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The Jerusalem Post comments on the situation in Syria: "From Israel’s point of view, Syria remains the last of the frontline states that is a credible, powerful enemy. Syria has served as a base for several extremist Palestinian groups, and as the conduit for arms flowing from Iran to Hezbollah. Israel already has a volatile southern border with Egypt and a fragile northern border with Lebanon. Assad’s fall could result in chaos along the Syrian border, which could destabilize the region and put greater strain on the security forces. A chaotic, violent transition of power would not be in Syria’s interest – or Israel’s."
Yisrael Hayom believes that, "Syria is on the verge of civil war. While it may be relatively long and violent, it seems that the countdown on the Assad regime has begun." The author suggests that while the foregoing "is good news for neither Iran nor Hezbollah, it is not necessarily good news for us," because "post-Assad Syria has many scenarios."
Yediot Aharonot complains that "Devotees of the unbridled expansion of the judicial authority have believed, for years, that whoever argues with them is for the corrupt and against the rule of law," and contends that their over-zealousness has provoked a counter-reaction: "The court that has grown too big for its britches and the jurists who are drunk with power have played right into the hands of those who are the true enemies of democracy." The author asserts, "A proper democracy needs a strong Supreme Court, strong, not arrogant and lacking boundaries. Now, the price of arrogance is clear; the attempt to subject judicial appointments to a [Knesset] hearing is only the tip of the iceberg."
Ma’ariv analyzes the current state of affairs in the Likud. The author believes that a coterie of younger MKs – such as Yariv Levin, Zeev Elkin, Ofir Akunis and Tzipi Hotovely – is leading a struggle against some of the more veteran MKs – such as Dan Meridor, Benny Begin and Reuven Rivlin – over the future direction of the party. The paper says that the latter, who hold varied views on diplomatic and security affairs, are united in their view of the Likud as "a party that maintains vital balances in the structure of governance and legislation, that preserves the rights of minorities and – in short – upholds the democratic nature of the State." The author suggests that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "too often engages in maneuvering between the various groups instead of taking a stand," and calls on MKs such as Minister Gideon Saar to be more forthright in "restraining Elkin’s group before it corrupts the foundations of Israeli democracy wholesale."
Haaretz calls for the implementation of reforms in Israel’s ports, where labor sanctions are causing delays in unloading ships and price increases: "All this stems from a dispute over an absurd perk that has come to be known at the ‘steak incentive’ – restaurant coupons given to workers. Seven years ago, when Benjamin Netanyahu was finance minister, he announced a major port reform: the privatization of several docks, efficiency measures and competition. In return, the port workers received huge salary increases but the reform plan was never carried out. Even now, the workers control the ports and show disdain for port management and the government – and the public is paying the price. Netanyahu cannot remain silent. He must intervene, halt the sanctions and press for implementation of the reforms."
[Gadi Taub, Rubik Rosenthal and Boaz Bismout wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Ma’ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]