Netanyahu accused of spying on own staff, Al-Monitor
Ben Caspit writes, “Netanyahu is Israel’s undisputed public opinion leader and no one can politically survive a public confrontation with him. The fate of those higher-ups and officers serving under him who don’t follow the rules is an open secret: slander and public shaming. They will be pulverized by the prime minister’s media campaigns and join the long list of high-ranking officials brought down by him.”
A Practical Solution to the Crisis in Gaza, Haaretz
Eran Yashiv argues, “Israel could act behind the scenes to establish an international task force, without being part of it. This task force would bring together experts in fields like health and vital infrastructure and would include European countries acceptable to both sides (Britain, Germany and France, for example). The task force’s first objective would be to rebuild the health and sanitation systems in Gaza, improving water and sewage systems and ensuring that hospitals can function properly. These countries have a wealth of experience with such systems in large urban areas, so progress could be seen in six to eight months, and this would help alleviate the humanitarian crisis that fueled the recent violence.”
Iran plans new uranium enrichment, Washington Post
Iran announced Tuesday that it has taken steps to increase its capacity for uranium enrichment in a warning of the potential consequences of the U.S. withdrawal last month from the nuclear deal.
Israeli army kills Palestinian in West Bank during raid, Reuters
The Israeli military shot dead a Palestinian during a raid in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, saying a soldier fired back after a man pelted him with a rock.
Israel Says Palestinian Medic’s Death in Gaza Was Unintentional, The New York Times
Israel’s military said Tuesday that the killing of a young Palestinian volunteer medic at a Gaza fence protest last week was unintentional and that only “a small number of bullets were fired” by its soldiers.
Argentina ‘cancels Israel World Cup friendly’ after Gaza violence, BBC
Argentina has reportedly cancelled a World Cup warm-up match against Israel under political pressure over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.
Macron to Netanyahu: Jerusalem Embassy Move Led to People Dying, Didn’t Promote Peace, Haaretz
French president Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem led to “people dying” and did not advance peace.
Who Needs BDS: Israel Scores Spectacular Own Goal in Argentina Soccer Fiasco, Haaretz
Uzi Dann writes, “The move to Jerusalem and marking the game as part of Israel’s 70th-birthday celebrations gave legitimization to Israel’s opponents. They didn’t score a single goal but Regev did – an own goal, perhaps the most spectacular one in Israeli soccer history. In contrast to the mistakes by Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius during the Champions League final, these miscues didn’t stem from a concussion or a lack of confidence, but from a surfeit of arrogance and nationalism.”
Netanyahu’s Weapons Against the Former Head of Mossad: Lies, Distortions and Incitement, Haaretz
Chemi Shalev writes, “The prime minister may be more careful and cunning than his great American friend Donald Trump, but at their core, they are one and the same. They will tear down hallowed institutions, fight the rule of law, demoralize the intelligence community, sully the reputations of devoted public officials, lie and distort to their heart’s content if anyone dares confront them.”
David Friedman tells the media to keep their ‘mouths shut’ about Israel. But what did they actually say?, Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Ron Kampeas writes, “Haaretz may irk Friedman for its left-wing slant, but if Israel’s claim that it is the only democracy in the Middle East means anything, it is that it allows a free press to challenge the government and question its military’s tactics. Such freedom might even lead to opposite conclusions.”