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.
Leading Protester in Israel Speaks to CNN Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing, CNN
Israel continues to be rocked by protests over the government’s judicial overhaul ahead of a key Supreme Court hearing. Josh Drill, one of the leaders of the protest movement in Israel, speaks with Becky Anderson.
U.S. Advances Deal with Iran to Swap Prisoners, Free Frozen Oil Funds, The Washington Post
The Biden administration has issued a waiver for banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds without fear of U.S. sanctions — a key step in securing the release of five American citizens detained in Iran, said people familiar with the matter. As a part of the arrangement, the administration will release five Iranian citizens detained in the United States.
Protests Against Israel’s Judicial Overhaul Kick Off at Supreme Court a Day before Crucial Hearing, AP
Thousands of Israeli protesters flooded the streets outside Israel’s Supreme Court in Jerusalem on Monday, a day before it hears a pivotal case against the curbing of the high court’s powers by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government.
Israel Eases Entry for Gazan-Americans, Meeting US Visa Waiver Program Benchmark, The Times of Israel
Israel’s military liaison to the Palestinians on Monday published new travel guidelines for US citizens from the Gaza Strip who will henceforth be able to enter Israel for short-term stays, to visit the West Bank or to travel abroad.
East Jerusalem Settlement Plan Advanced While Top U.S. Diplomat Visits Israel, Haaretz
Construction plans for a new Jewish neighborhood in East Jerusalem were presented on Monday for approval of the Jerusalem District Planning Authority. The proposal is being pushed forward with exceptional speed, and its permit was adjudicated during a United States diplomatic official’s visits to Israel.
Ten Dead as Clashes Resume in Palestinian Camp in South Lebanon, Reuters
Ten people have been killed and dozens wounded in renewed violence between rival groups in a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, with a senior Palestinian official flying in on Monday amid fears the bloodshed could spread.
Israel Police Ban Selling Items Featuring Palestinian Flag in Jerusalem’s Old City, Haaretz
Police in Jerusalem’s Old City began demanding from shop owners in recent months that they stop selling T-shirts featuring the Palestinian flag and other Palestinian national symbols.
Israelis Have Been Protesting for Months. Now, Americans Are Joining Them., The New York Times
American Jews have been reluctant to join in demonstrations against Israel’s plans to overhaul its judiciary, but some are overcoming their resistance.