Daily News Issue Date: 
July 23, 2013
News: 
 
NEWS:
 
An aide to Pres. Abbas says the formula for negotiations with Israel is not yet fully realized, and Israeli sources also express doubts. (AP/Ma'an/The Guardian/The National)
 
 
Palestinians are still insisting that the 1967 borders, with agreed land swaps, serve as the basis for new talks, and say the US assured them of this in writing. (Reuters/AP)
 
Israeli Economy Minister Bennett, using the budget issue, continues to threaten to bring down the coalition over the prospect of new negotiations. (Ha'aretz/YNet)
 
PM Netanyahu has been using secrecy and behind-the-scenes maneuvers to get around Bennett's opposition. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Netanyahu may seek permission from his cabinet to resume negotiations with the Palestinians. (Reuters)
 
Abbas and Netanyahu both vow that any agreement will be put to a referendum. (AFP/Ha'aretz)
 
A release of about 80 Palestinian prisoners is crucial in laying the groundwork for resumed negotiations with Israel. (AFP/New York Times/Washington Post/Los Angeles times)
 
Pres. Peres says the prospect of renewed talks is "a great opportunity." (Xinhua) 
 
MK Tibi warns of a potential third intifada if talks fail. (YNet)
 
Iran and Hamas bitterly denounce the idea of new Israeli-Palestinian talks. (AFP/Ma'an)
 
Former official Martin Indyk may head a new US Middle East negotiating team. (New York Times/Times of Israel)
 
Settler leaders hold an emergency meeting to try to oppose new Israeli-Palestinian talks. (Jerusalem Post)
 
APN and ATFP foster dialogue on Israeli-Palestinian relations featuring interns and college students. (APN)
 
The Israeli government is planning to impose its anti-discrimination against women labor laws in "Area C" of the occupied West Bank. (YNet)
 
Peace Now says the Israeli government is pressing forward with more than 5000 new settler housing units. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel is challenged by increasing numbers of conscientious objectors who refuse to serve in the occupied Palestinian territories. (New York Times)
 
Another Palestinian refugee is killed in Syria, as regime forces are accused of using gas in refugee camps. (Ma'an/Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)
 
Israel's Supreme Court orders the military to review its use of white phosphorus. (Xinhua) 
 
Israeli officials say a Hamas rocket almost struck Ashkelon by mistake in June. (Times of Israel)
 
Increasing numbers of Jewish Israelis are boycotting the outlying but large settlement of Ariel. (Xinhua) 
 
A new Israeli film looks at the son of an Israeli-Palestinian couple and his own mixed marriage. (Ha'aretz)
 
The Israeli and American air forces hold a joint drill. (Xinhua) 
 
Three Egyptian security personnel are shot dead by extremists in Sinai. (Xinhua) 
 
A B'Tselem spokesperson says she was unjustly shot by Israeli occupation forces while covering a West Bank protest and has the video to prove it. (+972)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
Aluf Benn says the potential resumption of talks with the Palestinians gives Netanyahu the chance of a lifetime. (Ha'aretz)
 
Abdullah Iskandar says merely announcing the resumption of talks is an achievement for Kerry and the US. (Al Hayat)
 
Hassan Barari says the resumption of talks, on their own, isn't much of an achievement. (Arab News)
 
Rami Khouri says Kerry deserves support, but could use a new strategy. (The Daily Star)
 
Dalia Hatuqa says political conditions make the talks ripe for failure. (The National)
 
Nasouh Majali urges everyone to give new talks a chance to succeed. (Jordan Times)
 
Shlomi Eldar says fs Israeli and Palestinian leaders can answer a short set of very difficult questions, peace will be quickly achieved. (Al Monitor)
 
Avi Issacharoff says Israel's agreement on prisoner release could give Abbas real political protection. (Times of Israel)
 
Nahum Barnea warns that Washington is a great place to celebrate agreements, but not to conduct Israeli-Palestinian talks. (YNet)
 
Orly Azoulay says skepticism and cynicism cannot diminish Kerry's accomplishment. (YNet)
 
Haviv Rettig Gur says, in a troubled region, new talks are by definition a hopeful sign. (Times of Israel)
 
Hussein Ibish says both Israel and the Palestinians are eager to avoid being seen as the obstructionist party. (Sydney Morning Herald)
 
Linda Gradstein says Kerry forced Abbas and Netanyahu into talks despite massive domestic opposition on both sides. (The Media Line)
 
Herb Keinon says Israel may not be willing to agree to the minimal Palestinian demands for an agreement. (Jerusalem Post)
 
Amira Hass says the new EU guidelines on cooperating with the occupation helped Abbas agree to renewed talks. (Ha'aretz)
 
Moshe Arens says the EU guidelines are ridiculous and will be ignored by everybody. (Ha'aretz)
 
The LA Times welcomes the appointment of the first Muslim student as a member of the University of California Board of Regents. (Los Angeles Times)
 
Oudeh Basharat says discrimination against Arabs in the Negev is a way of life in Israel. (Ha'aretz)
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