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Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press
Today’s issues: Playing by the rules, trickle-down incitement, a window of opportunity for Israel-US relations, and beware Obama’s revenge.
The Jerusalem Post observes that “the relationship between a free press and the government that it monitors in its role as the watch dog of democracy is increasingly threatened by the unusually thin skin of many politicians,” and encourages politicians who are overly sensitive to criticism with a phrase attributed to US president Harry Truman: “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
Haaretz comments on the miasma hanging over large parts of Israeli society which is exploited by some politicians, “One palpable expression is the closure of the public sphere to anyone who does not toe the line, whose remarks could challenge our familiar situation,” and asserts: “The right to freedom of expression cannot be a matter requiring consens us. The decision to withdraw inside itself and fight anyone who deviates from this consensus testifies mostly to fear and weakness.”
Yediot Aharonot notes: “Unlike previous administrations, which had a clear agenda before being elected, Israel is facing an administration with an undefined policy on Middle Eastern affairs. Israel’s conduct will be significant in determining the Trump administration’s policy,” and declares that the election results are “an opportunity for Israel to turn over a new leaf with America, influence the new administration’s policy—and be an integral part of it.”
Israel Hayom cautions that “President Barack Obama is likely to move dangerously on Israeli-Palestinian issues during his lame-duck period,” and states: “The outgoing president is more likely than ever to act unilaterally and move the markers where he still can, including toward imposing Palestinian statehood.”
[Amos Yadlin and David M. Weinberg wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot and Israel Hayom, respectively. |
