Paris Meeting
Paris meeting marks end to Obama’s failed Mideast diplomacy timesofisrael
At a time when President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is promising a fundamental shift toward Israel, the State Department said Kerry was only participating in the French-hosted event to ensure America’s interest in a two-state solution to the conflict is preserved. The blunt statement reinforced the dwindling hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough.
Politics
'US Officials Warn Israel on Transferring Information to Trump White House' jpost
The cause of the US intelligence concerns are the suspicions of ties between Trump or his associates and the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yediot reported.
Palestinians may reverse recognition of Israel if Trump moves US embassy to Jerusalem – Abbas rt
“I wrote to president [-elect Donald] Trump to ask him not to do it. Not only would this move deprive the United States of all legitimacy in playing a role in conflict resolution, it would also destroy the two-state solution,” Abbas said in an interview to Le Figaro newspaper, as citedby AFP."
South African Opposition Leader Faces Backlash After Visit to Israel jpost
"At a time when the world," the statement continues, "is increasingly standing up against Israel’s illegal settlements, including the United Nations Security Council, it is a pity that the DA is endorsing the Israeli regime instead of condemning its violations of international law.” [African National Congress said of their opposing party]
Military
Syria to UN: Israel Launched Missile Attack, Has Conspired in Civil War jpost
According to SANA, the letters were issued by Syria's Foreign and Expatriates Ministry which stated that, "The new Israeli missile attack on Mezzeh military airport west of Damascus comes within a long series of Israeli attacks since the beginning of the terrorist war on the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria which has been planned in the Israeli, French and British intelligence agencies and their agents in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and other countries that wanted to impose control and hegemony on Syria and the region.”
Netanyahu
A new scandal rocks Israel’s prime minister economist
Arnon “Noni” Mozes, the secretive owner of Israel’s largest and most influential media group, has been considered Mr Netanyahu’s nemesis for years. In February 2015, at the height of the last election campaign, Mr Netanyahu wrote that “the primary force behind the wave of mudslinging against me and against my wife is Noni Mozes. He will stop at nothing to bring down the Likud government I head.” Now Israeli media reports say that the tapes show that the two enemies were holding secret meetings in which it is alleged that they were discussing a deal whereby the prime minister would receive favourable treatment from Mr Mozes’ Yedioth Ahronoth group. In return Mr Netanyahu would act to limit the distribution of Israel Hayom, a free sheet financed by Sheldon Adelson, an American casino owner who supports Mr Netanyahu.
Netanyahu: Paris Confab 'is Rigged' jpost
“We’re all faced here with a great challenge against the forces of terrorism that not only seek to destroy Israel but seek of course to render any possibility of peace totally hopeless,” Netanyahu said alongside Brende.
Israeli diplomats said that with US President Barack Obama set to leave office next Friday, this will be the administration’s last chance to reaffirm its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a position recently expressed through its abstention on the UN Security Council’s anti-settlement resolution, as well as Kerry’s 70-minute speech during which he criticized the policies of the Israeli government.
Abbas-Pope
Abbas meets with pope ahead of Paris summit timesofisrael
Among other things, Abbas was expected to raise with Francis Palestinian concern about a possible move of the US embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
PA establishes "Palestinian" embassy in the Vatican israelnationalnews
The inauguration ceremony was attended by PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Pope Francis, according to a statement from a spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
Commentary
Paris peace conference: 5 reasons meeting is likely to flop usatoday
Secretary of State John Kerry will join representatives from more than 70 countries and organizations Sunday to talk about the Middle East peace process, but the meeting is unlikely to produce substantial results.
Comment: Obama’s Transparent Presidency jpost
President Barak Obama promised that his would be the most transparent administration in US history. And the truth is, it was. At least in relation to his policies toward the Muslim world, Obama told us precisely what he intended to do and then he did it.
Support
Hundreds Rally for Israel in NYC Ahead of Paris Parley jpost
The gathering was sponsored by the North American Coalition for Israel, which is made up of more than 50 organizations. Under the banner “Shame on the UN,” public figures, clergy members and victims of terrorist attacks gathered together with members of the Jewish community, demanding that the United Nations “immediately cease its unjust targeting of Israel and focus on real issues such as Syrian Genocide and Global Islamic Terror.”
Follow Up
Israel fears fresh UN initiative two days after Paris conference timesofisrael
“We are witnessing an attempt to promote a last-minute initiative before the new US administration takes office,” Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement.
The council is planning to meet on Tuesday to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its first meeting since the adoption of a resolution demanding an end to the construction of settlements on territory the Palestinians claim for a future state.
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