx of Palestinian refugees from Syria into camps in Lebanon"may lead to a catastrophe." (The Daily Star)
 
Israel says two "suspects" entered an unmanned military post on the border between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights, fired on Israeli soldiers. (AP/Jerusalem Post)
 
Egypt's political turmoil is reportedly not affecting security cooperation with Israel, which may even be strengthening especially in Sinai. (Xinhua/Jerusalem Post/Times of Israel)
 
Five Egyptian soldiers are wounded in an extremist attack on a military base in Sinai. (Ma'an)
 
A senior Fatah official says the formation of the next PA cabinet in August is "the last chance"for Hamas to rejoin the PA. (Ma'an)
 
Hamas blocks a pro-Bedouin rally in Gaza. (Al Monitor)
 
Palestinians say Israeli settlers have assaulted Palestinians and attacked cars again in occupied East Jerusalem. (PNN/Ynet)
 
A new "pro-Arab" political party is founded in Israel. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel is allowing an unusual number of Palestinians from the occupied territories to visit Israel this Ramadan. (Al Monitor)
 
Thousands of Palestinians are being fed by charities this Ramadan. (Reuters)
 
Palestinians launch a festival to draw visitors to "Solomon's Pools." (Reuters)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Ha'aretz says the new EU guidelines are a moment of truth for Israel's government: is it willing to sacrifice the future of the country to maintain the occupation. (Ha'aretz)
 
Shimon Shiffer says the EU guidelines demand historic choices, not belligerent statements, from Netanyahu. (YNet)
 
Herb Keinon says Israel would ignore the EU guidelines at its own peril. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Dan Diker says those who promote boycotts don't understand Israeli psychology and politics. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Ian Black says the new EU guidelines send a powerful message to Israel. (The Guardian)
 
Hannah Weisfeld says Israel's reaction to the EU guidelines is predictable and foolhardy. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
 
S. Daniel Abraham says Netanyahu now faces a crucial choice whether to become a peacemaker or a pariah. (Ha'aretz)
 
Robert Dreyfuss questions whether Kerry has any real strategy for dealing with Iran or Israel and the Palestinians. (The Nation)
 
Henry Siegman says US assurances of unending support for Israel have already doomed Kerry's efforts. (The Nation)
 
Yossi Beilin offers an outline for how Israel and the Palestinians could resume serious negotiations. (U.S. News & World Report)
 
Osama Al Sharif says, despite recent setbacks including the ouster of former Pres. Morsi, Hamas thinks it still has options. (Jordan Times)
 
Adnan Abu Amer says Hamas finds itself isolated and without options after Morsi's downfall. (Al Monitor)
 
Debasish Mitra says Hamas doesn't seem to have learned the lessons of history. (Times of Oman)
 
The Daily Star says US policy towards the Middle East in general appears incoherent. (The Daily Star)

NEWS:

The Arab League welcomes Sec. Kerry's proposals for restarting Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, raising prospects for resumed talks. (New York Times/AP)

Some Israeli officials reportedly say they are open to a formula for talks based on the 1967 borders, but PM Netanyahu's office denies this. (YNet/Jerusalem Post/Reuters)

Kerry extends his trip for more consultations, but there is no planned meeting with Netanyahu yet. (AFP)

Kerry says he believes he is "getting closer" to facilitating resumed negotiations. (AFP/Washington Post)

Pres. Abbas consults with Palestinian leaders after the Arab League announcement about resuming negotiations with Israel. (Reuters)

Netanyahu formally asks the EU to reconsider its ban on further cooperation with Israel's occupation, but Palestinians praise it. (AP/Xinhua)

Pres. Peres asks the EU to delay implementing and reconsider the new guidelines about noncooperation with Israel's occupation, and suggests they could be an impediment to new peace talks. (AFP/AP/Ha'aretz)

The new EU measures are likely to increase Israel's growing international isolation. (AFP)

Some Israeli analysts think the EU measures will make it harder for Netanyahu to control right-wing elements in his government. (Times of Israel)

The UK reportedly wanted much tougher guidelines that would have applied to every Israeli in the occupied Palestinian territories. (Ha'aretz)

The US refuses to criticize the EU decision. (Jerusalem Post)

Western officials reportedly say Palestinians are seeking to build an airport in Ramallah. (YNet)

Israel may be preparing to dismantle several checkpoints in the occupied West Bank and other "goodwill gestures." (Jerusalem Post/AFP)

Hamas rejects a suggested Fatah "deadline" for a national unity government of August 14. (Ma'an)

Gaza's hospitals are the latest to be hit by the financial and supplies crisis in the Strip. (Al Monitor)

Hamas asks Egypt to provide alternatives now that most Gaza smuggling tunnels have been closed down. (Ahram Online)

Palestinians launch a "morality campaign" urging people to voluntarily pay for electricity. (The Media Line)

IKEA is considering opening a branch in Ramallah. (The Guardian)

Militants kill three Egyptian policeman in the Sinai Peninsula. (AP)

Some Israelis are taking advantage of cheap land near the Egyptian border, but at some risk. (Christian Science Monitor)

Protesting Palestinian refugees shut down an UNRWA office at a refugee camp in Lebanon. (Ma'an)

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, in a rare rebuke, calls on Israeli officials to cooperate in a terrorism lawsuit against the Bank of China. (JTA)

A student exchange program in central Pennsylvania is trying to assist a stigmatized Palestinian student enroll in a local high school. (Patriot News)

COMMENTARY:

Abdullah Iskandar says the whole Arab world is wondering what, exactly, Kerry has in mind. (Al Hayat)

Gershon Baskin says both parties need to take advantage of the opportunity Kerry is providing. (Jerusalem Post)

Marty Peretz says Kerry's "heroic efforts" are pretty much all that is left of Pres. Obama's Middle East policies, and Palestinians should accept whatever Israel offers them. (Daily Beast)

Neve Gordon says Israel's response to the new EU guidelines shows it has no intention of ending the occupation. (Ha'aretz)

Gideon Levy says Israel should thank the EU for making it confront its fundamental realities. (Ha'aretz)

John Whitbeck says the EU has a major role to play in brokering Israeli-Palestinian peace. (Al Jazeera)

Carlo Strenger says the Israeli right seems incapable of understanding the implications of the EU guidelines. (Ha'aretz)

Rachel Shabi says the EU decision has hit Israel like a bucket of cold water to the face. (The Guardian)

The National says the guidelines mark a new phase in Israeli-EU relations. (The National)

Chemi Shalev says the Israeli right now faces a choice between Kerry's proposals and more measures like the EU guidelines. (Ha'aretz)

Cnaan Liphshiz wonders how effective the EU guidelines will actually be. (JTA)

Jan Sokolovsy and Ari Briggs say the right response to the EU is for Israel to curtail cooperation with the PA. (Jerusalem Post)

Ephraim Sneh says the EU guidelines show there's an economic price, as well as isolation, for the occupation. (YNet)

Ha'aretz says Netanyahu is in denial and is leading Israel to the brink of an abyss. (Ha'aretz)

The Israeli NGO B'Tselem says law enforcement against settlers in the occupied West Bank is "enslaved" to the occupation project. (B'Tselem)

Rashad Hussain says Ramadan is a good time to combat anti-Semitism among Muslims. (JTA)

Roy Isacowitz says Israel doesn't have to look exactly like the former South Africa in order to actually be practicing apartheid. (Ha'aretz)

Robert Danin proposes a formula for ending Gaza's isolation. (Council on Foreign Relations)

Maysoon Zayid looks at the growing interest in skating among Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Asmaa al Ghoul looks at the campaign of hatred and incitement against Palestinians in some of the Egyptian media. (Al Monitor)

Hassan Tahsin says Sinai security and Egyptian-Palestinian relations, especially with Hamas, were stained by former Pres. Morsi's legacy. (Al Arabiya)

Hazem Saghieh asks if the Muslim Brotherhood is at all capable of self-criticism. (Al Hayat)

July 15th

NEWS:
 
The UN says 71,000 Palestinian refugees have been displaced from Syria to Lebanon. (Xinhua)
 
Former PM Olmert says Israel must clarify its position on peace with the Palestinians. (YNet)
 
180 Jewish Israeli extremists enter the Al-Aqsa compound in occupied East Jerusalem under armed guard. (Ma'an)
 
Palestinian officials say they may bring the settlement issue before the international community. (Jerusalem Post)
 
The mayor of Nablus says Palestinians may take to the streets if peace talks remain stalled. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel intensifies pressure on the United States to act against Iran. (New York Times/AP)
 
Israel is confirmed as having conducted an airstrike to stop Russian missile shipments to Syria. (New York Times/AP)
 
Reports suggest Turkey may have assisted in the airstrike. (Times of Israel)
 
Israel repeats its pledge to keep Syrian weapons from reaching Hezbollah. (AP)
 
Israel launches a new anti-Hezbollah website. (The Media Line)
 
Israeli officials worry that Hamas may be manufacturing missiles that can reach Tel Aviv. (YNet)
 
Israel tests a new, long range, rocket propulsion system. (Xinhua)
 
Legislation in Congress that would enter Israel into the US visa waiver program without guaranteeing reciprocal treatment for all US citizens is meeting with opposition from the Obama administration. (AP)
 
Extremists in Sinai kill three workers in an attack on a bus. (AFP)
 
Israelis living near the border with Egypt are advised to stay indoors, as unrest in Sinai intensifies. (AP)
 
Pres. Abbas discusses bilateral relations with senior Egyptian officials. (Ma'an)
 
Hamas harshly condemns the new Egyptian government. (AP)
 
Israel jails two senior Hamas members for 30 months in prison each. (AFP)
 
Hamas says it is courting various European states for more recognition. (The Guardian)
 
New York Jets rookie offensive lineman and Palestinian American Oday Aboushi defends himself against slanderous accusations. (AP)
 
Palestinians say Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian shepherd near Hebron. (Ma'an)
 
Israel announces a $139 million plan for development in the Negev desert. (Xinhua)
 
Protests continue in Israel against a massive resettlement plan for Bedouin citizens. (Ha'aretz)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
ATFP and the ADL each issue separate statements in support of Aboushi. (ATFP/ADL)
 
Former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin says Israel is reaching the point of no return regarding a two-state solution. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Xinhua interviews Fatah Central Committee member Jamal Muheisen about Hamas' policies towards Egypt. (Xinhua)
 
Xinhua interviews PA economic minister Jawad Najji about the continuing financial crisis. (Xinhua)
 
Mahmoud Jaraba and Lihi Ben Shitrit say both PM Netanyahu and, especially, Abbas must overcome internal opposition and difficulties to advance peace. (The Daily Star)
 
Amira Hass looks at why she thinks a "Palestinian Gandhi" will never emerge. (Ha'aretz)
 
Yoel Marcus says Israel is surrounded by threats but continues to deny the new realities in a changing Middle East. (Ha'aretz)
 
Ephraim Sneh and Robert K. Lifton say Jewish Americans must be vocal in backing Sec. Kerry's efforts for Middle East peace. (JTA)
 
Jonathan Wittenberg says all Jews should see Israel's Bedouin issue as a moral test for the country. (Ha'aretz)
 
+972 interviews Suhad Bishara of Adalah, who says Israel's plan to forcibly mass resettle Bedouins looks like "another Nakba." (+972)
 
Andrew O'Hehir looks at the new film "Israel: A Home Movie," about the tension between idealism and nationalism in the country. (Salon)
 
Ha'aretz says it's disgraceful some Israelis condemn human rights NGOs but remain silent about the arrest of a five-year-old Palestinian child. (Ha'aretz)
 
Hugh Naylor looks at the effects of Israel's blockade on family and social life in Gaza. (The National)
 
Rina Castelnuovo explains the reconciliation project of groups like Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle-Families Forum. (New York Times)

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