1. EIZENKOT REJECTED OFFER TO SERVE AS DEPUTY CHIEF-OF-STAFF

 

2. AMERICAN ADMINISTRATION: RABBI YOSEF'S REMARKS ARE INFLAMMATORY AND HURT PEACE

 

1. Revolution in the IDF:

KFIR BRIGADE LEAVING THE TERRITORIES

Brigade that was specially established to deal with policing missions in the West Bank, the soldiers of which have served at checkpoints and in Palestinian cities daily, is changing direction.  Next year, Kfir will become ordinary infantry brigade like Givati and Golani, and its soldiers will deploy along the Lebanese border.  Senior Central Command officer: "We are preparing it for a major war."

 

2. UPROAR ON STAGE

Boycott storm not going away.  MKs demand to hit theatres' budgets.  Right-wing organizing actions against decision of actors, four of whom have recanted intention to boycott Ariel.

 

1. Dozens of artists against those who are refusing to perform in Ariel.

"WE WILL APPEAR ANYWHERE"

"Israelis anywhere in the country are entitled to enjoy artistic and theatrical performances" – senior Israeli artists declare in response to boycott of appearances in the territories.

 

2. NO STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENTS?  NO CLASSES

Ashkelon: Parents committee begins campaign against state decision not to reinforce educational institutions against rockets.

 

1. Abu Mazen: If negotiations blow up due to construction – Israel is guilty.

"FOLLOWING FREEZE: NATURAL DEVELOPMENT"

Apparent solution among political echelon: "No need for statements; when the freeze is over, it will be possible to develop naturally – everywhere."  Liberman suggests: Policy of supply and demand in the blocs, and "natural growth" elsewhere.

 

2. THEATERS FEAR WAVE OF SUBSCRIPTION CANCELLATIONS

Theater of the absurd storm: Four Ariel boycott signatories recant.  Others claim: We didn't know what we were being signed up to.  Government: Threats to hit theaters – in the pocketbook.

 

3. ASHKELON: WITHOUT STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT, WE WILL NOT BEGIN CLASSES

 

1. NETANYAHU CANCELS FORUM OF SEVEN MEETING

Ministers were due to convene ahead of opening of direct negotiations.

 

2. "RABBI OVADIA YOSEF'S REMARKS DAMAGE PEACE"

White House condemns his remarks against Palestinians.

 

3. SINAI: 100 ANTI-AIRCRAFT SHELLS FOUND

Egyptian raids throughout peninsula continue.

 

4. "IF CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES – ISRAEL WILL BEAR THE BLAME"

Abu Mazen says that Israel security needs dos not justify settlements and seizure of territories.

 

1. ABU MAZEN: "CONTINUATION OF CONSTRUCTION WILL TORPEDO TALKS"

In Ramallah speech, PA Chmn. said that Israel will be solely responsible for failure of negotiations if construction in settlements continues.  However, he also expressed hope that, "It will be possible to end the occupation and bring security to both peoples."

 

2. US CONDEMNS: "RABBI'S REMARKS HURT EFFORTS FOR PEACE"

American State Dept. condemns Shas spiritual leader's remarks and made it clear that, "His remarks are not only very inflammatory but also hurt the goal of peace."  Fatah: "Clear call for extremist Jews in Israel to eliminate PA Chmn."

 

3. NETANYAHU: "RABBI'S REMARKS DO NOT REFLECT GOVERNMENT POSITION"

 

4. ASKELON THREATENS: WITHOUT STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT, WE WILL STRIKE CLASSES

 

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Yediot Ahronot remarks that, "In negotiations 'everything is on the table', including the lives of Jews who would prefer an arrangement in the Palestinian state, parallel to that of the Arabs living in the Jewish state.  If Netanyahu would open thus, the Arabs would insist upon purifying the territory of Jews. That, and not the freeze, would become the main and substantive question, and here – all of the cards are in our hands,  because such an Arab demand smacks of Nazi racism.  Why does Israel, in its foolishness, cede this card from the outset?"

 

Ma'ariv opines that, "The economic boycott of Israel is a built-in element of the economy.  The Government is responsible for dealing with it and must continue to find ways to convey that presenting Israel as an occupier, which disregards human rights, is far from just."

 

Yisrael Hayom says that, "'There is a partner' is a campaign slogan.  It is not a diplomatic plan."  The author argues that, "Direct negotiations must be efficiently managed, but without shortcuts or cutting corners.  It cannot begin at a junction of compromise.  The quality of the agreement depends on the sides' willingness to make concessions."

The Jerusalem Post comments on the announcement by some 50 actors, playwrights and theater directors that they would boycott Ariel’s new cultural center: "Israeli democracy is self-assured enough not only to permit freedom of expression, but even to help fund the salaries of artists who choose to use their freedom to criticize Israeli policies. By boycotting Ariel, actors, directors and playwrights are forfeiting the opportunity to enter into dialogue with their fellow Israelis through the medium of art. They are also conveying an utter lack of sympathy for a group of people who share with them a common destiny, despite all the politics that divides them."

Haaretz writes: Prime Minister "Netanyahu is trying to compel artists to express a government policy that seeks to annex Ariel, by threatening to harm their livelihood. Instead of respecting Israeli citizens' freedom of conscience and right to protest, Netanyahu is treating them like forced laborers mobilized to serve the ideology of the ruling party. Refusing to perform in occupied territory is not delegitimization of the state, as Netanyahu claims, but the expression of a legitimate and worthy position."

[Elyakim Haetzni, Dr. Ofer Arian and Dan Margalit wrote today’s articles in Yediot Ahronot, Ma'ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]