NEWS: PM Netanyahu is reportedly considering legislation to bypass the Supreme Court-ordered demolition of an “unauthorized” settlement outpost built on privately owned Palestinian land. The future of a Jewish settlement in occupied East Jerusalem appears to hinge on documents possessed by a Palestinian taxi driver. Pres. Abbas again warns Israel about the consequences of the death of any hunger striking prisoner, as one is reportedly near death. The PA says it has arrested suspects in the murder of the late Governor of Jenin. Hamas apologizes for shutting down a literary festival in Gaza. An Israeli city has reportedly banned girls from singing at an upcoming conference. In a telephone conversation, Sec. Clinton urges Netanyahu to use his new huge coalition to advance peace. Palestinians show no enthusiasm for Israel's new coalition. Ramallah’s Ashtar Theater is performing Richard II at an international Shakespeare Festival in London. COMMENTARY: Reuters interviews Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Charles Krauthammer says the new coalition means Israel is ready for war with Iran, but Nadav Eyal says Israel is probably bluffing. Natan Sachs says the revolt against Netanyahu over Iran from within Israel's security establishment should be a source of deep concern, not reassurance. Ahmed Rashid says any Israeli attack will deliver Iran massive support in the Muslim world it otherwise cannot attract. Niv Elis says his new coalition shows Netanyahu's centrist orientation, but Nir Eisikovits wonders if he will use his increased power to continue to pursue conflict with Iran or to help Israel, including by seeking peace with the Palestinians. Uri Savir says that for Israel, 2012 might be the year of cynical political decisions but 2013 must be the year of momentous national decisions. Lara Friedman says Israeli Amb. Oren correctly defined what it means to be “pro-Israel” in a recent speech. Dov Waxman says Palestinian citizens of Israel should not be forced to prove their loyalty through “National Service.”

Uncle Herzl Wants You
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Dov Waxman - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Among the justifications (or excuses) offered by Netanyahu and Mofaz for the creation of Israel’s new national unity government is that they will soon try to institute mandatory national service for all Israeli citizens. Intended to replace the much-maligned Tal Law, which allowed ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students to avoid military service and was declared unconstitutional by Israel’s Supreme Court, the promised law will ensure that all Israelis share the national burden, as Netanyahu put it.


Ambassador Oren Gets it Right on "Pro-Israel"
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Lara Friedman - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Thank you, Ambassador Oren.  On Sunday you told an audience in Detroit what “pro-Israel” means. 


National unity, but not national decisions
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
by Uri Savir - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


At the beginning of the week, I intended to write an article about the decision processes that would have been necessary in Israel and United States following the 2012 national elections in each country. The elections in the United States are still taking place; the elections in Israel have been postponed and may take place on time in 2013 or earlier.


Will Netanyahu stay obsessed with Iran or use his new coalition to help Israel?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor
by Nir Eisikovits - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Love him or hate him, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a stargazer, a strategic thinker.


Broad coalition in Israel shows Netanyahu's centrist colors
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor
by Niv Elis - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Israel woke up to an astounding new political reality Tuesday morning, one in which religious and far-right parties had lost considerable influence.


What an Israeli attack on Iran will mean for the Muslims
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Ahmed Rashid - (Opinion) May 11, 2012 - 12:00am


Iran's nuclear program, which could have the capacity to produce weapons-grade nuclear material sooner rather than later, remains a principal focus of international attention, despite a vast international policy crisis vis-a-vis the Middle East, due to the developments engendered by the so-called Arab Spring.


Israel's Spy Revolt
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Foreign Policy
by Natan Sachs - (Opinion) May 10, 2012 - 12:00am


Something has gone very wrong with Israel's posture on Iran's nuclear program. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak lead a confrontational approach -- including dramatic interviews and speeches to U.S.


Is Israel Bluffing?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'ariv
by Nadav Eyal - (Opinion) May 4, 2012 - 12:00am


In the capitals of the world, from Washington eastward to Europe and Asia, everyone is asking the same simple question: Have the Israelis been bluffing all along? The effects of the confrontation between Dagan and Erdogan in New York were also felt in Tehran.


Echoes of ‘67: Israel unites
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Washington Post
by Charles Krauthammer - (Opinion) May 11, 2012 - 12:00am


In May 1967, in brazen violation of previous truce agreements, Egypt ordered U.N. peacekeepers out of the Sinai, marched 120,000 troops to the Israeli border, blockaded the Straits of Tiran (Israel’s southern outlet to the world’s oceans), abruptly signed a military pact with Jordan and, together with Syria, pledged war for the final destruction of Israel.



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