377
The Jerusalem Post discusses Swiss reluctance to impose sanctions on Iran “in line with actions taken by other Western powers in view of Iran’s ongoing nuclear project.” The editor declares that “It is imperative, especially considering Switzerland’s sullied World War II history, for it to stay mindful that neutrality cannot possibly justify inaction in the face of evil,” and warns: “Inaction can be tantamount to complicity.”
Haaretz discusses the stranglehold on Israeli politics caused by the link between money, government and the media, and asserts that the public cannot expect that its representatives, who benefit from the system, will be the ones who clean it up. The editor believes, on the other hand, that “the public has the political power to punish those who created the system and what it has produced, and must act accordingly.”
Yediot Aharonot asserts that the upheaval in Syria is "a great Sunni-Shi’ite conflict that is finding expression on Syrian territory, but in which almost all Islamic elements are involved," and adds that "It is interesting to note that this religious definition crosses ethnic and national lines, and thus Arabs find themselves lining up with Turks while other Arabs find themselves together with the Persians." The author believes that "The Palestinians have got lost in this conflict, which is tearing them between the two camps," and notes that Hamas and Islamic Jihad, despite being Sunni, are inclined to favor Shi’ite Iran while the Palestinian Authority supports the Sunni bloc. The paper concludes that "This is not an internal Syrian conflict, as many in Israel believe, but a religious, general Middle Eastern, upheaval, most of which is yet before us and which has nothing to do with Israel."Ma’ariv says that the recent incident in which several teen-aged boys are alleged to have openly had sexual relations with a woman on a Tel Aviv beach, in front of witnesses who did nothing, and which was then mishandled by the police, "is a black mark for our entire society," regardless of whether the woman in question consented or not and believes that "We must make a thorough check to see how Israeli society became apathetic and devoid of ethical values toward actions that better befit Sodom and Gomorrah."
Yisrael Hayom discusses the latest events in the peace process with the Palestinians and believes that the Palestinians must know that their preconditions for the resumption of direct talks is a non-starter and that "Their scenario has no chance of being realized." The author concludes that "Israel will continue to play the game (within two weeks it will submit its list of positions to the Palestinians) so that it will be clear who is seeking to advance peace – and who is torpedoing it."
[Guy Bechor, Deputy Minister Gila Gamliel and Zalman Shoval wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Ma’ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]