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Yediot Aharonot suggests that we "take a ‘Time Out’ and focus on what is really important." The author says that, "The spotlight that has been turned onto the high prices that Strauss charges the Israeli consumer misses the significant price rises that have occurred since the end of the social protests. Electricity, fuel and apartments continue to cost the public, which may take to the streets once again in 2012, dearly."
Ma’ariv notes that, "Egypt is in chaos, the Saudi regime is in survival mode and the leadership of the Arab world, all of a sudden, is being filled by Qatar." The author argues that, "When the Palestinian issue has been wiped off the Arab world’s agenda and when the map of genuine interests is spread on the table; Israel can open a direct dialogue with the Gulf States. Intelligent, but assertive management, and the creation of correct ties with the moderate leaderships, could fundamentally change the balance of alliances and threats against Israel for decades to come. We should all hope that this is understood in Jerusalem."
Yisrael Hayom recalls, "It happens in every class. A bad child takes something from another child, and hides it somewhere. The children ask his to give it back. He refuses. They hit him. ‘It doesn’t hurt me,’ says the child. And then the dilemma arises: Let him be on the assumption that the blows are ineffective, or hit him some more, is that he returns the stolen goods. All that precedes the ultimate punishment – ‘Telling the teacher.’ The Guardian from this weekend tells us that voices are strengthening in the American administration to the effect that the sanctions on Iran are ineffective. The fact is that Ahmadinejad says that they have no effect on Iran, and he even shows the world the first homemade Iranian nuclear fuel. The conclusion – so writes the paper – is to strike Iran or to let Israel do so. It is hard for me to believe that this is the feeling in the administration. First – implementation of the sanctions only started in recent weeks and it is too early to assess their effectiveness. Second – the real sanctions, halting petroleum imports from Iran by Europe is planned only for this summer. Third – there are more than a few signs that the sanctions are taking effect, and the fact the Iranian President says that it doesn’t hurt him is exactly like the child in the story. Paradoxically, because it hurts him he claims the opposite so that they will let him be." The author opines that, "I have no doubt that these sanctions should have been imposed years ago, and it is the West’s mistake to have waited so long. In any case, they are significant and they have a good chance of succeeding. And, at this stage, it is too early to draw conclusions from Ahmadinejad’s ‘It doesn’t hurt me.’"
Haaretz discusses “The chilling tale of a Palestinian car thief released from hospital prematurely and placed in police detention.” Apparently, the man, a native of Gaza illegally in Israel, was injured in a car crash and taken to the Sheba Medical Center for treatment. He was released into police custody with a urinary catheter still in place, still using adult diapers, and in need of further medical care and rehabilitation. Unsure what to do with him, he was taken to the Maccabim border crossing and thrown from the vehicle in the dark of night. His body was discovered two days later. The editor feels that the individuals responsible for this horrific act must pay for their deeds, and demands: “The attorney general must order an additional and more comprehensive investigation of the conduct of Sheba and of the police in this incident.”
The Jerusalem Post discusses the best methods of combating the spread the anti-Semitic sentiment expected at the upcoming Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), due to be held between February 20 to March 11 on university campuses around the world, and contends that “Instead of trying to convince IAW participants of their errors, picketing their activities or clashing directly in any other way, the best tactic may be to be proactive.” The editor feels that “It is too late to launch into action when IAW rolls around,” and adds that emphasis should be placed “on the importance of reaching out to student groups of all kinds – including African-American, Latino and American- Indian – throughout the year.”
[The Calcalist editorial board, Eli Avidar and Yossi Beilin wrote today’s articles in Yediot Ahronot, Ma’ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]