Everything you need to know about today’s coverage of Israel and the Mideast.
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Today’s Top Stories
1. Netanyahu trying to remind people that Iran is still a threat.
In the interview on Sunday, Mr. Netanyahu was far more suspicious of Iran, and of Mr. Rowhani, calling him a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” whose strategy is to “smile and build a bomb.” The prime minister said that because Israel is closer and “more vulnerable,” it would “have to address this question of how to stop Iran, perhaps before the United States does.”
2. Don’t try to board a Saudi Arabian plane if you hold an Israeli passport. The New York Post reports:
Saudi Arabian Airlines is discriminating against Israeli citizens by refusing to fly them from US airports — even when passengers are simply looking to transfer in Saudi Arabia to another country.
The airline’s Web site asks for citizenship to book a ticket but has no option on a drop-down menu for anyone holding an Israeli passport. The oversight doesn’t appear accidental — the drop-down menu is so thorough it even has an option for Antarctica.
3. Legislation that would grant Israelis entry to the US without a visa without Israel having to offer the same deal to Americans is causing waves in Washington.
4. Children Taught to Hate on Palestinian Television: Where’s the Coverage. Watch HR’s latest video focusing on incitement of Palestinian children.
Arab Spring Winter
• Syrian rebel forces are splintering between al-Qaeda linked forces and the Western backed Free Syrian Army (FSA). Others say the FSA is exaggerating the threat to pressure the West to increase military support.
• Three killed in attack on bus in Egypt’s Sinai.
• Islamist violence in Egypt dramatically increased since Mursi removal.
Rest O’ the Roundup
• What to do after a long Ramadam fast? How about some nice relaxing anti-Semitic television?
“Khaiber,” which is being shown on the satellite network Dubai TV, the Algerian 3 station and Dream TV, dramatizes the battle between Muslims and the Jews of the town of Khaiber in Arabia and depicts Jews as the enemy of Islam.
Traditional Islam believes the battle ended with the execution of thousands of Jews.
• CNN Video looks at the IDF’s preparations for military confrontation on the Golan.
• Iran is looking to attract more tourists. The effort is hampered, however, by the country’s own policies.
In accounting for the country’s relatively low number of visitors, Dr Rouhani blames sanctions, specifically those that have made it difficult, if not impossible, for tourists to use international credit and ATM cards. But tourism experts here think the problems run much deeper.
They say authorities’ general suspicion of foreigners and a lack of tolerance are the major obstacles preventing Iran from taking a larger slice of international tourism revenue, despite the country’s many environmental and historical attractions.
For more, see Sunday’s Israel Daily News Stream.
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