Yediot Aharonot regrets that Egyptian authorities have made it clear that the Israeli media will not be welcome at today’s signing in Cairo of the Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement. Regarding the ceremony itself, the author avers that "This will be a scripted wedding replete with bride, groom and ushers; only the cousins will be absent. And tomorrow, masses of fervent Egyptian students will go shout and burn flags opposite the Israeli Embassy. We are promised a demonstration in which 1 million people will demand that the expulsion of the ambassador, the abrogation of the peace and the eradication of whatever signs remain of cooperation."
Ma’ariv says that "Even though the West is trying to grasp at any sign of optimism regarding Turkey, one item cannot be ignored: Dozens of journalists are in prison there." The author cites a recent European study to the effect that "At least 57 journalists are imprisoned in Turkey," at least, some of whom are prominent and well-known journalists who were arrested only because they dared to publish investigative reports that embarrassed Government or security officials," and claims that "Fear and paranoia in the media have reached such major proportions that many journalists are wary of even expressing support for their colleagues who have run afoul of the authorities." The paper asserts that "Now, after having taken over most centers of power in Turkey, Erdogan is gradually taking off his mask and proving that he has no intention of falling in line with the values that are accepted in Europe and the US."
Yisrael Hayom believes that "The Egyptian-sponsored agreement between Abu Mazen and Khaled Mashaal has made it easier for Israel to explain its position," and points out that "Hamas has reiterated that it is uninterested in a solution of two states for two peoples and if anyone had any doubts, Ismail Haniyeh hastened to condemn the elimination of Osama Bin Laden." "However," the author cautions, "The benefit is liable to be short-lived," and speculates that Europe may, by September, accept Abu Mazen’s blandishments in order to justify the unilateral establishment of a Palestinian state." The paper warns that the promised Palestinian elections, "are liable to end in a sweeping victory for the Islamic extremists," and adds that "Such things have happened." The author says that "Nobody knows whether the Israeli message that Netanyahu is carrying with him to Europe will fall on attentive ears and for how long," and ventures that "The results of his European trip will – to a large degree – shape his speech to the US Congress at a time when President Barack Obama has been strengthened, but when Hamas’s reprehensible image has been soured over Bin Laden."
The Jerusalem Post states that “The outpouring of joy at the elimination of one of the deadliest terrorist masterminds was spontaneous and often rowdy,” and feels that the gloating at some of the celebrations seemed improper. Noting that Judaism warns against gloating at the fall of an enemy, the editor says that this “helps ensure that the focus of our joy is less about triumphalism and self-satisfaction,” and more about the victory of good over evil. If this were not the case, the editor adds, we would risk losing our moral bearings and becoming, “’no better than them.’”
Haaretz states that “[PM] Netanyahu must present a serious and credible Israeli peace initiative” on his forthcoming visit to Washington, and declares that “This would render unnecessary the initiative at the UN to recognize a Palestinian state in the 1967 borders and prevent another round of violence in the territories and regional tension.“
378