Yediot Aharonot analyzes the state of Germany-Israel relations and contends that "Under the influence of elements in the establishment that are hostile to Israel, a wide-ranging pro-Arab lobby and extreme left-wing Israelis, which have taken over the delicate network of bilateral relations, and due to diplomatic and economic constraints, Germany has allowed itself to neglect its ‘historic commitment to Israel’s existence and security’ and to crudely interfere in the conduct of its internal affairs." The author believes that "At a time when Israel needs, more than ever, a show of support for its right to exist, Germany is turning its back on it," and adds, "Germany is stubbornly and determinedly working to disengage from Israel; after all, the Holocaust was 70 years ago." The paper notes that the appointment of a new Israeli ambassador is due to be decided upon later this week and urges the appointment of "an ambassador who understands the mentality of denial and will speak frankly with the Germans."
566
Ma’ariv refers to yesterday’s incident in which MK Anastasia Michaeli deliberately spilled a glass of water on MK Raleb Majdele and asserts, "Spilling water in front of the cameras brought the Israeli parliament into the pantheon of the world’s primitive legislatures in which MPs trade punches, throw things and curse each other." The author believes that MK Michaeli’s act "is causing Israel to be portrayed as primitive and racist," and urges Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, "who has been making super-human efforts to elevate the Knesset and its members," to punish her as strongly as the Knesset by-laws allow.
Haaretz writes: "The selection of four new Supreme Court justices is good news for the legal system and a victory for good sense. We are cheered by the knowledge that Knesset members such as Elkin, David Rotem and Uri Ariel, who frequently attack the Supreme Court, welcomed the latest appointments. If the outcome of the current selection procedure was satisfactory, then the arguments for changing it are groundless. The agreement reached over the four new justices was reached despite Neeman’s deceptive and possibly unconstitutional actions, not because of them. We must congratulate Prof. Daphne Barak-Erez and judges Uri Shoham, Noam Sohlberg and Zvi Zylbertal and wish them success, and for them to protect and develop Israel’s fundamental democratic values."
The Jerusalem Post comments on the announcement by journalist Yair Lapid that he is entering politics: "Though he probably would have preferred delaying his decision until closer to the national election slated for October 2013, Lapid was prompted to make the transition before passage of a problematic bill being advanced in the Knesset to institute a cooling off period for journalists making the move to politics. Thankfully, now that Lapid has committed himself, the so-called “Yair Lapid Bill” will probably not pass. It is the responsibility of newspaper editors and TV and radio producers – not lawmakers – to ensure the professionalism and objectivity of reporters, anchormen and commentators." On his possible effect on the Israeli political scene, the paper concludes, "Lapid’s bid brings new energies to our nation’s political scene, a decidedly positive development. But it also threatens to further splinter the political system while raising questions about the increasingly blurred line separating journalism from politics."
Yisrael Hayom reminds its readers that Noam Shalit has announced his intention to run for a spot on the Labor Party Knesset list in the next elections and avers that Noam Shalit "would do well to remember that his notoriety stems solely from his family tragedy." The author adds, "Just as he rightfully demanded that the public respect his family’s privacy after the release of his son, the public is entitled to now demand, politely and delicately, that he return home and assist in the rehabilitation of Gilad, out of the limelight, without being disturbed, just as he asked."
[Eldad Beck, Natan Zahavi and Matti Tuchfeld wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Ma’ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]