J Street works to promote an open, honest and rigorous conversation about Israel. The opinions reflected in articles posted in the News Roundup do not necessarily reflect J Street’s positions, and their posting does not constitute an endorsement from J Street.
Biden Considering Visit to East Jerusalem, Israeli Official Says, CNN
US President Joe Biden is considering a visit to East Jerusalem during an upcoming visit to Israel, an Israeli official told CNN Monday. A presidential visit to the predominantly Palestinian area of the city, which was captured by Israel in 1967, would likely be seen as a gesture of support for the Palestinians. Biden would possibly visit Al Makassed Hospital, although the plans are yet to be finalized, the Israeli official cautioned.
Embattled Israeli Leader Vows to Keep Government Afloat, The Washington Post
Israel’s embattled prime minister on Monday vowed to continue to lead the country as his shaky government limped into the opening of parliament’s summer session on the verge of collapse. While Bennett appears to be poised to fend off this immediate challenge, his longer-term prospects are uncertain at a time when the government is deeply divided over major issues, Israel is facing an ongoing wave of stabbings and shootings by lone-wolf Palestinian attackers and a confrontation with the United States over West Bank settlement construction is looming.
Israel Denies Deal With Jordan To Expand Waqf Staff on Temple Mount, The Times of Israel
The Prime Minister’s Office denied on Tuesday that Israel has agreed to a demand from Jordan that it be allowed to increase the staff of the Waqf, the Islamic religious trust responsible for day-to-day administration of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. “There is no change or new development in the situation on the Temple Mount — Israel’s sovereignty is preserved,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
Netanyahu Urged Trump to Strike Iran, Ex-defense Chief Suggests in Censored Book, Haaretz
Redacted quotes in a new book by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper imply that Benjamin Netanyahu pressured U.S. President Donald Trump to take explicit military action against Iran’s nuclear program.
Jordan’s King Abdullah to discuss Jerusalem tensions with Biden at White House, Axios
The White House announced Tuesday that President Biden will meet Jordan’s King Abdullah at the White House Friday amid rising tensions in Jerusalem, mainly around the Al-Aqsa Mosque. It will be the second time Biden meets Abdullah at the White House — more than with any other leader in the Middle East.
Tibi Says Joint List Will Back Wednesday Bill To Dissolve Knesset, The Times of Israel
Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi said Tuesday that his predominantly Arab faction will back a proposal to dissolve the Knesset that is slated to be voted on Wednesday. “If the [bill] comes up [for a vote] — the Joint List will vote in favor,” he told Army Radio. “This government, on issues critical to the Arab public, is worse than the previous one,” he said.
No Place for an Israeli Militia, Haaretz
Haaretz’s Editorial Board writes, “The dream of a “National-Civil Guard” patrolling the cities and providing security to residents is a mirage. The state and its authorized agents have a monopoly on the deployment of organized armed forces. Privatizing security and handing it to forces that will likely consist of Jews alone is dangerous and sends a threatening message to the Arab public.”