Az izraeli lapok vezércikkeiből angolul

Az izraeli lapok vezércikkeiből angolul


 MFA Newsletter 

Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press

Today’s issues: Nasrallah’s fears, people should be free to speak Arabic everywhere, the illusion of ‘conflict management,’ and a new geopolitical bloc is born.

The Jerusalem Post discusses Hezbollah head Hassan Nasrallah’s recent lashing out at Sunni states for purportedly cooperating with Israel, even while his allies are targeting Sunni civilians in Syria, and contends that the reason for this is  that “he is concerned by the dovetailing of interests between Israel and a number of Sunni states in the region.”

Haaretz is pleased that Tel Aviv University has retracted its ban forbidding its call-center operatives from speaking in Arabic, but wonders “why such a bigoted rule did not raise objections from more-senior university employees, such as the director of the call-center manager, the shift supervisor or the registrar.” The editor argues that “The university’s directive to call-center employers that they not respond to callers — students and prospective students — in the callers’ own language smells of the racism and aggression that are characteristic of Israeli society, which attempts to exclude Arabic speakers from the public space,” and asserts: “Educational institutions, including the country’s universities, should demonstrate particular sensitivity and permit to all students what should be taken for granted: the fr eedom to converse in their respective language, including of course Arabic.”

Yediot Aharonot analyzes Israel’s current strategic situation, and concludes that “despite the dramatic events, regional instability, and sweeping strategic developments of recent years, the status quo alternative – managing the conflict while refraining from initiating change – may be a convenient short term option, but is a dangerous and even disastrous strategy in the long term.” The author reminds readers of the complexity of the situation, but adds: “The problem is not a lack of plans, but a lack of vision and determined leadership. We must focus on the vision for the future State of Israel; and elect the leaders that can bring about a realization of this vision.”

Israel Hayom comments on the “unprecedented and noteworthy flurry of diplomatic activity between Jerusalem, Athens and Nicosia, suggesting the emergence of a new geopolitical bloc in the region,” and states: “From an Israeli perspective, the recent developments with Greece and Cyprus constitute a win-win situation.” The author believes that the strengthening of ties with these countries in effect creates a new geopolitical bloc that could, to some extent, stand up to Turkey, and adds: “Stronger Israeli relations with Greece and Cyprus may also serve to encourage Turkey to show more flexibility in negotiations regarding normalization of ties between Ankara and Jerusalem.”

Gadi Zohar and Arye Mekel wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot and Israel Hayom, respectively.