Israel releases prominent Palestinian activist
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press
March 14, 2011 - 12:00am

A prominent Palestinian activist has been released from jail after serving time for his role in often violent demonstrations against Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank. Abdullah Abu Rahmeh was released Monday after 16 months in jail for convictions of incitement and weapons possession. He was to be released in November, but prosecutors appealed for an extension, saying the original sentence wasn't long enough. Abu Rahmeh lead weekly protests in the Palestinian village of Bilin that often turned violent, with protesters throwing rocks and fire bombs at soldiers.

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Regional analysts expect few change in Israeli PM's upcoming peace initiative
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua
by Khaled Khalefe - March 14, 2011 - 12:00am

Local media have widely reported in recent weeks that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will give a policy speech and launch a new round of peace initiative in May, before a joint session of the U.S. Congress when he visits the long-time ally and major sponsor of the Mideast peace process. Netanyahu's aids have started to prepare a draft for the speech. Mike Herzog and Ron Dermer, his two main political advisers, are taking part in these preparations. In addition, Yaakov Amidror has been appointed as the new national security adviser.

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No major policy changes expected in Israel following deadly attack
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua
by Adam Gonn - March 13, 2011 - 1:00am

The Israeli government on Saturday night responded to the murder of five settlers in Itamar neighborhood by allowing the construction of about 500 new homes in settlements across the West Bank. During Sunday's cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the Palestinian National Authority's tolerance of "incitement" for the Itamar tragedy. "We expect much more unequivocal condemnation, but even more than that, we want to see unequivocal action by the Palestinian National Authority to stop allowing this incitement," Netanyahu said in a statement.

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Jerusalem will never be divided, says Barkat
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Melanie Lidman - March 13, 2011 - 1:00am

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat insisted that Jerusalem is not up for negotiation in a future peace process during a conversation with Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief David Horovitz on Saturday night at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. “In [the peace negotiations] there are a lot of pink lines, but I have one red line: It’s called Jerusalem, don’t negotiate with Jerusalem,” the mayor told the crowd of 500, eliciting cheers. Noting that he considers the idea of a divided Jerusalem “dead on arrival,” the mayor added that “There is no good example of a split city that works.”

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Dwarfs in charge of Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Arab News
by Uri Avnery - (Editorial) March 13, 2011 - 1:00am

JERUSALEM IS abuzz with brilliant new ideas. The brightest minds of our political establishment are grappling with the problems created by the ongoing Arab revolution that is reshaping the landscape around us. Here is the latest crop of mind-bogglingly innovative ideas:

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Netanyahu faces test of political survival skills
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Los Angeles Times
by Edmund Sanders - March 11, 2011 - 1:00am

In a country where most prime ministers lose power after about three years, Benjamin Netanyahu's political survival skills have impressed many. Heading a fractious coalition, he has stood up to American pressure to halt West Bank settlements, diverted blame for collapsed peace talks and deftly navigated challenges from his right flank. But though his coalition is viewed as stable for now, the Israeli leader, nearing the two-year mark, is starting to show signs of vulnerability.

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Amidror appointment could signal change by Netanyahu
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua
by Adam Gonn - March 10, 2011 - 1:00am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he had decided to appoint Major General Yaakov Amidror to head the National Security Council following the resignation of the current head Dr. Uzi Arad. Amidror has served as head of research for the Military Intelligence branch of the Israeli army and until recently served as vice president of the Lander Institute in Jerusalem.

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Knesset committee to discuss J Street
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
March 10, 2011 - 1:00am

An Israeli Knesset committee will hold a hearing on the activities of J Street. The Knesset Immigration, Absorption and Public Diplomacy Committee said Wednesday that the hearing on J Street, which calls itself a "pro-Israel, pro-peace" organization, will be held as soon as next week. Americans for Peace Now said it was outraged by the hearing.

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Israel needs new type of leadership
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Miami Herald
by Uri Dromi - March 10, 2011 - 1:00am

Pressure is growing on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make a move on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The Israeli press, world media and heads of states are prodding him to jump-start the failed negotiations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Israel’s best friend in Europe, said some solid words in his ears when they spoke recently. One Israeli diplomat, Ambassador Ilan Baruch, even resigned because of the lack of diplomatic progress.

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Rattling The Cage: More tips for information warriors
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Larry Derfner - (Opinion) March 9, 2011 - 1:00am

In the week since you received the first sheet of talking points, the matzav – the situation, meaning Israel’s situation with the Arabs and the goyim at large – has become more urgent than ever. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said he is preparing a plan that will bring peace with the Palestinians, yet he was left off the cover of Time magazine. Defense Minister Ehud Barak asked the US for $20 billion in additional military aid, yet the money has not arrived.

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