“Schlaglicht Israel” offers an insight into internal Israeli debates and reflects selected, political events that affect daily life in Israel. It appears every two weeks and summarizes articles that appeared in the Israeli daily press.

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Main topics covered in this Publication:

1. Ten youth dead in southern Israel flash floods
2. Natalie Portman protests against Israels government
3. 70 Years Israel
4. Selection of Articles

 

1.     Ten youth dead in southern Israel flash floods

When warnings go unheeded

Why does this happen? (…) it’s not always due to contempt for the rules or a fundamental lack of discipline; the answer lies in the DNA some of us possess, which pushes us to explore and stretch the boundaries of our abilities. This is a familiar routine, which stems from our inability to distinguish between the need to avoid pitfalls and our capacity to extricate ourselves from them. (…) Some people simply do not understand the magnitude of the danger and others are convinced “it won’t happen to us.” It is hard for us to gauge the power of nature. (…) The current, the mud and the suddenness are a death trap for anyone standing in the flood’s path or on a low bank. (…) These warnings that are issued time and again (…) have been written in blood. Apparently, that is not enough. (…) All we can hope for now is that the unfathomable images of dead girls and boys will help us internalize that we are not intended to defeat the forces of nature but to live and mesh with them.

Zvika Fogel, IHY, 27.04.18

 

Please don’t rush to blame! My thoughts after flash flood tragedy

(…) The tragic outcome is heart breaking. Ten young lives were taken during this fierce act of nature. (…) Beautiful, idealistic, devoted and excited about their future. (…) For those who have never heard about the Mechina program before, this is really not the first impression or PR it deserves. (…) As if 2-3-year army service is not enough, more and more Israelis are willing to invest an extra year and give back even more to the Israeli society. (…) Mechina is about learning for the sake of learning. Classes are lively, positive, and the students take an active part. Study topics include Jewish texts and history, Zionism, leadership, philosophy, and Israel advocacy. The goal is for the students to become leaders with vision and purpose, possessing the resolve and ability to effect real change both within themselves and society at large. (…) While it’s obvious that serious misjudgments led to this terrible outcome, I am 100% sure that all those involved had good intentions. (…) there is a fine line between giving and taking responsibility simultaneously. Failing is not uncommon, and is probably one of the best ways to learn. (…) For example, when teaching our students to navigate, it is critical to let them get lost so that they learn to read a map and use a compass. But how far do we let them drift away from the trail? I wish there was a clear answer to this. (…) Please don’t rush to blame. (…)

Elkana Bar Eitan, TOI, 28.04.18

 

In Israel it won’t ‘be all right’

(…) the terrible deaths of the 10 teenagers in the flash floods at the Tsafit River is a very Israeli tragedy. The wanton decision by the heads of the Bnei Zion pre-military academy to endanger young lives by ignoring warnings, along with the attempts of the government organizations presumed to be in charge of such trips, are painfully embarrassing — all the more so because the incident wasn’t an isolated event but a symptom of a malignant national disease. (…) The “trust me” culture leads many Israelis to cut corners even when it jeopardizes their lives and others. (…) “It won’t happen to me,” they tell themselves, until it does. (…) Even after such an appalling tragedy, the politicians and petty officials mainly focus on whitewashing their roles in the debacle. The absence of a civilian culture of acting cautiously, admitting errors, drawing conclusions and taking responsibility is one of the reasons for the increased “judicification” of Israeli public life. That’s why we keep making the same mistakes. (…)

Editorial, HAA, 29.04.18

 

Ten teens were killed by a national mindset, not flash floods

(…) They were victims of what could be described as a natural disaster. But sadly, it was not a natural disaster. It was a very avoidable human disaster (…) the Hebrew words “Al Tidag” (don’t worry) or “Yihiyeh B’seder” (It will be ok.) (…) these simple words have likely escorted the nation through some of its toughest and darkest hours. (…) But there is a price to be paid when things are clearly not going to be ok (…) It is the reason why Israel’s car accident fatality rate is so worryingly high. (…) Speed, cut lanes without looking, don’t use your car indicators. Al Tidag, Yihiyeh B’seder. (…) I believe that the tragic death of those children is symptomatic of a far larger problem that is ubiquitous in all strands of Israeli society. It encourages the dangerous cutting of corners far too frequently and reflects a stagnation in the country’s social development. (…) an example should be made by the courts of whoever ultimately does bear responsibility for organizing this trip with a hefty sentence for leading children to their deaths. More importantly, the government should be undertaking campaigns to prevent similar tragedies and to change some of the less desirable behavioral patterns of Israeli society that can lead to the loss of life (…).

Alexander J. Apfel, YED, 29.04.18

 

Israel’s problem: ‘Yihye beseder’

One of our most painful problems has a name, a first name and a surname. It’s a combination of the two words “yihye beseder” (it’ll be okay). This phrase, which many of us hear in the State of Israel’s day-to-day life, is intolerable. These two words usually conceal all the things that aren’t “okay”: Arrogance and an exaggerated feeling of self-confidence, power and authority, which are uncalled for. The “yihye beseder” (…) characterizes an atmosphere that borders on irresponsibility in many areas of our lives. The “yihye beseder”—that friendly pat on the back, that wink, that “smoch alai” (trust me)—is a sign of disorder and lack of discipline, of unprofessionalism and idleness. Unfortunately, the “hafif” atmosphere (doing things in a superficial manner) belongs to many publics in Israel, not necessarily in the IDF. It’s eating us up. And we’ve already learned the hard and painful way that “yihye beseder” means that a lot of things are not “okay.”

Yitzhak Rabin, YED, 29.04.18

 

2.     Natalie Portman protests against Israels government

 

No holds barred: Natalie Portman comforts Israel´s enemies

(…) Portman is a wonderful actress who has on rare occasions defended the country of her birth (…) But her cowardly decision to abandon Israel as it fights a war with terrorists trying to overrun its border is shocking, hypocritical and provides aid and comfort to Israel’s enemies, however unwittingly. (…) Portman’s high profile as an actress and charitable work gave Genesis publicity and offered a chance for Portman to put the $1 million prize money to good use, especially on behalf of women. (…) One thing celebrities care about more than anything is bad publicity. Perhaps she was worried going to Israel in the midst of tensions in Gaza would allow Israel’s detractors to paint her in a bad light. Nearly every artist who goes to Israel is pressured to boycott and the cowardly ones, such as Lorde, cave into the anti-Semites. (…) If Portman wants to criticize Israeli policies, no one is stopping her, but for her to use the Israeli prime minister as an excuse for not attending a gala in her honor reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of Israel, a disdain for democracy and disrespect for Israel’s leader. Portman neither has to like nor agree with Prime Minister Netanyahu, but she should understand that he was democratically elected by the people of Israel, not once, not twice, but four times. (…) to use her platform as an actress in America to delegitimize the views of the Israeli people is unforgivable. (…) Portman also shows tremendous insensitivity to Israeli soldiers protecting their country when she (…) chose not to serve in the Israeli army. (…) She is a critic of Hollywood’s treatment of women. But she did not boycott the Oscars or the Golden Globes. Actually, she made a statement about the issue when she announced one of the categories. She could have done the same in Jerusalem. With great fame comes great responsibility. (…)

Shmuley Boteach, JPO, 23.04.18

 

Please, Natalie Portman, don’t abandon Israel. Engage with its peacemakers

(…) When one of the Children of Israel is crying about something going on in our homeland, I am sure that God cries along with them. I get that you want to use this moment to register disappointment and frustration either with Israel herself or the way the relationship between the United States and Israel is going. (…) I want to encourage you to “be a light” where you can shine, in Israel. Turn toward the ones you love and not away. Go to Jerusalem. In fact, go to the Gaza border! Use your fame, smarts and leadership to speak to the Gaza crowds. (…) Help organize artists and poets, musicians and filmmakers, to turn Gaza, among other things, into a moviemaking mecca. Urge Palestinian musicians and Israeli artists, filmmakers and the like to cooperate. If it is the fate of African migrants that you find distressing, engage with them and Israelis on all sides of the issue to encourage dialogue and seek humane solutions. (…) or accept your prize, and agree to share it with the Palestinians and Israelis who share a vision of two states. I believe that the Palestinian and Israeli leadership will speak with you. Please don’t be selfish and stay out of a mission that needs you. (…)

Scott Bolton, TOI, 21.04.18

 

Black swan

Natalie Portman, until this past weekend, has always been someone Israel could take pride in. (…) she never forgot her birthplace (…) Portman has the right to decline to share a stage with a politician she does not like. Nevertheless, her actions and the way her decision was made gave a huge lift to the BDS movement that works tirelessly to get actors, singers and other celebrities to refuse to come to Israel. By her actions, Portman provided the BDS movement with a clear victory and helped undermine the country she claims she loves. (…) Portman should have (…) realized that her actions would turn her into a pawn in a battle to weaken her birthplace, the Jewish state. Refusing to share a stage with Netanyahu is within her right but also goes against everything this country and her current home – the United States – stand for. Both are democracies that uphold freedom of speech and pluralism. We don’t have to agree with one another but we also should not be silencing one another. In this case, Natalie Portman was simply wrong.

Editorial, JPO, 22.04.18

 

Natalie Portman is just a symptom of US Jewry’s changing attitude towards Israel

(…) We can even disagree with her opinions and perceptions on the Palestinian issue and on whether there is or isn’t an occupation. But we definitely shouldn’t ignore the nervously ringing alarm bells emerging from the famous Jewish actress’s declarative move. (…) Portman, in her boycott of Netanyahu and his policy, stands firm on stable ground (…) of a deep ideological dispute from which US Jewry is growing these days.(…) About 80 percent of US Jews voted for Hillary Clinton in the last presidential election. (…) Portman is part of this Jewry—enlightened, progressive, self-confident, well-established, humane and engaged—a Jewry which doesn’t turn a blind eye to human rights, Jewish morals and universal values, in America or in Israel. This Jewry (…) has no trouble criticizing (…) Israel (…) US Jewry has undergone a considerable change in the past two decades. Israel may still cause vibrations among some people, but many people see it as annoying and divisive.

(…) It would be very dangerous to see her defiant move as a passing episode or a meaningless provocation. She is much more than that: She is a symbol of dramatic changes taking place in the interfamilial relations, a sign of US Jews’ profound disapproval of what they see as a very problematic direction the Jewish state is headed in. At the end of the day, it’s their state too.

Attila Somfalvi, YED, 24.04.18

 

What we learned from Ms. Portman

(…) an important aspect of Natalie Portman’s decision (…) was missed in the public discourse. Her announcement reeks of opportunism (…). There is a lesson here that we should learn though, whether about the dizzying speed in which anti-Israel propaganda spreads, or about the capriciousness of our friends who preach in favor of territorial concessions. (…) What is still changing is the speed with which the IDF is accused of war crimes. (…) None of this is to say that the “peace camp” shouldn’t be allowed to protest, or that criticizing the IDF is forbidden. It only means that from one round to the next it is getting easier to predict certain behaviors. A large part of the public’s aversion to future territorial concessions doesn’t stem from the violence we can expect from the Palestinians; rather it exists because those pushing for the next withdrawal don’t exactly stand by our side when we have to contend with the consequences. (…) This message has also been heard loud and clear, Ms. Portman.

Dr. Eithan Orkibi, IHY, 24.04.18

 

What’s the deal, Natalie Portman?

(…) Oh, Natalie! How you fell into the hands of the rabble! (…) As long as you represent us with honor, kudos to you and we’ll totally adore you. But if you decide to say what you’re really feeling, then you can expect a fatwa. (…) The Natalie Portman vs. Benjamin Netanyahu incident can serve as an important lesson for anyone seeking to hitch his wagon to a shining star, no matter how just (…)all the smart, beautiful Jewish women with (…) sabra roots and with (…) Jewish names, all these goddesses who populate glamorous literary or Hollywood circles and dress to kill for the red carpet and give us cause for pride because they’re “one of us,” can somehow help or hurt our effort to prove our cause. (…) Long ago, in an age that was no less dark and complicated, one could easily shut up a beautiful, smart, talented Hollywood star, of any religion, who didn’t take our side of things. (…) Nowadays, on the diplomatic level at least, when you say, “No, thank you,” your meaning is totally clear, but when you reply, “Certainly, I would be honored,” it’s not clear whom you need to be more wary of – those who want to give you such honors or those who will really put you through the wringer afterwards.

Nili Landesman, HAA, 24.04.18

 

3.     70 Years Israel

 

The miracle of Jewish independence

(…) when researchers look at the Greek, Roman, Persian and Egyptian empires across time, they will all display similarities in terms of the process of their rise and fall. This is not the case with regard to the Jewish people in its history. Sometimes, it seems that the Jewish people are a tiny universe, both a master and a slave. The Jewish nation has produced prophets whose long-term vision installed shortsighted kings, while at the same time producing magnificent works of philosophy, morality, justice, true law and the Song of Songs. (…) from the perspective of the ages, it is exceptional, especially when compared to other nations. It is truly a wonder. (…) in almost every sphere you will find the originality and forward-thinking ways that have come to characterize brilliant Israeli talents, as reflected, among other things, by the number of Jewish Nobel Prize laureates and winners of other prestigious prizes. (…) The existence of Israel since the beginning of the return to Zion is an objective miracle in every sense of the word. (…)

Dr. Gabi Avital, IHY, 17.04.18

 

This Independence Day is different

(…) The first few independence days were celebrated at around the same time as May Day, the workers’ holiday. There were even temporary stages that were used on both holidays. But gradually May Day faded into the background, partly because its anthem, “The Internationale,” seemed too communist, and partly because Ben-Gurion sanctified Hebrew statehood and downplayed issues of class. (…) Independence Day began to change. Private parties and family outings in nature gave the day a more personal, less national feeling. It became possible to notice that not all Israelis felt the same feeling of pride. (…) In 1967, Independence Day was dominated by the military parade in Jerusalem. We were there, and we didn’t know we were on the brink of the Six-Day War. After the deep fear that had gripped the entire the war brought a sweeping military victory, and joy erupted from every corner. (…) when I look back on the war from a distance of 51 years, I know that it was a watershed. (…)The vast majority of Israelis saw the territories as a deposit to be traded for a future peace agreement. The rift in the public was deep, but Memorial Day and Independence Day remained unifying events and perhaps even created a shared heroic tradition. (…) The state’s 70th anniversary celebrations are taking place at a time when the lunatic right is seeking to shed the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and give priority to Jewish values that are in dispute. The spontaneous joy that erupted from us during the first few independence days has waned to some extent, because what we always celebrated was the holiday of Israel, our democratic Jewish state.

Uzi Baram, HAA, 17.04.18

 

Israel at 70: Looking back, looking to the future

(…) Seventy years have passed since the State of Israel’s establishment and since the important understanding that that it’s time for the Jewish people to regain their independence in their country, after 2,000 years. This important milestone is not a significant event for the State of Israel alone; it’s a celebration for the entire free world. (…) Israel has raised the torch of freedom and equality in a complex region to the sky. The commitment to values like freedom of speech, a variety of opinions and freedom of worship is a solid foundation of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, democratic and Jewish, in one phrase. (…) we have made the desert thrive and have made high-tech bloom. (…) From food to cyber security, Israel is creating a better tomorrow for millions of people today. (…) we have managed to create peace agreements with many of our past enemies. (…) Men and women, Jews and non-Jews alike, all of whom have dedicated their lives to Zionism and to the life of the people in Israel. (…) Today, more than ever, international collaborations are the key to a better, safer and more serene future. (…) The State of Israel won’t stop trying to bring peace while doing everything it takes to defend its citizens. We may have to build fences to stop terror, or take special measures to protect our citizens, but we will never close the door to peace. (…) Seventy years after a Star of David was first featured on the flag of Israel, Israel remains an inspiration to the entire world and Israel’s citizens keep filling me with inspiration.

President Reuven Rivlin, YED, 18.04.18

 

Israel at 70: Time to be proud

(…) the story of Israel (…) is a story of an ancient people, who returned to its historic homeland and against all odds (…) persevered and prospered. It is the story of a people who refused to surrender to the enemies who still today continue to work toward its annihilation. (…) Like any democracy, this one also has its flaws and imperfections. (…) Perspective is needed. A mere 73 years ago my grandparents were liberated from Bergen-Belsen and Rechlin, a subcamp of Ravensbruck. They had lost their parents, grandparents as well as dozens of uncles, aunts and cousins. In their wildest dreams, they never would have imagined that a Jewish state was possible, a place where three of their grandchildren would serve in the IDF and help defend the Jewish homeland. (…) There are plenty of opportunities to criticize the country and highlight its failings and mistakes. But it would be remiss to ignore its amazing achievements. (…) This Independence Day is an opportunity to take pride in the amazing state and beacon of light established and fostered in this historic land.

Yaakov Katz, JPO, 20.04.18

 

Israel’s make-believe independence

(…) are we genuinely independent? The fact is that Israel is the only country on earth that is being threatened with destruction, and is constantly in danger of war. Another truth is that we are incapable of standing alone against all the surrounding threats. It’s the United States that provides us with military superiority. It’s the United States that gives us the most advanced aircraft, precision weapons, funding for the Arrow missile, engines for the Merkava tank and money for developing the Iron Dome missile interceptor. (…) We’re dependent on the United States economically as well. It would be enough for the president of the United States to declare that he is “reconsidering” the special relationship with Israel for the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange to collapse and the dollar-shekel exchange rate to soar. (…) We are after all an open market that is dependent on exports, and there is already damage from the boycott against products originating in the territories, and against universities. Israel was established as a safe haven for the Jewish people after the Holocaust, but its citizens are in constant fear of the next terror attack or the next war, and the country is totally dependent on its main ally. (…) despite our joyous celebrations of the 70th Independence Day, we have yet to achieve genuine independence. Israel is not a safe haven.

Nehemia Shtrasler, HAA, 25.04.18

 

Independence Day 70 years from now

How will our lives look? (…) how do you really envision (…) the Independence Day festivities in another 70 years? (…) Here’s one possibility. On the eve of the joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day, the heads of the two federated states, or the head of the single state and his deputy, Deganit Azoulay and Mahmoud Abu Saleh, would march together, hand in hand, to the memorial for the fallen of both peoples in Jerusalem. There they would lay a wreath and bow down together, as they did every year, as a gesture of reconciliation between the peoples. (…) And the next day, on our shared Independence Day, there would be a ceremony. (…) with songs and dances in two languages, Hebrew and Arabic; a civilian ceremony that would include representation from every population group in both states, Palestinian and Israeli, and every religious community in the land – Jews, Muslims and Christians. Do you wish and hope, can you even imagine, that this is how your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will celebrate our 140th Independence Day? Or is another ceremony and celebration like the ones we had here this month all that you’re capable of dreaming of, and actually all you even want and hope for? (…)That even in another 70 years we should continue to remember and honor only our own catastrophes and dead while finding no place in our hearts or on our daises for the Palestinians, too, to honor their catastrophes and dead? That even in another 70 years we Jews should celebrate only our independence, while ignoring the existence of the Palestinians who live among us and even confining and imprisoning them for the sake of our own independence celebrations, which would still display military might and threats against everyone who has ever threatened us? The future depends partly on us. (…) if we don’t dream of a better future, there’s no chance that our future will be better. (…)

Kobi Niv, HAA, 27.04.18

 

4.     Selection of Articles 

 

Malaysia assassination: Hamas left hanging in the air

(…) it’s another operation in a long list of assassinations that have been carried out both within and outside Gaza, against the minds taking part in the development of the strip’s aerial system. Albatsh (…) became a UAV expert (…) he was recruited by Hamas to help with the drone issue (…). Albatsh’s assassination, and the efforts Hamas has been putting into achieving aerial abilities, should be reviewed in light of the technological and operational solutions the IDF has found for the terror organization’s threats, both in the interception of rockets and in the detection and destruction of attack tunnels. Because of the IDF’s response to these threats, Hamas was forced to search for new offensive abilities, turning to the field of UAVs. (…) Like in other areas, Hamas is learning from Hezbollah and from Iran. (…) Hamas has so far been unsuccessful in obtaining advanced aerial abilities. Saturday’s assassination, as well as the assassination of flight engineer Mohammad al-Zawahri more than a year and a half ago in Tunisia, come as another blow to the Gaza terrorists’ attempt to find an efficient offensive measure against Israel.

Yossi Yehoshua, YED, 23.04.18

 

Protecting Kippot

(…) Merkel is vividly aware that each terrorist attack, each sexual assault, each antisemitic incident perpetrated by a Muslim immigrant in her country instantly translates into an indictment of her liberal immigration policy. (…) Germans are understandably feeling overwhelmed by the influx of around a million Muslim immigrants in recent years. Of particular concern is the fear that too many Muslim immigrants bring with them an Islamist ideology that justifies violence (…). The irony is that if Merkel’s grand coalition fails to convince Germans that it is adopting a more reasonable immigration policy (…), the AfD (…) could rise in popularity and set loose right-wing antisemitism that makes life for Germany’s Jews even more unpleasant than it already is. A large turnout at a mass rally in Berlin protesting the attack on the kippa-wearing youth would send an important message. A demonstration of solidarity in which thousands of non-Jewish Germans wear kippot alongside Jews is a powerful statement against antisemitism. (…) The immigration crisis, and Merkel’s treatment of it, is crucial to the fight against antisemitism. (…) combating antisemitism in Germany (…) hinges on the continued success of moderate parties (…). And success depends on adopting a more reasonable immigration policy. (…) But immigration appears to be Merkel’s blind spot. (…) It would be tragic if Merkel allowed the immigration crisis to be her downfall. And it would be a tragedy not just for Germany’s Jews but for the entire EU project.

Editorial, JPO, 25.04.18

Understanding the Hamas rift

(…) the Hamas leadership is currently split between two camps. Sinwar is displeased with the fact that Haniyeh has chosen to remain in Gaza. (…) Sinwar has complained to his associates that Haniyeh was intervening in internal affairs, namely organizational matters concerning the movement’s policy and administration in Gaza and in the West Bank, and circumventing Sinwar by going over his head. (…) Sinwar’s associates say that while he has worked tirelessly, in conjunction with other Hamas figures, to rehabilitate the group’s relations with Egypt, Haniyeh undermined Sinwar’s efforts by offending the Egyptians’ honor when he refused an invitation to come to Cairo to discuss an Egyptian proposal for Hamas. (…) The Egyptian proposal sought to convince Hamas to end the weekly border marches, which inevitably turned violent each week. Sinwar and his associates were inclined to accept the Egyptian offer and halt the marches because it would have meant a significant improvement in the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population as well as humanitarian relief. According to Sinwar’s people, Haniyeh opted to heed Tehran’s recommendation and declined the Egyptian offer, continuing the weekend provocations at the Gaza-Israel border. (…)

Daniel Siryoti, IHY, 24.04.18

British Jews, Jews in Britain must join together against Corbyn, his supporters

(…) if British Labour Party head Jeremy Corbyn achieves his goal of becoming the next prime minister, there will be no stopping the antisemitism that has taken root in the party. Life for Jews may become intolerable (…) Jews in Britain have made it clear that since the hard-left Momentum faction has taken over the party, it’s time to fight back to oust Corbyn and his cronies. (…) the man with the socialist manifesto, who was recently uncovered as a member of at least one virulent anti-Semitic Facebook group, who has described Hamas and Hezbollah as “friends,” who marched with the IRA and who stated that the war with Islamic State could only be won by diplomacy, will not step down. (…) a hatred of Jews has been given legitimacy since his rise to power, with polite society now feeling empowered to express their extremist views in public. (…) unless British Jews and Jews in Britain (…) join together and speak with one voice against Corbyn and his supporters, antisemitism is set to rise even further. That old adage of one Jew, a hundred opinions, is not one that can be laughed off as an indication of Jewish wisdom. Corbyn is determined to fight Prime Minister Theresa May in every way possible to become Britain’s next prime minister. If that comes to pass, many of us will not feel welcome here, and that has hasn’t happened in Europe for 80 years.

Raine Marcus, JPO, 21.04.18

Israel can meet the S-300 challenge

(…) While it is doubtful that the barrage of Tomahawk missiles fired on Syria would deter Assad from using chemical weapons in the future, the strike was an affront to Putin. It illustrated him as unable to defend his ally, Assad, from the West and dented his international prestige. (…) the delivery of advanced missile defense systems to Syria is (…) likely to pose an issue for the Israeli Air Force with respect to maintaining Israel’s stated red lines in Syria, namely preventing Iran from entrenching itself militarily there and preventing the transfer of sophisticated weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. (…) The S-300 is an effective anti-aircraft defense system but it is, to a large extent, outdated (…) the IAF already has an operational response to S-300 missiles – if and when Israel may need to mount one. The crux of the matter here has less to do with the anti-aircraft missile system and more to do with the system of understandings between Israel and Russia. While Russia has warned Israel against targeting S-300 batteries, Israel asserted that it would not hesitate to do so if it was used against its forces. (…)

Oded Granot, IHY, 27.04.18

 

HAA = Haaretz

YED = Yedioth Ahronoth / Ynetnews

JPO = Jerusalem Post

IHY = Israel HaYom

TOI = Times of Israel

GLO = Globes

 

 

Published:  May 2018

 

Responsible:

Hermann Bünz,

Head of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Israel

 

Editors:

Susanne Knaul

Judith Stelmach

 

Homepage: www.fes.org.il

Email: fes@fes.org.il