News Roundup for July 7, 2022
J Street works to promote an open, honest and rigorous conversation about Israel. The opinions reflected in articles posted in the News Roundup do not necessarily reflect J Street's positions, and their posting does not constitute an endorsement from J Street.
Morning Digest, Daily Kos
"MD-04: Two rival pro-Israel groups with very different philosophies have amped up their spending in the Democratic primary for Maryland's open 4th Congressional District, which is two weeks away. The hawkish AIPAC has now spent $3.1 million to thwart former Rep. Donna Edwards' comeback bid, while the progressive J Street just announced a $660,000 TV and digital campaign to boost Edwards and oppose former Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey."
Jewish World Leaders Demand 'Concrete Action' From Lapid Against Western Wall Violence, Haaretz
Jewish world leaders on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Yair Lapid to take immediate action to "ensure the safety, security and well-being" of all worshippers at the Western Wall, following an incident last week in which dozens of ultra-Orthodox boys attacked a group of Conservative families celebrating their children's bar- and bat-mitzvahs at the Jewish holy site.
Israel, Palestinians Privately Protested to U.S. Over Statement on Abu Akleh Killing, Axios
Israeli and Palestinian officials separately protested in private to the Biden administration over its statement about the investigation into the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, according to three U.S. and Israeli officials.
Israel, US Sign Last Agreement for Visa Waiver Program, The Jerusalem Post
The last necessary agreement for Israel to join the US Visa Waiver Program was signed on Thursday morning by Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev and US Deputy Ambassador to Israel Jonathan Shrier and witnessed by Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked.
Palestinian Arrested for Involvement in Tel Aviv Area Ax Attack, Haaretz
Israel Police and the Shin Bet security service arrested a Palestinian man on Wednesday suspected of involvement in an ax attack that occurred Tuesday in the Tel Aviv area.
Key Witness: Netanyahu Received Gifts From Billionaires, AP
A key witness in the corruption trial of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has testified that her billionaire boss ordered her to deliver gifts of champagne, cigars, and expensive jewelry to the then-Israeli premier in a scandal at the center of the country's political crisis.
Israel to Ask Biden to Strengthen anti-Iran Regional Alliance Amid Nuclear Talks, Haaretz
Israel intends to demand that President Joe Biden strengthen regional cooperation against Iran during his visit to the country next week, as talks with world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal are expected to resume soon.
There's Uncertainty in Israel and Within the Palestinian Authority. The US's Stabilizing Role Is Critical More Than Ever., Atlantic Council
Ksenia Svetlova writes, "Precisely due to [the current] precarious situation, the United States needs to reaffirm its commitment to the two-state solution, as there is no other proposed alternative. This commitment should be reinforced not only by statements — although they are, of course, important — but by concrete positive steps designed to stabilize the situation and inspire hope. Some of these steps involve fulfilling earlier promises to the Palestinians regarding reestablishing a US consulate in Jerusalem, which closed in 2019. Others require conveying a clear message to Israel that mass evictions of Palestinians from their homes or home demolitions are counterproductive, dangerous, and generally unacceptable."