NEWS:
PM Netanyahu is expected to win today's election in Israel. A
candidate from the right wing "Jewish Home" party generates
controversy with comments imagining "blowing up" Muslim holy sites in
occupied East Jerusalem. The Arab League urges Palestinian citizens of
Israel to vote. Palestinians say they see no hope for peace in
Israel's election. UK FM Hague says without progress this year,
"people will increasingly conclude that a two state solution has
become impossible." The Malaysian PM is visiting Gaza. Three
protesters are injured by Palestinian security services during a
disturbance at a refugee camp near Ramallah. Netanyahu's relationship
with Obama is expected to remain tense. The UN says trauma and PTSD
have more than doubled in Gaza since the November conflict. The
Economist looks at a new film about the looting of Palestinian
libraries in 1948.
COMMENTARY:
The Washington Post urges the Obama administration to press Netanyahu
to form a centrist coalition. Bernard Avishai and Sam Bahour say the
parties desperately need American leadership and the second Obama term
provides a huge opportunity. Sefi Rachlevsky says it's pointless
voting for Netanyahu. Eitan Haber says Israelis must look for "the
best of a bad lot." Gershon Baskin says Israelis are celebrating
their democracy. Aluf Benn says the biggest beneficiary will probably
be political newcomer Yair Lapid. Douglas Feith argues that Israelis
aren't turning to the right, they're just recognizing there is no
Palestinian peace partner, while Linda Heard sees Israelis as
preferring aggressive policies over peace. Hussein Ibish says
superficial Palestinian "unity" deals shouldn't come at the expense of
vital institution-building policies.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017