Obama nem népszerű Izraelben, jó okkal, mondja McConnell

2014. december 26 17:14

 

Obama isn’t popular in Israel, for good reason, says McConnell

 
Newsletter Friday December 26, 2014 
‘Obama isn’t popular in Israel, and for good reason’
Future Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) tells Israel Hayom that President Barack Obama „leads Israelis to believe he is not a solemn ally” • „Our friends have doubts whether we are truly going to be with them at times of crisis,” he says. 
 
Ruthie Blum | Exposing the ‘pinkwashing’ lie
Israel is the only country in the Middle East where gays can live without fear. 
Dan Margalit | A business first, a party second
Yisrael Beytenu will from now on be synonymous with a complex money-laundering scheme. 
Emily Amrousi | The objective: Murder
Palestinians who throw rocks and firebombs aren’t just bored, they want to see dead Jews. 
Dror Eydar | Is there a solution?
The dispute between most of the Right and most of the Left boils down to one question: Do we believe the Palestinians or not? 
Hamas tests Israel’s limits
Gaza’s rulers are not interested in a fresh round of violence, but they still seek to remind Israel and the world of their existence with the occasional terror attack • Despite its operational and financial difficulties, Hamas has reason to be optimistic. 
Out with the old, in with the old
Tunisia is revisiting the era of Habib Bourguiba, president from 1957 to 1987, who turned the country into a modern, secular republic — but also trampled over civil rights and created a personality cult. 
Energy market steams up
As U.S. nears energy independence, it will develop new strategies that are likely to have a profound effect on Middle Eastern nations and their policies • Arab nations’ clout likely to diminish significantly. 
11-year-old severely wounded in Samaria firebomb attack 
Avner Shapira and his daughter Ayala were driving home when a Molotov cocktail struck their car • Ayala is fighting for her life in hospital with third-degree burns all over her body • „I am asking everyone to pray for her recovery,” says her mother. 
Two border policemen wounded in Jerusalem stabbing attack
Attack occurs after Friday prayers on Temple Mount as security forces escort worshippers off site • Armed Muslim worshipper stabs one officer in the neck, another in the hand, then flees • Attack documented by security cameras, manhunt launched. 
IDF deploys 2 Iron Dome batteries in southern Israel
Recent security incidents in south prompt military to deploy one missile defense system battery near Beersheba, another near Netivot • Heightened alert declared across southern sector • Condition of soldier wounded by Hamas sniper fire improving. 
Israel purchases four new Sa’ar 5 missile boats from Germany
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanks German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her „continued commitment and assistance” to Israel’s security • Missile boats will be used to defend Israel’s natural gas fields, conduct operations. 
Israeli Arab MK files complaint over disparaging campaign video 
Balad MK Hanin Zoabi complains after Likud MK Danny Danon issues video depicting her as a terrorist and saying she should „say goodbye” • In response, Danon says Zoabi is a „Hamas representative in the Knesset” and should not preach about incitement. 
New bill seeks to bypass AG’s objection to minimum wage hike
Coalition, opposition band together to expedite legislation to raise minimum wage before the 2015 elections • Move seeks to circumvent attorney-general’s ruling rejecting government’s ability to issue directive allowing wage hike before the election. 
Court rules to evacuate Amona outpost within 2 years
„There is no doubt that carrying out the demolition orders will have difficult, painful consequences for the residents and their families who have settled there and established a community,” writes Supreme Court President Justice Asher Grunis. 
Israeli teens unmatched in technology use, but more engaged
Despite being consumed by technology, the number of teenagers who volunteer on a regular basis climbs from 17.8 percent in 2004 to 46.4 percent in 2011 • Some 90 percent of those between 13 and 18 use WhatsApp, report finds • Underage drinking also down. 
‘Corruption exposed to prevent end-of-year budget misconduct’
Finance and Justice ministries wonder how massive bribery plot slipped through all the checkpoints: legal advisers, directors, internal auditors and accountants of every ministry implicated • At least five lobby groups also suspected of involvement. 
Syria’s war enters new year more fragmented than ever
Many analysts say Western powers and even staunch regional Syrian regime opponents such as Saudi Arabia now see the war’s dominant factions as groups they cannot support, limiting their options. 
Iran begins massive Gulf military drills
„These exercises carry an important message of peace and friendship to our friends. Our demonstration of our defense capabilities is also a message to all our enemies and those who have designs on Iranian soil,” says Iranian officer.