Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press

30 Apr 2012

Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Yediot Aharonot, Ma’ariv, Globes, Yisrael Hayom

Three newspapers discuss the controversy over former ISA Director Yuval Diskin’s criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak over their handling of the Iranian issue:

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Yediot Aharonot asserts: „The argument is not over whether Diskin and [former Mossad Director Meir] Dagan are speaking the truth. There is no single truth on this issue. A military strike entails more than a few risks; nobody can completely measure the chances against the risks. On the other hand, a nuclear Iran would be a disaster for the entire region, certainly for Israel.” The author adds: „Neither is there a single solution and all those involved know this, including the security duo Dagan and Diskin.” Regarding Diskin’s comments on the peace process as well, the paper believes that „When he points an accusing finger at the Government and mentions the frustration of the Palestinians, he is acting like a run-of-the-mill political commentator, not someone who is familiar with the material and its consequences.” The author concludes: „And after we have said this, it would be worthwhile to also put the Prime Minister’s and Defense Minister’s line of defense in proportion. It cannot be that everyone who
criticizes and attacks them does so because their tenure was not extended or they were not appointed to some job. There is a limit to the explanations that the public is prepared to digest. To accuse Dagan of seeking personal revenge on the Prime Minister, maybe that works. When the same thing is also said about Diskin, there is a feeling that this is a serial excuse.”

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Yisrael Hayom says that „While there is room for considerable criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak, both of them together and each one separately, Yuval Diskin’s remark that they are Messianists is superficial, without any foundation, lacks any proof and attests to the former ISA Director’s poor understanding in assessing the personalities of the superiors he worked with for such a long time.” The author accuses Diskin and [former Mossad Director] Dagan of abusing the former positions even as they express their views.

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Haaretz remarks that the recent remarks made by former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin “are a call for an immediate change in the Netanyahu-Barak government’s policies.” The editor states that if Diskin’s impressions are accurate, then “we mustn’t put the fate of the nation in the hands of such leaders, in both war and peace,” and adds: “Usually it’s the Shin Bet that eavesdrops on others. This time, the people should give a listen.”

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Ma’ariv cautions its readers that „While there is a good chance that elections will be held this year, this is far from certain,” and believes that „[Prime Minister] Netanyahu has yet to decide,” spin to the contrary notwithstanding. The author suggests that „If it depended on Netanyahu, the elections would be held as scheduled,” given the inherent unpredictability of a campaign.

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The Jerusalem Post comments on recent fire bombings of residences occupied by illegal migrants from Africa in in southern Tel Aviv neighborhoods and the resultant volatile situation in the area, and calls on the government to find a solution. The editor concedes that “There are no easy solutions to the problem,” and declares: “While there is absolutely no excuse for the despicable attacks, we must acknowledge that there is a migrant crisis, and not just in south Tel Aviv. Ignoring it is not an option.”

Source: Israel Government Press Office