JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (04/17): PALESTINIANS: U.S. BEARS

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SUBJECT: JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (04/17): PALESTINIANS: U.S. BEARS
RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESSURE NETANYAHU

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Main Stories:
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All dailies lead with news of thousands of Muslims entering the
Jerusalem Al-Aqsa mosque compound on April 16 to successfully
prevent "extremist Jewish groups" from making good on earlier
promises to "break into" the compound. Papers note that several
Palestinian Authority officials and religious figures "joined the
people" at the mosque. Papers further note that Israeli police
prevented young Muslim men from praying inside the compound.

All dailies front page coverage on Special Envoy Mitchell's meetings
with Israeli officials on April 16. The reports highlight
Mitchell's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, running
comments by Mitchell stating that the U.S. supports the two-state
solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,
living in peace with Israel. Such resolution would contribute to
regional peace, according to Mitchell. Al Ayyam runs a front page
photo of Mitchell and Netanyahu. Al Hayat Al Jadida front pages a
photo of Mitchell speaking at the Tel Aviv press conference.
Reporting further notes that Netanyahu called on Palestinians,
during the press conference, to recognize Israel as a Jewish state
before any negotiations can begin. Netanyahu clarified that Israel
does not want to control Palestinians but rather maintain security.
All papers note that Netanyahu did not make mention of the two-state
solution. Papers also run statements by Israeli Foreign Minister
Lieberman about Annapolis "reaching a dead end" and Israel's desire
to assist in strengthening the Palestinian economy. Lieberman also
called on the international community to remain fully committed to
Israel's security and denounce Hamas, according to coverage.
All front pages note Palestinian reaction to April 16 comments made
by Israeli officials regarding the peace process. Palestinian
Authority spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudaynah called Israeli positions
"obstacles" to the two-state solution and a rejection of
international standards, the Road Map and the Annapolis agreement.


Al-Quds runs separate front page coverage citing Israeli daily
Yedeoth Ahronoth, about U.S. efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict running parallel to U.S. efforts to address the Iranian
nuclear threat.
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BLOCK QUOTES:
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1) Al-Quds independent daily runs an editorial under the title,
"What does Lieberman want?"(04/17): "Reading between the lines, we
see that statements by [Israeli Foreign Minister] Lieberman [during
his meeting with Special Envoy Mitchell], are as duplicitous as the
man is himself... He turns his back on the peace process and calls
on the international community to legitimize the various Israeli
policies imposed on the Palestinian Territories, including the
expansion of settlements and demolition of homes... Therefore,
President Obama has a responsibility to expose this duplicitous
behavior and make Israel end occupation and dismantle settlements so
that Palestinians can live in dignity and peace like other peoples
throughout the world."

2) Samih Shabib opines in Al-Ayyam independent daily under the
title, "How can we contain Netanyahu's government?" (04/17): "How
should the Palestinians confront the Netanyahu government? Is an
official Palestinian condemnation enough, one that states, "we will
not deal with this government which is an obstacle to peace?" This
is not enough. Israel must be compelled to meet some of the
conditions laid out in the Annapolis agreement and dismantle

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settlements... a clear and unified Arab position is also needed to
pressure Israel, but it must be coupled with a unified Palestinian
position."

WALLES