VZCZCXYZ0002
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHJM #0299 0490744
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 180744Z FEB 10
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7616
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHDC
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEKJCS/DIA WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RUEADWD/DA WASHINGTON DC//DAS-ZD/DACS-ZK//
RUEAHQA/CSAF WASHINGTON DC//POLAD//
RHMFIUU/CMC WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/CNO WASHINGTON DC//POLAD//
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE
RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS 8087
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 5044
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 4886
RUEHNC/AMEMBASSY NICOSIA 6374
RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME 4808
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 3409
UNCLAS JERUSALEM 000299
SIPDIS
STATE PASS BBG
STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA, NEA/PPD
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE, SIT ROOM
NSC
CMC WASHINGTON DC FOR POLAD
JERUSALEM ALSO FOR ICD
LONDON FOR HKANONA AND POL - TSOU
PARIS ALSO FOR POL
ROME FOR MFO
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KMDR KPAL KWBG KPAO IS
SUBJECT: JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (02/18): The investigation into
Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh's murder in Dubai continues to
dominate local press coverage
-------------
Main Stories:
-------------
For the third consecutive day, the investigation into the
assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was front page news
in the dailies. The lead stories report that Mossad was behind the
attack and is being criticized for their "mistakes" (referring to
using the identities of people residing in Israel to carry-out the
assassination). Headlines report that the British Foreign Minister
summoned the Israeli Ambassador to discuss Mossad using forged
British passports. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised an
investigation into the matter. Ma'an highlights on its homepage news
that the operation was run out of Austria.
The dailies also reported on various stories relating to the U.S.
Al-Quds reports that "appointing an American Ambassador in Damascus
is a result of the 'convergence' between the U.S. and Syria."
Representative William Delahunt of Massachusetts is quoted in
Al-Ayyam and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida saying "[Israeli Deputy Foreign
Minister] Ayalon insulted the representatives of the American people
when he refused to meet us in Jerusalem" in response to Ayalon
refusing to meet with a Congressional delegation visiting Israel
sponsored by the lobbying firm J Street. A headline in Al-Ayyam
quotes Secretary Clinton saying "the U.S. does not intend to attack
Iran." However, Ma'an highlights on its homepage a quote from the
Russian Chief of Staff saying that the U.S. may attack Iran.
Al-Quds highlights the conclusion of a visit to Gaza by MPs from 17
Arab states. The headline quotes the head of the delegation saying
that they "made serious and honest efforts to end the division." An
Al-Quds headline also highlights Fatah and Hamas PLC members in Gaza
assuring that the reconciliation plan will be signed soon. An
Al-Ayyam headline says that Hamas will release 20 Fatah prisoners.
However, a report in Al-Hayat Al-Jadida quotes Fatah spokesperson
Al-Za'reer saying that the announcement to release Fatah prisoners
is just a "cosmetic move."
------------
BLOCK QUOTE:
-------------
Ali Al-Khalili opines in Al-Ayyam under the title "The American
Disappointment" saying: "Secretary Clinton said in Qatar that she,
President Obama, and Special Envoy Mitchell are disappointed in the
absence of progress in peace talks between Palestinians and
Israelis...there is a disappointment indeed. It's a Palestinian
disappointment in the U.S. position after President Obama's promises
of change [a new beginning]. Arabs and Palestinians welcomed these
promises hoping for freedom and justice. The change was nothing but
more support for the Israeli position, like previous U.S.
presidents."
RUBINSTEIN