This week's postings on JfJfP.com

The dominant theme this week, May 11th-17th, 2015, is Israel’s judicial system.  No-one’s happy with it.  Jewish Home – HaBayit HaYehudi –  which got the repugnant Ayelet Shaked installed as Justice Minister, regards the Supreme Court as too powerful – it can, as in most countries with a supreme court, strike down legislation as either unconstitutional or as unlawful according to a higher law. Both in and outside Israel it is feared that Shaked will introduce a constitutional law that the Knesset can always overrule a decision of the Supreme Court. This would allow some of the more egregious laws passed by the Knesset to pass unchecked which even the current flaccid court regards as highly damaging to Israel’s reputation.
Courting conflict (five articles)

In three other postings, recent decisions by the court are condemned as craven, making the  narrow interests of a Jewish state paramount:
Jewish nationalists can march through Muslim quarter, Old City, court rules

Court backs state decision for forced removal of Bedouin

Anti-boycott ruling erases Green Line although this last might, ironically, strengthen arguments for boycotting all Israelis products, not just those from the oPt says Lara Friedman from Americans for Peace Now. This posting includes a tirade against the court from Gideon Levy.

The realisation that there are now no checks on on Israel’s exclusive Jewish nationalism is shocking, especially as the last election confirmed that this is now the dominant, popular ethos in Israel. Michael Young, from Lebanon, remarks the fact.
Israel becomes country of exclusive Jewish nationalism

There are consequences for unfettered nationalism and Netanyahu’s winning public declaration that there will be no independent Palestine on his, extended, watch. There is no longer any point in deferring all decisions about the Israeli occupation until there are ‘serious negotiations for a two-state solution’. The Vatican is first off the block:
Vatican recognises Palestine state in new treaty

And again European diplomats and statesmen urge the EU to act more firmly towards Israel’s illegal actions.
EU must change policy on Israel say Eminent Persons

At last, some of those in high places are speaking out about the consequences of denying Hamas a political voice in any international arena (though if the Israeli government is engaged in secret talks with Hamas this might be part of a process of softening-up the public  process).

Matthew Duss of the Washington Forum on Middle East Peace goes on a tour of Gaza, where he confirms that Hamas has become more military as they reason that violence is the only language that Israelis understand.
Better to have Hamas in, not outside, the tent

While an Israeli General argues it is better to have Hamas ruling the Gaza strip than any of the alternatives – re-occupation and rule by the IDF, chaos, rule by Islamic State.  This is particularly true as the Hamas political leadership want the same things as the Israelis: peace and prosperity:
Hamas wants calm and prosperity says IDF General

Reports last week from Mondoweiss and OCHA show just how badly Palestinians in Gaza need to be treated as normal human beings with normal human needs which are not being met at the most basic level:
Living in metal shipping containers

Two contradictory articles, one far more convincing than the other, on whether or not the US’s relationship to Israel (and the UK) is now just a sentimental wisp.  Foreign Policy says it is:
Shock news: Israel and UK not the US’s best friends

Moshe Machover, detailing the nature of the military-industrial complex, says the mutually dependent relationship is a structural reality.
A technological fix

This week, on May 15th, Nakba Day was marked – it has become a central feature of Palestinian political consciousness, which is why the Knesset has outlawed the giving of any funds to any body (viz. NGOs) which commemorate it.
The day of the Nakba

Perhaps football plays an even greater role in shaping Palestinian political consciousness and the renewed campaign by the Palestinian Football Association to get FIFA to suspend the Israeli Football Association is picking up speed and support. As the Israeli government is deaf and blind to all Palestinian culture – unless it can brand it terrorist – it has failed to realise how much publicity and support this campaign is winning.
Pressure grows on FIFA to suspend Israel