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. Israeli Teens Kidnapped by Hamas
As the search continues for Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Frenkel, and Gilad Shaar, missing since Thursday night, PM Netanyahu has stated that Hamas is responsible despite the terror organization’s denials:
Hamas denials do not change this fact. And this attack should surprise no one because Hamas makes no secret of its agenda. Hamas is committed to the destruction of Israel and to carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians – including children.
Israel has significantly increased its security presence in Hebron on Sunday afternoon as a closure was imposed on the city, where the IDF has concentrated its efforts to hunt down the terrorists. Over 80 Palestinians, including a number of senior Hamas officials, were taken into Israeli custody overnight Saturday. More coverage in The Times of Israel. 
Some media were more concerned about the issue of settlements and even hitchhiking. See HonestReporting’s latest communique – Kidnapped Israeli Teens: The Worst Coverage. Meanwhile, the New York Times chose to focus on the crisis within the context of Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority and the PA’s own strains with Hamas, it’s new government partner. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has vowed no more prisoner swaps. So far unreported in the foreign press: Palestinian Media Watch reports on PA and Fatah websites celebrating the abduction of the three Israeli teens while the Israellycool blog documents photos of Palestinians distributing candies in celebration. 
2. Australian trade minister: Arab anger over change in language is over-reaction.
Last week Australian officials announced they would stop using the term “occupied” to describe eastern Jerusalem. Trade Minister Andrew Robb said the change in language did not reflect a change in policy regarding Israel.
“I think there was a misunderstanding or an overreaction in lots of ways about what was being said. Our position on Israel has not changed one iota,” he said on Sky News.
“There are lots of different settlements but the ones particularly in East Jerusalem, they have been a matter of clear dispute for a long, long time. That is the description that seems most fitting for those.”
3. Palestinian professor stands by visit to Auschwitz with students.
4. What CNN Thinks is Hurting “Peace Efforts”
Rest O’ the Roundup
• Nuclear whistle-blower Vanunu petitions state to lift travel ban.
• Presbyterians close to key divestment vote.
The Presbyterian General Assembly, gathering in Detroit through next week, will consider withdrawing its investments from some companies whose products are used by the Israeli government in the Palestinian territories. Divestment advocates were narrowly outmaneuvered at the last Presbyterian convention in 2012, losing a crucial ballot by just two votes. They enter this year’s fight with signs of increasing momentum, within and outside the church.
• With all the news about the kidnapping, did people realize there was a missile strike near Ashkelon?
For more, see Thursday’s Israel Daily News Stream.
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