Summary of Editorials from the Hebrew Press
(Israel Government Press Office)
Yediot Aharonot argues that since columnists “are limited and their talk time is budgeted, it is possible to spread catchy phrases without having to tie up all of the strings of logic, while ignoring large questions marks and holes.” The author singles out Richard Cohen, senior writer for the Washington Post, who in his recent article, ‘Obama, don’t forget Jerusalem’ “decided to invent the wheel, not here, but from his own location: He explains, not to Benjamin Netanyahu, but rather to Barack Obama, how it is possible to extricate himself from the predicament and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian problem with our full consent… ‘Go to Jerusalem’, he advises Obama. ‘Go speak in Jerusalem.’ For what purpose? If Obama has a way to advance an accord without fatally wounding Israel’s national security, if he knows ‘only’ how to create a demilitarized Palestinian state and to remove ‘the right of return’ from the agenda – he can make his opinion known even if he explains it from Washington. In the meantime, it’s very hard to see signs of this. In the meantime, analysts can play with shiny words.”
Ma’ariv opines that “Today, in Israeli society, there is an abundance of self-criticism and a call for soul-searching. But, despair does not pay.” The author advises: “Set your sights forward in great hope for Israel’s prosperity in science, technology and perpetual economic growth, and its prodigy as an exemplarily society of justice and equality, of cultural creativity and inspiration. Amen, if we will it.”
Yisrael Hayom refers to recent allegations against the New Israel Fund which contend that it contributed to the attempts to arrest senior IDF officers and Government officials abroad. If true, it is possible to say that we are talking about criminal acts which could even possibly fit the treason clause.” The author opines that “Theoretically, members of the Fund’s organizations represent a viewpoint which claims to represent the society’s weaker strata. But primarily, whether indirectly or directly, they are a tool in the hand of Israel’s enemies.”
The Jerusalem Post discusses the ridicule heaped on Israel by the international press in regard of the ban placed by the Ministry of Communications on the import of the new iPads to Israel, and finds this idiocy to be almost on par with the insistence throughout the 1970s to ban color TV from the country (after decades in which television was altogether blocked in the name of socialist ideals). The editor adds that “Whatever skewed logic triggered this folly, one result is unquestionable – Israel has iPadded itself into an international laughingstock. This hardly bolsters our reputation as a world technological powerhouse.”
Haaretz discusses the harassment of IDF soldiers by extremist settlers, and avers: “Everyone who has treated the settlers with kid gloves as they systematically attack Palestinians and sabotage their property should not be surprised that those settlers are now directing their violence at soldiers and damaging military property. ” The editor calls on the Yesha council of settlements to root out those it calls ‘rogue elements,’ and advises that “The IDF, police, state prosecutor and courts must deal with Jewish law-breakers in the territories as forcefully as they deal with Palestinian criminals.”
I read that this has something to do with the iPad not being in compliance with Israel’s wireless networks. The international media will use any excuse to heap ridicule on Israel all the while being silent regarding the muslim world living in the dark ages. The bottom line is that Israel IS a world technological powerhouse.
Which nations are heaping ridicule upon the technologically backwards nation of Israel?
Bangladesh?
Yemen?
Does France want to compare its scientific patents against those of Israel?
Does England?
Here is what the Israeli media (especially Haaretz) refuses to understand: world consensus is a byproduct of ignorance.
Striving to achieve international acceptance is a fool’s errand.
Maintain a powerful military and a strong economy so that no one can mess you with you, and leave the quest for world love to Obama.
The Israeli Communications Ministry has announced a ban on Apple’s new iPad tablet devices, allegedly because they are made to US standards, rather than the European standards which Israel has adopted. The only practical difference is that US Wi-Fi standards mandate lower power, which might make reception a bit worse. There are no negative externalities: other consumers cannot be hurt by iPad users.
The ministry has a habit of banning hi-tech communication devices to justify its own existence and beef up the self-esteem of its personnel.
Immediately, customs officials began confiscating iPads from unsuspecting tourists at Ben Gurion airport. Theoretically, the affected visitors can get their devices back, but most would not arrive at the airport early enough before their departure to make it through the seven rounds of hell of Israeli customs.I read that this has something to do with the iPad not being in compliance with Israel’s wireless networks. The international media will use any excuse to heap ridicule on Israel all the while being silent regarding the muslim world living in the dark ages.
Well this part of my comment is true.