"My father didn't come to Haifa from the Budapest ghetto in order to get recognition from Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas)."—Yair Lapid tells Charlie Rose that Israel does not need a declaration from the Palestinians that they recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
- Contacts to renew cooperation between Israel and the UN Human Rights Council - Israel agreed to stop boycotting the UNHRC, which decided to establish an investigative committee to examine settlement construction and the ramifications on the Palestinians. In exchange, all 28 EU states are expected to boycott the discussions the UNHRC will hold according to 'Article 7,' which requires that every time the UNHCR meets it will discuss the human rights situation in Israel separately from the rest of the countries. (Maariv, p. 14/NRG Hebrew)
- Netanyahu came to give condolences and left embarrassed - The son of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef humiliated the prime minister in front of the cameras: "My father begged that you don't draft yeshiva boys—and he was hurt that he did not receive a response from you." (Yedioth, p. 2)
- Report: Palestinian Authority losing billions to Israeli bans - World Bank says Palestinians could expand their struggling economy by third, slash their budget deficit in half if Israel allowed them to use 61% of West Bank territory that is now largely off-limits. (Agencies, Ynet)
- Diplomatic embarrassment at Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial - During a visit to the Remembrance Hall Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras refused to wear a cover on his head (Kippah). This is very rare. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan refused in 2005 and French President Jacques Chirac refused as well, but compromised on a hat. (Yedioth, p. 20)
- For third time in six months: Israeli drone crashes into sea off central coastline - Incident follows two intentional downings earlier in the year due to technical malfunctions. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Rabbi Yosef in 1972: In Egypt they thought I was an Israeli spy - Upon being elected Israel's chief rabbi, Yosef spoke to Yedioth Ahronoth's Refael Bashan about his life, what yeshiva students do for Israel's safety, and why it's important to rule with leniency – the full 1972 interview. (Ynet)
- Israel 20th on freedom of travel index - List topped by UK, Finland and Sweden, where passport holders are able to visit 173 nations without visa. Israeli passport holders have free access to 144 countries. (Ynet)
- Rouhani bragged that he advanced the Iranian nuclear program" - US journalist Jeffrey Goldberg doesn't buy the Iranian President's 'charm attack,' and even compares him to Arafat. (Israel Hayom, p. 13/Bloomberg)
- Syrian boys in Israeli hospital: We weren't afraid to come here - Two Syrian brothers, ages 12 and 15, have been hospitalized in Safed for a month after being seriously wounded by a mine explosion near their home in southern Syria. Younger boy: I miss my family in Syria. (Israel Hayom)
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