Israeli Settlers Initiated a Large Operation in Which Thousands of Settlers Established Five Illegal Outposts in the OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories): The settlers managed to get more than 5 Million NIS (almost $1.5 Million) in only 3 days through a crowd sourcing mechanism. Those new outposts are against the official policy of the current government, and the previous one. Israel is trying not to annoy the international community which opposes those settlements and see them as a clear obstacle to any solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and many countries see them as an obstacle to the two state solution. Meanwhile law enforcement are struggling with the settlers, and eventually managed to evacuate them. This is still a developing story.
Netanyahu Testifies at The Meron Disaster Commission of Investigation and Denies Responsibility: Netanyahu was PM at the time of the disaster at Mt. Meron in May 2021, where 45 people were killed due to poor infrastructure and overcrowding. The commission heard testimony from more than 140 people, to identify those in government responsible for the tragic deaths. Netanyahu claimed, in response to questions from the commission members, that he was only involved in issues concerning COVID-19 safety and was unaware and uninformed of any safety issues. This, despite several reports sent to his office alerting to severe safety and security issues, and what one of the commission members referred to as “complete lack of governance” at the Mt. Meron site. Responding to repeated questions from members of the commission, Netanyahu said that had he known of any safety governance issues, he would have addressed them. Journalists and social media commentators were quick to report and respond to Netanyahu’s refusal to admit any responsibility for the disaster, and what also appeared to be lack of empathy for the families who lost their loved ones.
Action in Two Center-Left Parties, Towards Upcoming General Elections in November: Labor Party elected Merav Michaeli as its’ chair earlier this week. This would be Michaeli’s second term. She was elected in a primary procedure with the majority of more than 80 percent supporting. Actually she is the first in many years who has been elected to second term, and not rejected after the first term ended. Labor is part of the Lapid-Bennett coalition, and would most probably support Lapid as PM after the elections. The question would be how many seats it will get. Now they have only seven seats. Michaeli wishes to draw more votes.
A sister party on the left, Meretz may have a new leader, as veteran leader, Zehava Galon, who retired from politics some years ago, announced she is back and intends to run for the chairperson position. Meretz primaries will be on August 23rd.
Currently only three parties hold primaries, Labor, Meretz and Likud. The remaining parties have either a leader who decides, or in the case of the Haredi parties, a Rabbinical Council.
There are voices on the left calling for a merger between Labor and Meretz, to hopefully draw more votes, and not waste any. Meanwhile Michaeli opposes any such steps.
Israeli Chief of Staff, Aviv Kochavi on a First Visit to Morocco: Kochavi’s trip to Morocco, after Israel signed the Abraham Accord with a few Muslim and Arab countries, Morocco included. The general trip to Morocco was aimed to explore new avenues for defense deals. Israel’s’ minister of defense has already visited Morocco. Israel has already signed some treaties to sell security and advanced military equipment to Morocco.
Netanyahu Supporters Launch Online Sale of “Loyalty Necklaces”: the gold-plated necklace, shaped in the image of Likud Party Chair, Netanyahu, is sold online and distributed by his supporters, including those running for the party slate in the Likud primaries. The story of the “loyalty necklace” broke out shortly after a member of Knesset from the Likud party released a photo of himself next to a golden statue in the shape of Netanyahu’s head. Days later, at a party event, members of Knesset running in primaries were made to wear the necklace on camera. Netanyahu’s critics were quick to comment on the inappropriate worship rituals, while he himself was half apologetic about it, and sought to disassociate himself from it.
For further reading
Labor and Meretz: here, here, here, here, here
Meron Committee: Here, here, here