NOTE: Due to the upcoming holidays, ATFP's World News Roundup will
resume service on January 3.
NEWS:
Palestinian leaders are reportedly considering a series of actions in
2013 designed to isolate Israel internationally and challenge the
status quo. More than 500 Jewish-American clerics have sent an open
letter to PM Netanyahu expressing concern Israel's latest settlement
plans would destroy hopes for a two-state solution. Israel formally
complains to the UN about the rearming of Hezbollah. A new film about
Palestinian angst over suicide bombings is gaining international
attention. Palestinian refugees in northern Lebanon organize a sit-in
at local UNRWA offices. Some members of Israel's Labour Party complain
it is shifting too far to the right. The Arab League chief will visit
the occupied West Bank to discuss aid to the cash-strapped PA. Likud
party members say international criticism over new settlement plans
helps them politically. Israel's occupation and the recent Gaza
conflict are hampering tourism this Christmas season in Bethlehem. Two
Palestinians break into an Israeli military base and steal a weapon.
COMMENTARY:
The New York Times strongly criticizes Israel's settlement expansion
plans and withholding of Palestinian tax revenues. The Boston Globe
agrees Israel's policies are a blow to hopes for peace. Mustafa
Barghouthi argues that if Israel goes ahead with settlement plans, it
will kill the two-state solution and force Palestinians to seek other
options. Abraham Foxman complains Pres. Abbas is sending mixed
messages on peace. Ha'aretz calls the recent decision to try to bar a
Palestinian MK from reelection, for participating in the Gaza
flotilla, "unacceptable." Amnon Be’eri-Sulitzeanu and Mohammad
Darawshe say it's essential that the Knesset maintain Arab
representation. The Jerusalem Post insists Israel's settlement
building is no obstacle to peace and entirely blames Palestinian
"intransigence." The National says it makes sense for Palestinians to
explore an international strategy, but cautiously. Marwan Kabalan says
Pres. Obama must stand up to Israel on settlements.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017