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Home , Dalia Itzik, Dana Weiss, Hanan Melcer, Rafi Peretz

Schlaglicht Nr. 14/19 Aktuelles aus israelischen Tageszeitungen

1.-31. August

Die Themen dieser Ausgabe

1. Schlagabtausch im Norden ...... 1 2. In Israel nicht willkommen ...... 4 3. Countdown zum Urnengang ...... 6 4. Medienquerschnitt ...... 9

1. Schlagabtausch im Norden The facts behind Nasrallahs threats directed at Israel steht offiziell hinter den Angriffen auf militäri- Israel sche Stützpunkte südlich von Damaskus. Ziel sei Nasrallah claimed the base that was attacked, lo- gewesen, der unmittelbaren Bedrohung durch irani- cated south of Damascus, was a Hezbollah base, sche „Killerdrohnen“ zu begegnen. Regierungschef despite the fact that his organization does not oper- lobte die Operation der Luft- ate in the area. His aim was not only to remove waffe, die einen Angriff iranischer Milizen verhindert blame for his Iranian patrons, but also to clear the habe. Im Süden Beiruts sollen, Berichten der Hisbol- Syrian regime from any responsibility. The Hezbol- lah zufolge, außerdem zwei israelische Drohnen lah chief (…) hoped to increase tension in the Israeli abgestürzt und explodiert sein. Die israelische Ar- public and force the IDF to invest resources in order mee kommentierte den Vorfall nicht. Der Iran und to stay on high alert. (…) Nasrallah's threat to take seine Verbündeten, wie die Hisbollah, gelten in out Israeli drones is unfounded. The organization Israel als gefährlichster Feind. Einige hundert Angrif- has been trying unsuccessfully to bring down Israeli fe flog die Luftwaffe in den Jahren des syrischen manned and unmanned aircraft for years. He may Bürgerkrieges auf Ziele in Syrien. Anfangs galten die try to dispatch drones into Israel in the near future, Bombardierungen Waffenlieferungen, die an die in response to the public humiliation suffered by the Hisbollah gehen sollten. Später zielten die israeli- Iranian led forces. (…) His claims made in his schen Kampfflugzeuge auf iranische Luftwaffen- speech, that one of the drones was on an intelli- stützpunkte in Syrien. Aktuell geht es der Regierung gence gathering mission is unfounded especially in darum, eine dauerhafte Stationierung because any such mission would be carried out at a iranischer Militärs in Syrien zu verhindern. Iranische much higher altitude and could certainly not be Truppen kämpften Seite an Seite mit russischen taken down by children throwing stones. Truppen und der syrischen Armee gegen die Rebel- Ron Ben-Yishai, YED, 25.08.19 len. Für Israels Armee gilt infolge der Angriffe auf die iranischen Revolutionsgarden und möglicher Vergel- Israel's war of attrition could get out of hand tungsschläge erhöhter Alarm. Im Norden wurden In recent weeks Israel has broadened its cycle of mehrere Raketenabwehrsysteme in Betrieb ge- attacks on military targets linked to Iran, and has nommen. Israel zeigt sich entschlossen, die Revolu- operated several times in Iraq, which is not an ene- tionsgarden auch mit militärischen Mitteln zu vertrei- my state. (…) attacked in ben, sollten diplomatische Bemühungen im Sande Syria, and this time issued an official statement verlaufen. saying the attack was aimed at foiling an Iranian 1 drone mission that was apparently meant to avenge out question, any and every threat he makes should the attack on pro-Iranian forces in Iraq. (…) mean- be heeded and taken seriously by Israel's political while, two drones crashed in Lebanon under unclear and military leaders. It's possible, however, that circumstances, with Hezbollah blaming Israel. (…) it these threats are in fact a distress signal from the seems as if Israel has decided to forcibly remove Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its foreign from the Middle East any arms that could be aimed arm, the Quds Force – sensing they have become in its direction. The comments by Netanyahu and increasingly vulnerable, transparent and predictable. ministers in his government, which describe an Israel's intelligence agencies and air force are prov- actual war against Iran, raises concerns that Israel is ing daily that these forces, cunning as they may be, trying to set ambitious objectives that could lead to will be exposed and hit. Now, in an attempt to steer entanglement. (…) An aggressive security policy has Israel's attention away from Syria and Iraq, the Ira- characterized Israeli election campaigns since the nians are trying to create a diversion in Lebanon, but 1950s, especially when the ruling party is accused the only ones who will pay the price for a clash with of being too soft in the face of attacks and provoca- the IDF are the Lebanese people themselves. (…) tions by whoever the enemy is at the time. This time Ronen A. Cohen, IHY, 26.08.19 Netanyahu is battling for another term while taking potshots from both left and right about the military’s An escalation with Iran, and Israel’s opposition weakness against Hamas in Gaza and the deadly is silent attacks in the West Bank. Has Netanyahu decided (…) In the midst of a confrontation between Israel to escalate the “war between the wars” in the north and Iran, which is spilling over in the Middle East, to deflect the criticism and display control of the Israelis are only hearing the opinion of the govern- situation and a strong hand, in an environment that’s ment, which isn’t being challenged for a moment by far from the public eye and in which the IDF enjoys those supposed to be an alternative in the upcoming advantages over its rivals? Is the security cabinet of election. (…) the public is denied a discussion on this transition government, whose members are the objectives and risks of the fighting. The opposi- busy with an election campaign, even capable of tion is remaining silent in the spirit of the sacred evaluating the prime minister’s decisions? These “quiet, we’re shooting” doctrine. What was stressed questions are disturbing and must be subject to as an advantage of the Kahol Lavan party – the public and political discussion. Experience shows three generals in its top leadership – is now becom- that wars of attrition tend to get messy, and that ing a major disadvantage. When the cannons roar even the most pummeled enemy can develop a the former army chiefs remain silent as if they were response to Israeli capabilities. (…) still in uniform and only supposed to carry out gov- Editorial, HAA, 26.08.19 ernment policy. Apparently Kahol Lavan’s leaders have forgotten that they were discharged from the A distress signal from Iran army quite a while ago and now it’s their duty to The bi-weekly military strikes we have seen in re- offer the public a policy that represents an alterna- cent months, dealing heavy blows to Iran's hostile, tive to Netanyahu’s – yes, even when it comes to anti-Israel military deployments in Iraq and Syria, security, even in times of fighting and especially are imperative to the country's defense. The Middle during an election campaign. Netanyahu has ma- East in the wake of the Arab spring has been trying neuvered Israel into a course of unprecedented to rehabilitate itself and lick its wounds. In an effort escalation against Iran. Some of the actions are to exploit the tumultuous environment, the Iranians interpreted by the enemy as a violation of the rules have tirelessly sought to forge a new reality by es- of the game and even a declaration of war. (…) tablishing a regional and military presence in the Israel can’t let itself be led blindly by any leader (…) Shiite areas of Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. This pres- in a functioning country there are supposed to be ence, according to the Iranian line of thought, is vital checks, balances and monitoring mechanisms, as to strengthening the Shiite "diaspora." (…) Israel's well as alternative ideas and strategies. That’s the attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon (reportedly) are role of a functioning opposition: to present the peo- drawing entirely predictable threats from Hezbollah ple with an angle different than the one presented by leader Hassan Nasrallah, dictated by Iran. (…) the government. (…) Nasrallah, as the self-anointed protector of Leba- Editorial, HAA, 27.08.19 non's holy soil, wants to defend the country even if doing so means risking all-out war with Israel. With-

2 Rein in Hesbollah deterred. But now he has reason to be concerned. (…) No one wants another war, and Hezbollah’s Recent events could indicate a change in Israel's rhetoric, as well as its actions, are a violation of UN perception regarding Hezbollah's abilities. (…) hav- Resolution 1701 that ended the last war in 2006. It is ing completed almost a decade of fighting in Syria, essential that the international community hold Hez- mostly with good results, Hezbollah is now prepared bollah and Lebanon to the same international stand- to set its sights on Lebanon's southern border with ards as other states. Lebanon’s political leadership – Israel and should be reminded of its vulnerabilities. Michel Aoun, Saad Hariri, and Nabih Berri – have all (…) Next month talks are set to begin, with Ameri- been unhelpful in inflaming the situation, accusing can mediation, on demarcation of a maritime border Israel of violating the country’s sovereignty and even between Israel and Lebanon. The outcome of these intimating that what happened was a “declaration of talks will determine Lebanon's natural gas produc- war.” (…) Does this generation really seek to pay the tion, which means millions of dollars that both Hez- price for Nasrallah’s extremism, while he sits en- bollah and the Lebanese government are in desper- sconced in his bunker leaving others to face the ate need of. The bottom line is that a military conflict result of his rash decisions? Lebanon’s leadership with Israel will most likely abolish any political gain feels free to inflame the situation with its comments achieved by the Iran-backed movement, whose and talk of “war,” because the country has not been leader has become the strongest politician in Leba- sent a strong message from the international com- non. A divided country, with parts of its population munity that it must de-escalate tensions, as opposed opposed to Hezbollah's policies and actions, will to increasing them. (…) From Baghdad to Beirut, deteriorate quickly towards the destruction of the Iran’s “land bridge” of threats, including drones and Lebanese tourism industry and its infrastructure. precision-guided ballistic missiles, reveal the way Israel is taking full advantage of Nasrallah's vulner- Iran seeks to use neighboring states as staging ability and is backing him up against the wall. (…) areas to threaten Israel. (…) For years, Hezbollah The question is whether Israel is taking a calculated felt that it could do whatever it wants – building risk by its actions or is this a gamble. (…) tunnels into Israel, stockpiling weapons under the Alex Fishman, YED, 27.08.19 nose of the Lebanese army and the UN, sending its fighters into Syria to aid the crimes of the Assad Hezbollah can't not respond regime – and there was no attempt to rein it in. This Three factors make it inevitable that Hezbollah will added to an increasingly tense situation in the re- hit back for the drone strike in Beirut: Israel inter- gion, and the future looks bleak. Netanyahu means fered with its precision missile project; the action it, and not because Israel is in the midst of an elec- was "noisy" and seen by the public; and this was the tion campaign. (…) When Israeli intelligence discov- second time Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah was humiliat- ered the plot, the IDF did what it always does when ed by Israel in 24 hours. (…) Logic says that if this faced with an imminent and real threat: it acted to was an action "against the state of Lebanon and an wipe out that threat. Now is the time for France, the attack on its sovereignty," it would be appropriate to US, and other countries that have an interest in leave the decision about how to respond to the peace in the region to make it clear to Hezbollah Lebanese government, not Hezbollah alone. The and its allies that they must de-escalate, and not government could carry out military action, or possi- make a mistake by attacking Israel. The world bly take a diplomatic route, such as appealing to the should fear the consequences for Lebanon if that United Nations or the UN Security Council. There's happens. no doubt that Nasrallah has no desire for a major Editorial, JPO, 27.08.19 military conflict with Israel right now, when his organ- ization is engulfed in a serious financial crisis follow- Israel's new strategy just slapped Hezbollah ing heavy cuts to its Iranian funding and is still lick- across the face ing the wounds it sustained fighting in the Syrian (…) Both Israel and Hezbollah have violated UN war, in which Hezbollah racked up thousands of resolution 1701, passed after of the Second Leba- casualties and wounded. But (…) the organization non War, to end the conflict. But the number of feels compelled to respond. (…) Nasrallah is count- clashes between the two, over all these years, has ing on the fact that Israel did not respond to an at- remained small and most have occurred in Syrian tack on IDF troops in January 2015, which came territory. (…) Israel has avoided visible action in after six Hezbollah operatives were killed on the Lebanon, allowing Nasrallah to claim his enemy is Golan Heights. It might try to recreate that scenario

3 and attack IDF troops along the border, as it hinted it severbot als „Zeichen enormer Respektlosigkeit might do. But there are no guarantees that this is gegenüber gewählten Vertretern, dem Kongress der how it will play out this time, and no one can ensure Vereinigten Staaten und den Prinzipien der Demo- that the "calculated strike" won't get out of control kratie“. Sogar die pro-israelische Lobby AIPAC hatte and that a clash with Hezbollah won't escalate into a sich im Vorfeld der Reise dazu ausgesprochen, dass war. (…) Netanyahu could have reminded the furi- „jeder Kongressabgeordnete unseren demokrati- ous Hezbollah leader that not only will Israel contin- schen Verbündeten Israel besuchen und erleben ue to strike at any members of the organization who dürfen sollte“. try to take action against Israel from Syria or any- where else, it will also keep up its efforts to thwart A justified barring attempts by Hezbollah to refine or upgrades its (…) Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar are no friends of missiles. Israel. For quite some time now, both have openly Oded Granot, IHY, 28.08.19 voiced their hostilities towards Israel and the Jewish people. (…) These two are no peacemakers. They 2. In Israel nicht willkommen wanted to go to Israel in order to confirm their own Am Ende durfte die US-Abgeordnete Rashida Tlaib biases. And Prime Minister Netanyahu was quite zwar nach Israel einreisen, entschied sich jedoch, right when he decided to deny them this opportunity. es nicht zu tun. Innenminister Arye Deri gab dem (…) the Democrats who are rushing to attack Israel Antrag der in den USA geborenen Tochter palästi- are quite ridiculous. Some of these lawmakers (…) nensischer Einwanderer aus humanitären Gründen are Jewish. (…) These are the same Jewish hypo- nach. Tlaib hatte den Innenminister zuvor explizit crites that have granted these venomous individuals um eine Einreisegenehmigung gebeten, weil sie ihre free rein in Washington, DC. Their commentary on über 90 Jahre alte Großmutter, die im Westjordan- this matter should be fully ignored, as they lost all land lebt, besuchen wollte. Ursprünglich plante die credibility due to the fact that they continue to allow Politikerin gemeinsam mit der US-Abgeordneten Tlaib and Omar to spout nonsense unopposed. (…) Ilhan Omar, die in Somalia geboren und wie Tlaib Within the last several months, quite a few well muslimischen Glaubens ist, nach Jerusalem und ins known Muslims visited Israel in the hopes of building Westjordanland zu reisen. Israel verweigerte zu- bridges of peace and cooperation. Saudi blogger nächst die Einreise unter dem Vorwurf, die beiden Mohammad Saud toured the country with an open Frauen unterstützten die Boykottkampagne BDS mind and an open heart. Sarah Idan, a former Miss (Boykott, De-Investition und Sanktionen). „Das is- Iraq, likewise visited the country to show that Arabs raelische Gesetz untersagt Personen, die sich für and Jews need not fight one another. And a group of einen Boykott gegen Israel einsetzen, die Einreise“, Muslims from the United Kingdom visited a few begründete Regierungschef Benjamin Netanyahu. weeks ago, with the stated aim of multi faith dia- Das Vorgehen Israels sei nicht ungewöhnlich, setzte logue. Notice the difference? Ilhan Omar and Ra- er hinzu. „Andere Demokratien verbieten Leuten die shida Tlaib spew venom and bile wherever they go. Einreise, die darauf abzielen, dem Land Schaden They (…) wanted an opportunity to further insult the zuzufügen.“ Israel sei eine „freie und lebendige country. Their hearts are full of malice, not love. (…) Demokratie, die offen ist für Kritik“. Seit März 2017 their presence would only further exacerbate ten- setzte die mit einer Gesetzreform den Kriti- sions. kern von Israels Besatzungspolitik Grenzen. Wer Harold Ohayon, TOI, 16,08.19 demonstrativ den Kauf von Siedlerprodukten ver- weigert oder aus Protest gegen Menschenrechtsver- The day Israel humiliated its US friends in Con- letzungen im Gazastreifen und im Westjordanland gress dazu aufruft, Israel zu boykottieren, riskiert, an der Last week, over 40 freshmen Democratic members Grenze abgewiesen zu werden. Tlaib und Omar of Congress visited Israel. It was the largest-ever sind lebhafte Kritikerinnen Israels. Bereits im Vorfeld group of freshman Democrats to come to Israel, and meldete sich US-Präsident Donald Trump auf Twitter they came under the auspices of the pro-Israel lobby zu Wort. „Es wäre ein Zeichen großer Schwäche, in Washington, AIPAC. By organizing the largest wenn Israel den beiden Abgeordneten Omar und Democratic Party mission to Israel at a time of grow- Tlaib die Einreise erlauben würde. Sie hassen Israel ing Jewish concern over anti-Israel voices within the und das jüdische Volk.“ Umgekehrt verurteilte der party, the Democratic leadership was making a parteilose US-Politiker Bernie Sanders das Einrei- statement: Don’t let the fringes mislead you; we

4 remain passionately committed to the Israeli- san support in the US for Israel – far outweighs the American relationship. But with the Israeli govern- potential damage they would have caused on their ment’s decision to deny entry into Israel to two anti- trip here. They would have tweeted against the Israel Democratic members of Congress, Ilhan occupation and made some small provocations in Omar and Rashida Tlaib (…), one wonders how the West Bank and east Jerusalem. So what? It many of those members of Congress who came would have made them look extreme and radical. here last week would have come if the trip had been Now, they are martyrs. (…) the Jewish state is being scheduled for next week. (…) the anti-Israel voices used, in this case, as a political football by President within the Democratic Party are growing; but those Donald Trump. (…) He is using Omar and Tlaib for voices remain marginal. Yet now the government of political purposes. By getting the entire Democratic Israel has empowered those voices. By encouraging establishment to support them, he is attempting to the perception that the Israeli government is con- expose what he believes is the true face of the party trolled by President Trump, Netanyahu has boosted ahead of the 2020 election. He wants to demonize the identification of the Jewish state with the most the Democratic Party, and there is no better way to divisive American president in modern memory (…). do that than by highlighting its most radical mem- And by ignoring the personal pleas of a furious bers. (…) Netanyahu was in a bind. (…) he could Steny Hoyer, Netanyahu weakened those who are have stood up for what would have been right for working to preserve Democratic Party support for Israel, but he would have run the risk of sparking a Israel. Finally, Netanyahu’s repeated reversals — crisis with the president without knowing how it from initially agreeing to admit the two Congress- would end. After all the benefits he and Israel have women, to banning both, to partly admitting Tlaib — received from this president, now was the time for have weakened Israeli credibility. No prime minister payback. (…) has done greater damage to bi-partisan support for Editorial, JPO, 17.08.19 Israel, a precondition for a thriving American-Israeli relationship. In barring a minor politician from enter- Netanyahu endangers Israel ing Israel, Netanyahu did not weaken our enemies; (…) The prime minister’s flip-flopping over an entry he humiliated our friends. Next time, how many permit to Israel for the two Democratic lawmakers is freshman Democrats will risk the political fallout of clear evidence that Netanyahu is no longer fit to lead coming to Israel? the country. (…) Netanyahu is endangering Israel’s Yossi Klein Halevi, TOI, 16.08.19 ties with its key ally. (…) Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Ron Dermer, said Israel would not Confronting democrats deny entry to any American lawmaker “out of re- The decision to bar Representatives Rashida Tlaib spect for the U.S. Congress and the great alliance and Ilhan Omar from entering Israel (…) has the between Israel and America.” (…) after U.S. Presi- potential to create irreparable damage to Israel. Still dent Donald Trump made clear he was unhappy today, members of the Democratic Party recall with Israel’s decision to let the two lawmakers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “insult” (…) to whom he despises, into Israel, Netanyahu back- President Barack Obama when he spoke before tracked and decided not to allow them in. (…) Sub- Congress in 2015 against the Iran deal. Many refer sequent events only made the situation worse. (…) to that moment in time as the breaking point in ties The list of people and organizations that condemned between the party and the Jewish state. The deci- Israel’s decision includes senior figures from both sion not to let Omar and Tlaib into Israel (…) could parties including Bernie Sanders, , Joe be remembered as another moment like the 2015 Biden, Chuck Schumer, Marco Rubio and Steny speech. By reversing an earlier decision to let the Hoyer. A long list of prominent Jewish organizations, congresswomen in, Israel – in one fell swoop – among them the Anti-Defamation League and the aligned the entire Democratic Party behind its two American Jewish Committee, joined the condemna- most radical and extreme members. It essentially tion – as did even the most pro-Israel group in the gave Tlaib and Omar a gift they could not have United States, AIPAC, which rarely criticizes Israel. imagined – propelling them to a status that even the In groveling to Trump, Netanyahu endangers biparti- mighty country of Israel is afraid of what they would san American support for Israel, which has always do if allowed inside its borders. (…) Israel has noth- been considered the heart of Israel’s strategy. He ing to hide and the damage caused by blocking the has tied his political fate – and Israel’s fate – to congresswomen – the continued fraying of biparti-

5 Trump’s, burning bridges built by generations of ists have made a platform of nothing but antisemi- Israeli governments. tism, and the two Congresswomen are key players Editorial, HAA, 18.08.19 in this regard. Their remarks about the Jewish com- munity as a whole are offensive, inflammatory and Personae non gratae hateful. As a Muslim woman who has been to Israel US Reps. Ilhan Omar (...) and Rashida Tlaib (...) are a dozen times, let me tell them how it’s done. I fully the new face of the anti-Semitic, anti-Israel boycott, support Israel’s right to exist with Jerusalem as its divestment and sanctions movement. That was capital and the right of the Jewish people to be free enough to turn them into personae non gratae in the from orchestrated antisemitic attacks. In my travels country. And when they allowed a terrorist- to Israel, I go with an open mind and no pre- sympathizing group to organize their planned trip, conceived notions. I’m well aware of the problems, their provocation could not be ignored. (…) The and I’ve met and spoken to people from both sides freshman congresswomen's trip was planned by of the equation. I’ve met policy-makers, activists and MIFTAH, a nongovernmental organization headed ordinary citizens and heard their stories. It always by Hanan Ashrawi, a longtime anti-Israel activist, amazes me how critical Israelis can sometimes be academic, and member of the Executive Committee about their own government, but this is what a de- of the Palestine Liberation Organization. (…) Omar mocracy is all about. So I invite Omar and Tlaib to and Tlaib (…) knew it was likely their visa applica- come with me. I will show them what Israel stands tions would be rejected. Showing this was the point for and the beauty of the Israeli people. from the outset (…). Omar and Tlaib had no real Raheel Raza, JPO, 29.08.19 interest in visiting Israel, and indeed, their itinerary made no mention of Israel. They could have entered 3. Countdown zum Urnengang the West Bank quietly, through Jordan. But their Wenige Wochen vor den erneuten israelischen purpose was to put a foot on the ground in Israel, Parlamentswahlen am 17. September geben sich just as the ancient victor put his leg on his dead und Blau-Weiß mit erwarteten 31 Sitzen in der foe’s head. (…) Trump's pro-Israel critics claim he is Knesset (Parlament) ein Kopf-an-Kopf-Rennen. Auf turning support for the Jewish state into a partisan Platz drei stehen mit gut zehn Mandaten die Verein- issue. But it is those who wish to ruin Israel econom- te Liste der arabischen und antizionistischen Partei- ically, not the president, who are doing that. Ameri- en, Avigdor Liebermans Yisrael Beitenu und das cans greatly benefit from Israeli scientific research neue Rechtsbündnis unter dem Vorsitz der and development, much of which is spurred by früheren Justizministerin Ayelet Shaked. Überra- broad US-Israel cooperation. Boycotting, divesting schend sind die guten Perspektiven für Lieberman, from and sanctioning Israel would shoot all Ameri- dessen Partei in der ausgehenden Knesset nur fünf cans, including Omar's and Tlaib's constituents, in Abgeordnete stellte. Sollten sich die Umfragen im the foot. (…) Wahlergebnis bestätigen, würde die Yisrael Beitenu Nurit Greenger, IHY, 27.08.19 mit gut der doppelten Anzahl von Parlamentari- er_innen in die Knesset einziehen. Meretz hat mit And this is how it’s done Stav Shafir und das Demokratische Did US Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Lager gebildet und liegt bei sieben bis acht Manda- Tlaib really want to go to Israel? Maybe they never ten. Abgeschlagen bleibt die Arbeitspartei unter dem wanted to go but just wanted to create hysteria and Vorsitz des früheren Gewerkschaftschefs Amir Pe- garner attention, something at which they are ex- retz, der im Zusammengang mit der liberalen Partei perts. (…) Omar and Tlaib made it a point in their Gesher laut Umfragen sechs bis sieben Mandate press conference on this issue to point out that they erreichen wird. Den beiden religiösen Parteien wer- were “Muslim.” They also said they were going to den 15 Mandate zugetraut. Mit nur neun Parteien, meet people from both sides and work at “peace.” die reelle Chancen haben, die Sperrklausel von 3,25 Yet they have no qualms about slamming the entire Prozent zu schaffen, werden in der kommenden country and therefore the entire people – all the Knesset weniger Listen vertreten sein als je zuvor. time. Did Omar and Tlaib make a statement con- demning the brutal murder of 17-year-old Rina Shnerb without simultaneously justifying anti-Jewish : This is your last chance – take it violence? With the BDS drama and the Al-Quds Day (…) The odds are slim, yet I call on Amir Peretz: charade, the Left aligning themselves with the Islam- This is your last chance – take it. (…) The Labor

6 Party has spent years ingratiating itself to the right, conducive to winning elections, so it is up to us to failing time after time. Labor was kept alive artificially force candidates to address the issue and impress by seats that came from Meretz, all in hope of de- upon them that how they plan to fix the problems is feating Benjamin Netanyahu. The result was one a factor in who we chose to elect. Only parties with party that shrunk and another party afraid to fight for solutions will get our vote. So to the candidates we its values. Don’t fall into this trap, Peretz. The risk is say: Don't tell us it is easy to resolve, it is not. (…) too great this time. I am familiar with the criticism Give us the opportunity to understand your ideology about Ehud Barak. I have written much of it, but and how it will get us out of the hole in the long run. Barak is one of the sharpest opposition voices Gad Lior, YED, 04.08.19 around today, at a time when a man with three pending indictments is running to lead the govern- The NRP – from Golda Meir to Ayelet Shaked ment, with a contemptuous union of nationalist Now we are facing a new stage in the whitewashing Haredim and Kahanists to his right, posing a clear of women in public positions. (…) when Golda Meir and present danger to democracy. (…) there is a ran for the office of mayor of , she was boy- chance here to see a large leftist party that doesn’t cotted by the National Religious Party – Mapai’s fear its own shadow. Peretz can be part of that. And traditional partner (…) On July 1, 2007, Moshe if you, Mr. Peretz, decide in the end to run separate- Katsav resigned from his position as president of the ly – go all the way. Fight for every vote on the right. state. Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik served as Make a campaign based on social welfare issues acting president until assumed the like only you can do. Give it a chance. But please, position. After the end of Peres’s term, Itzik compet- drop the attacks on your leftist colleagues in an ed for the presidency. These were not hot news attempt to pick up another half a seat. You are big- items, save for the fact that she was supported by ger than that. The stakes are too high to get lost in members of the United Torah Judaism and Shas old grudges and cannibalizing votes. parties. (…) Now we are facing a new stage in the (…) whitewashing of women in public positions. Ayelet Zehava Galon, HAA, 01.08.19 Shaked of the Party was selected to head the United Right, which includes the Bayit Nobody talks about economy in this election Yehudi (Jewish Home) Party, heir of the NRP. campaign , leader of Bayit Yehudi, gave up the Candidates should know we will decide our vote leadership of the united party in favor of Shaked. He based on the solutions presented for the huge deficit did so in spite of a public statement by more than 40 and the budget cuts that will surely be needed, so it religious-Zionist that anyone heading the list is time for them to tell us what their economic plans must be a “God-fearing and Torah-observant” indi- are. (…) The new government will have to take the vidual and should be “someone who flies the banner economic crisis up before anything else, the huge of Torah.” It should be noted that the objection to budget deficit and the cuts it will require will have to Shaked was not because of her gender, but rather be addressed. (…) Will there be nothing but silence because of her being a secularist. until the Knesset elects its finance committee? Only Moreover, two of the most prominent among the then will we hear the politicians speak? (…) Israeli is movement’s rabbis – of Safed Shmuel facing one of its most serious financial problem in Eliyahu and Rabbi Eli Sadan, head of the Bnei Da- years: a NIS 50 billion deficit, the health services on vid pre-military academy – were quoted as giving the verge of collapse; shortage of qualified teachers their backing to Shaked to head the joint list. Sadan due to poor wages; infrastructure in need of repair; issued a statement denying the quotation. Instead, transportation in need of upgrade; seniors reduced he declared that “he is convinced that politicians will to poverty; lack of funds for agriculture and environ- act in the best way possible to maximize the elec- mental protection and a cost of living higher than toral potential for their electorate,” which practically most other countries. Has any candidate presented means choosing Shaked to lead the list. Indeed, the a plan to fix any of this? None, Nada, crickets. Why NRP has come a long way, from objecting to Golda should they raise the subject? Talk of necessary Meir to supporting Ayelet Shaked. budget cuts in services to the public, or more taxes Asher Maoz, JPO, 04.08.19 that will be a burden on the working man, or the inability to assist senior citizens, or the needy or the Holocaust survivors, or the aid recipients, are not

7 The pre-election fiasco is a holiday for Netanya- Israel’s elections: Because and about Liberman hu's eunuchs (…) Israel’s elections are because of Liberman and The slates of Knesset candidates were closed last his almost 30-year relationship with Benjamin Net- week. It was a holiday for the castrated. The cas- anyahu. The man who served in the court of King trated are those who understand the damage being Bibi is poised to dethrone him, and he is not holding caused by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but back. aren’t saying so. Those same right-wingers who (…) like a well-written play, the hero finds himself deep in their hearts don’t want a continuation of facing his worst enemy: his former partner, the man Netanyahu’s rule, but whose moves are determined who helped build him. Netanyahu’s battle this elec- by the royal family, even if they oppose it with all tion is against the man who knows him best, the their might. (…) what about Avi Dichter? Just a few person now ready to confront him head-on. (…) years ago he appeared in the film “The Gatekeep- Liberman’s current election slogans speak volume. ers,” in which former heads of the Shin Bet security His previous campaigns focused on right wing dog service express opposition to Israel’s policy and its whistles — like attacking Israeli-Arabs with a “No behavior in the territories (…). Suddenly Dichter has loyalty, no citizenship” call. His new slogans include, become the main spokesman in the service of His “We want a Jewish state, not an Orthodox one,” and Highness. Why? Because he wants to wink at all the “Make Israel normal again.” The change is clear. In Netanyahu admirers who are unwilling to accept many ways, Liberman has been the only party lead- anyone who doesn’t express unreserved support for er shaping the public discussion of this election. On the ruler. Dichter is also one of those who we are security, he is outflanking Netanyahu on the right. likely to hear after the election saying: Yes, to Likud, On domestic issues, he is leading a liberal, secular no to Netanyahu. Another castrated one is Yuval agenda. Liberman is also going after Netanyahu’s Steinitz, as proven by his silence – not in the diplo- family. And King Bibi is chasing him, reacting to him. matic realm, but certainly in the realms of personal The Likud is attempting to bring the Russian immi- ethics and corruption. His time is also likely to come, grants to it. Aggressively. It is investing millions of if he shakes off his fear of the kingdom. And Gilad shekels in digital campaigns to lure Liberman’s base Erdan? After all, he is one of Netanyahu’s potential of support. Netanyahu is running from non-kosher heirs, but he was ground to dust as communications bars to meetings with Russian-speaking influencers. minister and as public security minister. The degree Usually, however, Liberman remains one step of his castration is clear to all. He is in charge of the ahead, dictating the topic of the day. For example, Israel Police, but instead of defending its official and on Saturday, August 3, Liberman hinted that Knes- public status he prefers to stutter pitifully. The prime set Speaker — the most senior Likud minister’s residence on Balfour Street demands full politician after Netanyahu — could make a good and absolute castration of him. Support for Netan- prime minister. The media coverage was enormous. yahu against the rule of law has become a mitzvah The result? Netanyahu had Likud MKs sign a pledge for him. His time is also likely to come, if he manag- of allegiance stating they support him, and only him, es to extricate his head from the harness it’s stuck as their candidate for prime minister. (…) Current in. Gideon Sa’ar is not castrated, he’s a man who polls show Liberman has nearly doubled his political fights for what he believes in. (…) Right-wing lead- power, growing from his current of five Knesset ers Ayelet Shaked and are not cas- seats to an expected 10 this September. No matter trated. (…) that the Netanyahu family forced on how you analyze it, Liberman holds the keys to any them, the tines of evil that raked their flesh – require future coalition government, and therefore, to Net- a response. Nobody expects them to support a left- anyahu’s future. Remember: the attorney general wing government, but both of them are familiar with will conduct a legal hearing for Netanyahu shortly the man and his behavior. (…) Likud members were after the elections, before determining whether to asked to sign a declaration that they would not re- indict him on bribery charges. The keys to Netanya- place Netanyahu. Clearly the prime minister is afraid hu’s political future may turn out to be the keys to his that if he can’t form an immunity government, the personal freedom; it takes a 61-finger majority in the castrated ones will declare: Yes to the right, no to Knesset to receive immunity from prosecution. Only Netanyahu. weeks from election day, it seems that Liberman’s Uzi Baram, HAA, 05.08.19 gamble has so far paid off. Rather than ending his political career, breaking Netanyahu’s potential coa-

8 lition elevated him from court member to kingmaker. Scaring Arab voters away in droves (…) In the last election, the ruling party took the liberty of , TOI, 19.08.19 setting up its own election-integrity units to fight “the phenomenon of electoral fraud at Arab polling sta- Winds of change in the Arab street tions.” Likud bought 1,200 cameras and gave them Joint Arab List Chairman Ayman Odeh's surprising to party members who served as polling station announcement that he would be willing to join, or at officials in Arab towns, a move that seems to have least support, a Center-Left government, sent been aimed directly at the Arab parties. According to shockwaves through the Israeli political system. The representatives of those parties, the presence of the Zionist parties were predictably quick to discard the cameras scared off many Arab voters and lowered notion of cooperation with Odeh and his anti-Zionist the turnout rate in the Arab community. In advance faction. More noteworthy, however, was that some of of September’s do-over election, Likud once again Odeh's Arab colleagues, members of the Balad sought to put cameras in the polling stations. Justice party for example, hastily rejected his comment, Hanan Melcer, the chairman of the Central Elections even dubbing them as "unfortunate." Odeh's words, Committee, forbade this, saying it would be against however, weren't intended for Zionist politicians, the law. (…) Melcer permitted the vote counting to even those who might need him after the election be filmed, but not by the parties themselves. (…) (…). It goes without saying that his words weren't Melcer stressed that any such filming will be done meant for the Jewish public in Israel, which he by inspectors from a new election-integrity unit that stopped trying to court a long time ago and which he will be funded by the Central Elections Committee. has repeatedly and regrettably alienated through And in fact, the day after his decision was issued, previous statements and actions. Odeh's words the committee began an accelerated process of were aimed at the Arab voters who he needs to trying to recruit thousands of inspectors. But this become an important political force in the next didn’t satisfy Likud. In response to Melcer’s deci- Knesset. Many of these voters abandoned Odeh sion, the governing coalition is trying to ram a law and his colleagues during the last election (…). Arab through the Knesset that would also allow party voters aren't hiding their anger and discontent with representatives serving as polling booth officials or Arab politicians in Israel, due to their personal and observers to use cameras. Likud’s proposal shows political conduct, but also the agenda they've sought that the party has no real interest in preventing to push. Odeh undoubtedly knows which way the fraud; it only wants to intimidate Arab voters from winds are blowing within the Arab public, and his coming to the polls. The bill that Likud is trying to stated willingness to join or support a future Israeli pass is unacceptable. Melcer’s proposal is propor- government was apparently intended to temper his tionate: It allows the integrity of the election to be constituents' animosity. It's important to understand monitored without undermining the secrecy of the that Arab voters in Israel, particularly the younger ballot. Aside from the fact that it leaves the monitor- generation, want to integrate and participate in Is- ing equipment in the hands of the state rather than raeli society. Although they often level criticism or political activists, it also ensures that voters won’t be raise demands the Jewish public views as extreme, filmed upon entering and leaving the polling booth, Arab Israelis chose the path of connection and inte- and that no database will be created that contains gration over separation and alienation. They prefer a pictures of voters, which could leak onto the internet civil agenda that addressed welfare, education, and endanger Israeli citizens. employment and more, over the current agenda Editorial, HAA, 30.08.19 espoused by Arab politicians who are focused al- most entirely on the question of the Israeli- 4. Medienquerschnitt Palestinian conflict. (…) Sadly, the Zionist parties The Haredi establishment’s threat to constitu- have given up on Arab voters, abandoning the play- tional democracy and equal rights: No marginal ing field to those same Arab parties who champion issue the age-old Bolshevik rallying cry: The worse things (…) The ongoing dismissal, in particular on the left, are for Arab Israelis citizens the better they are for of the threat to constitutional democracy posed by Arab parties. (…) the religious establishment is a serious danger in its Eyal Zisser, IHY, 28.08.19 own right. Ben Gurion can be excused for not realiz- ing the danger in giving blanket draft exemption to yeshiva students — 65 years ago. There is no ex-

9 cuse for such blindness now. The Haredi establish- weeds, hilltop youth – monikers designed to play ment uses institutions of government, like the courts, down the threat they pose. Now they’re the second and certainly, coalition politics, to further its own and third generation of musclemen who have taken narrow, sectoral interests, while having no funda- control of the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, mental loyalty to these institutions. (…) The threat to which is also holy to Muslims, and have set the rules public space (…) is huge and ongoing. As the Israel for prayer there. They have taken over Beit Hadas- Women’s Network and other groups have noted, this sah in Hebron, gloried in the building of the Jewish is a war of attrition. (…) If it is acceptable to discrim- Avraham Avinu neighborhood in the heart of the inate against women in public space, we are back to Arab city, and purged entire streets of their Arab demands for sex discrimination in buses, sidewalks, residents. (…) Other than the radical left and the etc. We already struggle against demands for sex Arab parties, no one bothers to ask anymore if discrimination in universities and in the army, re- you’re for or against a withdrawal from the territo- fighting the conclusion long ago reached on the ries, for building settlements or uprooting them, not basis of too much sorry experience, that there is no to mention partitioning Jerusalem. Such a question such thing as “separate but equal”; any such de- makes the asker sound weird because it requires a mands necessarily and inevitably entail discrimina- response on whether someone prefers political tion. The Haredi establishment makes an argument suicide or remaining alive. (…) The country can be for privilege: its religious “needs” and sexual objecti- destroyed over and over because the right to mourn fication of women take precedence over equal civil over the ruins is the true test of courage and leader- rights. (…) While Netanyahu, increasingly cornered ship. The real “handful”? It’s those who look on in by various dynamics, may be further sidling up to horror at the destruction, wring their hands and the Haredi establishment, his opposition in the Blue realize that this is their future. and White party is hardly showing awareness of, or Zvi Bar´el, HAA, 14.08.19 determination about, the threat to constitutional democracy, equal rights, or rational government, posed by the Haredi establishment. (…) Shulamit S. Magnus, TOI, 14.08.19 HAA = YED = / Ynetnews Wieder Streit um den Tempelberg JPO = Jerusalem Post IHY = Israel HaYom The is in the fanatics’ hands TOI = Times of Israel It’s clear that the Jews have to mourn the destruc- GLO = Globes tion of the Temple in Jerusalem – all Jews, (…) particularly those who are liberal, abhor racism and for whom human rights, freedom of religion, equality and freedom of expression are important, must go to Veröffentlicht im: September 2019 the Temple Mount (…) to mourn for our country, where chilly drafts blow through wrecked walls – a Verantwortlich: country whose leaders are corrupt, whose judges Dr. Paul Pasch, expel children and their mothers from the Promised Leiter der Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Israel Land and whose cabinet members stand trial. We have to mourn for its army, which is occupying 5 Redaktion: million people, for the high priest, the official in Susanne Knaul charge of supervising the government, who’s a will- Judith Stelmach ing prisoner in the lap of the dictator, and for the citizens who own the country and are still convinced Homepage: www.fes.org.il they’re the Chosen People. (…) Most of them have Email: [email protected] never visited the Temple Mount. Some even object to the closing of movie theaters and cafes on the eve of Tisha B’Av, but they still can’t stand that Mus- lims could be able to dictate to Israel the times for prayer and visitation rules at holy sites. At one time, this handful was labeled aberrant and strange, wild

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