PM taps deputy Shin Bet chief as agency’s new director

2016. február 12 20:39

PM taps deputy Shin Bet chief as agency’s new director

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Newsletter Friday February 12, 2016 
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PM taps deputy Shin Bet chief as agency’s new director
Nadav Argaman slated to replace outgoing Shin Bet Director Yoram Cohen in three months • Appointment pending Public Service Nominations Committee’s approval • Argaman’s nomination welcomed as „the right man at the right time.” 
 
Yoav Limor | No grace period
Between the surge in Palestinian violence, the threat of Hamas tunnels and other burning issues, Nadav Argaman will have to hit the ground running. 
 
David M. Weinberg | Israeli ascendancy, American decline
The collapse into insanity that characterizes the 2016 U.S. presidential primaries is also a function of Obama’s global retreat. 
Harold James / Reuters | Good reason to worry
Current jihadism combined with anti-Semitism, or anti-jihadism and anti-immigrant populism with traditional anti-Semitism, are reminiscent of pre-Nazi Germany. 
Boaz Bismuth | Iran hasn’t changed, the US has
Iran is more sure of itself than ever and equally sure that the U.S. won’t lift a finger against it. 
Yoram Ettinger | America, be wary of a Palestinian state!
A Palestinian state would come at the expense of U.S. values and national security interests. 
Diplomats aim for temporary Syria truce in a week
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry hails deal as significant accomplishment, notes that it would only be a „pause” in fighting and clarifies deal is only „commitments on paper” • More than a quarter million people have been killed in Syria in five years. 
Iran celebrates revolution by re-enacting capture of US sailors 
Millions of Iranians celebrate anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution, burning Israeli, U.S. flags • Authorities display weaponry, including a version of the Shahed drone which flew over a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf last month. 
Ruthie Blum | Happy birthday, Islamic republic
This year, Iran has new reasons to celebrate, and the supreme leader is praying for Obama’s successor to be a Democrat, as well. 
The Syrian conspiracy theory
Too many cooks spoil the broth, and the Syrian pot is about to boil over • With the U.S., Russia, Iran and the Persian Gulf states asserting regional influence, and Turkey and the Kurds locking horns near the border, Assad’s regime may prevail after all. 
Another brick in the Wall?
The historic decision to allow pluralistic Jewish prayer at the Western Wall has many obstacles to overcome before it can be implemented • Opponents of the plan include the national ultra-Orthodox camp, the Islamic Waqf, and the archeological community. 
Anything can happen on Israel’s northern border
As Nahal Brigade troops prepare to leave after 18 months’ patrolling Israel’s borders with Lebanon and Syria, commander Barak Rubin explains why the border is so complicated: „Not every armed man you see in front of you is an enemy. But we’re in control.” 
Envoy: Obama, Netanyahu may agree on defense deal next month
Current U.S. defense aid to Israel set to expire in 2018 • Dispute over defense aid value prompts Israel to signal it might wait for next U.S. president • „I am optimistic that we will consolidate this agreement,” says U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro. 
Suspended Arab MK vows to keep visiting terrorists’ families
Joint Arab List MK Basel Ghattas says terrorists „did not attempt to kill out of a criminal motive, they did so in the context of the just struggle against the oppressive occupation” • Ghattas demands that „martyrs'” bodies be returned for burial. 
Israel-Turkey talks to restore ties going well, officials say
Negotiating teams meet in Geneva as efforts to mend fences between the once close allies continue • „Unless we see practical implications … we cannot say it’s a done deal,” Turkish official says • Ankara’s ties with Hamas are main bone of contention. 
Court compels mikvehs to allow Reform, Conservative conversions
Supreme Court says state may not discriminate against Conservative and Reform groups who wish to use public ritual baths for conversions • Ruling has no bearing on legal status of non-Orthodox conversions • Sephardi chief rabbi denounces decision. 
Report: January sees drop in terrorist attacks
Shin Bet security agency’s data suggests 169 terrorist attacks have taken place in January 2016 compared to 246 in December 2015 • Defense establishment also reports a decrease in Palestinian participation in riots across Judea and Samaria 
PM’s wife to appeal ruling in employee harassment case 
Sara Netanyahu decries a court ruling in favor of former prime minister’s residence household caretaker Meni Naftali, who claimed the working environment under her was „abusive” • Netanyahu wishes to present witnesses, evidence to corroborate her version. 
US official: Iran’s windfall from nuclear deal cut in half by debts
Some $50 billion in unfrozen funds made available to Iran following deal with world powers already earmarked to redeem financial commitments State Department official says • U.S. Treasury: It’s too early to tell whether funds will sponsor terrorism. 
Scientists detect gravitational waves, as Einstein predicted 
The detected gravitational waves were produced during the final fraction of a second of the merger of two black holes to produce a single, more massive spinning black hole • Hebrew University unveils documents related to Einstein’s waves theory.