How the occupation is poisoning Israeli democracy

What We’re Reading

Occupation/Human rights

A question of moral responsibility: an interview with Hagai El-Ad of B’Tselem,

“In addition to all the horrible things we are doing to Palestinians, you cannot sustain a military occupation of an entire people for half a century and there not be consequences within the Green Line,” B’Tselem’s Hagai El-Ad told Fathom Journal in an interview.

Opinion: The ‘diplomatic tsunami’ that never came,

“Netanyahu blew a lot of hot air in a Trump-like speech to his party loyalists last week. He did speak one truth, however: the international community can end the occupation if it wants,” writes Hagai El-Ad.

West Bank Settler Leader Lives in Unauthorized Outpost,

Shlomo Ne’eman, head of Gush Etzion Regional Council, lives in Tzur Shalem, which the regional council treats as a neighborhood of a neighboring settlement.

Israeli forces demolish Palestinian building in occupied East Jerusalem,

Israeli forces demolished a two-story building in the occupied East Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya on Tuesday.

Israel Won't Release 'Blacklist' of BDS Activists Barred Entry to Country,

The Population, Immigration and Border Authority in the Interior Ministry is refusing to release any so-called “blacklist” of BDS activists who will not be allowed to enter Israel because of their support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel. The authority says it cannot release such a list because to would violate the privacy of any such individuals.

US-Israeli/Palestinian relations

Daughter of Ambassador Friedman immigrates to Israel,

Talia Friedman, daughter of US Ambassador to Israel, officially immigrates to Israel on Tuesday morning; Ambassador Friedman: ‘She is fulfilling her dream and the whole family is proud of her.’

Palestinian politics

Palestinian PM makes appeal in rare meeting with Hamas lawmakers,

In a rare meeting with Hamas-affiliated lawmakers, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Monday called on Hamas to dissolve its administrative committee in the Gaza Strip and allow the PA to take over governing responsibilities in the territory, according to official PA media.

Israeli politics

Netanyahu pushes law making it easier to declare war,

A law Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to advance would allow the Security Cabinet to declare war without approval of the entire government.

Gaza

Japan comes to the rescue of Gaza's hospitals,

With funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, solar panels will be installed in Gaza’s hospitals to provide electricity to vital care units.