Summary of Editorials from the Izraeli Hebrew Press
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Two newspapers discuss the integration of the ultra-orthodox into the military and the workforce:
Yediot Aharonot notes that many MKs are talking about the desire to integrate the ultra-orthodox into the labor force and says: „Before all the statements and remarks about ‘equality in sharing the burden’, it must be seen to that the [ultra-orthodox] yeshivot be required to teach the basic subjects, without which no ultra-orthodox person will have the possibility of joining the labor force.” The author declares: „The guiding principle must be that support for yeshivot will not be given if they do not teach the core curriculum. This principle must be a benchmark for those engaged in the coalition negotiations.” The paper concludes: „True, there are ultra-orthodox who have recently integrated into the labor force. Most of them did so by independent study, with great courage and outside the rigid framework of ultra-orthodox institutions. In order for hundreds of thousands of ultra-orthodox to join the labor force, an historic! move is necessary. If, this time, the opportunity is not utilized, it is doubtful if there will be many others like it in the future.”
The Jerusalem Post discusses the benefits to Israeli society that would result from the integration of the haredi population into mandatory military service, and states that “A more equal sharing of the burden would foster social cohesion and help combat ingrained resentment felt by some segments of the non-haredi population that can hurt a haredi person’s chances of finding a job.” The editor notes that “The record number of freshmen MKs elected to the 19th Knesset reflects undercurrents within Israeli society yearning for a fresh approach to politics,” and adds: “A historic opportunity to bring about a more egalitarian ‘sharing of the burden’ must not be squandered in the name of ‘political realism.’
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Ma’ariv says: „For the last two weeks, the citizens of Israel have been watching a drama that, if it weren’t so sad, would actually be funny. The representatives of Likud-Beytenu have stood at the doorway of the leaders of the new parties in fancy costumes and offered all kinds of treats: Finance, Foreign Affairs, Education, and pistachio ice cream. But Bennett, Lapid and Yachimovich are refusing. These spoiled and inexperienced children have dared to demand, first of all, policy guidelines and ideology. Only afterwards, maybe, will they discuss portfolios.” The author remarks: „How refreshing it is to see that, finally, there is no one to talk to in the old and ugly language; how pleasant it is to discover that there is a different way to form a government that, first of all, considers principles and only afterwards the price.” The paper ventures that „Last week, even Likud-Beytenu began to understand the dimensions of the! crisis,” and concludes: „For the first time in recent decades, several people arose who, at considerable risk, left work, status and easier lives just to teach the prime minister and those around him that people do not want ice cream; they want bread.”
Yisrael Hayom doubts that former Foreign Minister Avigdor Netanyahu’s trial will be over before the year is out, „without taking into account that one side will appeal the verdict.” The author reminds his readers that MK Liberman has demanded that the foreign ministry be held for him and asks: „Why must Israel do without a foreign minister in 2013? There is no such phenomenon in the democratic West.” The paper says: „Israel needs a full-time foreign minister,” even if the portfolio is given to another MK on the assumption that it will revert to Liberman should he be acquitted.
Haaretz is outraged by the recent exposure that the state-funded budget of the prime minister’s residence includes an annual allocation of NIS 10,000 to keep the prime minister supplied with vanilla and pistachio ice cream. The editor asserts: “Instead of retroactively canceling scandalous expenses, it would behoove the prime minister to make the budget for the prime minister’s residence public,” and adds: “Let the public have a look and decide if that’s how it wants its money spent.”
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