How the Israeli right is silencing criticism of the state

What We’re Reading

Israeli politics

The New Culture War in Israel,

in January, Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev tried to create a legal basis for future funding cuts, drafting a “loyalty bill” that would allow her ministry to defund artists who acted “against the principles of the state.”

Where does Israeli defense minister fit in fraud scandal?,

“With several senior Yisrael Beitenu officials being investigated for fraud, it’s time for the party’s head, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, to resign,” writes Akiva Eldar.

Gaza

Israel fires on Hamas base after Sderot rocket attack,

Hamas post in Gaza Strip hit by tank fire after rocket fired at Israeli town, causing one injury.

Boat of female activists set to attempt Gaza landing,

Israeli officials say navy will intercept the Zaytouna-Oliva overnight and escort it to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Palestinian politics

Will Abbas reconcile with Hamas over Dahlan?,

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is under Egyptian pressure to achieve reconciliation with dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, but it might push the president to agree on reconciliation talks with Hamas instead in Doha.

Occupation/Human rights

ICC delegation to visit Israel, Palestinian territories,

Delegation aims to “promote better understanding” about its work, but does not plan to probe alleged 2014 war crimes.