Editorials 2 January 2014

Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press

  • 1/2/2014
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    (Israel Government Press Office) 
    Ma'ariv cautions that "Focusing on socio-economic issues as opposed to dealing with diplomatic goals is liable to make our lives here much more expensive." The author cautions that given the international attitude toward Israel, "It will no longer be possible to have a public discourse that deals with internal economic problems without understanding that everything is likely to collapse if Israel digs in its heels and is isolated as a result," and warns: "It will not be possible to improve Israel's economic situation without a true evaluation of the Palestinians' economic situation. There is no social justice that is only domestic. This idea has collapsed. Perhaps 2014 will be the year in which Israelis also emerge from their diplomatic apathy."

    Yediot Aharonot discusses former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, whose condition has reportedly worsened. The author, a former secretary to Sharon and four other prime ministers, says: "In difficult moments, when a sense of a leadership void takes hold, he slowly creeps into our thoughts. What would he do at a time like this? How would he act?"

    Yisrael Hayom says that the Jordan Valley "provides a minimal, yet essential, strategic depth, is a defensive zone against external threats and allows an effective fight against terrorism." The author, a former IDF Deputy Chief-of-Staff, believes that "Full Israeli sovereignty renders unnecessary the need for substantive discussions on security procedures – give us sovereignty and we will see to our own security. Even those ready for less than this understand that no technological system can replace defensive depth and we must not rely on foreign forces that will not risk the lives of their soldiers and will be the first to leave during a crisis. The entire Jordan Valley, under full Israeli control, is the State of Israel's eastern border."

    The Jerusalem Post reflects on the tough situation facing Israel in 2013, and states: “Israel was able to stave off conflict last year, but terrorism reared its ugly head toward the end of 2013 as the government released security prisoners and advanced peace talks with the Palestinian Authority.” Looking into the coming year, the editor asserts: “Keeping a pulse on developments in Israel and the territories will be essential for a peaceful and secure 2014.”     
    Haaretz comments on the recent cancellation of construction plans beyond the Green Line in eastern Jerusalem, and notes that “It would be better for the Israeli authorities to recognize the diplomatic reality in Jerusalem and the existence of the city’s Palestinian residents once and for all, and to adjust their planning policies to the real needs of the city and those who live there, instead of using municipal planning as a tool for annexing territory and dispossessing its residents.”
    [Tal Schneider, Marit Danon and Uzi Dayan wrote today's articles in Ma'ariv, Yediot Aharonot and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]