THE HEBREW PRESS
HEADLINES FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
HA’ARETZ
1. US TO ISRAEL: NEGOTIATIONS WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS.
Netanyahu conditions resumption of talks on Palestinian recognition of „Israel as a Jewish state” and lifting of the Iranian threat. Resumption of disagreement between PM and Barak, who supports dialogue without reservations.
2. THIS WEEK: NETANYAHU TO DECLARE WHO WILL BE AMBASSADOR TO WASHINGTON.
3. SUSPICION: SHOT THAT KILLED PROTESTOR IN BILIN WAS CARRIED OUT IN CONTRAVENTION OF ORDERS.
Over the weekend, security forces killed two Palestinian youths who tried to carry out terrorist attacks; two policemen wounded in vehicular attack.
MA’ARIV
1. Concern: „Balance busting” weapons inside Gaza Strip.
HAMAS STEPPING UP MARITIME SMUGGLING.
Palestinian security sources reveal: In wake of struggle against smuggling via Sinai, terrorist organizations focusing on maritime option. For first time since Cast Lead, A-Zahar emerges from hiding and declares: „We now have very advanced weapons.”
YEDIOT AHRONOT
1. Signs of economic recovery. But there is still concern over wave of dismissals.
CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM.
Tourism: Passover surprisingly good. Stock exchange: Jumps in last month. Real estate: Rise in demand for apartments. Hi-tech: Back to hiring workers.
YISRAEL HAYOM
1. London Times: Israel capable of attacking Iranian nuclear sites within hours.
„SWISS PRESIDENT MUST NOT SHAKE AHMADINEJAD’S HAND.”
Outrage in Israel over Swiss President’s intention to meet with Iranian President during Durban II Conference – especially ahead of Holocaust Day. US: Boycotting the Conference due to hostility towards Israel and the West. Ahmadinejad: „No country would dare to attack us.”
2. FORECAST: ANOTHER 20,000 TO BE DISMISSED BY END OF MAY.
Due to firing of workers in all sectors of the economy. Social Welfare Minister: Crisis will not go away by itself.
3. SHARANSKY – NEXT JEWISH AGENCY CHAIRMAN.
PM recommends to Jewish Agency Board of Governors that former minister be appointed to the post.
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SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
Yediot Ahronot contends that, „The Iranians believe that they will reach a deal with the US: They will continue to enrich uranium only for ‘peaceful purposes.’ And thus they will be able – in the future – to manufacture a bomb within a few months.”
Ma’ariv opines that, „Netanyahu does not want two states. He has another way, on the merits of which he was elected. Now he must convince the world that his is the correct way, or move aside.”
Yisrael Hayom asserts that, „The negotiations between Abu Mazen and Ehud Olmert and Tzipi Livni failed, not because the Jewish state refused to demonstrate flexibility, but rather because the Palestinians refused to be satisfied.”
