In "Israel's education minister is swiftly rebuked for latest anti-gay statements" (1/13/20), the uniqueness of what happened in Israel, compared to all of the other countries in that region, was that the minister was indeed rebuked.  According to the Post article, "reaction was swift."  He was immediately condemned, and there were calls for his resignation.  Further the Post added that "Parents of LGBTQ students called for a strike...some fashioned black arm bands."  In addition, "schools in more than a dozen cities and regional councils opted to devote the day's first class period to discussions of equality and tolerance."  In Tel Aviv–Jaffa, "teachers turned to a lesson about gay families."

Now compare that to other countries of the Middle East.  Gays are in hiding for fear of their lives.  It's night and day!  According to Wikipedia, "In Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, the laws state that if a person is found of engaging in same gender sexual behavior, the death penalty would be applied."  In Gaza, homosexuality "is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.  In February 2016, Hamas's armed wing executed one of its fighters ostensibly for 'behavioral and moral violations,' which Hamas officials acknowledged meant same-sex relations."  Wikipedia states that "Israel is a notable exception, being the most progressive concerning LGBT rights."  In Israel, there is a gay pride parade, transgender individuals serve in the military, and same-sex couples have children.  There is no comparison between Israel and the rest.  Israel is the only progressive country on this issue in the Middle East.

One begs to ask, why is there an article in The Washington Post about an anti-gay comment in the one pro-gay Middle East country?  Meanwhile, Middle East countries like Iran hang gays, but nary a Washington Post article on that.  What is up with the discriminatory practice against Israel and the free pass that the Post gives all the Arab countries and Iran?  Come on, Washington Post — end your discrimination!