Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press
Today’s issues: New Delhi’s changing attitude to its diplomatic relations with Israel, bill calling for the death penalty for terrorists, the Iranian nuclear agreement, surge in anti-Semitism, and the political roadblock to the natural gas agreement.
The Jerusalem Post discusses New Delhi’s changing attitude to its diplomatic relations with Israel, and links the change to political and social changes inside India reflected by the rise to power of the Bharatiya Janata Party, whose supporters tend to view Israel as “a plucky democracy with a strong, non-Muslim religious identity standing up to nihilistic terrorists.”
Haaretz calls on the Ministerial Committee for Legislation to reject the bill submitted by the Yisrael Beiteinu party calling for the death penalty for terrorists convicted of murder. The editor contends that “Selectively enacting a draconian law such as this one on the Palestinian population under Israeli control is a discriminatory and outrageous act that would justifiably lead to harsh reactions from the international community,” and adds that the most important message of this unnecessary bill is that the death penalty cheapens human life and dignity and would “be a stain on Israeli law.”
Yediot Aharonot states: “The Prime Minister’s Office believes that even if Netanyahu can’t stop the UN Security Council from lifting its sanctions over Iran, he could still prevent American sanctions from being removed using Congress,” but nevertheless reports that despite the inherent dangers, Israel is “quietly preparing for day a deal is finally signed between Iran and world powers.”
Yisrael Hayom reports the surge in anti-Semitism in many countries around the world over the past few years, but remarks that “ultimately, it is not important. This oldest hatred has been with us for millennia and has not managed to bring us down. Until now, we have proven all our bullies wrong. We will continue to do that.” The author believes that we should not be concerned by people who cannot “break the chains of their own ignorance and hatred,” and asserts: “It should only make us realize how far we have come in the face of millennia of tremendous adversity and how far we could still go.”
Globes comments on the strengthening of relations with Jordan, Egypt and other moderate Arab countries in the region, and states: “As the Israeli political class continues to play silly and often dangerous political games, as with the latest natural gas madness, the region continues to evolve in ways quite favorable to Israel interests.” The author is gratified that the defense, security and intelligence agencies are all going on about their work, paying as little attention to the politicians as possible. and encourages the government to “help by facilitating economic integration in the region, rather than by throwing up additional roadblocks to the natural gas settlement.”
[Alex Fishman, Judith Bergman and Norman Bailey wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Yisrael Hayom and Globes, respectively.]
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