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.
The Israeli Government Must Cooperate With J Street, The Jerusalem Post
Avi Gil writes, “Engaging in dialogue with J Street, and with the Democratic voters who support it, would be an effective way to rekindle American Jewry’s interest in the challenges facing Israel. When a serious threat to Israel’s national security intensifies, and in so doing poses a real threat to the Jewish people as a whole, the Israeli government must make its voice heard without being overly polite. At the same time, a strategic lever like J Street is an opportunity not to be missed.”
J Street Condemns Horrific Terror Attack in Elad, J Street
“J Street is horrified by yesterday’s terror attack in the city of Elad in central Israel, in which axe-wielding terrorists killed three people and wounded four others. This attack, like several others that have targeted civilians throughout Israel in recent months, is extremely disturbing. We unequivocally condemn these violent attacks which terrorize innocent people, leave families mourning the loss of their irreplaceable loved ones, and risk sowing more fear and hatred in a conflict that has already seen far too much of it. There can be no justification for such violence, which does nothing to aid or advance the cause of Palestinians.”
Biden Administration Must Act to Oppose Mass Displacement, New Settlement Expansion in the West Bank, J Street
“J Street is deeply troubled by recent Israeli government moves to displace Palestinians and advance the illegal settlement enterprise in the occupied West Bank. It is especially concerning that these moves are being made just as US President Joe Biden confirmed and is preparing for his first visit as president to Israel.”
Two Palestinians Killed, Israeli Policeman Stabbed as Violence Simmers, Reuters
Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian near the barrier with the West Bank and another was killed after infiltrating a Jewish settlement inside the occupied territory with a knife on Sunday, the Israeli army said, stoking worries a wider conflict may loom.
Israel Arrests Two Palestinians Suspected in Elad Terrorist Attack, The Wall Street Journal
Two Palestinians suspected of killing three Israelis in a bloody ax attack on Israel’s independence day were captured Sunday after an intensive manhunt, Israeli authorities said. The suspects, identified by a security official as Asad Al Refai and Subhi Sbeihat, were arrested in a wooded area adjacent to a quarry in central Israel not far from the city of Elad, where the attack occurred as independence day celebrations were ending on Thursday.
Egyptian Officials Mediating to Prevent Gaza Rocket Fire at Israel, Report Says, Haaretz
Egyptian officials have been working in recent days to prevent militants in the Gaza Strip from launching rockets into Israel in response to Jews entering the Temple Mount compound, the Palestinian Al-Ayyam newspaper reported Saturday.
Israel Said Prepping Teams To Carry Out Targeted Killings of Hamas Leaders Abroad, The Times of Israel
Israel has reportedly told foreign allies that it is readying teams to carry out the targeted killing of leaders of the Hamas terrorist group who live abroad in retaliation for a wave of deadly terror attacks.
Israeli PM’s Government Limps Into New Parliament Session, AP
The government of Israel’s embattled prime minister was limping on Monday into the opening of parliament’s summer session on the verge of collapse. Less than a year after taking office, Naftali Bennett has lost his parliamentary majority, his own party is crumbling and a key governing partner has suspended cooperation with the coalition.
In Masafer Yatta, Palestinians Brace for a Second Expulsion, Haaretz
Hagar Shezaf tells the stories of residents of Masafer Yatta, writing, “In 1999, Palestinians living in Masafer Yatta were evicted from their homes, allowed only to return as they waited for a final court ruling. Now, Israel has decided once again to expel the residents, reviving old traumas.”
Another Kind of Terror: The Battle for Control Over Women’s Bodies, The Times of Israel
Naomi Chazen discusses women’s rights in Israel and beyond. She explains, “In Israel, the position of women has therefore come to signify the extent and depth of democracy in the country. While grassroots feminist action continues apace and notions of a shared society are liberally aired, tolerance and mutual trust levels continue to plummet and political considerations encourage unequal treatment. What starts with discrimination against women spreads like wildfire because the invasion of politicians into the private lives of citizens chips away at the values that uphold free societies.”