US to release framework for peace deal; Israeli bill could allow companies to sue boycotters

What We’re Reading

US-Israeli/Palestinian relations

US optimistic about Mideast peace deal,

According to a US diplomat does not rule out that once the dust has settled between the two rival Palestinian factions, Washington might outline guidelines for peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians (without Hamas being included).

Israeli politics

Ministers back bill for companies to sue Israel boycotters,

Ministers on Sunday lent their support to a bill that would allow Israeli companies to sue boycott activists for up to NIS 100,000 ($28,500) without proof of damage.

Israeli Labor chief’s anti-Arab strategy,

“Comments of Israeli Labor chair Avi Gabbay against Israeli Arab Labor Knesset member Zouheir Bahloul reflects Gabbay’s strategy of abandoning left-wing values to seek right-wing votes,” writes Mazal Mualem.

The question Israel still hasn't answered about Rabin's murder,

“There is nothing wrong with inviting those who resisted Rabin’s policies to speak at the rally in his memory. But they need to answer one fundamental question first,” writes Tomer Persico.

Netanyahu delays vote on reversing 2005 West Bank withdrawal,

Netanyahu asked the Ministerial Committee for Legislation — the panel that determines whether bills receive coalition backing — to delay the vote on the bill in order to first consult with United States on the proposal due to its diplomatic sensitivity, sources close to the prime minister said.

Occupation/Human rights

Opinion: Don’t mess with Jerusalem,

“Jerusalem is too central to Palestinian and Israeli relations; to Jewish, Christian and Muslim beliefs; and to the existence of its so diverse inhabitants to have its destiny determined unilaterally,” writes Naomi Chazan.

Israel to clear mines from over 15 acres to expand West Bank settlement,

The Defense Ministry has started clearing mines from land adjacent to the Karnei Shomron Regional Council in order to significantly expand the community, The Jerusalem Post learned on Monday.

Palestinian soccer officials get court date for FIFA case against Israel,

A Palestinian challenge against FIFA’s handling of a complaint against the Israeli soccer federation will be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport this month.

Opinion: Israel is not a democracy as long as the occupation exists,

“An Israel that does not fight to free Palestinians from occupation is an Israel that will excel in occupation,” writes Alon Mizrahi.