‘"For 50 years saying we’ve been saying no, and now we’re yes.’ They’re following our views. It took a few decades, but now they are there.”--The vindicated Israeli negotiator of the Oslo Accords Yossi Beilin quotes the Likud party, which slammed him for years.
- The Israeli bank that opens its doors to everyone—except Arabs - A startling conversation with a representative of Bank Mizrahi Tefahot in Kiryat Shmona sheds light on the obstacles faced by non-Jewish clientele. (Haaretz+)
- Knesset likely to pass contentious budget, after Netanyahu reaches deal with opposition - The 52 opposition MKs launched an unprecedented filibuster to prevent passage of the 'budget of decrees' and two controversial bills; in exchange for approving the Economic Arrangements Law, vote on governability law will be postponed (Haaretz)
- Men convicted in Natan Zada lynch seek acquittal - Basel Hatib, Basen Kadri, who were convicted of manslaughter in death of Eden Natan Zada – Jewish shooter who killed four in Shfaram in 2005 – claim innocence, promise to take case to Supreme Court. Shfaram mayor: In a different scenario they would've received honors. (Haaretz and Ynet)
- Israel defers conscription of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, pending draft reforms - Nearly 600 yeshiva students who were meant to begin serving in August get deferral until November; opponents say Defense Minister Ya'alon's decision spits in the face of other young men who are serving. (Haaretz)
- MK: Defense Ministry budget is a loose cannon - According to State Comptroller report, defense establishment got back-channel funding in the millions on top of official state budget, against proper procedure. This is a deliberate attempt to avoid cost-cutting measures, says Shas MK. (Israel Hayom)
- Israel to increase fuel, food supply to Gaza - Security official says 'economic pressure and price hikes' in Hamas-ruled territory call for additional aid. (Ynet)
- Abbas visits Cairo in show of support for post-Morsi interim government- Palestinian president meets Egypt's acting president while Egyptian authorities investigate role of Hamas in prison break that freed ousted leader, Mohammed Morsi, in 2011. (Agencies, Haaretz)
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