Yediot Aharonot notes that "Another agreement was signed with Palestinian prisoners. Once again they pledge not to become involved in terrorist activities, and Israel pledged to ease conditions. The reason behind the downgrading of their conditions has been forgotten. Just before the release of Gilad Shalit, the conditions in which the prisoners were being held awakened a profound public debate. The results were a downgrading of privileges. All of a sudden the justice system discovered that in no book of laws is it written that human rights include university degrees and cable television. Shalit then was in captivity, isolated…" The author argues that "Fear of a dead prisoner as a result of a hunger strike overcame the fear of the breaking of principles. If the State of Israel compromises time after time for fear of unpleasant photos, the conclusion is that it will compromise again."
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Ma\’ariv remarks that "The storm over the Nakba ceremony at the University of Tel Aviv raises once again to the headlines the sometimes heard claims that there is an attempt to harm academic freedom in Israel." The author counters that "Universities are places that are publicly funded, subject to clear rules and principles which all within its realm are obligated to honor. The author professes that "Not everything that happens within the university\’s quarters involves the issue of \’academic freedom\’. One cannot wave this flag as an excuse to hold political demonstrations on campus."
Yisrael Hayom opines that "With the transfer of the IDF\’s elite technological units to the south of the country in the coming years, true good tidings are expected in the Negev which will result in a boom in the field of Hi-tech.”
The Jerusalem Post welcomes the entrance of additional cellphone operators to the local market, and is hopeful that this will reduce cellular phone costs. The editor notes that “The big winners of the increased competition will be the consumer,” and that “The big losers will be the big three cellcom companies,” but points out that there is a downside too: the big three mobile phone operators may be forced to lay off a large number of employees.
Haaretz discusses the appointment of the new state comptroller, Judge Joseph Shapira, and is hopeful he will retain an independent and strong office. The editor states: “There is no argument that Shapira was an impressive judge, which gives reason to hope that as state comptroller he will show independence and strengthen that institution, which is so essential to high moral standards and efficient public service.”
[Yoaz Hendel, Dr. Ofir Haivri and Ester Luzzato wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Ma\’ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]