Schlaglicht Israel Nr. 15/11 Aktuelles aus israelischen Tageszeitungen 05. – 27. August 2011 1. Spannungen zwischen Israel und Ägypten Am 18. August wurden sechs Israelis bei einem Anschlag nahe der ägyptischen Grenze getötet. Medienberichten zufolge waren mehr als ein Dutzend palästinensischer Extremisten aus dem Gazastreifen über die ägyptischen Sinai-Halbinsel nach Israel eingedrungen, wo sie eine grenznahe Straße beschossen hatten. Im Verlauf der anschließenden Verfolgungsjagd überquerten israelische Sicherheitskräfte die ägyptische Grenze. Durch Raketenbeschuss aus einem israelischen Hubschraubers kamen fünf ägyptische Polizisten ums Leben. Dies führte zu erheblichen Spannungen zwischen Israel und Ägypten. In Kairo kam es zu Ausschreitungen vor der israelischen Botschaft. Auch kursierten Gerüchte, die ägyptische Regierung plane den Abzug ihres Botschafters in Israel – ein Schritt, der bisher jedoch nicht erfolgt ist. Verteidigungsminister Ehud Barak drückte sein Bedauern über den Tod der Ägypter aus, gab der ägyptischen Regierung jedoch eine Mitschuld, da sie keine Kontrolle über den Sinai mehr besitze. Laut israelischer Armee hat der Waffenschmuggel zwischen Sinai und Gaza seit dem Sturz des Mubarak-Regimes stark zugenommen. Schon vor den Anschlägen hatte die israelische Regierung deshalb einer ägyptischen Bitte zugestimmt, zusätzlich zu der im israelisch-ägyptischen Friedensvertrag festgelegten Truppenzahl weitere Einheiten auf der Halbinsel stationieren zu können. Blood in the streets "Israel faces the prospect of escalated aggression from Sinai with no clear strategy for contending with the enemy actors operating in the peninsula. This enemy system includes Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood, and al-Qaida-affiliated Islamic terror cells. It also includes the Egyptian military and security forces operating in the area, whose intentions towards Israel are at best unclear.[...] In a sharp departure from Mubarak’s policies, the ruling military junta opened Egypt’s border with Gaza and so gave local and regional jihadists the ability to freely traverse the international border.[...] What the attack shows is that Israel must prepare for the new strategic reality emerging in Egypt.[...] On Thursday, we were shown that although the revolution in Egypt was not about Israel, Israel will be its first foreign victim as the new Egypt rejects the former regime’s peace with the Jewish state. It is a bitter reality. But[…] we need to contend with it, as the blood in our streets makes clear." Caroline Glick, JPO 19.08.11 No apology to Egypt "The murderous offensive[…] came out of Egyptian territory and Cairo cannot deny that. Israel responded with force, and regrettably Egyptian soldiers were killed. Only an in-depth probe would clarify why these soldiers[…] failed to prevent the terror cell from entering Israel via Egypt. Instead of clarifying this issue and possibly apologizing to Israel over the fact that Sinai’s territory has turned into a main thoroughfare in transferring murderous weapons into the Strip, Egypt demanded an Israeli apology, announced that it would recall its ambassador from Tel Aviv, and failed to prevent protestors from entering the Israeli embassy compound in Cairo[…]. Only an expression of regret by Defense Minister Ehud Barak kept Egypt’s amb assador here. Peace with Egypt is important;[…] yet nobody talks about Israel’s national honor, which has turned into a floor mat. We need to be reminded that we too have national honor, and the time has come for our leaders to defend it as well." Nechama Duek , JED 23.08.11 Yes, apologize to Egypt " The undersigned cares about national honor[…]. However, peace – as long as it’s alive – is more 1

important. We have nothing that is more important. […] Look at the immense gains we drew from the cold peace wit h Egypt.[…] Had a state of war still prevailed, we would have had to come up with four or five more brigades, thousands of new tanks and hundreds of modern fighter jets.[…]. Every two days, tens of thousands of Israelis would be called up for reserve service, because Egyptian troops would go in and out of the Sinai.[…] On average, a war used to break out between Israel and Egypt every 10 years.[…] A mishap happened. Egyptian soldiers were hurt and killed. We are not at fault, apparently. We are never at fault, so let’s apologize and get it over with." Eitan Haber, JED 23.08.11 Egypt's wake-up call " On the Egyptian street, news of the policemen’s deaths has let loose years of pent-up hatred and anger at Israel.[...] Some Israeli commentators have been quick to demand that Israel work immediately to calm the situation and apologize.[They] are correct insofar as they regard the peace treaty with Egypt and the close cooperation between the two countries as vital in maintaining stability in the region. But they miss the point. While there is good sense in using well-placed apologies to heal unintended wounds, it is also appropriate to ask why Egypt has not communicated all the details of this unfortunate incident to its people. The Egyptian state media[...] did not report that the Palestinian terrorists who carried out Thursday’s attacks disguised themselves in Egyptian police uniforms and snuck under an Egyptian watch tower to infiltrate Israel and murder Israelis. This has allowed anti-Israel messages in the media to work their magic.[...] Perhaps Israel should also be asking for an apology." JPO 21.08.11 Editorial Israel must maintain neighborly relations with Egypt "It should be remembered that even under Mubarak, control of Sinai was not absolute.[…] The development of a presence of radical Islamic organizations in the country did not begin under the new Egyptian regime[…]. The new regime is committed to mai ntain security in Sinai not as a favor to Israel, but because it recognizes the threat posed by those same organizations and their Bedouin collaborators. The new Egyptian leaders have also declared their allegiance and commitment to peace accords and commercial agreements with Israel.[…] No good will come from accusations against Egypt when Israel has not done everything it could to prevent last week's terrorist attack. Egypt is not a terrorist cell, but rather a neighbor and a fellow partner in facing the threat. Israel must not again be thrown into games over matters of prestige, which will play into the hands of those who oppose the peace accord Egypt forged with us." HAA 21.08.11 Editorial Tough decisions on terror "The Sinai Peninsula is rapidly becoming a scorpion’s den for radical Islamists[…]. The border with Egypt, which had been relatively stable, is now clearly porous, and represents a new entry point for terrorists who now move freely from Gaza to Sinai. [...] Indeed, with the impending Egyptian elections in which the genocidal Muslim Brotherhood – creators of Hamas – will emerge as a highly influential force, prospects for border stability will become even shakier. Israel’s fraying relationship with Egypt, and the explosive atmosphere over the terrorist attack reflect the rising influence of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Egyptian army will of course seek to maintain the immense subsidies it receives from the US. But unless the Administration threatens to suspend payments, the Egyptian army is likely to simply stand aside and give the Jihadists a free hand, as long as they concentrate their attacks on Israel. Regrettably, the Obama Administration hardly has a positive track record of acting appropriately in this climate." Isi Leibler, JPO 21.08.11 Let IDF into Sinai "The Egyptian government and security forces lost control of Sinai. Bedouin tribes[…] have become the masters of the area, which turned into a shelter and hotbed for Global Jihad.[…] Gazan organizations led by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad[…] know that the IDF will not violate the Egyptian sovereignty in Sinai and won't raid or bomb them.[…] Now, when it's perfectly clear that the IDF's deployment on the border does not meet the threat, Israel must draw conclusions.[…] It's a known fact that offensives provide the best defense. Therefore, Israel should seriously consider demanding that Egypt let the IDF occasionally send 2

forces into central Sinai, to the area near the border, in order to foil attacks and pursue terrorists. At least until the border fence is fully completed. We let them send their forces in, now it's their turn to show some flexibility. If they refuse, it may be necessary to recruit American pressure on the Egyptian High Military." Ron Ben-Yishai, JED 19.08.11 Waiting for answers "Israeli-Egyptian relations are on the brink of collapse on account of the murderous attack[…] because[…] Barak[…] added Egypt to the list of those who demonstrated weakness in the war against terrorists.[…] What exactly happened on the battlefield that led the Israeli forces to enter Egyptian territory, and why were the Egyptian soldiers shot? Were there standing orders permitting the IDF to enter Sinai, and did Israel view the peninsula as a free-fire zone? These questions concern not only the army's conduct during the incident, but also to the procedures and orders, supervisory methods and operational policy of the IDF along the border. All of these issues require external, independent investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident[…]. Such an investigation would also prove to the people of both Israel and Egypt the seriousness with which Israel takes the incident." HAA 23.08.11 Editorial 2. Eskalation am Gazastreifen Mit den Anschlägen vom 18. August im Süden Israels eskalierte die Lage in und um den Gazastreifen. Bereits wenige Stunden nach den Anschlägen griff die israelische Luftwaffe Ziele in Gaza an; laut Armeeangaben, um Zellen der beteiligten Gruppierungen zu zerschlagen. In den folgenden Tagen schossen Islamischer Jihad und andere Gruppen aus Gaza wiederholt Raketen auf israelisches Gebiet ab, während Israel seine Luftangriffe fortsetzte. Zwar wurde ein Waffenstillstand mit der Hamas ausgehandelt und diese rief militante palästinensische Gruppierungen dazu auf, eine weitere Eskalation zu verhindern. Dennoch kam es zu weiteren Raketenabschüssen und israelischen Luftangriffen, in deren Verlauf ein Israeli und mehr als ein Dutzend Palästinenser getötet wurden. Auch ein von Ägypten vermittelter Waffenstillstand mit dem Islamischen Jihad führte nicht zu einer völligen Einstellung der Kampfhandlungen. Don't swallow the bait "Hamas continues to rule over Gaza.[…] The border between Gaza and Egypt is porous. Were all the routes used to smuggle firearms and terrorists from one side to the other used instead to relay food and other various consumer necessities and even luxuries, life in Gaza would be much more tenable. But that's what Hamas is afraid of: It doesn't want a rise in public economic expectations to lead to the formation of tent camps in Gaza City's central square. As far as it is concerned, the time is ripe for another violent stand-off with the IDF; Hamas always comes out as the just side in such conflicts. Would it be prudent for Israel to swallow the bait right now, no matter how justifiable it might be to do so? Apparently not![…] The region is too f raught with tension right now for that." Yom Tov Samia, HAA 22.08.11 White flag over Gaza " Israel’s leadership must acknowledge that decades of concession and capitulation have created a situation in which it cannot dissuade the Palestinians to forgo aggression[...]. It can only protect its citizens by physically eliminating the Palestinian ability to attack. It can only defend its civilian population from Palestinian assaults by taking and keeping control of the territory from which they are launched.[...] Hamas must be crushed by overwhelming force, from the land, sea and air. Its leaders must be seized or slain. It must be forced to admit defeat; it must be forced to hoist a white flag over Gaza as unambiguous acknowledgment of surrender." Martin Sherman, JPO 25.08.11 No more Israeli apologies "Hours after a'ceasefire' was mediated by Egypt and supposedly accepted by Hamas and other Gaza factions, Israel was hit by several rocket attacks. Again, condemnations from the international community remained elusive.[…] How much more of this blatant hypocrisy can we possibly endure? The world expects us to act with restraint every time we face violence and odium from our enemies.[…] The time has come for us to say enough is enough. We will proudly defend our country, we will respond forcefully to the threats against us.[…] Above all, we will not apologize for our actions.[…] If our enemies do not want to engage in dialogue or respect ceasefires, Israel will make them pay, heavily." 3

Avi Yesawich, JED 25.08.11 Lacking an opposition "The fact that no significant political entity stands between Netanyahu and a reenactment of the violent military operation of 2008, Operation Cast Lead, shows that Kadima, which should be leading the opposition, is not being true to its function. But more importantly, it exposes a political vacuum that lays all responsibility at the doorstep of one person. Precisely because all options are open to him, and despite his tendency to buckle under to political pressure, the prime minister must use maximum good judgment and restraint. It is in Israel's interest not to make the current spasm of violence more extreme, but to act in a proportionate manner while working to find points of consensus that will break the automatic cycle of violence." HAA 22.08.11 Editorial Let's talk to Hamas now "As strange as it sounds, Hamas has become the moderate force in Gaza today.[…] T he burden of governing, the need to provide basic services[...] these have all had an impact on the general outlook of Hamas’s political leadership.[...] The terror attack[…] last Thursday was ascribed […] to the Popular Resistance Committees(PRC), a rogue Palestinian group that has cooperated with Hamas in the past[...]. The PRC, however, is no friend of Hamas, and quite often[…] the armed wing of Hamas[…] has had to use threatening force against it. [...] A senior Israel security official said to me,'They are the sovereign in Gaza; they have to be held responsible.' In principle, that sounds nice, but they are hardly sovereign when they cannot deploy their forces without Israeli agreement, when they have no control over their borders, when they have to rely on tunnels for their economy, etc.[…] I have been in contact with Hamas people for more than five years now.[…] There is no love between us, but there is a growing sense that finding a way to live in relative peace next to each other may actually be possible." Gershon Baskin, JPO 22.08.11 New rules in the South "The IDF is also operating from the air, selectively targeting Hamas installations in an attempt to convey a message to the terrorist organization in charge of Gaza that any escalation would cost it dearly, even if Hamas is not directly involved. The goal is to prompt the Hamas government to tighten its supervision of the rebellious factions, to use force to prevent them from launching attacks against Israel and mainly to stop turning a blind eye to their activities. Hamas knows that if it decides to prevent these factions from targeting Israel, they could turn against it and undermine the group's rule in Gaza. That is why it forbids these groups to launch rockets or mortar shells and even arrests their operatives. But on the other hand, from time to time, it also turns a blind eye and allows them to blow off steam." Ron Ben-Yishai, JED 21.08.11 Enough with retaliation "Retaliation is an emotionally satisfying act that under nearly all circumstances serves as grounds for a counter act that fuels a vicious revenge cycle. […] As long as the enemy is able to stand up back on their feet and rebound, retaliation would only fire up their emotions, energize them, enhance their popularity among their peers, and transform their criminal acts to heroic martyrdom.[…] Time has come for abolishing Retaliation and tradi ng it for Eradication.[…] World War II, is the most recent example of this point. When wars do not end with the absolute defeat and surrender of the enemy, the peace, or the cease-fire that follows is unstable at best." Avi Perry, AS 22.08.11 Don't invade Gaza Strip "The last thing Israel needs at this time is to enable the whole Arab world to unite. The last thing Israel needs now is to allow the Arab world to divert the discussion away from Syria[…] and direct it at IDF troops operating in Gaza.[…] A ground operation in Gaza at this time will also infuriate Egypt, bury the remaining chances of securing Gilad Shalit’s release and provoke global criticism at a highly sensitive junction – September, ahead of the expected Palestinian declaration of independence and UN vote. Furthermore, such operation will not achieve anything with the exception of intensified attacks on the south." Hanoch Daum, JED 22.08.11 3. Soziale Proteste Obwohl sie seit den Anschlägen in Südisrael nicht mehr im Mittelpunkt des Medieninteresses steht, ist die soziale Protestbewegung weiter lebendig. Seit Mitte Juli gehen hundertausende Israelis gegen 4

soziale Missstände, Wohnungsnot, hohe Lebensmittelpreise und einen sinkenden Lebensstandard auf die Straße. Am 6. August demonstrierten in Tel Aviv 300.000 Bürger – eine der größten Demonstrationen in der Geschichte des Landes. Es folgten Proteste in allen anderen Teilen Israels. Die Regierung ernannte indes eine Expertenkommission unter Leitung von Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg, früherer Wirtschaftsberater von Netanyahu, zur Ausarbeitung von Lösungsvorschlägen.. Seit Mitte August hat sich die Zahl der Demonstranten jedoch verringert. So gingen am 27. August nur noch etwa 20.000 auf die Straße. Dennoch geloben die Organisatoren nicht aufzugeben. Am 3. September sollen landesweit eine Million Menschen mobilisiert werden. The facts are changing "In recent months we have learned to our dismay that the downfall of Arab dictators may bring in its wake chaos and anarchy and the threat of the ascendancy of the Muslim Brotherhood.[…] We must realize that the facts on the ground around us are changing, and that there may yet be more changes in the wind. It is time for a reappraisal of pre- conceived ideas.[…] It is not a time for'daring political initiatives.'[…] It is a time to think how we are going to assure the security of Israel's citizens in the southern part of the country from daily rocket attacks, and make sure that those living in the north and the center of the country do not share their fate.[…] It is a time to put away the placards calling for 'Peace Now' and'An End to the Occupation.' It may be the time for those demanding'social justice' for the'middle class' to fold their tents." Moshe Arens, HAA 23.08.11 Time to end the protest " Our protests indicate that Israel’s economy is a pparently warped, yet our democracy is healthy and balance d.[…] The dismantlement of the tents should not be perceived as a defeat, but rather, the opposite is true: After the power of the protest became clear, such move could mark the stage where the battle comes out of the sandbox and shifts to the big leagues.[…] The effectiveness of an apolitical, non-parliamentary organization is limited.[…] In order to achieve real results in the world of action[…] protest leaders must reorganize as a list that will run for parliament." Yakir Elkariv , JED 14.08.11 Come to the carnival, comrade "With little political steam left in the'peace process,' the left-leaning opposition is looking desperately for a new card to play. Their unlikely, inappropriate and outdated choice:'Social justice.'[...] The sudden rash of country-wide protests has a distinctly unauthentic ring. It is one thing to decry exorbitant overpricing by private corporations[...]. It is quite another to demand sweeping restructuring of the entire socioeconomic edifice with a'back-to-thefuture' reinstatement of a'socialist paradise' and an unaffordable, anachronistic welfare state. As such, the protests smack more of political frustration on the part of the opposition and its media cronies, than of genuine economic deprivation of the middle class. They are being seized on as tool for social division rather than for social solidarity, to ferment[...] resentment against the'settlers' and the religious.[…] There is little doubt that current constraints on building in'the territories' are a major factor contributing to the exorbitant prices of housing in country – but one the protesters studiously eschew mentioning. Genuine non-political social protest? Give me a break!" Martin Sherman, JPO 05.08.11 Israel's social protests are anything but dead "The day after Thursday's terror attacks, the media rushed to declare the end of the protest movement due to the security-political agenda that would now take over.[…] […] Emergency meetings of the inner cabinet and the forum of eight senior ministers, the IDF attacks, the IDF kills, demands for an apology, demands for an investigation, funerals, injured, eyewitnesses.[…] More and more of the same thing, repeating itself over and over again, trapping us on an endless merry-go-round, with no way out. This dead end is one of the main reasons for the great and unprecedented protest movement that is taking place. Even if the word'occupation' is not uttered, even if no one speaks of a Palestinian state, the smothering trap that successive Israeli governments have put us in for the past 40 years no longer allows us to breathe.[...] The great social protest broke that pattern. The public does not want it any more.[…] A welfare state is one that strives for genuine peace and achieves it. And the demand for such a state is not going away." Meirav Michaeli, HAA 21.08.11 5

4. Medienquerschnitt Die Vielfalt der in Israel relevanten Themen kann in einem Medienspiegel nicht umfassend wiedergegeben werden. Um den deutschen LeserInnen dennoch einen Einblick in das breite Themenspektrum, das in den Medien behandelt wird, zu gewähren, veröffentlichen wir in dieser Schlaglichtausgabe wieder eine kleine Auswahl an weiteren Themen, die in den vergangenen zwei Wochen die israelische Gesellschaft bewegten. Über Shelly Yachimovich, Anwärterin auf den Vorsitz der Arbeitspartei , und ihre Einstellung zu den jüdischen Siedlungen im Westjordanland: Can she lead? Shelly Yacimovich and the Labor party leaders "Yacimovich detailed her opposition to excessive privatization[...] and her belief that the Jewish settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria is'neither a sin nor a crime' since it was originally based on a widespread consensus that included the Labor Party, and is not to blame for the shortage of resources to relieve social injustices in society. The unusual combination of a social-democratic position on one issue, and a pro-settler position on another resulted in a good deal of criticism from friends and foes alike. However, the truth is that Yacimovich is not alone in holding a medley of positions that do not necessarily tally with each other – at least not in traditional ideological terms.[...] The question is also whether the potential leader[...] is able to attract voters who are not traditional voters for the party. On this la st point, Yacimovich’s inte rview might turn out to be an asset if she is elected as Labor’s next leader." Susan Hattis Rolef, JPO 24.08.11 Labor's Shelly Yachimovich represents the fake left " We already thought[…] that Labor had expressed remorse for the settlements, for which it bears more responsibility than any other party[…]. But even in the summer of 2011, Yachimovich sees no sin in them.[…] She has a particularly original explan ation. They were in the consensus. From now on, be aware: All the injustices and crimes of history will be justified after the fact, if they were in the consensus. […] With a left like that we no longer need a right.[…] A star was born in Labor, and she is the star of the chauvinists and the settlers." Gideon Levy, HAA 21.08.11 Über den amerikanischen ultrarechten Medienstar Glenn Beck und seine"Restoring Courage"Kundgebungen in Israel: With friends like these "Israel's international standing and relationship with Jewish-Americans is threatened as Israel is increasingly linked to right-wing political agendas in the United States.[…] Beck has used his media platforms to promote secular anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists and evangelical end-times prophets. What these two groups have in common is an obsession with Jews and the belief that Jews control and manipulate the lives and destiny of non- Jews.[…] Unfortunately, some Jewish leaders are determined to help Glenn Beck and Christian Zionists camouflage their attack on Jews and Judaism, apparently believing that this is in Israel's best interest. Judging from the warm reception Beck received at the Knesset[…], many Israeli public figures are unaware of just how problematic he is." Rachel Tabachnick, HAA 23.08.11 Glenn Beck and the Jewish Leadership Vacuum "For a people and a nation that has so often stood alone, Beck appears as somewhat of a knight in shining armor, standing with the Jewish people, and with Israel in a world where we are growing increasingly isolated. Does it bother me that he is somewhat of a sensationalist, and periodically makes an outlandish pronouncement? Not really.[…] I am not suspicious of his intentions,[…] nor do I feel that the few anti-Semites that he has hosted on his show make him a menace to society. Especially so, as his detractors seem more concerned by the caliber of a few of his one-off guests, than with the 20 year relationship between Barack Obama and his Black Power Pastor.[…] But perhaps Beck’s most significant contribution is that his activism has shown up one of the greatest Jewish failures of our time, our crisis in identity and definition. Greatly commendable, Beck's actions and call for courage send a strong message to Jewish leaders of tomorrow; it is time to take the lead and convey the positive Jewish message to the world." Dovid Efune, AS 24.08.11 6

Über das Ende des Gaddafi-Regimes in Libyen: The Libyan message "The astonishing death throes of Muammar Gaddafi’s[...] rule testify to the struggle of the Libyan people, whose courage in the face of tyranny we applaud.[...] Those who favored humanitarian intervention have been resoundingly vindicated by the rebel victory.[...] But[...] toppling a repressive regime is by no means the end of the story.[...] Reconstruction will be fraught with challenges, and will first of all have to attend to the dangers of political, tribal, ethnic and regional fragmentation.[...] Finally, there is one more despot to be deposed. Let us hope that the Libyan message – and of the renewed vigor of the Arab Spring – is received loud and clear by Bashar Assad of Syria, who only Sunday adamantly dismissed American and European calls for him to step down as'meaningless.' His turn has come." JPO 23.08.11 Editorial HAA= Haaretz JED= Jedioth Ahronoth JPO= Jerusalem Post AS= Arutz Sheva Veröffentlicht: 1.September 2011 Verantwortlich: Dr. Ralf Hexel, Leiter der Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Israel Redaktion: Maike Harel Helene Kortländer Homepage: www.fes.org.il Email: fes@fes.org.il 7