Haaretz | Wednesday, January 11, 2017 5

HAARETZ Amira Hass

What Editor: Aluf Benn Overlooked English Edition number Editor: Noa Landau is next? Managing Editor: Simon Spungin weapon vs. Gaza Deputy Publisher: Guy Rolnik Managing Director, Haaretz Group Rami Guez aheed al-Bursh, a and that he wasn’t the one Managing Director, English Edition contractor with the who decided. Then an official Aviva Bronstein W UN Development request came from the minis- Program, will be returning try in Ramallah to the UN De- Haaretz Daily Newspaper Ltd. to his home in the Gaza Strip velopment Program to move 21 Schocken St.,Tel Aviv 61350 Israel. Yediot Ahronot tomorrow, seven months rubble to the fishing port in Tel: 03-5121212 Fax: 03-6810012 after he was arrested at the northern Gaza, to prevent a Customer Service Tel: 03-5121750 Fax: 03-5121703 Erez checkpoint. This is a retreat of the shoreline. E-mail: [email protected]. Advertising: 03-5121774, 03-5121112 Letters to the editor: [email protected] or fax: 03-5121156 failure for the Shin Bet se- Bursh moved about 300 curity service, which tried tons, which a year later, just to frame him with a series before his arrest in July 2016, of charges involving aid to had still been heaped along Hamas over the years. the road. He didn’t know that It’s also an embarrass- Hamas intended to close that ment for the prosecution, part of the beach. which got out of the corner Like many officials in into which the Shin Bet had Gaza ministries, the Public No choice but to painted it and reached a plea Works Ministry officials bargain with Bursh’s attor- who approached Bursh were ney, Lea Tsemel. And it’s a Hamas men, and known indict Eran Wolkowski | [email protected] hushed reminder how the members of Hamas’ mili- Israeli media, which in Au- tary wing. Bursh was con- gust happily published false victed of failing to report to “Prime Minister Netanyahu has no, and has never had, reports based on distorted in- his superiors that these were any connection of control or an organizational relationship Zvi Bar’el formation, convicted Bursh the two who approached of any kind with Israel Hayom … that would constitute in- without trial as a terrorist or him, “closing his eyes to the fluence over the paper’s editorial judgment or its content, Hamas activist who had infil- service this renders to the or on its establishment, founding or ongoing management.” trated the UN agency. Hamas military wing,” as That’s the affidavit that was submitted by Likud campaign Interrogations by the Shin Mishnayot wrote. chairman Shlomo Filber – now Communications Ministry Embracing Eisenkot Bet over 17 days, interroga- The judge, a former presi- director-general – in response to a petition filed in 2015 tions by the police, four or dent of the military court of with the Central Elections Committee asking it to forbid five days in a prison cell with appeals and a resident of the Israel Hayom from publishing election propaganda to pro- o the guild signed a signers of the state’s values Netanyahu and his morals, and wonder why they need snitches, collaborators mas- settlement of Efrat, should mote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s candidacy. petition. Fifty-five re- and everyone else; between and is careful to make sure to give any accounting to querading as security prison- also have written that the Given the recent reports about a meeting between Ne- S serve battalion com- those who bask in the title that the two don’t mix. a panel of military judges ers – none of that could prove Development Program and tanyahu and Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes manders published a letter of “most moral army in the But then we had this en- who “never engaged in the verdict rendered by the other UN agencies are do- after the last Knesset was dissolved and their discussions last Thursday in which they world” and the rest of the listment of top brass in his combat” and never saw Shin Bet and the media. ing a great service for Israel. about a deal to curb Israel Hayom in return for favorable called to “strengthen the public, which isn’t particu- defense, marking a danger- Hebron up close. From accusations of “con- Under the impossible con- coverage of Netanyahu by Yedioth Ahronoth, it seems that Israel Defense Forces, its larly moral. Between the ous line within the army Aren’t those senior of- tact with a foreign agent,” ditions of prohibitions and the affidavit was inaccurate. Moreover, there is no other commanders and the chief elites whose decorations os- itself – the line that sepa- ficers building a human “providing services to an ille- restrictions that Israel has way to interpret the negotiations between the two as any- of staff at its helm, who tensibly give them the right rates the military guild barrier around the chief gal organization” and “use of imposed, these agencies are thing other than bargaining between the publishers of two constitute the protective to determine what’s moral from “the army of Elor of staff the same ones who terrorist property,” the pros- preventing an even worse hu- newspapers – except that one of them was also communica- wall of the State of Israel and what’s not, and the mor- Azaria.” Between the sec- issued orders whose pro- ecution retreated to a single manitarian disaster in Gaza. tions minister and prime minister. and Israeli society.” After al trash pile that makes up ond generation of occupi- priety is questionable? Did charge: the second one. Last Israel has designated More details casting a heavy pall on Netanyahu’s abil- them, five former chiefs of the government and to their ers – Eisenkot was 7 years they not turn a blind eye as Wednesday, Bursh was con- Hamas an illegal organiza- ity to remain in his position emerged yesterday. Accord- staff gathered at Yedioth great horror is in charge of old during the Six-Day hundreds of Palestinians victed of that charge. tion. In Gaza, Hamas is the ing to the reports, Mozes promised to do everything to Ahronoth headquarters the military. War, while former Chief of were killed from “shoot- Be’er Sheva District Court de facto government, which assure that Netanyahu would continue as prime minister for a friendly chat, a group And it is here that the ing into the air” or rubber- Judge Aharon Mishnayot must also provide services for as long as he wanted, including positive coverage photo, and to express their appalling paradox lies. Be- tipped bullets, or when said it was a serious charge, to the public, and does so. and the hiring of journalists of Netanyahu’s choosing. unreserved support for cause the ones who have children who pulled scis- and so did the representative Activists in Hamas’ civilian Netanyahu promised in return to advance a bill that Chief of Staff Gadi Eisen- bestowed upon the army Generals concerned sors or kitchen knives out of the prosecution’s southern and military wings have would prohibit the free distribution of Israel Hayom kot. What suddenly set the aura of moral supe- with morality can’t of their schoolbags were district, Shuli Rothschild, been placed in various pub- after the March 2015 elections. them off? riority that the battalion shot to death? Now those They had to say this in order lic-sector positions. As more details are uncovered, it becomes even clear- The members of the club commanders bask in are close their eyes to same officers purport to to justify the hullabaloo that Bursh had every reason to er why Netanyahu insisted on retaining the communica- were apparently spooked the members of that very defend not just Israeli se- preceded the trial. But the assume that the men who ap- tions portfolio and made all his coalition partners sign a by the La Familia gang, same government, which the hazard that is curity, but Israeli society, sentence, time served, says proached him did so in their commitment to support any bill he would submit relating which at a rally in honor is subordinate to an (alleg- the government. as their letter puts it. the opposite: It isn’t serious. capacity as employees of the to the media. More than anything, Netanyahu seems to of Israeli hero Elor Azaria edly) corrupt manipulator. He who appoints himself So what was it about? One Public Works Ministry. He be afraid of how he is portrayed, and he wants to control chanted “Gadi, Gadi be The second paradox is that to defend Israeli society role of the UN Development referred them to the official those elements responsible for how he is covered. The careful, Rabin’s looking the IDF, that is, the chief of Staff Benny Gantz was 8 and bear the colors of the Program is to remove and channels – which Israel moni- enormous power he wields serves as a bargaining chip for a friend” (it rhymes staff, is actually trying to – and the Generation Y oc- most moral army in the sort the rubble created by tors. This cost him the disrup- when dealing with media outlets. in Hebrew). The gesture pull out of this moralistic cupiers. This is the fourth world cannot do so from the Israel’s bombing of Gaza in tion of his life, seven months Netanyahu’s comprehensive control of the media is by the General Staff fra- embrace. generation, which doesn’t safe cage of some generals’ the summer of 2014. Bursh in prison, harsh interroga- destructive; he exploits crises in commercial television ternity has already faded, Eisenkot knows that re- even know where the State fellowship, as if they are was responsible for mov- tions, damage to his health, to trample on the independence of its franchisees; he displaced as it’s been by ceiving any morality award of Israel’s borders are any- some rare species loftily ing this crushed debris to separation from his family has seized control of the Israel Broadcasting Authority more important things – from this prime minister more; a generation that’s perched above those who locales determined by the and concern for his profes- and has been doing all he can to delay the launch of the but it ought to cause alarm, is in itself immoral. That’s certain that by defending a populate the jungle. Gen- Public Works Ministry of the sional and financial future. new broadcasting corporation, all while controlling the and not just because of the why he always makes a gang of land thieves in the erals who speak of moral- reconciliation government The message? Whenever telephony, internet and cellular markets. Thus, we have threat to Eisenkot. He’s point of referring to “IDF territories it is defending ity and are worried about in Ramallah. In early 2015 it wants, Israel can convict nearly all of Israel’s telecom providers dependent on the faced more dangerous values,” “the IDF spirit,” the state. what’s happening to Israeli he was asked by that minis- and destroy the life of every good graces of a single person. things in his lifetime. and “the IDF heritage,” and Tens of thousands of society can’t fulfill their try’s employees in the Strip to gardener in the Gaza munici- Opposition leader Isaac Herzog was correct in demand- The initiative by the for- not the values of the State Arazia types don’t under- obligation by defending move some of the rubble to a pality, every saleswoman in a ing that the attorney general remove Netanyahu from the mer top IDF brass purports of Israel. Eisenkot is put- stand why their command- “one of their own,” while site in northern Gaza. clothing store or every falafel Communications Ministry. But given the latest informa- to draw the boundary be- ting up a protective wall be- ers have abandoned them closing their eyes to the Bursh explained that such vendor. The reason? “Ren- tion, it seems as if the attorney general will have no choice tween those who see them- tween the corrupt morals of and prosecuted someone snowballing hazard called a request has to be made dering services to an illegal but to file charges soon against both Netanyahu and Mozes. selves as the owners and de- Prime Minister Benjamin who killed a live terrorist, the Israeli government. through accepted channels, organization.”

Kobi Niv Elad Nehorai The motives for murder You supported a primate for president

et’s start with a rid- had brought her death on her- have committed an abomi- o, you think Trump is a reason you think you are at What kind of man have BBC writes: “Alpha males… ally saying: You don’t want dle: Who made the self, as if she deserved to be nation and shall be put to man. The man. war with progressives. you chosen? Let’s turn to are defined by their ability America to be great, or tradi- L following statement murdered because she had death,” (Leviticus 20:13), S He represents a But a true traditionalist Pirkei Avot again: to outcompete others in any tional, or religious. You want at the funeral of which vic- violated the so-called holy and many others. masculinity you feel has understands that something • There are seven things fight.” it to be primitive. You want tim of a terror attack? rules of Arab-Muslim soci- OK, let’s assume that been missing from the White is traditional because it is that characterize a boor, And how do they prove and power to mean outer power, “We are proud of you and ety. Not only had she and her you are members of a re- House. You are angry at the timeless. Because it is nei- and seven that characterize establish their “strength”? not inner power. your friends, and proud of girlfriends gone out partying ligion or cult that believes weak-kneed policies of the ther old nor new: It is true. a wise man. A wise man does “An unfortunate monkey at But tradition tells us this young and sober gen- without male supervision, – because your spiritual last eight years. You want And if you had followed that not speak before one who is the bottom of the hierarchy what distinguishes true eration for its strong stand heaven forfend, but she was mentor told you that that’s to get back to the basics of construct, you would have greater than him in wisdom is repeatedly attacked and men from apes: a strength against anything that sym- celebrating the Christian what your god told him or what it means to be a real been able to understand or age. He does not interrupt picked upon by those high- that lies within the man, bolizes darkness and inflex- New Year. Tsk, tsk. his sister’s cousin – that it’s leader: manliness. what a real man is. his fellow’s words or hasten er up in the group. They are that is not dependent on his ibility. We want and seek life, Don’t you cluck your forbidden to eat lettuce af- So you voted for Trump Look at Pirkei Avot, “Eth- to answer. His questions and sometimes beaten up every outer strength. A “real” man and the young people among tongue in arrogance about ter eating a tomato. Fine, so because he promised to ics of the Fathers,” which is answers are to the point. He day…” would rather die than even us are those who decide what “those primitive Arabs.” don’t. But what do you care make America manly again. a timeless Jewish guide to responds to first things first. In other words, the defini- hint at forcing himself on is or isn’t good for them, and These same exact things if other people, whoever He promised we’d go back to what it means to be a man. If he did not hear, he admits tion of the alpha-male ape- a woman or anyone else. A no one can impose anything are said here in public by they may be, do eat lettuce the good old days. (Or, more accurately, what it it. He concedes to the truth. world leader is that they man does not need to hurt on them. And all those who “respected” rabbis from after or even together with Some of you claim to be means to be a mensch). With the boor, the reverse of beat up those weaker than others to prove his strength try to impose a position, we’ll a tomato, or even eat the traditional, to be conserva- A selection: these is the case. themselves to prove their to himself because he is tell them that your position is lettuce first? How exactly tives, to even be religious. • Who is strong? One who strong enough within and invalid and these dark forces does that hurt you? You claim that it is part of overpowers his inclinations. outer proof is unnecessary. won’t deter young people It is the right of All those who tell others your beliefs to vote for men As it is written, “Better one In contrast Trump is like Trump is not a man. His from loving life.” every person to how to conduct themselves, in leadership positions. Af- who is slow to anger than a peacock, showing you his A. French President Fran- whether it’s not to celebrate ter all, in recent years, your one with might, one who behavior resembles far more the plumage and distracting you cois Hollande at the funeral believe in whatever the Christian, Persian or beliefs feel like they’ve been rules his spirit than the cap- from the power you actually of one of the victims of the Chinese New Year, or not to under attack: Gays can mar- tor of a city.” primitivism of the ape world. crave. Islamic State attack in Paris; foolishness, but eat lettuce after tomato or ry. Transsexuals are trying • Who is rich? One who is You are not at war with B. Education Minister Naf- no one has the shrimps in sweet cream, and to get into your bathrooms. satisfied with his lot. As is progressives. You are not tali Bennett at the funeral every one of these ridiculous A woman ran for president. stated: “If you eat of the toil You only need to watch own strength. The term used at war with Obama. You are of Shira Banki, who was right to impose his prohibitions and prohibitors Enough! you declare. It’s of your hands, fortunate are one interview, or debate, with for this: “scapegoating.” not at war with the present murdered at a gay pride pa- nonsense on others. – the Tira mayor was right time to get back to where we you, and good is to you.” Trump to know that he is the There is perhaps no bet- or the future. The past is not rade in Jerusalem; C. Flori- – can lead to murder, as hap- started. The first thing you’ll no- boor described here. He con- ter description of Trump’s your friend. da Governor Rick Scott, at pened in the club in Istanbul There’s a problem, tice is that neither of these stantly interrupts, he hastens “leadership” style, one based Timelessness, depth, go- the funeral of one of those the entire religious spec- or at the gay pride parade in though: You didn’t notice, describe Trump. The second to answer, he never concedes purely on attacking others, ing beyond surface defini- murdered at Pulse, the gay trum, from those wearing Jerusalem, where the lives but you betrayed your own thing: Trump displays the being wrong and he con- on providing none of his own tions – that is what your nightclub in Orlando. shtreimels and fedoras of pure, innocent young beliefs by voting for this opposite of these qualities. stantly prizes his own “intel- substance, on literally talk- tradition calls on you to And the answer is … none to those wearing kippot girls were snuffed out even particular male. You didn’t He thinks he is strong when ligence” above anyone else’s. ing about how impressive embrace. A definition of re- of the above. It was said by and berets. There is no though they had never done vote for any man. You voted he gives his inclinations free In other words, your def- the size of his manhood is. ality that is based on what Tira Mayor Mamoun Abd lack of examples. “A true anything to hurt anyone. for the alpha male. Not the rein, when he bullies others. inition of manliness is not Trump is not a man – not happens in our souls rather al-Hay at the funeral of Le- princess [meaning a Jew- It is the right of every kind of ruler that projects He thinks ruling a city is traditional, it is not conser- the man of conservatives, than our bodies. anne Nasser, one of the vic- ish girl] doesn’t hang out person – you, but also those true masculinity, but the greater than ruling his spirit. vative, and it is certainly not nor of religious tradition. In ignoring all of this, you tims of the Islamic State’s outside” (from the Kippa who aren’t you – to believe strong-arm power of the He thinks being rich is living based in religion: It is primi- His behavior resembles far have supported a primate terror attack in Istanbul on website); “Celebrating Syl- in whatever foolishness he leader that we know from in a gold house, and is never tive. It is so primitive that it more the primitivism of the for president. And although New Year’s Eve. vester [New Year’s] abets chooses, but no one has the studying primates. satisfied with his lot. goes straight past humanity ape world. the alpha males may be lead- Al-Hay’s words didn’t those who commit idolatry, right to impose his nonsense It’s a tempting reason for Pirkei Avot defines what and, in fact, defines the mas- And so when you say you ers of their tribe, they will come from nowhere. They which is absolutely forbid- on others. He who forbids confusion among tradition- it means to be a truly “tradi- culinity of those primates support Trump because he is live and die as apes. were uttered as a vehement den,” (Elyakim Levanon, and imposes with words alists: the idea that what is tional” man, and it’s a defi- who gave us the concept of “more manly” than Obama, Elad Nehorai is the founder response to the voices heard rabbi of Elon Moreh); “And will end up imposing with old must be right, that what nition that is far beyond the the alpha male. because he will bring Ameri- and editor-in-chief of Hevria, a in the Palestinian commu- a man who lies with a man deeds – with imprisonment, was before must be better one you’ve chosen, one that In an article about bul- ca back to a greater time, you publication for creative Jews, and nity to the effect that Leanne as if with a woman, both murder and massacres. than what is now. It is the is timeless. lying in the ape world, the should know what you’re re- the blogger behind Pop Chassid.