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. Fallout from Salam Fayyad’s ouster raises questions about the peace process and the PA’s future. More below.
2. Hamas Bulldozes UNESCO Heritage Site for Terrorist Training Camp
The Anthedon seaport, which dates back over 3,000 years to the Mycenaean era, is considered one of the most important sites in the Middle East and is the oldest harbor in Gaza. It was designated an international heritage site by UNESCO in 2012. The location was discovered in 1997 on the space of 180,000 square meters. It contains mosaic floors with historical pillars from the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic ages.
3. Israel allowed foreign journalists to visit the Ofer prison. Washington Post reporter Joel Greenberg explained why:
Seeking to rebut the Palestinian allegations, Israel’s Government Press Office took the unusual step of inviting reporters for an inside look at the Ofer Prison, a facility near Ramallah that houses about 700 inmates, most of them detainees held pending trial or for the duration of legal proceedings.
“We have nothing to hide,” said Yaakov Shalom, the prison warden, a 25-year veteran of the Israel Prison Service, whose facilities hold about 5,000 Palestinians.
Also visiting Ofer was The Media Line‘s Linda Gradstein.
4. Fatah Fudges Fall of Fayyadism: Salam Fayyad’s ouster was the result of political in-fighting, so why does Fatah need to blame the West?
5. Upcoming Appearances By HR’s US Director: Gary Kenzer will be discussing Israel and media issues at upcoming Limmud events in Baltimore and Philadelphia. Want Gary to make an appearance in your area? Just email him at [email protected] or call toll free at 1-866-508-7884.
6. Recognize Israel’s Accomplishments. If there were more honest reporting about Israel, you would know about these accomplishments.
Israel and the Palestinians
• Salam Fayyad is history and Mahmoud Abbas is pondering what direction to take the PA. The Jerusalem Post explains his fork in the road:
The official said that Abbas faced two options: appoint a new prime minister or himself head a unity government with Hamas.
If Abbas chooses the first option, the government would consist of independent figures or would be dominated by Fatah officials . . .
But if Abbas goes for a unity government with Hamas – something that seems unlikely in light of tensions between Hamas and Fatah – he would head the government.
• Fayyad’s resignation leaves John Kerry’s peace initiative in a real lurch. The Times of London explains why:
A large part of Mr Kerry’s new diplomatic initiative called for economic projects to revive the West Bank. Mr Fayyad, a Texas-educated economist who had worked at the International Monetary Fund, had been trusted by US officials in similar projects in the past. “We felt we could go ahead with certain things, key elements of Palestinian state-building because Fayyad was in that chair.” one US diplomat said.
“It’s very unclear what will happen now, and if the Palestinians will be able to find a replacement that garners the same trust,” said another.
More on this at the Wall St. Journal (via Google News).
• Commentary/analysis by Jonathan Tobin, Hugh Naylor and Ben Lynfield agree Fayyad’s ouster is bad news.
- IDF closes investigations on army conduct during Operation Pillar of Defense.
- Erdogan confirms Gaza visit.
- Muslim Brotherhood officials on trial for torturing Egyptians.
