NEWS:
Gaza-based militants say they will adhere to the cease-fire as Israel closes borders in anticipation of holy days. Settlers evicted from a home they seized in occupied Hebron vow revenge against Israeli police. Egypt says there is no evidence of an attack on southern Israel from Sinai. Palestinian activists ask Pres. Abbas to investigate attacks on protesters on Land Day. Christians mark Good Friday in the Holy Land. PM Fayyad may be preparing a reshuffle in his cabinet. Israel says it will retaliate against Hamas after any attack from Gaza, and against Hezbollah after any attack from Lebanon, no matter who the perpetrators might be. Israeli security services say they have managed to reduce attacks by settlers against Palestinians.
PM Netanyahu is trying to balance appealing to his right-wing supporters and preserving his law-and-order credibility.
COMMENTARY:
David Keyes says there is a double-standard on Palestinian censorship.
James Kirchick says Israel doesn't engage in “pinkwashing.” Don Futterman says he doesn't support a settlement boycott, but he does think it's essential for Jewish Americans to oppose the occupation.
Anshel Pfeffer says Iran has insured the survival of the Assad regime in Syria for the foreseeable future. Nathan Guttman says some Israelis fear that a new UN investigation into Israeli settlement activity could turn into another Goldstone Report. The National says apparent Palestinian concessions on the 1967 borders are a sign of desperation. Gideon Levy says the "extreme left" is everyone pushing for a one-state reality and those who enable them. Majed Kayyali says the PLO must be reconstructed to mend Palestinian national divisions. Ben Caspit says Israelis are wrong to rejoice in having marginalized the Palestinian issue. Frida Ghitis says Israel is making small but significant moves towards peace. Israeli Amb. Oren says Israel is a vibrant democracy. David Harris-Gershon says tribalism should play no role in Jewish-American debates on attitudes towards Israeli policies.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017