| Summary of editorials from the Hebrew pressToday’s issues: Trump and the Jews, the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ includes POWs as well, teaching Netanyahu a lesson in negotiations, the US debate has shifted to terrorism, and the Saudi’s pivot towards Israel.
The Jerusalem Post asserts that despite claims to the contrary, and the problematic behavior of some of his supporters, “[US presidential nominee Donald] Trump is no antisemite,” but adds that Trump has a moral responsibility to use his irreverence and outspokenness to discourage expressions of hate. The editor recalls that “History has taught that antisemitism is a potent hatred that is surprisingly easy to trigger. Hatred of Jews, which has never run deep in American society, nevertheless has its adherents. Trump might yet become the next US president. His public statements have the power to influence,” and concludes: “Trump should use this newfound power for good by coming out unequivocally against all manifestations of antisemitism.”
Haaretz comments on the ongoing trial of Sgt. Elor Azaria, the Israeli soldier charged with manslaughter for shooting a Palestinian assailant who lay wounded after being shot by soldiers he’d attacked, and declares: “War criminals among Israel’s enemies murdered prisoners — both soldiers and civilians — and abused them and their bodies. This does not justify similar conduct by IDF soldiers.”
Yediot Aharonot asserts: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Congressional address cost Israel a considerable sum,” but states: “The aid affair is significant beyond the sums.” The author notes that, realizing PM Netanyahu was in trouble, “The White House forced him to write a humiliating letter, in which he pledges that Israel will return to the administration every dollar allotted by Congress in the next two years,” but argues that the most serious blow was inflicted on AIPAC: “Half of AIPAC’s activity is invested in the promotion and maintenance of Congress’ aid to Israel. If Congress is out of the game, half of its lobbyists can stay home. Half of its donors can direct their money elsewhere.”
Israel Hayom comments on the recent terrorist attacks in the US, on the backdrop of the current election campaign, and notes that while “[Hillary] Clinton has become inextricably linked to Obama’s policies and legacy . . . The latest terrorist incidents in the U.S. validate Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s statements on terrorism, lending him momentum ahead of the first debate.”
Globes comments on a recent report from Saudi Arabia indicates that dropping hostility to Israel is part of the Saudi regime’s far-reaching reform plans, and states: “Israel should respond.” The author contends that “recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia and some of the Gulf states, especially Kuwait and the UAE, would be a huge diplomatic and strategic coup for Israel,” and adds: “Every effort should be made to find out, and if feasible, implement whatever measures with reference to the West Bank would trigger such a development.”
[Nahum Barnea, Abraham Ben-Zvi and Norman Bailey wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Israel Hayom and Globes, respectively.] |
