Occupation/Human rights
Israel says 'no' to Middle East peace conference in Paris, Reuters
Israel on Monday formally rejected France’s invitation to take part in a Middle East peace conference in Paris later this year, saying it was a distraction from the goal of direct negotiations with the Palestinians.
Ending the occupation is in the interest of Israelis, too, Local Call
“The occupation is disastrous first and foremost for Palestinians, but it is also disastrous for the Jewish people in Israel. Left-wing politics cannot be based solely on solidarity with the Other,” writes Uri Weltmann.
'Proud to be outside the consensus, until the occupation ends', Local Call
Under public pressure, Ben-Gurion University pulled a prize from Breaking the Silence, a group of Israeli soldiers who talk publicly about what it means to serve in an occupying army. The group is ‘outside the consensus,’ the university’s president explained. But if occupation is the consensus, Breaking the Silence says it is proud to be on the outside.
Israeli politics
Bill banning boycotters from Israel moves forward, The Jerusalem Post
Palestinian politics
How Abbas could end up with three successors, Al-Monitor
As Fatah’s seventh congress draws near, there is talk of distributing the top three positions within the movement, all currently held by President Mahmoud Abbas, to different individuals.
US-Israel relations
Opinion: U.S. support for Israel's nuclear ambitions will come at a price, +972 Magazine
“Nuclear disarmament in the Middle East is making a comeback. American backing for Israel on the nuclear issue hinges on steps being taken toward peace,” writes Shemuel Meir.