HEADLINES FROM THE IZRAELI HEBREW PRESS
HA’ARETZ
1. CONCERN IN ISRAEL OVER FLOW OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS TO LEBANON; IRON DOME DEPLOYED IN HAIFA.
As opposed to Lapid’s demand to reduce the number of ministers, PM makes it clear that a broad government is necessary due to „security threats.”
2. PROTEST AGAINST INVOLVEMENT OF NATAN ESHEL IN COALITION NEGOTIATIONS.
MA’ARIV
1. Increasing concern in Israel that Assad’s strategic weapons will reach Hezbollah, Iron Dome battery deployed in Haifa.
ISRAEL TO RUSSIA: PREVENT TRANSFER OF SYRIAN CHEMICAL WEAPONS TO TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS.
This morning: National Security Council Chairman Yaakov Amidror to leave for Moscow for meetings with his Russian counterpart and FM Lavrov in which he will demand their immediate intervention. Yesterday: US Ambassador met with Netanyahu for security discussion.
YEDIOT AHRONOT
1. Israel and US stepping up coordination regarding Syria.
CONCERN: CHEMICAL WEAPONS WILL REACH HEZBOLLAH.
Peak tension in the north following escalation in Syrian fighting and assessment that Assad regime is crumbling. Israel and US make it clear that they will not allow chemical weapons to pass to terrorist organizations. Nine-member ministerial forum met recently for special discussion, and two Iron Dome batteries have been deployed in the north.
2. LAPID AND BENNETT: PRELIMINARY CONTACTS ON COORDINATING POSITIONS.
Confidants on both sides: Attempts to coordinate meeting soon ahead of coalition negotiations.
YISRAEL HAYOM
1. Worry in Israel: Assad regime is crumbling, concern that chemical weapons and missiles will flow into Hezbollah’s hands and those of Al Qaida-style terrorist organizations.
THE DANGER AND THE ALERT.
Eyes on Syria: Feverish discussions in most senior forums. Netanyahu: „Middle East will not wait for coalition to be formed in Israel; Syria is coming apart.” DM Barak leaves Davos early. (…). Two Iron Dome batteries deployed in the north.
WALLA!
1. REPORT: „ISRAEL CONFIRMS THAT FORDOW ENRICHMENT FACILITY WAS DAMAGED IN EXPLOSION.”
According to the [London] Times, Israeli intelligence sources have confirmed reports of explosion at Iranian enrichment facility. (…).
2. FOLLOWING THE PRESSURE: YESH ATID REFUSES TO NEGOTIATE WITH NATAN ESHEL.
NANA10
1. YISHAI: „WILLING TO COMPROMISE ON ULTRA-ORTHODOX DRAFT.”
2. BRITISH REPORT: „ISRAEL CONFIRMS REPORT OF FORDOW EXPLOSION.”
3. YESH ATID: „WE WILL NOT HOLD COALITION NEGOTIATIONS WITH NATAN ESHEL.”
[Headlines for Walla! and Nana10 are from their websites as of 11:20.] ______________________________
SUMMARY OF OP-EDS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
All three papers discuss various concerns over the situation in Syria:
Yediot Ahronot says that there is an increasing flow of war materiel from Syria to Hezbollah and wonders what might prompt Israel to strike. The author points out that, „In the past year, Russia has sold Syria advanced military systems such as advanced radar, which the Syrians have no use for today, unless they intend to transfer them to Hezbollah. Assad has also dealt in the acquisition of coast-to-sea missiles that are liable to threaten the sea lanes to the port of Haifa and the navy’s activity opposite the Syrian and Lebanese coasts
– if they are transferred to Hezbollah.” The paper notes that Israel has declined to strike at Hezbollah since the end of the Second Lebanon War even as the organization has enriched its arsenals with various advanced, conventional weapons systems. However, the author asserts, „If chemical weapons are brought into Lebanon, it is reasonable to assume that Israel would not hesitate – and would attack.”
Ma’ariv reminds its readers that, „The Syrian military has no less than 1,000 tons of chemical warfare materiel,” and adds, „A tiny percentage of this quantity falling into the hands of Global Jihad organizations (and afterwards finding their way out of Syria) would suffice to create an unprecedented terrorist threat.” The author asserts, „It is important to note that the issue disturbs not only Israel: The US is greatly interested in preventing the transfer of Syria’s chemical weapons to elements such as Hezbollah or Global Jihad.”
Yisrael Hayom believes, „The day after Assad is already here, even if it is not tomorrow or the day after, and this presents three immediate worries, in descending order: The transfer of chemical weapons to Hezbollah, the start of terrorist activity along the fence on the Golan Heights and the internal chaos in Syria.” The author wonders how long the current Israeli response
– threats, accelerated construction of an upgraded border fence and a refusal to take sides along with preliminary, indirect contacts with figures in the Syrian opposition –
will prove effective.
BreuerPress-info
