HEADLINES FROM THE IZRAELI HEBREW PRESS

HA’ARETZ:1. MASHAAL DIRECTS HALT IN TERROR AGAINST ISRAEL

Hamas political bureau head passed directive to military arm, in wake of understandings with Abbas. Sources in Israel: We are not aware of it.

 

2. [MOSSAD DIRECTOR] PARDO HINTS: NUCLEAR IRAN NOT NECESSARILY AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT

 

1. GABY ASHKENAZI: IRAN MUST NOT HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS AT THIS TIME

Former IDF Chief-of-Staff spoke last night at a closed function. On Syria he said that fall of Assad likely to be opportunity for Israel.

 

2. CLASSES TO RESUME IN BEIT SHEMESH TODAY, SICARII [ULTRA-ORTHODOX EXTREMISTS] TO DEMONSTRATE

Test day for city after Chanukah vacation at „Orot Banot” school. Netanyahu: We will not countenance spitting at women.

 

1. Another instance of segregation of women – in IDF Karkal Brigade.

FEMALE SOLDIERS – IN THE BACK

IDF Karkal Brigade women soldiers asked to move to rear benches at event with religious singer; at Friday night dinner, they were asked to stop singing. Women soldier cursed on bus – police arrest ultra-orthodox man.

 

1. PM: We must not generalize; we are talking about a small violent group.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TO FORMULATE WAR ON EXTREMISTS

(…).

 

2. „ISRAEL PRESENTED US WITH SOIL SAMPLES FROM IRAN”

[Daily Beast] Report: Government of Israel showed American administration soil samples taken from sites adjacent to Iranian nuclear facilities. US to Teheran: We will not allow closure of the Strait [of Hormuz].

 

1. CONCERN IN IDF: SOUTHERN BORDER FENCE WILL LEAD TERRORISTS TO JORDAN

Construction of border fence with Egypt advancing with dizzying speed, but defense establishment concerned that it will paradoxically lead terrorists and infiltrators to search for points from which to penetrate into Israel by way of its eastern neighbor.

 

2. KASSAM ROCKET FALLS IN ESHKOL REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA

That’s the fifth rocket to fall in Israeli territory since IDF elimination of Islamic Jihad militant, Abdullah Talibani.

 

1. IDF ATTACKS IN GAZA: PALESTINIANS RESPOND WITH KASSAMS

Cycle of violence in south continued last night when the Air Force attacked a terrorist tunnel in northern Gaza and another point in the center. Attack carried out in response to Kassam fire on Israel last night, but Palestinians this morning launched another rocket at the Eshkol [Regional Council] area.

 

2. SIX SUSPECTS – INCLUDING A MINOR – ARRESTED FOR BREAK-IN TO EFRAIM DIVISION BASE

 

 

 

All three papers discuss various issues related to the ongoing controversy over discrimination against – and the exclusion of – women in the public sphere, as instigated by certain extreme ultra-orthodox elements:

 

Yediot Ahronot strongly criticizes reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering the division of Beit Shemesh into two separate cities and believes that, „Dividing Beit Shemesh would legitimize racist behavior, belligerence, violence, and those who demand that women cover themselves in burkas, push them to the back of the bus and encourage their exclusion.”

 

Ma’ariv contends that, „The problem is that the State of Israel is growing, cultivating and expanding ideological sectors that have set for themselves the goal of eliminating the democracy that is its foundation,” and says that, „Israel needs to stop investing the tax funds of the majority that works and serves in cultivating wild growths that aspire to its demise.” The author says that, „Israel encourages births more than any other country in the world and the attitude of an eight-child family is one that entails poverty. Normal governments do not encourage poverty because poverty is one of the bases for extremism. The conclusion is that child allowances must be drastically cut. If over 50% of first-grade children are ultra-orthodox and Arab, who is supposed to serve in the IDF in 12 years? Over half of those of draft age will be exempt. This figure alone underscores how Israel is, via child support payments, committing a suicidal act. Budgets for rabbis and yeshivas that play with dangerous ideas such as allowing non-Jews to be killed – must be cut off. Record budgets for ultra-orthodox yeshivas will stop. The core curriculum must be taught in every school that receives so much as NIS 1 from the state; state education will be generously expanded. A maximum number will be set for full-time yeshiva students. The politicians must also know how to reintegrate populations back into the workforce.” The paper cautions that, „Extremism will not be defeated by a media onslaught. Political courage is necessary here.”

 

Yisrael Hayom calls for assertive and efficient police enforcement action, but avers that, „The police alone are insufficient. The Israeli majority must allow the ultra-orthodox to live as they please, but it must also challenge them… They want to plant roots in Ramat Aviv? Please, it is their right to offer their spiritual wares to passers-by. But the majority must put real challenges to them: Computers. Internet. Math and English lessons. Children’s literature groups. The time has come to set up cultural ‘volunteers corps’ with a balanced and sane, yet modern message. Let them compete with each other, and let the best win.”