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Media Summary

10/09/2015

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The Independent i reports that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday arrived in London for a two-day visit. The article says that ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron today, Netanyahu told reporters that Israel is Europe and the Middle East’s “only shield” against extremist Islam. Protests both in support and opposition of Netanyahu’s visit are also reported. Meanwhile, in the Independent, Donald Macintyre suggests that Cameron will discuss with Netanyahu the “differentiation” between labelling goods produced in the West Bank and those originating within Israel’s pre-1967 borders.

The Financial Times online says that US Republican lawmakers will shift tactics in opposition to the Iran nuclear deal, after it became apparent that Congress will not be able to override a presidential veto. Apparently, Republicans will press for the details of side deals to the accord to be published, arguing that the Congressional review period cannot actually begin until such action is taken. The Telegraph reports that Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump headlined a Washington rally against the deal yesterday, calling it “incompetent.” Meanwhile, the Times and Guardian report that Democrat presidential contender Hillary Clinton said that she would use force if Iran reneges on the agreement.

The Times says that Egypt’s government has launched what it hopes will be a decisive military operation against Islamist terror groups in the Sinai Peninsula, which borders both Israel and the Gaza Strip.

The Times online says that the United States is increasingly concerned that Russia may be deploying large numbers of troops in Syria, creating a “power base” in support of the Assad regime. The Telegraph online reports similar fears from NATO. In a separate item, the Telegraph online says that France’s Foreign Minister has suggested that France could launch air strikes in Syria in order to help stop the flow of migrants. However, the Financial Times online covers comments by Germany’s Foreign Minister, who criticised talk by his British and French counterparts of increased air strikes in Syria.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Israel Hayom is comments made by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who said that Israel will cease to exist within 25 years. Khamenei’s incendiary rhetoric comes just days after it became clear that US Congress will not be able to oppose the nuclear deal with Iran. Several publications, including Haaretz highlight Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response to Khamenei, saying that they leave “no room for illusion” for those who support the accord.

Yediot Ahronot and Haaretz prominently cover yesterday’s ruling by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein that professional football can continue to be played on the Jewish Sabbath. A court recently ruled in favour of religiously observant players who complained that the practice was discriminatory, calling into question the legality of numerous professional fixtures. However, Weinstein said that football will continue on the Jewish Sabbath due to “status quo agreements on religious-secular relations that has existed in matters of religion and state for decades.”

Maariv and Israel Radio cover a joint cabinet session today between French and Palestinian Authority (PA) leaders. Although French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that the event does not constitute official recognition of a Palestinian state, sources are quoted saying that it is a move in this direction.

Yediot Ahronot highlights the re-opening yesterday of Israel’s embassy in Egypt’s capital Cairo, after a four-year hiatus. The two countries have shared diplomatic relations since signing a 1979 peace treaty. However, Israel’s embassy was attacked and evacuated in 2011. Relations have since improved under the rule of President al-Sisi.

Meanwhile, it is reported in Israel Hayom and elsewhere that two Israeli women escaped injury yesterday when the vehicle they were driving in near the Tapuach Junction in the West Bank came under fire. It is the latest in a series of attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers in the West Bank in recent months.