Az Izraeli lapok vezércikkeiből angolul

The Jerusalem Post discusses the common threat faced by Israel and other Western countries as they come under attack by radical Islamists, and states that “A cult of death, a racist hatred of Jews, Hindus, Christians and “unbelievers” and the desire to restore a long-vanished, despotic empire ruled by a medieval Muslim jurisprudence are the common features of the groups that carry out these attacks.” The editor points out that the West has no option other than to stand and fight for its values, wherever these attacks occur, but adds that in our region, a unified front against extremism, comprised of Israel and the moderate Arab states, “is the only way to keep this side of the world safe and minimize the chances of another war in Gaza or another terrorist atrocity abroad.”

Haaretz comments on a series of petitions concerning the opening of businesses in Tel Aviv on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, which the High Court heard recently, and calls for the removal of the shackles of religion from Israel’s secular public. The editor believes that the government is ready to drag Israel backward in nearly every area related to individual liberty in order to bolster its rule, and therefore reminds the minister of the interior: “A liberal country cannot be subject to the dictates of religion and halakha. A liberal country is supposed to afford all its citizens freedom of religion, and no less important – freedom from religion.”

Yediot Aharonot contends that “Washington has already prepared the festive ‘achievements speech’ of the agreement with Iran, which leans on two legs wallowing in a tremulous swamp,” and states: “In this war, at the end of a holding-defense battle which lasted about 15 years, Israel lost.” The author asserts: “We are about to receive an Iranian product, which changes the balance of power in the region, with bright and aggressive American marketing,” and adds: “Had this US administration ran the Cuba crisis in 1962, the world would be controlled by the Russians today.”

Yisrael Hayom cautions that while it is yet unclear when and under what circumstances Israel’s next war with Hamas will break out, the political situation in the Middle East indicates it will happen sooner rather than later. The author states: “Facing pressure from Israel, the PA and Egypt, Hamas could come to the conclusion it has nothing to lose and renew rocket fire against Israel with the goal of gaining the support of the Palestinian and wider Arab publics,” and adds: “If it succeeds in winning that support, Egypt and the PA may well let up on Hamas.”