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Media Summary

26/11/2014

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The Telegraph covers continuing disagreement over the controversial so-called ‘Jewish State’ bill, which proponents say would anchor Israel’s identity as a Jewish State but which critics believe would denigrate Israel’s minority communities. The article focuses on a US State Department statement over the issue, insisting that Israel must maintain its democratic values, a warning which was criticised by some Israeli politicians as meddling in internal affairs.

The Independent, Independent i and the online edition of the Guardian all report that Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin has withdrawn an invitation to popular singer Amir Benayoun to perform at an event at his official residence on Sunday, over lyrics to his latest song which appear to insult Arabs. Rivlin said that the song “at this time of conflict and tension … do not help bring calm to the streets.”

The Telegraph, Independent i and the online edition of the Financial Times all cover comments made yesterday by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in the wake of Sunday’s agreement to extend nuclear talks between Tehran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) by seven months. Khamenei said the talks demonstrated that the West can’t bring Iran “to its knees.” In commentary on the negotiations, Julian Borger in the Guardian online says that the race is now on to conclude a deal before a new Republican-controlled Congress is installed in January. In the Financial Times online, Geoff Dyer predicts that the new Congress and the Obama Administration is shaping up for a “high stakes confrontation” over the nuclear talks. In City AM, John Hulsman says that failure to find a diplomatic resolution with Iran must now be contemplated.

In the Israeli media, the sudden change to wet and Wintry weather is the top item as storms caused flooding and extensive traffic disruption yesterday. It is the top story in Yediot Ahronot, Israel Hayom and Maariv which includes the headline “Country in a puddle.”

Another major item in Yediot Ahronot is a speech delivered yesterday by President Reuven Rivlin, who declared his opposition to the ‘Jewish State’ bill, describing it as potentially damaging. He also underscored the importance of Judaism and democracy as the twin co-dependent foundations of the State of Israel. Meanwhile, Maariv reports that Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni, who has vehemently opposed the proposed new legislation, has herself drafted an alternative to the bill.

Israel Radio news this morning says that the European Parliament has postponed a vote on recognition of a Palestinian state until next month. Left and right-wing groupings within the parliament reportedly disagree over the wording of such a motion. The Nana news website says that Israel’s Foreign Ministry officials expect a number of parliaments in Europe to vote on similar declarations.