ISRAEL MEDIA REACTION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TEL AVIV 001426 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA, NEA/PPD WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE, SIT ROOM NSC FOR NEA STAFF SECDEF WASHDC FOR USDP/ASD-PA/ASD-ISA HQ USAF FOR XOXX DA WASHDC FOR SASA JOINT STAFF WASHDC FOR PA USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL FOR POLAD/USIA ADVISOR COMSOCEUR VAIHINGEN GE FOR PAO/POLAD COMSIXTHFLT FOR 019 JERUSALEM ALSO FOR ICD LONDON ALSO FOR HKANONA AND POL PARIS ALSO FOR POL ROME FOR MFO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: IS KMDR MEDIA REACTION REPORT SUBJECT: ISRAEL MEDIA REACTION -------------- SUBJECTS COVERED IN THIS REPORT: -------------- Mideast -------------- Key stories in the media: -------------- Maariv reported that President Bush, Acting PM Ehud Olmert, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will be the guests of SIPDIS honor at the annual convention of the American Jewish Committee in Washington on May 4. Over the weekend, all media continued to report on Qassam rocket launchings and IDF responses. The media reported that around 15 Palestinians were killed. The media reported that on Friday, Iyad Abu Alinin, a high- ranking official in the Popular Resistance Committees who was the target of the operation, was one of those killed, along with his 3-year-old son. Leading media reported that the military branch of Islamic Jihad said that the movement will not agree to a cease fire, contradicting an earlier report circulated Sunday that the Islamic Jihad intended to stop Qassam rocket attacks on Israel provided that Israel cease its attacks on launch sites in Gaza. Ha'aretz quoted Israeli security officials as saying Sunday that Hamas is close to a decision on initial steps aimed at retraining the terrorist organizations that are launching Qassam rockets at Israeli targets. The Jerusalem Post reported that Hamas officials told the newspaper that some Fatah-affiliated militias are behind the latest wave of rocket attacks, in the hope of prompting a massive IDF operation in the Gaza Strip that would eventually bring down the new Hamas cabinet. Minister-Without-Portfolio Tzachi Hanegbi was quoted as saying in an interview with Israel Radio that Israel does not plan to engage in a land offensive in the Gaza Strip for the time being. Israel Radio reported that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan intends to convene representatives of the Quartet in late April to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip. 
 The media quoted Olmert as saying Sunday that Israel will cut off ties with the PA, view it as a "hostile" entity, and will act to prevent Hamas from becoming an established government. The media reported that Olmert also decided that Israel will refuse to hold meetings with any public figures from abroad who meet with Hamas officials. The move is a renewal of the boycott Israel imposed on officials who met with the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Media quoted Olmert as saying that Israel viewed the Palestinians as "one authority, and not having two heads," but that Israel would refrain from a "personal disqualification" of PA Chairman [President] Mahmoud Abbas. Israel Radio reported that the IDF has ordered Palestinian forces to leave the District Coordination Office (DCO) near Jericho today. Leading media reported that it was decided at Sunday's cabinet meeting that while the policy of not transferring USD 50-60 million a month of customs and tax revenue collected on behalf of the Palestinians to the PA would continue, Israel would deduct from this sum money it was owed for electricity, water, and medical services provided to the Palestinians. These bills total about USD 30 million a month. On Sunday, Yediot reported that Hamas suspects that Fatah people are "concealing" hundreds of millions of dollars that Yasser ARAFAT raised many years ago and holds in accounts abroad. Yediot reported that Israeli intelligence officials noted that while the Hamas government has not succeeded in holding discussions, due to Israeli restrictions, senior Fatah officials, who are former ministers, continue to function as acting ministers in a shadow government, with the purpose of being prepared to recapture control, should Hamas fail. Leading media reported that over the weekend, the US and EU terminated their direct aid payments to the Palestinians. On Sunday, Ha'aretz quoted a fact sheet distributed by the State Department, according to which the cut in US aid will amount to some USD 300 million. On Sunday, Maariv reported that the Israeli defense establishment urged limited talks with the PA in order to prevent a humanitarian disaster in the territories. Major media quoted Olmert associates as saying during coalition talks that the next withdrawal from the West Bank is expected to take place in November 2008. Yediot and Israel Radio quoted a senior Kadima member as saying after the first day of the talks that the Labor Party, Shas, and Yisrael Beiteinu are well placed to join the coalition. The media reported that the term "convergence" was erased from the government guidelines presented by Kadima. On Sunday, Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman confirmed during an interview to Channel 2-TV that his party would agree to sit in a cabinet that would carry out an additional unilateral withdrawal. "We are in favor of creating permanent borders for Israel. If this issue is included in the basic peace plan of Olmert, we will support it. If this is to be a withdrawal without any purpose or receiving anything in exchange, and without improving the security situation, we will not be partners," said Lieberman, stressing that his positions "are right wing practical, not fanatical." Over the weekend, Lieberman was quoted as saying that he will not give up on the Internal Security portfolio. On Sunday, Maariv reported that the two main figures representing European foreign policy -- EU FM Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Javier Solana -- over the weekend criticized Olmert's plan to carry out a unilateral withdrawal in the West Bank. Both senior officials spoke before the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Israel Radio quoted Olmert as saying in an interview with TIME Magazine that his withdrawal plan can be completed through the trust and understanding he and President Bush have for each other. Olmert was quoted as saying in the interview that "Bush will emerge in history as the person who had more courage to change the Middle East than any person before him." Israel Radio cited Olmert's belief, as sated in the interview with TIME Magazine, that Israel should not be at the forefront of the struggle against Iran. Yediot cited a Washington Post story that Israeli representatives visited Washington, warning US administration representatives that Iran is closing in on obtaining nuclear capability, and pressuring the US to attack Iran. The media reported that on Sunday, The Washington Post and The New Yorker detailed alleged US plans to attack Iran. Maariv cited the British newspaper The Sunday Times as saying that senior members of Israeli intelligence are angry at the US administration, saying that it harmed Israeli attempts to infiltrate Al Qaida in Iraq. The Sunday Times claimed that last October, President Bush and Director of National Intelligence, Ambassador John Negroponte exposed the involvement of Israeli intelligence in the publication of a letter sent by Osama bin Laden's deputy, Ayman Al-Zawahiri. On Sunday, Maariv cited the London-based Al-Hayat that Hamas's military wing in Gaza, under the command of Mohammed Deif, is holding talks with members of al- Qaida in Iraq and Jordan. Maariv reported that an Israeli delegation led by Labor Knesset member-designate Ami Ayalon will soon leave for Casablanca for informal talks with senior PLO members led by Yasser Abed Rabbo, in an attempt to reach understandings in order to resume the Israeli- Palestinian dialogue. Maariv wrote that the talks will be held under the auspices of Moroccan King Mohamed VI. The Jerusalem Post quoted former FM Shlomo Ben-Ami as saying on Sunday in East Jerusalem at a launching of his new book, "Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy," that Israel and the international community should hold negotiations with Hamas and continue to fund the PA rather than boycott it. Leading media reported that clashes broke out in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of A-Tur on Sunday, after police evicted an Arab family that had been squatting in a newly acquired Jewish home. Maariv reported that convicted spy Jonathan Pollard that the entry into the Knesset of Pensioners Party leader Rafi Eitan, who was Pollard's control officer, and the talk about the possibility of his being appointed minister will be like poking a finger in the eyes of the Americans, which will not cost anything, but for which Pollard will pay with his life. Maariv cited Eitan's response that he took action for Pollard over the years, and that he hopes that it will be easier for him to contribute to contribute his part in Pollard's release during his ministership. Maariv also reported that Eitan's party does not plan to join the parliamentary lobby for the release of Pollard. Yediot reported that for the first time, starting next summer, Israeli students will be able to be employed legally in the US, since the State Department has decided to integrate Israel into its Work and Travel Program. The newspaper reported that the company A. A. America Israel, which has received a license from the US Embassy in Israel, has started enrolling Israeli students into the program. Citing The Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA),The Jerusalem Post on Sunday featured Jay Zeidman, 22, who was named White House liaison for the American Jewish community last month. Maariv reported that PM Sharon will undergo head surgery today. Maariv reported that The Israel Project, a Washington- based Israel advocacy group, has recruited Yossi Olmert, the Acting PM's brother, as a fellow lecturer. Yossi Olmert fled his Israeli creditors a year and a half ago, when he was bankrupt. -------------- Mideast: -------------- Summary: -------------- Liberal op-ed writer Ofer Shelach commented in mass- circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot: "How can Israel really deal with the meaning of Ismail Haniyeh's hints and with the effects of coming to power on Hamas, if Big Brother is wagging his finger at us from the sidelines?" Chief Economic Editor Sever Plotker wrote in the editorial of mass-circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot: "Preventing the Palestinian Authority from undergoing an 'Iranization"' process is not only an Israeli interest.... The Hamas revolution will not stop at the borders of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank." The Director of the Interdisciplinary Center's Global Research in International Affairs Center, columnist Barry Rubin, wrote in the conservative, independent Jerusalem Post: "Here's a way to assess the Middle East's current state that's a real shocker: compare it to the hopeful expectations of 15 years ago." Senior op-ed writer Akiva Eldar commented in independent, left-leaning Ha'aretz: "[The Israeli government's] reckless policy of boycotting the PA ... upsets the balance of authority in the territories and makes the chance for a solution more remote." Columnist Shlomo Gazit, a former head of IDF Intelligence, wrote in popular, pluralist Maariv: "I would not be surprised if the new Hamas leadership is ... waiting for such external intervention in order to climb down from its perch." Arab affairs commentator Danny Rubinstein wrote in Ha'aretz: "It is still too early to say whether the Hamas government ... is about to fall; but judging by its performance so far, it can't be expected to last long." Block Quotes: -------------- ¶I. "We Shouldn't Dance" Liberal op-ed writer Ofer Shelach commented in mass- circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot (April 10): "The Americans are apparently a people that insist on taking action. First they went to war in Iraq, the outcome of which could be destructive.... And now they are legislating bills against the Palestinian Authority, which will hasten the day when the territories will finally sink into poverty and anarchy. The 'Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006' is in the eyes of its initiators a requisite moral act, and a step towards toppling the Hamas government. For us, it could have serious consequences.... How can Israel really deal with the meaning of Ismail Haniyeh's hints and with the effects of coming to power on Hamas, if Big Brother is wagging his finger at us from the sidelines? We should not rejoice at the American anti- terrorism act, just as we had no reason to rejoice over the war in Iraq. Reality is much more complex than what is seen from Washington, and much more painful in places where American actions have consequences on life itself. Even those who dance to the tune of the big and powerful brother, and take pride in writing some of the sheet music themselves, should not always dance for joy." II. "Hamas and the World" Chief Economic Editor Sever Plotker wrote in the editorial of mass-circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot (April 9): "Under the guise of 'unity,' an Iran-like regime is evolving in the Palestinian Authority.... The real rulers are the various security and terror organizations, which are subordinate to secret headquarters.... We ought not to delude SIPDIS ourselves with fantasies: The entrenchment of a Hamas government means the gradual implementation of the notorious Islamic Charter. The earlier Israel and the international community act, and the more forceful and determined that action is ... the better things will be for everyone. Preventing the Palestinian Authority from undergoing an 'Iranization' process is not only an Israeli interest, but it is an interest shared by the entire Middle East and the world; the Hamas revolution will not stop at the borders of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank." III. "What Went Wrong" The Director of the Interdisciplinary Center's Global Research in International Affairs Center, columnist Barry Rubin, wrote in the conservative, independent Jerusalem Post (April 10): "Here's a way to assess the Middle East's current state that's a real shocker: compare it to the hopeful expectations of 15 years ago. It's remarkable how far things have gone in the opposite direction.... What went wrong? Just about everything. Briefly, the regimes were able to rationalize their failures by blaming the West in general, the United States in particular, and Israel. Posing as defenders of the Arabs and Muslims, using their traditional methods, the regimes retained control both in Iran and every Arab state without making real concessions. A brief list of bad outcomes includes: Saddam's obduracy, failure to solve the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, the Iranian government's continuing, even deepening, radicalism and drive toward nuclear weapons, little progress toward democracy, stronger radical Islamist groups, and more terrorism. Instead of responding to the situation effectively by changes, the main ideas governing the Middle East during the previous half-century were reaffirmed. The problems so visible at the start of the 1990s did not bring down regimes or force any far-reaching restructuring." IV. "The Real Insult" Senior op-ed writer Akiva Eldar commented in independent, left-leaning Ha'aretz (April 10): "[The Israeli government's] reckless policy of boycotting the PA, including the doctors, teachers and clerks on its payroll, upsets the balance of authority in the territories and makes the chance for a solution more remote. The individual who occupies the office of prime minister is responsible for collectively punishing the Palestinian population for voting Hamas in. This policy not only goes against the call to negotiate a final solution; it is directed toward a unilateral return to the Gaza Strip and continuing the occupation of the West Bank." ¶V. "Qassam Illusion" Columnist Shlomo Gazit, a former head of IDF Intelligence, wrote in popular, pluralist Maariv (April 10): "The military balance of power has not changed. It is only a matter of time before Israel unsheathes its sword again. Sooner or later we will witness a painful terror attack originating from the Gaza Strip, and as happened four years ago after the Passover night at the Park Hotel in Netanya, Israel will be required to change its military response and restore the balance of deterrence. If and when we do so, this may lead to the intervention of Palestinian, Arab, and international elements with the aim of proposing a solution, which will enable real dialogue, negotiation, and perhaps even arrangements that will be acceptable to both sides. I would not be surprised if the new Hamas leadership is also waiting for such external intervention in order to climb down from its perch. Israel's method of handling the Palestinian threat and all our responses so far, unfortunately, are no more than an illusion." VI. "On the Way Down" Arab affairs commentator Danny Rubinstein wrote in Ha'aretz (April 10): "It is still too early to say whether the Hamas government ... is about to fall; but judging by its performance so far, it can't be expected to last long. Powerful forces seek its demise -- Arab leaders, including Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, European countries, the Unites States and Israel, of course. It is hard to find someone who is in favor of the elected Muslim government, whose leaders have made a number of moves to hasten its collapse.... In its election campaign, Hamas promised to bring an end to the anarchy in the territories, but no one can make exact distinctions among the various armed gangs, each of which purports to be a patriotic militia. Instead of an end to the anarchy, it has intensified in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, sparking much anger among the Palestinian population. In addition to the worsening security situation, all Palestinian analysts are predicting the imminent financial collapse of the PA.... Haniyeh and his ministers do not have the time to launch their promised reforms; they are too busy putting out fires, arguing with Abbas over authority and issuing confused policy statements. If they continue in this vein, they are likely to fall quickly." CRETZ