Editorials 24 March 2015

Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press

  • 3/24/2015
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    Today’s issues: The political rift between Israeli and US Jewry, plea to the PM not to liquidate the country’s assets, guide to restoring US-Israeli friendship and the discords in Israeli society.
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    ​​The Jerusalem Post explains the reasons behind the growing political rift between American and Israeli Jewry, and states: “Precisely the opinions expressed by Netanyahu that make him so popular among large swathes of Israelis are what turn off many US Jews.” The editor notes the different realities experienced by the two communities, and concludes: “A political rift does exist between US and Israeli Jewries. But it is not because Israelis are racists or do not want peace. It is, rather, a product of vastly different existential realities lived by the two largest Jewish centers in the world.”

    Haaretz expects the prime minister to resist the anticipated demands of the parties who will be composing the coalition and “to demonstrate responsibility and not carry out a liquidation sale of the country’s assets.” The editor states that the prime minister and finance minister will have to work together to confront these demands and to present a budget with a low deficit while carrying out required reforms, and opines: “Only a responsible budget, accompanied by the implementation of important reforms, will lead to swift growth, high employment and a narrowing of social gaps.”

    Yediot Aharonot presents: “A guide to restoring the US-Israel friendship.” The author is aware that it won’t be easy for either of them, but nevertheless calls on Netanyahu and Obama to sit down for a productive meeting and asserts: “Both leaders must overcome the toxic dynamic between them. The challenges they face and the interests they share are critical and urgent, and they cannot allow the personal animosity between them to overpower them.”

    Yisrael Hayom notes the discords in Israeli society that were emphasized during the recent election campaign, and cautions: “A difficult period lies ahead for Israel.” The author adds: “[Israel] is subject to internal and external struggles, and if it does not control its discourse, it could be overcome,” and warns that if we are not careful, decisions will be made “according to considerations of power and not on the basis of morality and justice.”

    Globes op-ed was not available today.

    [Eytan Gilboa and Dan Margalit wrote today's articles in Yediot Aharonot and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]