Israeli Rivals Move Toward Consensus

Bill would force non-Jews to pledge loyalty to Jewish state

(NEWSER) - Israel’s Arab minority is decrying a new law that would force new citizens who are not Jewish to pledge a loyalty oath to the “Jewish and democratic” state. Critics say the bill is yet another move intended to stifle dissent and marginalize the country’s Arabs, who already feel like second-class citizens, the AP reports. The bill's defenders, who include Benjamin Netanyahu, say Israel must preserve its Jewish identity. More»

He's pressuring Netanyahu to move toward Tzipi Livni

(NEWSER) - President Obama is keeping intense pressure on Israel not because he wants to destroy relations but because he wants to boost the political prospects of centrist Tzipi Livni, writes Jeffrey Goldberg. Obama would love to force out current prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (the president doesn't think he's "very bright"), but short of that he wants to make Netanyahu boot far-right members of his coalition. It's the only path to peace. More»

Move could boost peace talks with Palestinians

(AP) - The Israeli prime minister has asked moderate opposition leader Tzipi Livni to join his government—a move that could boost efforts to restart negotiations with the Palestinians if she accepts, or rip apart her rival party if she refuses. The offer, made late yesterday after a cabinet meeting, came amid reports that Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to persuade lawmakers from Livni's Kadima party to bolt to his Likud. On Friday, one lawmaker announced she would join Likud if Livni rejected the offer. More»

(NEWSER) - Israeli police have recommended the indictment of the country's foreign minister for bribery, money laundering, and other corruption charges, Haaretz reports. Avigdor Lieberman, who leads the ultranationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party and was kingmaker in February's closely-run election, has been under investigation for years and is accused of funneling cash to a chain of front companies and bank accounts even after he became a minister. If charged and convicted he faces 31 years in jail. More»

Palestinians must first accept Jewish state, Netanyahu responds

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration’s envoy to the Middle East told the Israeli government today that Washington will “vigorously pursue” the creation of a Palestinian state, Reuters reports. George Mitchell stated America’s purpose as a means to organize statehood talks with Israel; PM Benjamin Netanyahu said it would first be necessary for Palestinians to recognize and accept that Israel is a Jewish state. More»