Israel and Lebanon Approved the Maritime Agreement As a Result of US Intense Mediation: PM Lapid appeared in a live broadcast at a press conference and announced that his government had reached an agreement with Lebanon. PM Lapid and all heads of security forces, state agencies, and a majority of analysts agree that this is a great achievement for Israel, as it acknowledged Israel’s demands for the sea border between the two countries. This agreement will allow Lebanon to explore its Maritime assets to discover if there is a commercial gas field.
On the other hand, the head of opposition, Netanyahu vociferously claimed that Israel has surrendered its interests to Hizbollah, a terrorist organization that is also acting as a political player in Lebanon, and is a part of the Lebanese government. Leader of Hizbollah, Hassan Nassrallah bragged that Lebanon managed to reduce Israeli demands. There are no diplomatic relations between the two countries and the talks were held with extensive American mediation, with no direct meetings between representatives of the two countries. The US also guarantees the implementation of the agreement.
The dispute between the two countries lasted years, during which there were several attempts to solve the conflict and reach an agreement.
The main assertion in Israel against signing an agreement is that no important international agreement which effects Israeli interest for years to come, should be signed two weeks before general elections which are due on the first of November. According to the law, the government has the power to sign such an agreement, but the opposition claim that it is an abuse of political power.
Severe Escalation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Two Israeli Soldiers and Four Palestinians Killed: An Israeli female sergeant was killed in a terrorist attack executed by an individual Palestinian in Jerusalem. The attacker managed to flee from the site. Another male sergeant was killed in the West Bank when his unit was on a mission to protect a march of settlers in a Palestinian area. His attacker also managed to flee from the site. Israeli army forces initiated a manhunt for the two Palestinians.
The unrest in the West Bank continues for another week in a row, with no foreseen end. Israel imposed a closure on one of the largest Palestinian city’s in the northern West Bank, Nablus, to try and control a new armed Palestinian group, who took responsibility for the killing of the two soldiers. This group call themselves “Lion’s Den” and they call on and encourage Palestinian youth to start riots against what they call Israeli Occupation forces. This call reached out to many Palestinian youth all over the West Bank and East Jerusalem who rallied in the streets and violently confronted the Israeli police and army forces. This became a popular activity and Israeli security forces are weighing what means to use to regain control on the ground and prevent other terrorist attacks by individual Palestinians. In addition, Hamas from Gaza is trying to encourage its supporters so they will add a religious dimension to the already inflamed atmosphere on the ground.
Ahead of November Elections Blocs Are Tied According to Polls: recent polls indicate a tight race between the Netanyahu lead bloc and the Lapid bloc. While some leading media polls show that Netanyahu may secure the 61 seats necessary to form the next government, others currently show he only has 59. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court ruled that the Arab Balad party (National Democratic Alliance) can run in the upcoming elections, thus overturning an election committee ruling, which banned the party from running. The Supreme court also ruled that two members of Knesset who left the current government coalition can run on the Likud party slate after they were prevented from running by the election committee.
The Arab community votes may well break the tie between the blocs. Disappointment and frustration among Arab voters currently lead to an expected, estimated 39% voting rate, the lowest in recent years. Higher voting rates may tip the balance. Several civil society organizations are working to encourage Arab citizens to vote. Also, according to the media, 25% of national religious voters are still undecided, with some feeling a lack of a political home, due to the extremism of the far right “Religious Zionism” party. It also remains to be seen whether the Netanyahu base will remain at home, as it did in the previous elections, or take to the ballots.
Election campaigns tend to be mostly negative, with most parties depicting the chaos, gloom, and doom of the day after, should the other side win. Key issues such as resolving the Palestinian conflict, climate change or the economy remain mostly unaddressed.
Transportation Minister Sparks a Public Debate as She Launched a Shabbat Bus Line: Merav Michaeli (Labor) launched a bus line, which runs from the suburbs of Haifa to the city’s main hospital, last Saturday. Michaeli was accompanied by local Labor Knesset members and activists, and sparked criticism by local politicians and city residents who labeled the launch as an election campaign event and a provocation to those who observe the Sabbath. In response, Michaeli said that the bus route was modified to respect those who observe the Sabbath, yet provides a much needed transport solution to those who depend solely on public transport. Michaeli was under pressure from her base to promote public transportation on the Sabbath and came under fire from Haredi (ultra-orthodox) members of Knesset. Michaeli also announced that one of the light train lines in Tel Aviv will be operational on Shabbat in 2023, as was stipulated in the coalition agreement with PM Lapid.
The public debate on public transportation on the Sabbath has been going on for years, and dates to a written promise by the first PM, Ben Gurion, to the Haredi factions, in return for their support of the Israel-Palestine division plan. In recent years, voices within non-observant communities are on the rise. Transportation minister Michaeli repeatedly emphasized the economic justice aspect of operating public transport on Shabbat, which benefits those who do not own a car.
Festivals Galore: Sukkot (Festival of Tabernacles) is one of the three biblical pilgrimage festivals of the Jewish people and lasts eight days. It is also the central festival season in Israel, with film, music, fringe theater and storytelling festivals around the country. The 38th International Film Festival in Haifa features dozens of films from Israel and around the world and attracts more than 70,000 visitors. The festival opened with Olivia Wilde’s new film Don’t Worry Darling, and includes a number of competitions, for Israeli and International films, as well as for films that are making their debut at the festival.
The Akko fringe theater festival features dozens of productions; including main events and incubator productions.
For further reading:
Maritime Agreement: Here, here, here, here
West Bank: Here, here, here, here, here