NEWS:
Israel says it's investigating anti-Arab hate graffiti in a “peace village.” Israel's interior minister again vows to expel all African migrants, as an Israeli court rejects a human rights appeal by migrants. The UK and France join the US in condemning new Israeli settlement plans. The UN reiterates that all settlement activity contravenes international law. A former aide to the late Pres. Arafat says his recent corruption conviction in absentia was purely political. A new survey suggests Palestinian citizens of Israel are simultaneously becoming both increasingly pragmatic and alienated.
COMMENTARY:
Sarah Marusek says the West must recognize the importance of the Palestinian nonviolent protest movement. Gidi Weitz looks at possible indictments facing FM Lieberman. Ha'aretz says the clamor for war with Iran shows many Israelis are addicted to the use of force. Yoel Marcus says Israelis who are celebrating the anniversary of the 1967 war are deeply misguided. Sima Kadmon says PM Netanyahu has shown settlers the limitations of their power. Jay Bushinsky says Israelis need to understand the US interest is in ending the occupation. Hirsh Goodman says the controversy over the tiny Ulpana outpost shows Israeli society has lost a sense of proportion. Amira Hass says the blockade has made it easier for Israelis to demonize and target Palestinians in Gaza. Brad Rothschild says Jewish Americans should shun racist Israeli MKs. Ashraf Khalil says the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty may be revised no matter who wins Egypt's presidential election. Yael Paz-Melamed says Peace Now and its Secretary-General Yariv Oppenheimer are the only ones in Israel still taking a meaningful stance against the settlements. PLO chief of mission to the US Areikat says now is the time for Palestinian statehood, in the interests of all parties, including Israel.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017