Times of Israel
Founding editor of the Times of Israel and author of Still Life with Bombers: Israel in the Age of Terrorism; former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post
PROFILE
David Horovitz
Guest
FROM David Horovitz
To the Point
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Heats Up Again Deadly violence continued today, with three more Israelis fatally stabbed by Palestinians who were then shot dead by Israeli police. The pattern has been repeated since rumor spread that Israel plans to change the rules for prayer at a site considered holy by both Jews and Muslims. There are predictions of a new Palestinian Intifada, and Israel’s already cracking down — as daily life becomes a nightmare for neighbors on both sides. Despite preoccupation with Syria, Iraq and ISIS, the US and the rest of the world may not be able to look the other way much longer.
To the Point
The Pope, the Palestinians and Middle-East Peace Pope Francis has recognized a Palestinian State , but it's not clear if he means Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank or both. And he may or may not have called PA President Mahmoud Abbas "an angel of peace." Vatican diplomacy is full of uncertainties. One hundred thirty-five members of the United Nations have recognized a Palestinian State, but the US and Europe say there can't be one until Israel and the Palestinians settle their differences. Israel is not happy about it — or the prospects that Europe may be following suit. Nevertheless, with the US-backed "peace process" dead in the water, some Palestinians call the Pope's action "a flicker of light in a sea of darkness."
To the Point
Bibi Goes to Washington Republican House Speaker John Boehner invited Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress about his views on a nuclear deal with Iran. President Obama was not consulted and won't see the Israeli Prime Minister while he's in the United States. There's been much concern about the impact on Israeli-American relations. Today, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Powers, preceded Netanyahu at a convention of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. She spoke of commitment "rooted in shared, fundamental values, cemented through decades of bipartisan reinforcement. This partnership should never be politicized, and it cannot and will not be tarnished or broken." Echoing her words, Netanyahu assured the audience that , "I plan to speak about an Iranian regime that is threatening to destroy Israel, that is devouring country after country in the Middle East, that is exporting terror throughout the world and that's developing as we speak the capacity to make nuclear weapons. Lots of them."
To the Point
Surprise Look at Netanyahu’s Worldview Last week, on day four of what Israel calls “Operation Protective Edge,” Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu held a news conference in Hebrew. His direct remarks about the current crisis were widely reported — but that wasn’t all he said. David Horovitz is former editor in chief of the Jerusalem Post, now founding editor of The Times of Israel.
Which Way, L.A.?
As Israel Tilts More Right, is a Showdown with Washington Looming? After next Tuesday’s parliamentary elections, Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to retain his job as Prime Minister. But he could be leading a government very different from the one conceived by Israel’s founders. They were secular Jews who were open to living next to a Palestinian state. But religious nationalism is a growing force that could lead to historic change. Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear he supported Mitt Romney. President Obama has signaled that Netanyahu doesn’t know what’s good for his country. Netanyahu’s expected to win next Tuesday’s elections but his coalition government may include people who no longer support a Palestinian state. Will Israel’s leaders once again turn their backs on international law? What will that mean for US support—and for Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors?
To the Point
Will Israel Move from the Right to the Far Right? After next Tuesday’s parliamentary elections, Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to retain his job as Prime Minister. But he could be leading a government very different from the one conceived by Israel’s founders. They were secular Jews who were open to living next to a Palestinian state. But religious nationalism is a growing force that could lead to historic change. Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear he supported Mitt Romney. President Obama has signaled that Netanyahu doesn’t know what’s good for his country. Netanyahu’s expected to win next Tuesday’s elections but his coalition government may include people who no longer support a Palestinian state. Will Israel’s leaders once again turn their backs on international law? What will that mean for US support—and for Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors?
Which Way, L.A.?
Does Obama Need Israel More than Israel Needs Obama? President Obama said this week that Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem don’t help the peace process. Prime Minister Netanyahu shot back that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital and that housing construction has no relation to getting the peace talks with the Palestinians back on track. Today in New York, Netanyahu met behind closed doors with Hillary Clinton.
To the Point
Does Obama Need Israel More than Israel Needs Obama? After a harsh exchange with President Obama over settlements in East Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu met today with Hillary Clinton. Last night, the Israeli Prime Minister met with Eric Cantor, the new Republican Majority Leader, who will also be history's highest-ranking Jewish member of Congress. The issues include peace talks with the Palestinians and Iran's nuclear program, including the threat of military action. What clout do the Palestinians have? What's the impact of last week's US elections on Obama's diplomatic objectives?
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To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.