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Media Summary

16/02/2015

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Widespread reporting of the terror attacks in Denmark continues this morning, including coverage of the shooting outside Copenhagen’s main synagogue which killed a member of the Jewish community. Covering the attacks, the Guardian, Telegraph, Times, Independent, Daily Express, Daily Mail, Independent i and Metro all note that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for European Jews to emigrate to Israel in the wake of the weekend’s events, plus recent deadly attacks in France and Belgium too. A Times editorial reflecting on the Denmark shootings says that Europe must do much more to combat anti-Semitism and that “cultural boycotts of Israel are stoking ugly, atavistic movements in Europe.”

The Independent i reports that former Prime Minister Tony Blair, now the Quartet’s Middle East envoy, visited the Gaza Strip yesterday. He criticised the “stagnation” of aid from the international community, called on Hamas to clarify its position on a two-state solution and Islamist terror; he added that there must be a “radical change of approach” by Israel to Gaza. The Daily Mirror includes a feature on life in the Gaza Strip six months after Operation Protective Edge, highlighting the continuing material and psychological damage there.

Both the Guardian and Metro note that a 14-year-old Palestinian girl who was arrested for stone-throwing and intent to stab Israelis in the West Bank, has been released early from detention after 44 days.

The Independent and Independent i both include a feature on the unification of several Arab political parties under one united list in advance of Israel’s general election next month. The disparate parties had previously competed for votes from Israel’s significant Arab minority but have united following a raise in the electoral threshold. The article says that the united list could be the Knesset’s third largest faction and although it won’t join a coalition, could still have a significant impact on the next Israeli government.

The Guardian online says that 11 US-led air strikes on ISIS targets have been carried out since Saturday, including three in Syria. The Times online reports that Jordan is launching a registration process for the huge number of Syrian refugees within its borders, potentially paving greater access to state facilities such as education, although critics say it could lead to deportations.

The Guardian online reports that former Egyptian President and Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsi was yesterday put on trial for endangering national security, accused of leaking sensitive information to Qatar. Such charges potentially carry a death sentence.

The Financial Times reflects on 10 years since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Lebanon. The analysis posits that one of the major consequences of the murder was Syria’s withdrawal from Lebanon, which left a vacuum eagerly filled by Hezbollah.

In the Israeli media, the top item in Yediot Ahronot, Maariv and Israel Hayom is the changing of the guard at the head of the IDF, with Gadi Eizenkot today taking over from Benny Gantz as Chief of Staff. Maariv’s front page headline simply reads, “Thank you Benny, good luck Gadi.” Meanwhile, Yediot Ahronot’s military affairs correspondent Alex Fishman outlines the threats facing Israel including those from Gaza and the northern border, commenting ,“The 21st chief of staff, Gadi Eizenkot, is starting a particularly difficult shift today. He does not even have a minute of grace, let alone 100 days of grace.”

Another major item is a report by Channel Two which claims that United States officials are withholding some information from Israel on nuclear talks with Iran, for fear that it will be used for political purposes by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The story is also covered by Haaretz and Israel Radio news. However, Israel Hayom highlights swift denial by the White House of any such downgrading of cooperation.

Meanwhile, Yediot Ahronot, Maariv and Israel Radio news all prominently report that Senior Citizens Minister Uri Orbach is fighting for his life in a Jerusalem hospital against a serious illness. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin reportedly both visited the Jewish Home politician yesterday.