A Busy Day of Lawfare

Everything you need to know about today’s coverage of Israel and the Mideast. Join the Israel Daily News Stream on Facebook.

Today’s Top Stories

1. Britain granted temporary diplomatic immunity to Tzipi Livni so she can meet with her London counterparts. Israeli papers picked up on The Guardian‘s scoop. By using British “universal jurisdiction” laws, Palestinian activists have repeatedly sought arrest warrants for Israeli officials they accuse of war crimes or violations of international. Livni was foreign minister during Operation Cast Lead. (This politically motivated legal action is also known as lawfare.)

Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court announced it will investigate claims of British war crimes in Iraq, to which Col. Richard Kemp — the former top commander of UK forces in Afghanistan — responded:

2. Iran and six world powers begin nuclear talks in Vienna today. According to Reuters, the two sides aren’t close on issues of uranium enrichment, the future of Iran’s atomic sites, and a timeline for rolling back sanctions. Haaretz lays out Israel’s suspicions.

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3. Holding its nose over Hamas, the European Union came out in support of Hamas-Fatah reconciliation. It’s for the sake of Palestinian “democratic culture.” Times of Israel coverage.

4. New York Times Highlights the “Nakba” Narrative: The Gray Lady plugs the anti-Zionist work of Zochrot, while omitting important context.

Israel and the Palestinians

• The Palestinian push for international soccer sanctions on Israel is gathering steam. Reuters picked up on what’s afoot at FIFA.

• If you’re looking for tea leaves to read, check out the articles behind these dueling headlines and draw your own conclusions.

1. Abbas, Kerry meeting will focus on the future of the peace process
2. Little chance of renewed peace talks despite Kerry–Abbas meeting

• For more commentary/analysis, see Jonathan D. Halevi (Palestinian reconciliation a windfall for Iran) and Jonathan Tobin (Israel and the reality of anti-Semitism).

Rest O’ the Roundup

• New UN report shows how Iran evades sanctions

• For more commentary on the nuke talks, see Roger Boyes (starry-eyed West walking into Iran’s trap) and

• Haaretz reports that Israel barred a Russian missile ship from docking in Haifa a month ago, politely explaining that the Jewish state was remaining neutral on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict:

Israeli officials were worried that allowing a Russian naval vessel to visit Haifa would worsen tensions with the United States. There were also concerns about possible espionage.

• Shin Bet arrests Israeli-Arab recruited to Syrian global jihad group

• Israel has offered to assist in search and rescue efforts at Turkey’s Soma mine, where an explosion killed at least 230 people. Hundreds more remain trapped underground. Turkish officials haven’t responded to Israel’s offer, according to Hurriyet. The Israeli embassy in Ankara also cancelled a reception. See also Haaretz.

While we’re on the subject, The Daily Beast argues that Israeli-Turkish rapprochement is in large part fueled by Turkey’s isolation following its outspoken support for the Muslim Brotherhood. Recep Tayyip Erdogan bet on the wrong horse . . .

• Following up on allegations of Israeli spying on America, Sen. Diane Feinstein, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee told Newsweek she “accepts at face value” Israeli denials, but added that she would look  into the matter further.

• An Israel-India free trade agreement may be concluded by next year.

The bilateral trade of around $5 billion, which by itself was significant given the modest $180 million in 1992, was well below potential.

(Image of Soma via YouTube/PBS NewsHour)

For more, see yesterday’s Israel Daily News Stream.

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