NEWS:
The fallout from the Israeli election, especially for PM Netanyahu, is
being assessed. Many believe Netanyahu will be forced to try to form a
centrist coalition, and some reports indicate he may have offered
political newcomer Lapid a choice between the ministries of foreign
affairs or finance. The election again demonstrates the alienation of
Palestinian citizens of Israel from its political system, although
their 56% turnout was bigger than expected. Israel says it will
boycott a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council on its own record.
Secretary of State-designate Kerry says it would be "disastrous" to
fail to reach a two-state peace agreement. Jordan's King Abdullah
says, if no progress is made, a two-state solution will only be viable
for the duration of Pres. Obama second term. Hamas organizes
paramilitary training for teenagers in Gaza. Palestinian protesters
reconstruct a protest tent city in northwest Jerusalem. PA finance
minister Qassis says the government's fiscal crisis is "structural."
Israeli security services report that in 2012, for the first time
since 1973, no Israeli was killed in any "terror attack" in the
occupied West Bank.
COMMENTARY:
Alon Idan explains how, through a process of radicalization, extreme
Zionists actually become anti-Zionists. Gideon Levy and Alex Levac
trace the details of the killing of a Palestinian youth by occupation
soldiers. Ben Caspit says, at least in terms of image, Lapid seems to
be "the perfect Israeli." Michael Cohen says the Israeli election
leaves Obama little to work with on pursuing a two-state solution.
J.J. Goldberg says Lapid faces as many political challenges as
Netanyahu. George Hishmeh says if Obama doesn't prioritize it, a
two-state solution may become impossible. David Gardner says the
annexationist right in Israel has been strengthened. Hassan Barari
says Netanyahu is weakened and left with a precarious balancing act.
Meir Javedanfar says the election won't affect Israel's Iran policies.
Murat Yetkin says a new, more centrist, Israeli government could
repair relations with Turkey.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017