Az Izraeli nyomtatót média vezércikkeiből angolul

The Jerusalem Post refers to the Bank of Israel’s concern with the extent of credit exposure of Israeli banks to the household sector in light of the Israeli public’s spending patterns that leave a large proportion of the country’s households and businesses perpetually deep in the red, and states: “Lack of financial discipline not only harms those who appear to exploit its short-term enticements, it can erode bank stability.” The editor states that: “It is imperative that concerted efforts be made to educate the public and overhaul mind-sets,” and concludes: “The curious local custom that allows both moguls and families with none-too-high earnings to consume recklessly has to go and no day is too soon.”

Haaretz examines the reasons and motives behind the racist behavior of the Beitar football team’s supporters, which was spotlighted last week at a match in Belgium, and states that “the problem stems from the forgiving attitude of the authorities around it – from the Israel Football Association to the league administration, all the way to ministerial level.” The editor states that the time has come to start taking practical steps, and asserts: “Alongside harsh penalties for manifestations of racism, Beitar Jerusalem must be given a limited window of time during which it will be required to sign Arab players – even at the cost of a major confrontation with its fans. Instead of condemnation, the time has come to act.”

Yediot Aharonot discusses PM Netanyahu’s statement about freezing construction outside the main blocs, Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog’s forthcoming trip to Washington and Chairman of the Yesh Atid party Yair Lapid’s continuing battle against the BDS movement. The author contends that “the gaps between these rivals are growing smaller. It is possible, but only just, that something is cooking behind the scenes,” and adds: “With positions like these, particularly Netanyahu’s, talk of a unity government can once again be put on the table.”

Israel Hayom believes that the worldview held by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, which was resoundingly rejected by later presidents, “has been resuscitated throughout the lengthy negotiations and recent agreement reached with Iran.” The author reminds readers that “In 1979, Carter facilitated the ayatollahs’ rise to power; in 2015, his worldview is catapulting the ayatollahs to an unprecedented strategic height, domestically, regionally and globally, thereby jeopardizing critical U.S. interests and bringing terrorism closer to the North American continent,” and declares: “A common sense alternative to the agreement with Iran assumes that reality — and not hope (or wishful thinking) — must be the basis for a national security strategy. Driving at night — in the Iranian darkness — would be much safer with the headlights on rather than reliance on hope.”

Globes declares the budget drama a charade, and opines: “The ‘two-year’ budget – two months in 2015 and all of 2016 – will be approved in time by the Knesset, and win praise from all the coalition parties. This optimistic prediction is due to the simple fact that the alternative is new Knesset elections that no one wants, other than Yisrael Beitenu leader MK Avigdor Liberman.” The author says that in the end, everyone is a partner in this game of make believe; As soon as the budget is approved, requests will be made for changes, which once approved will turn the budget into “nothing but a list of numbers with no connection to reality.” The author concludes: “So everyone is happy, and we should not complain, because we are better off than Greece.”