aggregated from www.Israellycool.com
AP cutline accompanying a picture. "The body of a Palestinian is seen, following a knife incident in the West Bank settlement of Shilo, near Nablus, Monday, March 31, 2008. In West Bank violence Monday, a Palestinian who tried to stab Israeli hitchhikers near a Jewish settlement was shot and killed by an armed Israeli civilian, Israeli police said. One of the hitchhikers opened fire after the Palestinian pulled a knife, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said, calling the shooting self-defense." (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Israellycool translates key parts of the caption:
Knife “incident” = terror attack perpetrated with a knife
“West Bank violence” = terror attack perpetrated by a palestinian
“Pulled a knife” = pulled out a knife to kill
And the cherry on top is the last part of the caption when Muheisen mentions the police spokesman “calling the shooting self-defense.” As if it was something else.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Unilateral concessions made for Sec. State Rice.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday that the U.S. would be following up on Israel's activities in the West Bank to verify if it was implementing its promises to ease access and movement for the Palestinian population.
Palestinians claim to hit Kiryat Gat, 30 km from Gaza, with missile. (See Google's automatic translation from Arabic.) H/t Elder of Zion
Kissinger: U.S. public still committed to Israel. "The partnership is changing because the conditions are changing," Kissinger told The Jerusalem Post over the weekend. "In the early years it was a question of states interacting with each other, and now it is part of a whole global situation." But these changes, Kissinger said, had not weakened America's conviction that support for Israel is in the American national interest. "I think the relationship remains essential," said Kissinger. "I think there is a fundamental conviction that the security of Israel is in the American national interest. That has not changed."
US peace advisor Miller's book published. Miller disagrees with Mearsheimer/Walt; advocates pressuring Israel
[Aaron David Miller worked for 6 U.S. Secretaries of State on Israeli-Arab negotiations before leaving the State Department in 2003. His book, "The Much Too Promised Land," has just been published.]
At a lecture in Washington this past week coinciding with the publication of his book, Miller went so far as to take Walt and Mearsheimer to task for quoting him in support of their argument that pro-Israel minions had hijacked America's Middle East policy.
Miller describes an "unshakable" American bond with Israel based on common values, cultural identification and shared strategic perspectives post September 11 which has been nurtured rather than created by pro-Israel groups like AIPAC and Christians United for Israel. "There's no conspiracy here," he said. ..
Miller describes an "unshakable" American bond with Israel based on common values, cultural identification and shared strategic perspectives post September 11 which has been nurtured rather than created by pro-Israel groups like AIPAC and Christians United for Israel. "There's no conspiracy here," he said. ..
He argued that [Israel's] trust [ in the U.S. administrations] actually allows America to pressure Israel more effectively to make the concessions essential to a peace deal and urged the US to take advantage of that position.
Israel facing genocidal terror, argue medical researchers
Over the past few years, Richter and Tulchinsky have concluded that the terror groups headed by Hamas are waging a campaign of "genocidal terror" against Israel and that their actions meet the criteria established by the UN in the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. ...
According to Richter and Tulchinsky, the overwhelmingly disproportionate criticism of Israel by the UN, international human rights organizations and the media constitute "an upscale variant of classical anti-Semitism. This trend seems to apply different standards to the value of life of Israelis and Palestinians and attributes the problems of the latter exclusively to the barriers, curfews and checkpoints and not to failures of the Palestinian leadership in taking charge of its own society."
Friday, March 28, 2008
Which way toward peace?
Speculations on the endgame [aggregated from jpundit.blogspot.com Jewish Current Issues]
[a leading Zionist think tank, the Re’ut Institute's], President Gidi Grinstein believes that if and when Israel and the Palestinian Authority sign a formal peace plan, the potential for major violence would be heightened, not diminished. . .
But David Makovsky, a Mideast expert who is senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, cautions against putting the brakes on the current peace talks. . . . His concern is that if the talks were to end . . . Hamas would take over the West Bank, paving the way for untold bloodshed and a one-state solution. . . .
A Shelf Agreement in Our Time
David M. Weinberg, Director of Public Affairs for the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, has published an extraordinarily perceptive analysis of the current “peace process” -- BESA Perspective Paper No. 40, “Shelve the Shelf Agreement.”
Here is [part of] the Executive Summary:
The newfangled "shelf agreement" concept which now serves as the basis for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians is unworkable. The concept has no foundation in negotiation theory, especially in the history of Arab-Israeli negotiations.
It incautiously assumes best case scenarios regarding the Palestinians which have no basis in reality; when in fact a durable "final status" agreement must anticipate all worst case scenarios. .... A performance-based peace process remains the only sustainable model towards a durable final settlement.
[H]ow can Israel, for example, sign a sustainable endgame shelf agreement with workable border crossing arrangements if it does not know the character or capabilities of the future Palestinian entity – and all it can do is assume the "nice" qualities of such?
...To simply assume – as the current negotiations do – that the planned Palestinian state will have outstanding, professional, loyal and determined anti-terror fighting convictions, is to flirt with folly. ...
Israel is seeking to will into existence a "moderate, stable, capable and democratic" Palestinian government – that does not yet have a foothold even in the in West Bank, not to mention Gaza. "
Tomorrow Rice travels to Israel for her 14th trip since October 2006 to push Israel into a final status agreement with an entity unable to fulfill even the agreements it has already made.
[a leading Zionist think tank, the Re’ut Institute's], President Gidi Grinstein believes that if and when Israel and the Palestinian Authority sign a formal peace plan, the potential for major violence would be heightened, not diminished. . .
But David Makovsky, a Mideast expert who is senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, cautions against putting the brakes on the current peace talks. . . . His concern is that if the talks were to end . . . Hamas would take over the West Bank, paving the way for untold bloodshed and a one-state solution. . . .
A Shelf Agreement in Our Time
David M. Weinberg, Director of Public Affairs for the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, has published an extraordinarily perceptive analysis of the current “peace process” -- BESA Perspective Paper No. 40, “Shelve the Shelf Agreement.”
Here is [part of] the Executive Summary:
The newfangled "shelf agreement" concept which now serves as the basis for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians is unworkable. The concept has no foundation in negotiation theory, especially in the history of Arab-Israeli negotiations.
It incautiously assumes best case scenarios regarding the Palestinians which have no basis in reality; when in fact a durable "final status" agreement must anticipate all worst case scenarios. .... A performance-based peace process remains the only sustainable model towards a durable final settlement.
[H]ow can Israel, for example, sign a sustainable endgame shelf agreement with workable border crossing arrangements if it does not know the character or capabilities of the future Palestinian entity – and all it can do is assume the "nice" qualities of such?
...To simply assume – as the current negotiations do – that the planned Palestinian state will have outstanding, professional, loyal and determined anti-terror fighting convictions, is to flirt with folly. ...
Israel is seeking to will into existence a "moderate, stable, capable and democratic" Palestinian government – that does not yet have a foothold even in the in West Bank, not to mention Gaza. "
Tomorrow Rice travels to Israel for her 14th trip since October 2006 to push Israel into a final status agreement with an entity unable to fulfill even the agreements it has already made.
News briefs
Rocket hits Kibbutz pre-school
A Kassam rocket fired by 'Palestinian' terrorists hit the wall of a pre-school of one of the Kibbutzim in the Sha'ar HaNegev district this morning. Fortunately, the teacher had just evacuated the children so no one was hurt. The teacher and a parent of one of the children suffered from shock, and the building was damaged. (Aggregated from israelmatzav.blogspot.com)
Hamas asks Arab summit to back armed struggle against Israel
Hamas leaders say "only fighting and holy war works with [Israel];" call 2002 Saudi peace initiative a "burden" on Palestinians. Jpost.com
"Radicalization" noted in Fatah
Today, influential elements within Fatah openly reject the possibility of a two-state solution. These include up-and-coming leaders in the West Bank - such as Ziad Abu Ein. Analysts are also noting the increasing prevalence of Islamic theological motifs in the symbols used by armed Fatah factions. Such Fatah-associated forces as the Abu Rish Brigades in Gaza and the Brigades of the Return now openly speak the language of political Islam. –
Jonathan Spyer. Senior research fellow at the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya. In Ha’Aretz
A Kassam rocket fired by 'Palestinian' terrorists hit the wall of a pre-school of one of the Kibbutzim in the Sha'ar HaNegev district this morning. Fortunately, the teacher had just evacuated the children so no one was hurt. The teacher and a parent of one of the children suffered from shock, and the building was damaged. (Aggregated from israelmatzav.blogspot.com)
Hamas asks Arab summit to back armed struggle against Israel
Hamas leaders say "only fighting and holy war works with [Israel];" call 2002 Saudi peace initiative a "burden" on Palestinians. Jpost.com
"Radicalization" noted in Fatah
Today, influential elements within Fatah openly reject the possibility of a two-state solution. These include up-and-coming leaders in the West Bank - such as Ziad Abu Ein. Analysts are also noting the increasing prevalence of Islamic theological motifs in the symbols used by armed Fatah factions. Such Fatah-associated forces as the Abu Rish Brigades in Gaza and the Brigades of the Return now openly speak the language of political Islam. –
Jonathan Spyer. Senior research fellow at the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya. In Ha’Aretz
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Daily news
New upsurge of Palestinian attacks from Gaza - 16 missiles fired Wednesday injuring 3 Israeli civilians March 26, 2008, Debka.com
A heavy barrage of 7 Qassam missiles struck Sderot Wednesday night, March 26. One exploded in the old market, injuring three people and leaving 16 in shock. Of the 16 fired during the day, after a three-week slowdwon, one landed south of Ashkelon, several exploded in kibbutzim causing heavy damage to property. Israeli military sources tell DEBKAfile that Hamas is passing missiles to Jihad Islami in order to step up the attacks on Israel, without being held accountable and drawing Israeli fire – to heat up tensions for the arrival of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this weekend.
Some questions answered.
· Olmert: Israel Will Continue to Build in Existing Settlements
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday that Israel would comply with all its commitments under the Roadmap peace plan ''if the Palestinians do the same.'' He also said Israel would continue building in settlement blocs it intends to keep in a peace deal, as well as in Jerusalem. Olmert ruled out talks with Hamas, saying, ''We will deal with Hamas in other ways.'' Olmert indicated that he does not favor a Russian proposal to hold a follow-up summit in Moscow to last year's Annapolis meeting. ''This habit of going from one conference to the other is not something I'm particularly in favor of,'' he said. (AP/Ynet News) http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3524062,00.html
A heavy barrage of 7 Qassam missiles struck Sderot Wednesday night, March 26. One exploded in the old market, injuring three people and leaving 16 in shock. Of the 16 fired during the day, after a three-week slowdwon, one landed south of Ashkelon, several exploded in kibbutzim causing heavy damage to property. Israeli military sources tell DEBKAfile that Hamas is passing missiles to Jihad Islami in order to step up the attacks on Israel, without being held accountable and drawing Israeli fire – to heat up tensions for the arrival of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this weekend.
Some questions answered.
· Olmert: Israel Will Continue to Build in Existing Settlements
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday that Israel would comply with all its commitments under the Roadmap peace plan ''if the Palestinians do the same.'' He also said Israel would continue building in settlement blocs it intends to keep in a peace deal, as well as in Jerusalem. Olmert ruled out talks with Hamas, saying, ''We will deal with Hamas in other ways.'' Olmert indicated that he does not favor a Russian proposal to hold a follow-up summit in Moscow to last year's Annapolis meeting. ''This habit of going from one conference to the other is not something I'm particularly in favor of,'' he said. (AP/Ynet News) http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3524062,00.html
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Gaza war continues; media believes there is a 'lull'
Israel's UN Ambassador Gillerman: "The rockets out of Gaza have not stopped."
[Aggregated from Meryl Yourish. http://yourish.com/ ]
So let’s see what the Palestinians sent out of Gaza yesterday.
Mortars:
Palestinians fired five mortar shells from the Gaza Strip into the Eshkol area in the western Negev on Tuesday. The shells fell in agricultural areas in one of the kibbutzim in the region.
There were no reports of wounded or damage.
Bombs:
Palestinians detonated a bomb next to the Gaza border fence on Tuesday night.
No one was wounded and no damage was reported.
Kassams:
Two Kassam rockets fired from northern Gaza landed in the Sha’ar Hanegev region on Tuesday.
No one was wounded and no damage was reported.
But there is a “lull.” A “calm.” And if Israel sends in troops to try to stop mortars, kassams, and bombs from being used against Israelis, the news media will scream in unison that Israel is “violating” the “calm.” Because for some reason, incoming artillery, rockets, and bomb attacks don’t seem to count. Only outgoing defensive measures against them.
And there were two more kassams today, scoring a direct hit on a kibbutz
[Aggregated from Meryl Yourish. http://yourish.com/ ]
So let’s see what the Palestinians sent out of Gaza yesterday.
Mortars:
Palestinians fired five mortar shells from the Gaza Strip into the Eshkol area in the western Negev on Tuesday. The shells fell in agricultural areas in one of the kibbutzim in the region.
There were no reports of wounded or damage.
Bombs:
Palestinians detonated a bomb next to the Gaza border fence on Tuesday night.
No one was wounded and no damage was reported.
Kassams:
Two Kassam rockets fired from northern Gaza landed in the Sha’ar Hanegev region on Tuesday.
No one was wounded and no damage was reported.
But there is a “lull.” A “calm.” And if Israel sends in troops to try to stop mortars, kassams, and bombs from being used against Israelis, the news media will scream in unison that Israel is “violating” the “calm.” Because for some reason, incoming artillery, rockets, and bomb attacks don’t seem to count. Only outgoing defensive measures against them.
And there were two more kassams today, scoring a direct hit on a kibbutz
April 1 in Ames: Lecture on Media Coverage of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
You are invited to a lecture sponsored by the Israel Education Committee of the Ames Jewish Congregation and ISU Hillel:
Media Coverage of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Gary Kenzer Tuesday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., 1414 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University (Lots of parking space available)
Gary Kenzer is the National USA Executive Director of Honest Reporting, a watchdog organization that monitors media coverage of Israel and the Middle East. To ensure that Israel is represented fairly and accurately, Honest Reporting exposes cases of bias and promotes balance. As a result of its efforts, since 2000 there have been hundreds of apologies, retractions, and revisions from news outlets. Mr. Kenzer has over 25 years experience in the non-profit industry. Prior to assuming his present position, he served for 9 years as the Executive Director of Magen David Adom USA (Israel's emergency medical health, blood and disaster services) and with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), both grassroots organizations in the US. He has a degree from Loyola University of Chicago.
Media Coverage of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Gary Kenzer Tuesday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., 1414 Molecular Biology, Iowa State University (Lots of parking space available)
Gary Kenzer is the National USA Executive Director of Honest Reporting, a watchdog organization that monitors media coverage of Israel and the Middle East. To ensure that Israel is represented fairly and accurately, Honest Reporting exposes cases of bias and promotes balance. As a result of its efforts, since 2000 there have been hundreds of apologies, retractions, and revisions from news outlets. Mr. Kenzer has over 25 years experience in the non-profit industry. Prior to assuming his present position, he served for 9 years as the Executive Director of Magen David Adom USA (Israel's emergency medical health, blood and disaster services) and with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), both grassroots organizations in the US. He has a degree from Loyola University of Chicago.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Rockets and Occupation
Rockets and Occupation (Crossposted from http://rabbikaufman.blogspot.com 3/ 25/2008)
Shalom,
Recently I received a reply to one of my posts on this blog stating in essence that rockets aimed at Israel from Gaza were a response to "occupation" and that if Israel wanted the rocket fire to end, it should end the "occupation." I did not bother to publish this response, which was posted anonymously. I thought instead that I would address the fuller argument.
The "It's the Occupation Stupid" explanation employed universally by many pro-Palestinian activists assumes multiple things which are either unfounded or poorly so. Let me list them with explanations as to why.
1. Palestinian violence against Israel/Jews began in 1967 with the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, called "Occupied Territory" by most and "Disputed Territory" by others.
The latter term is employed by those who argue that since the WB was a part of Jordan and Gaza part of Egypt, both of which have subsequently made peace with Israel, that these territories are therefore no longer "occupied" in the sense that those governments which were recognized as the governing bodies of those territories no longer claim them. Palestinian activists claim, FALSELY, that these territories are and have been "Palestinian Territories" and therefore Israel is occupying Palestinian territory. Since there is not today and has never been a Palestinian state, this is simply cannot be true legally despite claims made by those recognized as leaders of the Palestinian people today. A peace process that seeks a two state solution to the conflict seeks to CREATE a Palestinian state along side Israel, not to restore one. As for the beginnings of violence against Jews, see below.
2. Palestinian violence against Jews started in 1947-1948 while Arabs and Jews lived peacefully up until that point.
This is entirely false. Violence against Jews by Palestinians began as a response to Jewish immigration after World War I. Haj Amin Al-Husseini, recognized as the father of Palestinian nationalism, who became the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, and who later aided the NAZIs in their recruitment of Muslim soldiers in the Baltic region, led riots in which many Jews in British Mandate Palestine were killed. In 1929, the Jews of Hebron were massacred. These were all BEFORE the NAZIs even came to power, much less after World War II. The argument that Palestinian hostility against Jews resulted from the post-war creation of a Jewish state is therefore also FALSE, much less that such violence began post-1967.
3. Rocket fire is the result of occupation since 1967.
This is actually quite simple to prove false. The parties doing the rocket fire state both orally and in writing that their efforts are designed to end the occupation of Palestinian lands which they define as being all of BRITISH MANDATE PALESTINE, not just Gaza and the West Bank, but all of Israel as well. Hence, those firing rockets are not fighting Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, but truly fighting the war of 1948 and will not stop firing rockets until Israel ceases to exist. Therefore the idea that Israel can make any concessions that will stop the rocket fire is FALSE.
4. Rocket fire is the result of occupation of Gaza.This is also FALSE. After Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, rocket fire intensified. Hence a different goal must be the aim of those rocketing. I already stated that goal in the above paragraph.
Stop the rocket fire? End the goal of destroying Israel.
It's NOT about the "Occupation" stupid, it's about HATRED OF THE JEWS.
-David
Rabbi David Kaufman
Shalom,
Recently I received a reply to one of my posts on this blog stating in essence that rockets aimed at Israel from Gaza were a response to "occupation" and that if Israel wanted the rocket fire to end, it should end the "occupation." I did not bother to publish this response, which was posted anonymously. I thought instead that I would address the fuller argument.
The "It's the Occupation Stupid" explanation employed universally by many pro-Palestinian activists assumes multiple things which are either unfounded or poorly so. Let me list them with explanations as to why.
1. Palestinian violence against Israel/Jews began in 1967 with the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, called "Occupied Territory" by most and "Disputed Territory" by others.
The latter term is employed by those who argue that since the WB was a part of Jordan and Gaza part of Egypt, both of which have subsequently made peace with Israel, that these territories are therefore no longer "occupied" in the sense that those governments which were recognized as the governing bodies of those territories no longer claim them. Palestinian activists claim, FALSELY, that these territories are and have been "Palestinian Territories" and therefore Israel is occupying Palestinian territory. Since there is not today and has never been a Palestinian state, this is simply cannot be true legally despite claims made by those recognized as leaders of the Palestinian people today. A peace process that seeks a two state solution to the conflict seeks to CREATE a Palestinian state along side Israel, not to restore one. As for the beginnings of violence against Jews, see below.
2. Palestinian violence against Jews started in 1947-1948 while Arabs and Jews lived peacefully up until that point.
This is entirely false. Violence against Jews by Palestinians began as a response to Jewish immigration after World War I. Haj Amin Al-Husseini, recognized as the father of Palestinian nationalism, who became the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, and who later aided the NAZIs in their recruitment of Muslim soldiers in the Baltic region, led riots in which many Jews in British Mandate Palestine were killed. In 1929, the Jews of Hebron were massacred. These were all BEFORE the NAZIs even came to power, much less after World War II. The argument that Palestinian hostility against Jews resulted from the post-war creation of a Jewish state is therefore also FALSE, much less that such violence began post-1967.
3. Rocket fire is the result of occupation since 1967.
This is actually quite simple to prove false. The parties doing the rocket fire state both orally and in writing that their efforts are designed to end the occupation of Palestinian lands which they define as being all of BRITISH MANDATE PALESTINE, not just Gaza and the West Bank, but all of Israel as well. Hence, those firing rockets are not fighting Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, but truly fighting the war of 1948 and will not stop firing rockets until Israel ceases to exist. Therefore the idea that Israel can make any concessions that will stop the rocket fire is FALSE.
4. Rocket fire is the result of occupation of Gaza.This is also FALSE. After Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, rocket fire intensified. Hence a different goal must be the aim of those rocketing. I already stated that goal in the above paragraph.
Stop the rocket fire? End the goal of destroying Israel.
It's NOT about the "Occupation" stupid, it's about HATRED OF THE JEWS.
-David
Rabbi David Kaufman
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A hard fact to accept, apparently
It’s all about hatred Anti-Jewish animosity, rather than economic distress, is terror’s root cause by Gilad Sharon, 3/24/2008 ynetnews opinion piece.
Many people around the world, including some Israelis, believe that the moment the conflict between us and the Palestinians would be resolved, the reason for the Arab and Muslim world’s hostility towards us will disappear. Peace will prevail among Israel and all Arab states, tensions between Islam and the West will fade, and the terror threat against Western nations will be lifted.
This conviction is naïve and false – the Palestinian issue is the pretext; a means used to slam Israel. It is not the problem.
The Arab world never reconciled itself to our existence as a Jewish state in the Mideastern space. The only Arab maps where the State of Israel appears are military maps. When it comes to the maps used in geography classes at schools, we do not exist.
Arab states have no interest whatsoever in the fate of the Palestinians. Syria’s defense minister referred to Arafat as the “son of 60,000 whores,” while Egypt’s president once urged the Palestinian leader to do something by telling him: “Come on already, you dog.” We must understand the meaning of such insult in the Arab world, and this is nothing compared to the declarations that were not uttered in public.
If the Palestinian issue bothered Arab states so much, what stopped them from establishing a Palestinian state before 1967 and the Six-Day War?
The argument that the suffering and distress experienced by the Palestinians are the reason for terror against Israel and the West is also unfounded. Terrorism against Jews in Israel started more than 120 years ago, much before the Six-Day War and the War of Independence; before we were accused of expulsion or occupation. Just as it was then, today too the hatred for Jews and rejection of our existence here are the reason for terrorism.
Let’s examine, for example, the despicable terrorist who carried out the attack at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva in Jerusalem. We are talking about the son of a wealthy family who lived in a nice house and made a nice living through those he murdered via the family’s transportation company. He did not act because of distress, but rather, because of hatred.
Aggressor can’t be appeased
If we look back at the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks in the United States, we would discover that most of them were Saudis and that the funding and assistance they received is also related to the Saudis. It is difficult to claim that the Saudis suffer from any kind of distress, at least not in financial terms. Perhaps life is a bit boring for them, or the weather is too hot, but there is no shortage of money there.
The reason for that and other offensives is radical Islamic fanaticism that is unwilling to accept the West and its way of life and culture, and seeks to enforce its dark and zealous beliefs on all global residents through any means available. Live in line with our ways, or die – this is what they say.
It would be good for the US and Europe to realize that pressing Israel to make concessions would not bring them the calm they so covet and would not allow them to go back to a life of hedonistic euphoria. Giving in to terrorism and violence does not serve to appease the aggressor, as was proven by Hitler, but rather, only encourages it.
It would be good if people around the world and around here too would realize that the zealot demon that came out of the bottle cannot be compromised with. We can only push it back into the bottle with strength and determination and bury it deeply in the sands of the Arabian Peninsula.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3522443,00.html
Many people around the world, including some Israelis, believe that the moment the conflict between us and the Palestinians would be resolved, the reason for the Arab and Muslim world’s hostility towards us will disappear. Peace will prevail among Israel and all Arab states, tensions between Islam and the West will fade, and the terror threat against Western nations will be lifted.
This conviction is naïve and false – the Palestinian issue is the pretext; a means used to slam Israel. It is not the problem.
The Arab world never reconciled itself to our existence as a Jewish state in the Mideastern space. The only Arab maps where the State of Israel appears are military maps. When it comes to the maps used in geography classes at schools, we do not exist.
Arab states have no interest whatsoever in the fate of the Palestinians. Syria’s defense minister referred to Arafat as the “son of 60,000 whores,” while Egypt’s president once urged the Palestinian leader to do something by telling him: “Come on already, you dog.” We must understand the meaning of such insult in the Arab world, and this is nothing compared to the declarations that were not uttered in public.
If the Palestinian issue bothered Arab states so much, what stopped them from establishing a Palestinian state before 1967 and the Six-Day War?
The argument that the suffering and distress experienced by the Palestinians are the reason for terror against Israel and the West is also unfounded. Terrorism against Jews in Israel started more than 120 years ago, much before the Six-Day War and the War of Independence; before we were accused of expulsion or occupation. Just as it was then, today too the hatred for Jews and rejection of our existence here are the reason for terrorism.
Let’s examine, for example, the despicable terrorist who carried out the attack at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva in Jerusalem. We are talking about the son of a wealthy family who lived in a nice house and made a nice living through those he murdered via the family’s transportation company. He did not act because of distress, but rather, because of hatred.
Aggressor can’t be appeased
If we look back at the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks in the United States, we would discover that most of them were Saudis and that the funding and assistance they received is also related to the Saudis. It is difficult to claim that the Saudis suffer from any kind of distress, at least not in financial terms. Perhaps life is a bit boring for them, or the weather is too hot, but there is no shortage of money there.
The reason for that and other offensives is radical Islamic fanaticism that is unwilling to accept the West and its way of life and culture, and seeks to enforce its dark and zealous beliefs on all global residents through any means available. Live in line with our ways, or die – this is what they say.
It would be good for the US and Europe to realize that pressing Israel to make concessions would not bring them the calm they so covet and would not allow them to go back to a life of hedonistic euphoria. Giving in to terrorism and violence does not serve to appease the aggressor, as was proven by Hitler, but rather, only encourages it.
It would be good if people around the world and around here too would realize that the zealot demon that came out of the bottle cannot be compromised with. We can only push it back into the bottle with strength and determination and bury it deeply in the sands of the Arabian Peninsula.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3522443,00.html
Friday, March 21, 2008
Jerusalem Post : Does PA accept premise for peace?
Not just a gimmick
THE JERUSALEM POST Mar. 20, 2008
The Palestinian leadership - not the one in Gaza, but the Palestinian Authority - seems to be backing an initiative by a PA minister, reported earlier this week in The Jerusalem Post, to respond to Israel's 60th anniversary by encouraging Palestinians to enact their "right of return" by showing up on Israel's doorstep. On May 14 this year, Palestinians would attempt to "return," suitcases in hand, in order to relocate to places like Jaffa and Haifa, inside Israel.
While obviously more of a propaganda stunt than an effort with direct effect, even gimmicks say something about where Palestinians stand. After all, the Palestinians are presumably divided between Hamas, which openly backs terrorism and Israel's complete destruction, and Fatah, which is presumably committed to a two-state solution and to peace with Israel.
This is the basis of the Annapolis process, of billions of dollars of assistance now flowing to the PA, and countless missions by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Just this month in Ramallah, standing by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Rice said, "I believe and I've heard you say that the strategic choice of a path of negotiation is the only way for lasting peace, security and prosperity for the people of the Palestinian territories, the Palestinian people, and for the Israelis. The establishment of two states living side by side in peace and freedom, Israel and Palestine, will lead to that outcome."
The basis of the entire process, then, is the principle of two states. For the Palestinians, this means abandoning a century-long struggle to prevent or reverse the establishment of a Jewish state in favor of a different struggle to establish a Palestinian state along side Israel.
The planned stunt, however, indicates that at least some of those in the hierarchy of our supposed PA peace partner do not accept the basic premise of the process. Without mutual recognition by each side of the other's right to a state, what is the point of discussing all the "final status issues" that would define the two states, such as borders and other arrangements between peaceful neighbors?
The claim of a "right of return" is not just another topic for negotiation or splitting the difference, but one that goes to the essence of whether the two-state principle is accepted or rejected. Indeed, though roughly one-fifth of Israel's population is Arab, and all those who have chosen to become citizens can vote and are represented in the Knesset, those in the PA who are backing the "return" gimmick evidently still insist not only that all Jews must leave what will become Palestine, but that Palestinians should be allowed to move to Israel.
This is a classic case of asserting that "what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine." After all, either the Palestinians are working to build their own state, or to destroy Israel; they cannot do both at the same time. It is also, though, an attempt to create "Greater Palestine" instead of Israel, superficially similar to the now defunct idea of creating "Greater Israel" by annexing the areas where a Palestinian state would have been created.
Of course, a key difference between the two maximalist, one-state visions is not just that the Israeli version has been abandoned by all but a small fringe. The real difference is that the Israeli version never involved destroying an existing state.
While clothed in the language of human rights and international law, in practice, the "right of return" is simply a dressing up of the genocidal agenda of those who would "wipe Israel off the map." It is an attempt to be Hamas with a human face.
Israel would not have been established if the pre-state Yishuv had not worked for decades to build institutions of effective self-governance. The PA, despite or because of billions of dollars in international assistance, has become a conduit for corruption, patronage and warring "security services." This will not change until the Palestinians decide to truly embrace a two-state model, rather than covering the goal of Greater Palestine with a thin veneer of talk about justice and peace.
The Palestinians and the Arab world have been rejecting two-state offers and plans for the last century. They can continue for another century, or they could decide to truly embrace peace. Here in Israel, peace is our dream, and we are ready to pursue it and to defend ourselves against the alternative.
This article can also be read at http://www.jpost.com /servlet/Satellite?cid=1205420742013&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
THE JERUSALEM POST Mar. 20, 2008
The Palestinian leadership - not the one in Gaza, but the Palestinian Authority - seems to be backing an initiative by a PA minister, reported earlier this week in The Jerusalem Post, to respond to Israel's 60th anniversary by encouraging Palestinians to enact their "right of return" by showing up on Israel's doorstep. On May 14 this year, Palestinians would attempt to "return," suitcases in hand, in order to relocate to places like Jaffa and Haifa, inside Israel.
While obviously more of a propaganda stunt than an effort with direct effect, even gimmicks say something about where Palestinians stand. After all, the Palestinians are presumably divided between Hamas, which openly backs terrorism and Israel's complete destruction, and Fatah, which is presumably committed to a two-state solution and to peace with Israel.
This is the basis of the Annapolis process, of billions of dollars of assistance now flowing to the PA, and countless missions by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Just this month in Ramallah, standing by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, Rice said, "I believe and I've heard you say that the strategic choice of a path of negotiation is the only way for lasting peace, security and prosperity for the people of the Palestinian territories, the Palestinian people, and for the Israelis. The establishment of two states living side by side in peace and freedom, Israel and Palestine, will lead to that outcome."
The basis of the entire process, then, is the principle of two states. For the Palestinians, this means abandoning a century-long struggle to prevent or reverse the establishment of a Jewish state in favor of a different struggle to establish a Palestinian state along side Israel.
The planned stunt, however, indicates that at least some of those in the hierarchy of our supposed PA peace partner do not accept the basic premise of the process. Without mutual recognition by each side of the other's right to a state, what is the point of discussing all the "final status issues" that would define the two states, such as borders and other arrangements between peaceful neighbors?
The claim of a "right of return" is not just another topic for negotiation or splitting the difference, but one that goes to the essence of whether the two-state principle is accepted or rejected. Indeed, though roughly one-fifth of Israel's population is Arab, and all those who have chosen to become citizens can vote and are represented in the Knesset, those in the PA who are backing the "return" gimmick evidently still insist not only that all Jews must leave what will become Palestine, but that Palestinians should be allowed to move to Israel.
This is a classic case of asserting that "what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine." After all, either the Palestinians are working to build their own state, or to destroy Israel; they cannot do both at the same time. It is also, though, an attempt to create "Greater Palestine" instead of Israel, superficially similar to the now defunct idea of creating "Greater Israel" by annexing the areas where a Palestinian state would have been created.
Of course, a key difference between the two maximalist, one-state visions is not just that the Israeli version has been abandoned by all but a small fringe. The real difference is that the Israeli version never involved destroying an existing state.
While clothed in the language of human rights and international law, in practice, the "right of return" is simply a dressing up of the genocidal agenda of those who would "wipe Israel off the map." It is an attempt to be Hamas with a human face.
Israel would not have been established if the pre-state Yishuv had not worked for decades to build institutions of effective self-governance. The PA, despite or because of billions of dollars in international assistance, has become a conduit for corruption, patronage and warring "security services." This will not change until the Palestinians decide to truly embrace a two-state model, rather than covering the goal of Greater Palestine with a thin veneer of talk about justice and peace.
The Palestinians and the Arab world have been rejecting two-state offers and plans for the last century. They can continue for another century, or they could decide to truly embrace peace. Here in Israel, peace is our dream, and we are ready to pursue it and to defend ourselves against the alternative.
This article can also be read at http://www.jpost.com /servlet/Satellite?cid=1205420742013&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Force, Violence and the “One-State” Formula
Published by Ben on March 20, 2008 in Z word blog. Aggregated from solomonia.com
Counterpunch, the online journal which recently coined the term “Neo-Jew” - arguably the most significant development in the etymology of Jew-hating since Wilhelm Marr popularized the term “anti-Semite” - is at it again. This time, the debate is over which solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would be more effective in wiping out Zionism.
In the two-state corner, please find Michael Neumann, a Canadian who teaches philosophy. In the one-state corner, meet Jonathan Cook, a British writer based in Nazareth, Israel. It seems odd that Neumann, who in the past has happily exhorted us to “have some fun with antisemitism”, should be advocating a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which would permit the loathed Zionist entity to continue breathing. He has not, of course, joined Peace Now. He just thinks that the one-state formula is an airheaded ideal which would actually end up rewarding the Zionists, “because it leaves ‘Jewish property’, including the settlements, in place.”
So what is Neumann’s theory of justice, as it applies to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? “It would require,” he says, “that the Jews who came as Zionists to Palestine leave, and with them their descendants.” (By the way, he adds, that’s not ethnic cleansing. Glad he cleared that one up.)
Since this absolute justice can’t be achieved, Neumann continues, and since recent experiments with the multinational or multiconfessional state model have gone awry (think of Lebanon or the former Yugoslavia), the best option for the Palestinians is to consolidate their fight for a smaller state alongside Israel. Neumann does recognize a critical factor which most western advocates of the one-state formula are in denial over; that one-state would amount to a bloodbath. Palestinians and Israelis would kill each other in large numbers - and one suspects, given Neumann’s overall emphasis on power relations, that he thinks the Israelis would have the edge on the killing - so anyone interested in justice for the Palestinians would have to acknowledge the blind alley ahead there.
Nothing in Neumann’s piece should suggest that he regards two states as a permanent solution. The foundation of his argument, essentially a realist one, is that material power counts for much more than moral principles and noble declarations: the Israelis will thus never be persuaded of the need for a one-state solution. It can only be imposed on them: as Neumann says, the “right of return” is an empty demand until the Palestinians become “powerful enough to enforce it.”
The arrival of that day is, no doubt, one of Neumann’s favorite fantasies, but that’s not good enough for Jonathan Cook. Neumann, he complains, has taken his eye off the doctrinal imperative of discrediting Zionism. Two-states, Cook argues, is just as impractical as one-state; just as the Israelis won’t surrender their sovereignty, neither will they surrender their occupation. Cook offers a number of reasons for why this is so, ranging from the unimaginative (they don’t want to give up the West Bank’s water resources) to the outlandish (they would, apparently, lose their “usefulness” to the US in terms of managing the occupation of Iraq).
So who wins, in this particular battle of anti-Zionist wits? I say Neumann, hands down. Cook is woefully short on detail. He ends by insisting that attacking Zionist ideology will, eventually, lead the “respectable facade” of Zionism to crumble. As I’ve argued elsewhere on this blog, it’s fundamentally dishonest to make this particular case and not deal with the contention that one-state could only come about through the imposition of enormous violence against Israelis.
Neumann, on the other hand, does, perversely, get it. That’s why he asks the difficult questions (”Will the settlers be kicked out of their settlements?…Will Zionists be expelled from the armed forces?”) which the commanders of Hamas and Hezbollah would be delighted to answer. If you support a one-state formula, you have to accept that it won’t be possible without coercion. And every Qassam rocket which slams into Sderot is deadly proof of that.
Published by Ben on March 20, 2008 in Z word blog. Aggregated from solomonia.com
Counterpunch, the online journal which recently coined the term “Neo-Jew” - arguably the most significant development in the etymology of Jew-hating since Wilhelm Marr popularized the term “anti-Semite” - is at it again. This time, the debate is over which solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would be more effective in wiping out Zionism.
In the two-state corner, please find Michael Neumann, a Canadian who teaches philosophy. In the one-state corner, meet Jonathan Cook, a British writer based in Nazareth, Israel. It seems odd that Neumann, who in the past has happily exhorted us to “have some fun with antisemitism”, should be advocating a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which would permit the loathed Zionist entity to continue breathing. He has not, of course, joined Peace Now. He just thinks that the one-state formula is an airheaded ideal which would actually end up rewarding the Zionists, “because it leaves ‘Jewish property’, including the settlements, in place.”
So what is Neumann’s theory of justice, as it applies to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? “It would require,” he says, “that the Jews who came as Zionists to Palestine leave, and with them their descendants.” (By the way, he adds, that’s not ethnic cleansing. Glad he cleared that one up.)
Since this absolute justice can’t be achieved, Neumann continues, and since recent experiments with the multinational or multiconfessional state model have gone awry (think of Lebanon or the former Yugoslavia), the best option for the Palestinians is to consolidate their fight for a smaller state alongside Israel. Neumann does recognize a critical factor which most western advocates of the one-state formula are in denial over; that one-state would amount to a bloodbath. Palestinians and Israelis would kill each other in large numbers - and one suspects, given Neumann’s overall emphasis on power relations, that he thinks the Israelis would have the edge on the killing - so anyone interested in justice for the Palestinians would have to acknowledge the blind alley ahead there.
Nothing in Neumann’s piece should suggest that he regards two states as a permanent solution. The foundation of his argument, essentially a realist one, is that material power counts for much more than moral principles and noble declarations: the Israelis will thus never be persuaded of the need for a one-state solution. It can only be imposed on them: as Neumann says, the “right of return” is an empty demand until the Palestinians become “powerful enough to enforce it.”
The arrival of that day is, no doubt, one of Neumann’s favorite fantasies, but that’s not good enough for Jonathan Cook. Neumann, he complains, has taken his eye off the doctrinal imperative of discrediting Zionism. Two-states, Cook argues, is just as impractical as one-state; just as the Israelis won’t surrender their sovereignty, neither will they surrender their occupation. Cook offers a number of reasons for why this is so, ranging from the unimaginative (they don’t want to give up the West Bank’s water resources) to the outlandish (they would, apparently, lose their “usefulness” to the US in terms of managing the occupation of Iraq).
So who wins, in this particular battle of anti-Zionist wits? I say Neumann, hands down. Cook is woefully short on detail. He ends by insisting that attacking Zionist ideology will, eventually, lead the “respectable facade” of Zionism to crumble. As I’ve argued elsewhere on this blog, it’s fundamentally dishonest to make this particular case and not deal with the contention that one-state could only come about through the imposition of enormous violence against Israelis.
Neumann, on the other hand, does, perversely, get it. That’s why he asks the difficult questions (”Will the settlers be kicked out of their settlements?…Will Zionists be expelled from the armed forces?”) which the commanders of Hamas and Hezbollah would be delighted to answer. If you support a one-state formula, you have to accept that it won’t be possible without coercion. And every Qassam rocket which slams into Sderot is deadly proof of that.
The new AP boilerplate: More anti-Israel bias
Posted on March 20th, 2008 by Meryl Yourish. http://www.yourish.com/
Have you seen the new AP boilerplate lately? It’s in a ton of articles about Gaza or Hamas. It goes like this:
Israel has been battling Hamas since the Islamic group violently seized control of Gaza last June. In addition to its military activity, Israel has imposed a tough economic blockade on the strip.
This paragraph, in two sentences, displays the entirety of the AP (and world media) bias against Israel. First, it blames Israel by saying that the Jewish state is “battling” Hamas. Israel, in fact, is responding to thousands of terrorist attacks in the forms of rockets and mortars fired, shootings, stabbing attacks, bombs planted, snipers firing on farmers, soldiers, and reporters—all of these since Hamas took over Gaza.
As for that, the phrase “violently seized control” blithely overlooks the vicious murders that Hamas committed on its enemy, the Fatah members and their families. It overlooks the fact that Hamas still maintains “order” by using violent methods, including shooting at protesting Gazans.
And last, the language about “imposing” a “tough economic blockade” is given without context. The blockade was imposed after Hamas failed to stop the near-daily rocket fire into southern Israel.
Funny, after all those articles by all those analysts, and all those words by all those Palestinian spokesliars, all insisting that Hamas has absolutely no control over the terrorists firing rockets into Israel (just as Arafat used to lie that he could not stop Hamas or other groups from carrying out attacks), now, when Egypt is trying to get a “truce” in place, the rocket fire has nearly completely stopped.
Isn’t that amazing? It just stopped all by itself. Hamas has no control over it. But now that Hamas really wants the IDF to stop pounding it, the rockets have mostly stopped.
Will the media acknowledge this, ever? Of course not.
----
Links to other informative sources
1. Response to Betsy Mayfield's anti-Israel letter in the Ames Tribune by Miles Weinberger of Iowa City. http://www.midiowanews.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19406349&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554188&rfi=8
2. Calls for genocide doctrines have infiltrated Hamas ideologies http://www.solomonia.com/blog/archive/2008/03/jonathan-dahoahhalevi-calls-for-genocide/index.shtml
3. Ominous developments in the Palestinian-Israel conflict http://blog.camera.org/archives/2008/03/ominous_developments_in_the_is.html
Posted on March 20th, 2008 by Meryl Yourish. http://www.yourish.com/
Have you seen the new AP boilerplate lately? It’s in a ton of articles about Gaza or Hamas. It goes like this:
Israel has been battling Hamas since the Islamic group violently seized control of Gaza last June. In addition to its military activity, Israel has imposed a tough economic blockade on the strip.
This paragraph, in two sentences, displays the entirety of the AP (and world media) bias against Israel. First, it blames Israel by saying that the Jewish state is “battling” Hamas. Israel, in fact, is responding to thousands of terrorist attacks in the forms of rockets and mortars fired, shootings, stabbing attacks, bombs planted, snipers firing on farmers, soldiers, and reporters—all of these since Hamas took over Gaza.
As for that, the phrase “violently seized control” blithely overlooks the vicious murders that Hamas committed on its enemy, the Fatah members and their families. It overlooks the fact that Hamas still maintains “order” by using violent methods, including shooting at protesting Gazans.
And last, the language about “imposing” a “tough economic blockade” is given without context. The blockade was imposed after Hamas failed to stop the near-daily rocket fire into southern Israel.
Funny, after all those articles by all those analysts, and all those words by all those Palestinian spokesliars, all insisting that Hamas has absolutely no control over the terrorists firing rockets into Israel (just as Arafat used to lie that he could not stop Hamas or other groups from carrying out attacks), now, when Egypt is trying to get a “truce” in place, the rocket fire has nearly completely stopped.
Isn’t that amazing? It just stopped all by itself. Hamas has no control over it. But now that Hamas really wants the IDF to stop pounding it, the rockets have mostly stopped.
Will the media acknowledge this, ever? Of course not.
----
Links to other informative sources
1. Response to Betsy Mayfield's anti-Israel letter in the Ames Tribune by Miles Weinberger of Iowa City. http://www.midiowanews.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19406349&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554188&rfi=8
2. Calls for genocide doctrines have infiltrated Hamas ideologies http://www.solomonia.com/blog/archive/2008/03/jonathan-dahoahhalevi-calls-for-genocide/index.shtml
3. Ominous developments in the Palestinian-Israel conflict http://blog.camera.org/archives/2008/03/ominous_developments_in_the_is.html
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
NPR and talking with Hamas
[Aggregated from FresnoZionism.org]
Maybe I need to change the station on my clock radio.
A few days ago I awoke to an NPR interview with a Palestinian plumber, in which the usual complaints about checkpoints, humiliation, and above all the security barrier were rehearsed in personal, emotional detail. Israel’s point of view was represented in entirety by the following statement by NPR’s Eric Westerveldt:
Israeli officials insist the wall and checkpoints are needed to stop Palestinian attacks inside Israel.
NPR has been criticized for their biased coverage on numerous occasions, and they say that although one piece may present a particular point of view, there will be others expressing the other side. So I said to myself “they owe us one”.
Today I got what they probably consider the Israeli point of view: “Israelis, Government Divided on Dealing with Hamas“. Big surprise, the four minute segment is almost all Israelis who want to talk to Hamas. Perhaps 30 seconds is given to a government spokesman who claims that the government is opposed to such negotiations — except indirect talks about the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas for over a year — and one woman who doesn’t trust Hamas.
NPR mentions a recent poll in which “two thirds of Israelis favored direct talks with Hamas“, but failed to explain that the question asked referred to talks intended to bring about the release of Shalit! So actually the government is in agreement with popular opinion on this issue.
Then they bring on Shlomo Brom, a former general who is far to the Left in Israeli politics, calling for a cease-fire, opening the crossings between Israel and Gaza, and for Israel to ’supply the needs’ of Gaza’s population.
The impression is given that this position — which is held by only a tiny minority of Israelis — is actually popular, as opposed to the hard-line stance of the government. But of course this is not so.
The reasons to not hold direct talks with Hamas and especially not to negotiate a cease-fire are simple.
For one, Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of Israel. It’s not possible to reach an accommodation with someone whose goal and bottom line is wiping you out. There isn’t a middle path between being and non-being.
A cease-fire would be advantageous to Hamas and bad for Israel. Barry Rubin writes,
A cease-fire is riddled with problems, paradoxically bringing even more violence. Hamas won’t observe it, letting both its own members and others attack Israel while inciting murder through every institution. The ceasefire won’t last long; Hamas would use it to strengthen its rule and army while demanding a reward for its “moderation”: an end to sanctions and diplomatic isolation; even Western aid.
Hamas is not a ‘normal’ political organization, as NPR wishes us to think. Hamas was dedicated to destroying Israel when it was out of power, and continued to be so dedicated after it took control of Gaza. Hamas did its best to murder Israelis when Gaza was under occupation, and continues to do its best now that Israel has completely withdrawn. When Hamas could have had international recognition (and aid) simply by agreeing to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept prior agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, they refused.
Hamas today is funded massively by Iran, which uses it as one of its proxies (the other main ones are Syria and Hezbollah). Iran is very interested in eliminating Israel, as I recently wrote:
There are multiple reasons for Iranian policy towards Israel, which include religious motives, the desire to earn propaganda points in the wider Arab and Muslim world, and their understanding that Israel is a base for American power in the Mideast which must be neutralized in order to expel Western influence from the region.
Naturally, NPR and Shlomo Brom don’t mention the Iranian context at all.
Maybe I need to change the station on my clock radio.
A few days ago I awoke to an NPR interview with a Palestinian plumber, in which the usual complaints about checkpoints, humiliation, and above all the security barrier were rehearsed in personal, emotional detail. Israel’s point of view was represented in entirety by the following statement by NPR’s Eric Westerveldt:
Israeli officials insist the wall and checkpoints are needed to stop Palestinian attacks inside Israel.
NPR has been criticized for their biased coverage on numerous occasions, and they say that although one piece may present a particular point of view, there will be others expressing the other side. So I said to myself “they owe us one”.
Today I got what they probably consider the Israeli point of view: “Israelis, Government Divided on Dealing with Hamas“. Big surprise, the four minute segment is almost all Israelis who want to talk to Hamas. Perhaps 30 seconds is given to a government spokesman who claims that the government is opposed to such negotiations — except indirect talks about the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas for over a year — and one woman who doesn’t trust Hamas.
NPR mentions a recent poll in which “two thirds of Israelis favored direct talks with Hamas“, but failed to explain that the question asked referred to talks intended to bring about the release of Shalit! So actually the government is in agreement with popular opinion on this issue.
Then they bring on Shlomo Brom, a former general who is far to the Left in Israeli politics, calling for a cease-fire, opening the crossings between Israel and Gaza, and for Israel to ’supply the needs’ of Gaza’s population.
The impression is given that this position — which is held by only a tiny minority of Israelis — is actually popular, as opposed to the hard-line stance of the government. But of course this is not so.
The reasons to not hold direct talks with Hamas and especially not to negotiate a cease-fire are simple.
For one, Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of Israel. It’s not possible to reach an accommodation with someone whose goal and bottom line is wiping you out. There isn’t a middle path between being and non-being.
A cease-fire would be advantageous to Hamas and bad for Israel. Barry Rubin writes,
A cease-fire is riddled with problems, paradoxically bringing even more violence. Hamas won’t observe it, letting both its own members and others attack Israel while inciting murder through every institution. The ceasefire won’t last long; Hamas would use it to strengthen its rule and army while demanding a reward for its “moderation”: an end to sanctions and diplomatic isolation; even Western aid.
Hamas is not a ‘normal’ political organization, as NPR wishes us to think. Hamas was dedicated to destroying Israel when it was out of power, and continued to be so dedicated after it took control of Gaza. Hamas did its best to murder Israelis when Gaza was under occupation, and continues to do its best now that Israel has completely withdrawn. When Hamas could have had international recognition (and aid) simply by agreeing to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept prior agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, they refused.
Hamas today is funded massively by Iran, which uses it as one of its proxies (the other main ones are Syria and Hezbollah). Iran is very interested in eliminating Israel, as I recently wrote:
There are multiple reasons for Iranian policy towards Israel, which include religious motives, the desire to earn propaganda points in the wider Arab and Muslim world, and their understanding that Israel is a base for American power in the Mideast which must be neutralized in order to expel Western influence from the region.
Naturally, NPR and Shlomo Brom don’t mention the Iranian context at all.
GLORIA's Barry Rubin on Gaza
What To Do About Gaza: The Realistic Scenario Barry Rubin March 17, 2008
Not only is there no good solution to the Gaza problem, there's no "solution" at all. But in the Middle East, solutions are rare; what's needed is the best, imperfect, option among five alternatives:
Current policy. Israel absorbs damage and casualties in Sderot and some other places. Few are affected; almost all the country functions normally. International pressure and casualties are limited. Israel hits rocket launchers, terrorist bases, and leading terrorists periodically. Eventually, there will be an anti-rocket defense.
But aside from government's duty to its citizens, things will change. Hamas will produce larger and longer-range missiles against Ashkelon and eventually Ashdod.
Another problem with this strategy is that Western criticism defines even minimal self-defense methods as disproportionate. If you get slammed for taking punches you might as well fight back. Moreover, the West basically protects Hamas' rule in Gaza, despite sanctions and diplomatic isolation, neither of which might last. As Hamas grows more aggressive, Western policies might become more appeasing. Meanwhile, being "soft" on Hamas doesn't make peace talks work but does make Hamas look more effective than the less violent PA and Fatah.
Finally, public opinion presses government to change policy.
There are three proposals playing off a thirst for neat solutions. A ceasefire is an ideal dovish solution, overthrowing Hamas appeals to hawks, and giving the mess to an international force makes both philosophies happy. Unfortunately none of these ideas work.
A ceasefire is riddled with problems, paradoxically bringing even more violence. Hamas won't observe it, letting both its own members and others attack Israel while inciting murder through every institution. The ceasefire won't last long; Hamas would use it to strengthen its rule and army while demanding a reward for its "moderation": an end to sanctions and diplomatic isolation; even Western aid.
Re-occupy Gaza; Destroy Hamas. Sounds good. But how? Israel isn't being hit hard enough to make such a huge undertaking worthwhile. Troops would face constant attack from all directions. Once again, Israel would be involved in the daily rule of more than one million hostile people. Too many soldiers would be tied up to permit proper security in the West Bank and Lebanon border. It would be high-cost in casualties, money, and international friction.
And in the end Hamas will not be "destroyed." To defeat Hamas is not to eliminate it but to keep it as weak as possible (through military strikes, isolation, etc.) and limit its ability to hit Israel.
There's also the plan's second fallacy of turning Gaza over to a "moderate" Fatah and PA. There is no chance of their accepting this gift. In fact, Fatah would rather make a deal with Hamas than fight it. And why believe they'd do a better job than last time?
The International Solution. But there's a gimmick: the idea of turning Gaza over to an international force. This is a fantasy. Countries are not going to send forces into a war there to be attacked every day, nor will they brave criticism from Arab and Muslim states as well as terrorist attacks for no benefit.
Besides, what will the force do? Certainly not arrest thousands of Gazans, kill those trying to attack Israel, hold mass trials of terrorists and sentence them to long prison terms. Definitely not disarm Hamas or stop arms smuggling from Egypt.
And when rockets keep falling that force would block Israeli military action there. The option would also be a political disaster, with the sponsoring countries rushing to establish a Palestinian state and negotiate with Hamas. Finally, as noted above, the PA and Fatah won't take Gaza from an international force.
Push Hamas Back: What is needed is the most realistic option based on reality, not wishful thinking. Israel's interest is to minimize attacks on its soil and citizens while limiting the cost of the response needed to achieve that goal. This can be best done by combining a more active version of current policy and the creation of a security zone in the "northern" Gaza Strip to push Hamas and its allies out of range.
Such a zone could be made relatively secure because it would be on a narrow front, with flanks protected by the sea on the north and Israel proper on the south and east, with Israel controlling the airspace. This is an interim policy until anti-missile, anti-rocket defenses can be implemented, perhaps three years.
Of course, there is risk. Israeli forces will be attacked, yet they would be in a strong, fortified position and know they are protecting the civilians behind them. Some rockets will fall on Israel but the numbers would be far reduced and the area affected limited. Israel would continue to operate within Hamas-held Gaza as needed.
Will the world--which claims Israel is occupying Gaza already--do much if Israel temporarily takes back ten percent?
This issue will not be solved by negotiations, concessions, appeasement, force, or anything else. Defense Minister Ehud Barak is right: "It's not the end, the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning."
The same logic applies to Gaza as for the West Bank and Lebanon border. The main goal is for the army to minimize danger and damage so people can go about their normal lives and build up the country, protected by their soldiers.
The Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) CenterInterdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya P.O. Box 167 Herzliya, 46150 IsraelEmail: info@gloriacenter.org Phone: +972-9-960-2736 Fax: +972-9-956-8605
Not only is there no good solution to the Gaza problem, there's no "solution" at all. But in the Middle East, solutions are rare; what's needed is the best, imperfect, option among five alternatives:
Current policy. Israel absorbs damage and casualties in Sderot and some other places. Few are affected; almost all the country functions normally. International pressure and casualties are limited. Israel hits rocket launchers, terrorist bases, and leading terrorists periodically. Eventually, there will be an anti-rocket defense.
But aside from government's duty to its citizens, things will change. Hamas will produce larger and longer-range missiles against Ashkelon and eventually Ashdod.
Another problem with this strategy is that Western criticism defines even minimal self-defense methods as disproportionate. If you get slammed for taking punches you might as well fight back. Moreover, the West basically protects Hamas' rule in Gaza, despite sanctions and diplomatic isolation, neither of which might last. As Hamas grows more aggressive, Western policies might become more appeasing. Meanwhile, being "soft" on Hamas doesn't make peace talks work but does make Hamas look more effective than the less violent PA and Fatah.
Finally, public opinion presses government to change policy.
There are three proposals playing off a thirst for neat solutions. A ceasefire is an ideal dovish solution, overthrowing Hamas appeals to hawks, and giving the mess to an international force makes both philosophies happy. Unfortunately none of these ideas work.
A ceasefire is riddled with problems, paradoxically bringing even more violence. Hamas won't observe it, letting both its own members and others attack Israel while inciting murder through every institution. The ceasefire won't last long; Hamas would use it to strengthen its rule and army while demanding a reward for its "moderation": an end to sanctions and diplomatic isolation; even Western aid.
Re-occupy Gaza; Destroy Hamas. Sounds good. But how? Israel isn't being hit hard enough to make such a huge undertaking worthwhile. Troops would face constant attack from all directions. Once again, Israel would be involved in the daily rule of more than one million hostile people. Too many soldiers would be tied up to permit proper security in the West Bank and Lebanon border. It would be high-cost in casualties, money, and international friction.
And in the end Hamas will not be "destroyed." To defeat Hamas is not to eliminate it but to keep it as weak as possible (through military strikes, isolation, etc.) and limit its ability to hit Israel.
There's also the plan's second fallacy of turning Gaza over to a "moderate" Fatah and PA. There is no chance of their accepting this gift. In fact, Fatah would rather make a deal with Hamas than fight it. And why believe they'd do a better job than last time?
The International Solution. But there's a gimmick: the idea of turning Gaza over to an international force. This is a fantasy. Countries are not going to send forces into a war there to be attacked every day, nor will they brave criticism from Arab and Muslim states as well as terrorist attacks for no benefit.
Besides, what will the force do? Certainly not arrest thousands of Gazans, kill those trying to attack Israel, hold mass trials of terrorists and sentence them to long prison terms. Definitely not disarm Hamas or stop arms smuggling from Egypt.
And when rockets keep falling that force would block Israeli military action there. The option would also be a political disaster, with the sponsoring countries rushing to establish a Palestinian state and negotiate with Hamas. Finally, as noted above, the PA and Fatah won't take Gaza from an international force.
Push Hamas Back: What is needed is the most realistic option based on reality, not wishful thinking. Israel's interest is to minimize attacks on its soil and citizens while limiting the cost of the response needed to achieve that goal. This can be best done by combining a more active version of current policy and the creation of a security zone in the "northern" Gaza Strip to push Hamas and its allies out of range.
Such a zone could be made relatively secure because it would be on a narrow front, with flanks protected by the sea on the north and Israel proper on the south and east, with Israel controlling the airspace. This is an interim policy until anti-missile, anti-rocket defenses can be implemented, perhaps three years.
Of course, there is risk. Israeli forces will be attacked, yet they would be in a strong, fortified position and know they are protecting the civilians behind them. Some rockets will fall on Israel but the numbers would be far reduced and the area affected limited. Israel would continue to operate within Hamas-held Gaza as needed.
Will the world--which claims Israel is occupying Gaza already--do much if Israel temporarily takes back ten percent?
This issue will not be solved by negotiations, concessions, appeasement, force, or anything else. Defense Minister Ehud Barak is right: "It's not the end, the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning."
The same logic applies to Gaza as for the West Bank and Lebanon border. The main goal is for the army to minimize danger and damage so people can go about their normal lives and build up the country, protected by their soldiers.
The Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) CenterInterdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya P.O. Box 167 Herzliya, 46150 IsraelEmail: info@gloriacenter.org Phone: +972-9-960-2736 Fax: +972-9-956-8605
Thursday, March 13, 2008
When Palestinian violence stops, there will be peace
Follow The Sequence Of Mideast Violence
By OFER BAVLY March 9, 2008
There is no symmetry between Israel and Palestinian extremists.
There are no shades of gray; there is no cultural relativism, no equidistant, conditional ifs and buts. There is no Israeli action followed by a Palestinian reaction. There is no egalitarian share of the blame and responsibility, and the sooner this fact is understood by the international community, the better.
Recent media reports about the plight of Gaza residents highlighted the fact that hunger, poverty, shortage of electricity and fuel in Gaza were the result of Israel's blockade on that Palestinian-controlled zone. As if Israel decided, out of the blue, to impose collective punishment on all Palestinians out of sheer evil. It was then easy for the world media to present rocket launching from Gaza as a natural, understandable, reaction of a frustrated, hungry population. Similarly, terror attacks against Israeli civilians are regularly presented by Palestinian spokesmen (picked up by "objective" journalists) as retaliation to the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
There is a difference between an arsonist lighting a building, and the fireman putting out the fire. There is no similarity between a robber who attacks his victim, and the policeman who attacks the robber in order to arrest him. Sure, both may use violence. But are they equally reponsible for it?
Too often, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may seem like a vicious circle of violence, a back and forth game of tennis, an eye-for-an-eye that ultimately leaves both sides blind and the international community apathetic at best - and anti-Israeli at worst - mistaking victim for aggressor.
It may be necessary to remind ourselves that in the Middle East, there is a sequence of events, not a cycle of violence. It is a continuum which can be stopped at a moment's notice, by the Palestinians, should they choose to do so or should they feel the necessary international pressure to do so.
In August 2006, Israel pulled out of Gaza. We dismantled our settlements, down to the last one. We redeployed our troops outside Gaza. We left Gaza to the Gazans - no occupation, no Israeli presence. Without our presence there, the Hamas terror organization staged a coup d'etat in June 2007, taking over Gaza from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Since then, they have launched over 5,000 missiles at Israel's southern region.
Remember: there was no occupation of Gaza. There was no blockade of Gaza. That was not retaliation. There was no symmetry, only terrorism. And yet, Israel did not react to that provocation. We did not invade Gaza, or reconquer any part of it. But after thousands of rockets landed on our towns, Israel decided that supplying the Palestinians with fuel, electricity and other basic needs isn't the best policy of self-defense.
A blockade was imposed. When Hamas blew open the border between Gaza and Egypt, they opened the door to a massive influx of arms, ammunitions and terrorists coming into Gaza. They also used the breach to allow terrorists to cross into Sinai and from there into Israel, where they will try to kill more of our citizens.
This is not symmetry. This is terrorism, launched against people whose only crime is being Israeli and wanting to live in peace and security.
Israel will defend itself against this latest wave of terror. Do not call it a cycle of violence. The violence will end when the Palestinian terrorists stop attacking us. If they renounce violence, there will be peace. If we renounce self-defense, Israel will cease to exist. No symmetry.
Ofer Bavly is Israel's consul general in Miami
By OFER BAVLY March 9, 2008
There is no symmetry between Israel and Palestinian extremists.
There are no shades of gray; there is no cultural relativism, no equidistant, conditional ifs and buts. There is no Israeli action followed by a Palestinian reaction. There is no egalitarian share of the blame and responsibility, and the sooner this fact is understood by the international community, the better.
Recent media reports about the plight of Gaza residents highlighted the fact that hunger, poverty, shortage of electricity and fuel in Gaza were the result of Israel's blockade on that Palestinian-controlled zone. As if Israel decided, out of the blue, to impose collective punishment on all Palestinians out of sheer evil. It was then easy for the world media to present rocket launching from Gaza as a natural, understandable, reaction of a frustrated, hungry population. Similarly, terror attacks against Israeli civilians are regularly presented by Palestinian spokesmen (picked up by "objective" journalists) as retaliation to the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
There is a difference between an arsonist lighting a building, and the fireman putting out the fire. There is no similarity between a robber who attacks his victim, and the policeman who attacks the robber in order to arrest him. Sure, both may use violence. But are they equally reponsible for it?
Too often, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may seem like a vicious circle of violence, a back and forth game of tennis, an eye-for-an-eye that ultimately leaves both sides blind and the international community apathetic at best - and anti-Israeli at worst - mistaking victim for aggressor.
It may be necessary to remind ourselves that in the Middle East, there is a sequence of events, not a cycle of violence. It is a continuum which can be stopped at a moment's notice, by the Palestinians, should they choose to do so or should they feel the necessary international pressure to do so.
In August 2006, Israel pulled out of Gaza. We dismantled our settlements, down to the last one. We redeployed our troops outside Gaza. We left Gaza to the Gazans - no occupation, no Israeli presence. Without our presence there, the Hamas terror organization staged a coup d'etat in June 2007, taking over Gaza from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Since then, they have launched over 5,000 missiles at Israel's southern region.
Remember: there was no occupation of Gaza. There was no blockade of Gaza. That was not retaliation. There was no symmetry, only terrorism. And yet, Israel did not react to that provocation. We did not invade Gaza, or reconquer any part of it. But after thousands of rockets landed on our towns, Israel decided that supplying the Palestinians with fuel, electricity and other basic needs isn't the best policy of self-defense.
A blockade was imposed. When Hamas blew open the border between Gaza and Egypt, they opened the door to a massive influx of arms, ammunitions and terrorists coming into Gaza. They also used the breach to allow terrorists to cross into Sinai and from there into Israel, where they will try to kill more of our citizens.
This is not symmetry. This is terrorism, launched against people whose only crime is being Israeli and wanting to live in peace and security.
Israel will defend itself against this latest wave of terror. Do not call it a cycle of violence. The violence will end when the Palestinian terrorists stop attacking us. If they renounce violence, there will be peace. If we renounce self-defense, Israel will cease to exist. No symmetry.
Ofer Bavly is Israel's consul general in Miami
Thursday: More than 25 Qassam rockets fired at western Negev
Fragile truce takes another beating as al-Quds Brigades fire rockets at western Negev; student suffers from shock. Simultaneously, seven mortar shells fired towards border fence
Seven mortar shells were also fired landing near the border fence. A seminary student suffered shock.
The Islamic Jihad's military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, claimed responsibility for the Qassam fire. [ynetnews.com]
Fragile truce takes another beating as al-Quds Brigades fire rockets at western Negev; student suffers from shock. Simultaneously, seven mortar shells fired towards border fence
Seven mortar shells were also fired landing near the border fence. A seminary student suffered shock.
The Islamic Jihad's military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, claimed responsibility for the Qassam fire. [ynetnews.com]
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
When univited guests drop in
Rockets fired at Sderot
Is fragile lull over? Qassam rocket barrage fired at southern town Wednesday night; attack causes some damage, no injuries reported; earlier, Islamic Jihad vows to avenge killing of four terrorists
Shmulik Hadad
03.13.08, 01:08 ynetnews.com
Will truce last? At least eight Qassam rockets were fired at Sderot from the northern Gaza Strip Wednesday night following a brief lull in attacks on southern Israel communities.
Two rockets landed in town, near a school and next to a warehouse, and caused some damage. Security forces were attempting to pinpoint the landing site of another rocket that apparently fell in a residential area. One rocket landed in the Strip, while the others landed in open areas outside Sderot.
--------------------
Terms of endearment
[From the AP] Haniyeh used the word “tahdia,” or calm, to describe the informal cease-fire he sought. He did not use the Arabic word “hudna,” which is interpreted as a more formal truce. Both terms denote a temporary cease-fire rather than a permanent peace, but even the subtle differences between the words has led to fierce debate among Arabs in past cease-fire efforts.
A Bad Day for Terrorists
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
1. Head of the Islamic Jihad Terror Organization in Bethlehem Killed Today with 3 other leaders
2. Senior Islamic Jihad Operative Killed
'Gaza escalation to worsen before calm'
Barak denies cease-fire with Hamas, casts doubts on prospects of negotiation with the PA.
1. Head of the Islamic Jihad Terror Organization in Bethlehem Killed Today with 3 other leaders
2. Senior Islamic Jihad Operative Killed
'Gaza escalation to worsen before calm'
Barak denies cease-fire with Hamas, casts doubts on prospects of negotiation with the PA.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Ceasefire in the making
Reports are that Israel, Hamas and Egypt agree informally to a ceasefire and the end of the Gaza seige. [Debka.com]
Rocket Attack on Ashkelon
(IsraelNN.com) Palestinian Authority terrorists in Gaza ended a four-day lull Tuesday with a rocket attack on Ashkelon. The missile exploded in an area south of the coastal city just hours after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned residents while touring Ashkelon that it will never be possible to completely stop rocket attacks on the city.
ynetnews.com Report: Israel wants month-long truce with Hamas
Jerusalem to declare official ceasefire with Palestinians should 'trial period' pass without additional rocket attacks from Gaza and Palestinians refrain from digging arms-smuggling tunnels, Al-Quds Al-Arabi reports
Jerusalem Post: Israel is demanding that a formal calm with Hamas be preceded by a 30-day "feeling the pulse" period, the London-based daily Al-Quds al-Arabi reported Tuesday.
Rocket Attack on Ashkelon
(IsraelNN.com) Palestinian Authority terrorists in Gaza ended a four-day lull Tuesday with a rocket attack on Ashkelon. The missile exploded in an area south of the coastal city just hours after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned residents while touring Ashkelon that it will never be possible to completely stop rocket attacks on the city.
ynetnews.com Report: Israel wants month-long truce with Hamas
Jerusalem to declare official ceasefire with Palestinians should 'trial period' pass without additional rocket attacks from Gaza and Palestinians refrain from digging arms-smuggling tunnels, Al-Quds Al-Arabi reports
Jerusalem Post: Israel is demanding that a formal calm with Hamas be preceded by a 30-day "feeling the pulse" period, the London-based daily Al-Quds al-Arabi reported Tuesday.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Heading toward de facto truce with Hamas?
From Israel Radio: Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Monday that there is no ceasefire agreement with Hamas and such an accord is not close. Barak said that only when the rocket fire from Gaza ceases, the terrorist attacks stop, and weapons smuggling drops significantly, will Israel consider agreeing to a truce.
Despite the recent drop in Kassam rocket fire towards Israel, Hamas officials have also said there is no formal truce with Israel. At the same time, Hamas officials have said that the group will stop the fire if Israel halts it military operations.
As interpreted by JTA.org: Israeli forces have dramatically scaled back operations in the Gaza Strip in what appears to be a bid to secure a de facto truce with Hamas.
Despite the recent drop in Kassam rocket fire towards Israel, Hamas officials have also said there is no formal truce with Israel. At the same time, Hamas officials have said that the group will stop the fire if Israel halts it military operations.
As interpreted by JTA.org: Israeli forces have dramatically scaled back operations in the Gaza Strip in what appears to be a bid to secure a de facto truce with Hamas.
No mistranslations, here
The contention that the Iranian leadership does not literally support eradicating Israel from the map is contradicted by the slogans, in English, as seen in these two photos. 
The photo above, crediting the slogan to Imam Khomeini, is from AFP; The photo of the slogan displayed on the lecturn, is from Reuters [ March 9, 2008 conference in Tehran]
As documented on littlegreenfootballs.com.
If the photos do not display on your e-mail, see the posting on http://jcommunitynews.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Sabeel Justifies Hamas Rockets
From: Solomonia
http://www.solomonia.com/blog/archive/2008/03/sabeel-justifies-hamas-rockets/index.shtml
Sabeel Justifies Hamas Rockets
The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center (one of the primary voices of anti-Israel divestment world-wide and a "partner" of multiple Protestant denominations in the West) has given Jewish Voice for Peace a run for its money in fake condemnations of violence: A Human Tragedy Called Gaza. Discussing rockets from the Gaza Strip......
"Palestinians resisting the occupation interpret the message of the rockets as a distress signal of a hurting and wounded community. It is a cry of desperation for help sent to the community of nations to come to their rescue, to lift the Israeli siege, to end their occupation, and to give them freedom. It must be remembered that according to international law, Gaza is still under occupation even after Israel's redeployment...
...It has been 60 years and the cries of the Palestinians have been falling on the deaf ears of the world leaders. Consequently, some Palestinian groups have resorted to violence but their message of need and despair has not been heard. The humanity of the Palestinians has been suppressed and censored. They have been perceived as "terrorists" when in fact they are seeking justice and freedom...
...Those rockets have been a blow to the arrogance and hubris of the Israeli government..."
comments by Solomonia:
If Palestinian Arabs want borders that no longer interest Israelis, they could start by stopping the terror attacks and showing they have a society more interested in governing themselves than destroying their neighbors. If they want to "send messages", try email. If American Protestants were interested in encouraging nation-building and peaceful concourse, they would be well advised to distance themselves from groups like Sabeel.
[For information about Sabeel, see http://judeo-christianalliance.org/materials/SabeelPrimer.doc --Mark]
http://www.solomonia.com/blog/archive/2008/03/sabeel-justifies-hamas-rockets/index.shtml
Sabeel Justifies Hamas Rockets
The Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center (one of the primary voices of anti-Israel divestment world-wide and a "partner" of multiple Protestant denominations in the West) has given Jewish Voice for Peace a run for its money in fake condemnations of violence: A Human Tragedy Called Gaza. Discussing rockets from the Gaza Strip......
"Palestinians resisting the occupation interpret the message of the rockets as a distress signal of a hurting and wounded community. It is a cry of desperation for help sent to the community of nations to come to their rescue, to lift the Israeli siege, to end their occupation, and to give them freedom. It must be remembered that according to international law, Gaza is still under occupation even after Israel's redeployment...
...It has been 60 years and the cries of the Palestinians have been falling on the deaf ears of the world leaders. Consequently, some Palestinian groups have resorted to violence but their message of need and despair has not been heard. The humanity of the Palestinians has been suppressed and censored. They have been perceived as "terrorists" when in fact they are seeking justice and freedom...
...Those rockets have been a blow to the arrogance and hubris of the Israeli government..."
comments by Solomonia:
If Palestinian Arabs want borders that no longer interest Israelis, they could start by stopping the terror attacks and showing they have a society more interested in governing themselves than destroying their neighbors. If they want to "send messages", try email. If American Protestants were interested in encouraging nation-building and peaceful concourse, they would be well advised to distance themselves from groups like Sabeel.
[For information about Sabeel, see http://judeo-christianalliance.org/materials/SabeelPrimer.doc --Mark]
And why is it wrong to intentionally target civilians?
Instrumentalism drives PHRMG condemnation rather than morality -- Mark
March 9, 2009 Press Release from The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG)
PHRMG Strongly Condemns Attack on Jerusalem Yeshiva [excerpt]
While Israel's deadly operations in Gaza last week deserve serious condemnation, such violent acts of terror on Israeli civilians only further damages the future of the Palestinian People and hopes for peace in the Middle East. International and Israeli attention has now shifted from the tremendous casualty count in Gaza to the brutal attack on Israeli students in Jerusalem. International press and public opinion must focus on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the barrage of human rights violations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in order to effect change on the ground for Palestinians. Continuous terrorist attacks not only drive Israeli overreaction, but trap international supporters of the Palestinian People. The Palestinian efforts for statehood and peace lose necessary backing (both financial and ideological) when fundamentalists resort to violent terrorist tactics.
In addition, the PHRMG calls on the Israeli Authorities to . . .
Abeer AbdeenPublic Relation OfficerEmail: admin@phrmg.org
The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG) is a Palestinian, independent, non-governmental organization working to end human rights violations committed against Palestinians . . .
March 9, 2009 Press Release from The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG)
PHRMG Strongly Condemns Attack on Jerusalem Yeshiva [excerpt]
While Israel's deadly operations in Gaza last week deserve serious condemnation, such violent acts of terror on Israeli civilians only further damages the future of the Palestinian People and hopes for peace in the Middle East. International and Israeli attention has now shifted from the tremendous casualty count in Gaza to the brutal attack on Israeli students in Jerusalem. International press and public opinion must focus on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the barrage of human rights violations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in order to effect change on the ground for Palestinians. Continuous terrorist attacks not only drive Israeli overreaction, but trap international supporters of the Palestinian People. The Palestinian efforts for statehood and peace lose necessary backing (both financial and ideological) when fundamentalists resort to violent terrorist tactics.
In addition, the PHRMG calls on the Israeli Authorities to . . .
Abeer AbdeenPublic Relation OfficerEmail: admin@phrmg.org
The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG) is a Palestinian, independent, non-governmental organization working to end human rights violations committed against Palestinians . . .
Friday, March 7, 2008
Palestinian terrorism took the lives of the following individuals at Yeshiva haRav:
Yochai Lipschitz, 18, of Jerusalem
Yonatan Yitzchak Eldar, 16, of Shiloh
Yonadav Chaim Hirschfeld, 19, of Kochav Hashahar
Neriah Cohen, 15, of Jerusalem
Roey Roth, 18, of Elkana
Segev Pniel Avihayil, 15, of Neveh Daniel
Avraham David Moses, 16, of Efrat
Maharata Trunoch, 26, of Ashdod.
From the eulogies. The head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Shapira was the first to speak. Chocking back tears, he said: “This massacre is the continuation of the 1929 massacre [in Hebron] and the blood of the prophet is still boiling. The heads of the nation also understand that the heart of the nation is torah. It is time for all of us to understand that this is the truth. We all believe that the time has come for a dramatic spiritual change; for us to have strong, good and reliable leadership.”
“We are all in need of mercy, the entire country,” Shapira cried. “Pray for all of us and give good counsel to the families, to the anguished friends.”
Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar was weeping as well. “We have paid with our best boys, who were sitting by their talmuds … torah was their entire world, they are the roses that have been picked … and God will have mercy on us for their merit.
Turning to the families, he said: “You should know, dear families, that this is a mourning of the entire house of Israel, as one person and one heart crying as one for the dreadful calamity that has befallen us. We will not be cruel at this hour when we are faced with such a wide crisis, and we will rise up to cast away strife; to further increase torah study.”
Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski also addressed the crowd: “Lord, nations have invaded your land, desecrated your holy hall, eight of our sweet loved ones, may God avenge their blood, who only yesterday were living amongst us, are no longer with us. Their lives were severed by lowly murderers … but the murderer did not wish to target them alone, but rather each and every one of us, each and every resident of the holy city of Jerusalem.
For many years our enemies have been trying to ruin our lives, to harm us as much as they can. Jerusalem has paid heavily in blood, and the long long list was joined last night by our eight sons.”
Naming the victims: A media double standard
Posted on March 7th, 2008 at 10:00 am by Meryl Yourish. Yourish.com (a blog)
How many of you know that several children were killed during the IDF operation in Gaza last week? Everyone? But of course. The victims are paraded in front of the cameras, their names, ages, and quotes from families pushed at the media around the world. But when it comes to Israeli victims of terror, can you remember seeing the names or ages of victims in any mainstream media source?
The media do not disappoint. Well, they do, but they do not surprise. Throughout the non-Israeli media, The perpetrator of the massacre is named, aged, and there are quotes from his family about how proud they are that their son murdered seven children and one adult. But not the victims. The Israeli victims of terror attacks have no names.
The Times Online named the murderer and gave the quote on the first page of their article. The names and ages of the victims are buried in the very last paragraph of the story. And there’s a photo slideshow of the funeral procession, complete with headshot of the murderer.
The AP doesn’t bother to name the victims. The murderer is named in the seventh graf. And of course, they implicitly blamed Israel for the attack. The lead:
Thousands of Israelis gathered outside a bullet-scarred Jerusalem rabbinical seminary on Friday to mourn eight students killed by a suspected Palestinian gunman, while an Israeli official said the country would not suspend peace talks.
A bearded rabbi recited Hebrew psalms line by line, the crowd repeating after him, in memory of the dead, one of whom was 26 and the rest between ages 15 and 19. People packed nearby balconies to observe the ceremony, after which the bodies were to be taken for burial.
Naming the murderer:
The family of Alaa Abu Dheim, a 25-year-old from east Jerusalem, said he had carried out the attack. They described him as intensely religious, but said he was not a member of a militant group and had planned to get married in the summer.
Abu Dheim had been transfixed in recent days by the news of bloodshed in Gaza, said his sister, Iman Abu Dheim. “He told me he wasn’t able to sleep because of the grief,” she said.
The moral equivalency:
Afterward, Jewish seminarians gathered outside the library and screamed for revenge, shouting, “Death to Arabs,” while in Hamas-controlled Gaza thousands of Palestinians celebrated in the streets.
CNN names the killer in the third graf. This is the most it gives the victims:
The students, ages 15 to 26, died Thursday night when a gunman armed with an automatic weapon and a handgun slipped into the school and began shooting.
Notice the passive “died,” instead of “were killed.” Notice the use of the age range, which minimizes the fact that two were 15, two were 16, two were 18, and one 19. Four were minors. Children. The accompanying video that CNN is running says “The victims were men in their late teens and twenties, all devout students of Jewish law.”
The AFP names the killer and not the victims. But they at least point out how young the victims were.
Eight students — most of them 15 or 16 years old — were shot dead late Thursday at the Merkaz Harav Yeshiva, a seminary in predominantly Jewish west Jerusalem. Another nine were wounded.
Reuters doesn’t bother to name or age the victims, but is happy to call the seminary a college, making you think none of the victims were children.
----------------------------------------
Hamas: Cease-fire deal must include West Bank
By Jack Khoury, Yossi Verter and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondents and News Agencies
Hamas said Thursday that any Gaza Strip cease-fire with Israel must include an end to Israel Defense Forces operations in the West Bank, as Egypt launched talks with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in a bid to secure a truce. Hamas spokesman in Gaza Ayman Taha told A-Shams Radio that the Hamas delegation dispatched to the Egyptian city of El-Arish on the Sinai Peninsula had returned to the Strip. "We spoke about general issues relating to calm and a cease-fire," he said. "Hamas' conditions are clear: We will halt our fire in exchange for a complete end to Israeli military operations in Gaza and in the West Bank, and a lifting of the blockade on Gaza."
"Otherwise, we have no intention of halting our activities against Israel," he said. Taha said the issue of a prisoner exchange that would secure the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was not discussed at the meeting. According to Taha, Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman will visit Israel in the coming days in order to update Jerusalem on the developments. Another Hamas official, Mushir al-Masri, said the militant group must have a say in the running of the border crossings - a demand Israel would likely oppose. Al-Masri said "Abbas' monopolizing of the crossing management is an extinct ... experiment, and we don't want to fall into those same slippery road again." Suleiman's deputies met with officials from the two Gaza militant groups, Egyptian security officials said, in an effort to convince Hamas to accept a truce that would involve halting rockets attacks on Israel. Hamas officials said one of the group's senior leaders, Mahmoud al-Zahar, was heading its delegation in El-Arish. Khader Habib, an Islamic Jihad leader, confirmed the group sent a team to the Egyptian city for "talks about calm." "The conditions are clear, the Zionist enemy must end all forms of aggression against our people in Gaza and the West Bank and lift the siege on Gaza," he told Reuters. Hamas had stopped short of saying any truce must include the West Bank. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has proposed a truce plan by which Hamas would halt rocket fire into Israel, and in return Israel would stop military activity in the Gaza Strip, the blockade of Gaza would be eased and the main border crossing between the territory and Egypt would be opened, Palestinian officials said. Egyptian officials have not specified whether the truce discussions they were holding with Hamas were centered on this proposal. Israel has not commented on the proposal, saying only that if the rocket fire stops, Israel will stop going after Gaza militants. Egypt's Foreign minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said earlier this week that Egypt is holding talks with Hamas to push it to sop the firing of missiles. "The is the only way to pressure Israel to halt its attacks," he said. Egypt appears to have launched its mediation bid under heavy pressure from its ally, the United States. U.S. official: Washington favors easing Gaza blockade A senior U.S. official in the region said Thursday that Washington has told Jerusalem it favors easing opening some of Gaza's border crossings to commercial as well as humanitarian supplies in a move that could ease an Israeli-led blockade of the Hamas-run territory. The official said Washington's main objective was to "calm the situation" in Gaza. Abbas said doing so was key to advancing U.S.-backed peace talks. "But it's important that we move beyond that as well, and begin to look at issues like the crossing points," said the U.S. official. "We would like to see a situation where Gaza is not entirely a humanitarian problem and that there can be some commercial activity as well, so that the people can support themselves. And that will require a conversation about how to reopen some of these crossing points," the official said. Egypt building stone and cement wall along frontier Also Thursday, security sources in Cairo said Egypt is constructing a stone and cement wall on its sensitive frontier with the Gaza Strip to block Palestinians from again breaching the border to circumvent an Israeli-led blockade. Egyptian workers were removing a barbed wire barrier and replacing it with a 3 meter high wall along the frontier with Hamas-run Gaza, Egyptian witnesses in the border town of Rafah said. Three kilometres of the new wall was already complete. "The new wall will help Egypt better secure its border with Gaza," an Egyptian security source told Reuters, speaking on customary condition of anonymity. "The wall that the Palestinians destroyed during the breaching of the Egyptian border was of a low height and easy to breach." The source would not say if the new wall would be built over the entire length of the 14 kilometers Egypt-Gaza border, or only in specific places. The wall was being built on Egyptian territory about 20 meters from Egyptian homes in Rafah. Witnesses said construction began after Egypt sealed the border last month after Hamas militants blew open the Gaza-Egypt border in January, allowing Palestinians to flood into Egypt to seek relief from the blockade. The border has since been resealed. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has said Egypt was working to lift the blockade of Gaza and reopen the Rafah crossing, where Hamas has demanded a key role. Hamas seized control of Gaza in June. The Egyptian government says it would like the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, to take charge at the crossing point. Abbas and his Fatah group have little influence in Gaza. Israel to push for deal with Egypt over Gaza border Meanwhile, Israel announced this week that it intends to push for an agreement with Egypt on regulating and safeguarding the Gaza-Sinai border and to better counter the smuggling of weapons into the Strip. The United States and the European Union have already been involved in the preparations for these talks. The United States and the European Union have already been involved in the preparations for these talks. During Wednesday's political-security cabinet meeting, Foreign Ministry officials presented a plan for progressing diplomatically on this issue with Egypt. The plan's basic principle is that "in the absence of a major ground offensive, it is important to create a new situation in the Gaza Strip, which will include broader military operations and also an effort to reach a new arrangement with Egypt from a position of strength." According to the plan, in order to bring about a stop to the Qassam attacks, it is necessary to strike Hamas in Gaza, but at the same time solve the problem of smuggling, which enables the organization and other militant groups to replenish their weapons arsenals, and also acquire more advanced equipment. The Foreign Ministry concluded that the solution to smuggling will not come from IDF operations in the Strip, but through Egyptian action, and therefore it is important to take diplomatic action vis-a-vis Cairo. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said that the situation at the border has changed dramatically and therefore it requires a change in the Israeli outlook about a possible solution. "We need to choose between Hamas and Egypt," she said. "Dealing with a situation from the past is not relevant. A draw is not acceptable and we need to create a new reality from a position of strength."
Yochai Lipschitz, 18, of Jerusalem
Yonatan Yitzchak Eldar, 16, of Shiloh
Yonadav Chaim Hirschfeld, 19, of Kochav Hashahar
Neriah Cohen, 15, of Jerusalem
Roey Roth, 18, of Elkana
Segev Pniel Avihayil, 15, of Neveh Daniel
Avraham David Moses, 16, of Efrat
Maharata Trunoch, 26, of Ashdod.
From the eulogies. The head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Shapira was the first to speak. Chocking back tears, he said: “This massacre is the continuation of the 1929 massacre [in Hebron] and the blood of the prophet is still boiling. The heads of the nation also understand that the heart of the nation is torah. It is time for all of us to understand that this is the truth. We all believe that the time has come for a dramatic spiritual change; for us to have strong, good and reliable leadership.”
“We are all in need of mercy, the entire country,” Shapira cried. “Pray for all of us and give good counsel to the families, to the anguished friends.”
Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar was weeping as well. “We have paid with our best boys, who were sitting by their talmuds … torah was their entire world, they are the roses that have been picked … and God will have mercy on us for their merit.
Turning to the families, he said: “You should know, dear families, that this is a mourning of the entire house of Israel, as one person and one heart crying as one for the dreadful calamity that has befallen us. We will not be cruel at this hour when we are faced with such a wide crisis, and we will rise up to cast away strife; to further increase torah study.”
Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski also addressed the crowd: “Lord, nations have invaded your land, desecrated your holy hall, eight of our sweet loved ones, may God avenge their blood, who only yesterday were living amongst us, are no longer with us. Their lives were severed by lowly murderers … but the murderer did not wish to target them alone, but rather each and every one of us, each and every resident of the holy city of Jerusalem.
For many years our enemies have been trying to ruin our lives, to harm us as much as they can. Jerusalem has paid heavily in blood, and the long long list was joined last night by our eight sons.”
Naming the victims: A media double standard
Posted on March 7th, 2008 at 10:00 am by Meryl Yourish. Yourish.com (a blog)
How many of you know that several children were killed during the IDF operation in Gaza last week? Everyone? But of course. The victims are paraded in front of the cameras, their names, ages, and quotes from families pushed at the media around the world. But when it comes to Israeli victims of terror, can you remember seeing the names or ages of victims in any mainstream media source?
The media do not disappoint. Well, they do, but they do not surprise. Throughout the non-Israeli media, The perpetrator of the massacre is named, aged, and there are quotes from his family about how proud they are that their son murdered seven children and one adult. But not the victims. The Israeli victims of terror attacks have no names.
The Times Online named the murderer and gave the quote on the first page of their article. The names and ages of the victims are buried in the very last paragraph of the story. And there’s a photo slideshow of the funeral procession, complete with headshot of the murderer.
The AP doesn’t bother to name the victims. The murderer is named in the seventh graf. And of course, they implicitly blamed Israel for the attack. The lead:
Thousands of Israelis gathered outside a bullet-scarred Jerusalem rabbinical seminary on Friday to mourn eight students killed by a suspected Palestinian gunman, while an Israeli official said the country would not suspend peace talks.
A bearded rabbi recited Hebrew psalms line by line, the crowd repeating after him, in memory of the dead, one of whom was 26 and the rest between ages 15 and 19. People packed nearby balconies to observe the ceremony, after which the bodies were to be taken for burial.
Naming the murderer:
The family of Alaa Abu Dheim, a 25-year-old from east Jerusalem, said he had carried out the attack. They described him as intensely religious, but said he was not a member of a militant group and had planned to get married in the summer.
Abu Dheim had been transfixed in recent days by the news of bloodshed in Gaza, said his sister, Iman Abu Dheim. “He told me he wasn’t able to sleep because of the grief,” she said.
The moral equivalency:
Afterward, Jewish seminarians gathered outside the library and screamed for revenge, shouting, “Death to Arabs,” while in Hamas-controlled Gaza thousands of Palestinians celebrated in the streets.
CNN names the killer in the third graf. This is the most it gives the victims:
The students, ages 15 to 26, died Thursday night when a gunman armed with an automatic weapon and a handgun slipped into the school and began shooting.
Notice the passive “died,” instead of “were killed.” Notice the use of the age range, which minimizes the fact that two were 15, two were 16, two were 18, and one 19. Four were minors. Children. The accompanying video that CNN is running says “The victims were men in their late teens and twenties, all devout students of Jewish law.”
The AFP names the killer and not the victims. But they at least point out how young the victims were.
Eight students — most of them 15 or 16 years old — were shot dead late Thursday at the Merkaz Harav Yeshiva, a seminary in predominantly Jewish west Jerusalem. Another nine were wounded.
Reuters doesn’t bother to name or age the victims, but is happy to call the seminary a college, making you think none of the victims were children.
----------------------------------------
Hamas: Cease-fire deal must include West Bank
By Jack Khoury, Yossi Verter and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondents and News Agencies
Hamas said Thursday that any Gaza Strip cease-fire with Israel must include an end to Israel Defense Forces operations in the West Bank, as Egypt launched talks with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in a bid to secure a truce. Hamas spokesman in Gaza Ayman Taha told A-Shams Radio that the Hamas delegation dispatched to the Egyptian city of El-Arish on the Sinai Peninsula had returned to the Strip. "We spoke about general issues relating to calm and a cease-fire," he said. "Hamas' conditions are clear: We will halt our fire in exchange for a complete end to Israeli military operations in Gaza and in the West Bank, and a lifting of the blockade on Gaza."
"Otherwise, we have no intention of halting our activities against Israel," he said. Taha said the issue of a prisoner exchange that would secure the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was not discussed at the meeting. According to Taha, Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman will visit Israel in the coming days in order to update Jerusalem on the developments. Another Hamas official, Mushir al-Masri, said the militant group must have a say in the running of the border crossings - a demand Israel would likely oppose. Al-Masri said "Abbas' monopolizing of the crossing management is an extinct ... experiment, and we don't want to fall into those same slippery road again." Suleiman's deputies met with officials from the two Gaza militant groups, Egyptian security officials said, in an effort to convince Hamas to accept a truce that would involve halting rockets attacks on Israel. Hamas officials said one of the group's senior leaders, Mahmoud al-Zahar, was heading its delegation in El-Arish. Khader Habib, an Islamic Jihad leader, confirmed the group sent a team to the Egyptian city for "talks about calm." "The conditions are clear, the Zionist enemy must end all forms of aggression against our people in Gaza and the West Bank and lift the siege on Gaza," he told Reuters. Hamas had stopped short of saying any truce must include the West Bank. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has proposed a truce plan by which Hamas would halt rocket fire into Israel, and in return Israel would stop military activity in the Gaza Strip, the blockade of Gaza would be eased and the main border crossing between the territory and Egypt would be opened, Palestinian officials said. Egyptian officials have not specified whether the truce discussions they were holding with Hamas were centered on this proposal. Israel has not commented on the proposal, saying only that if the rocket fire stops, Israel will stop going after Gaza militants. Egypt's Foreign minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said earlier this week that Egypt is holding talks with Hamas to push it to sop the firing of missiles. "The is the only way to pressure Israel to halt its attacks," he said. Egypt appears to have launched its mediation bid under heavy pressure from its ally, the United States. U.S. official: Washington favors easing Gaza blockade A senior U.S. official in the region said Thursday that Washington has told Jerusalem it favors easing opening some of Gaza's border crossings to commercial as well as humanitarian supplies in a move that could ease an Israeli-led blockade of the Hamas-run territory. The official said Washington's main objective was to "calm the situation" in Gaza. Abbas said doing so was key to advancing U.S.-backed peace talks. "But it's important that we move beyond that as well, and begin to look at issues like the crossing points," said the U.S. official. "We would like to see a situation where Gaza is not entirely a humanitarian problem and that there can be some commercial activity as well, so that the people can support themselves. And that will require a conversation about how to reopen some of these crossing points," the official said. Egypt building stone and cement wall along frontier Also Thursday, security sources in Cairo said Egypt is constructing a stone and cement wall on its sensitive frontier with the Gaza Strip to block Palestinians from again breaching the border to circumvent an Israeli-led blockade. Egyptian workers were removing a barbed wire barrier and replacing it with a 3 meter high wall along the frontier with Hamas-run Gaza, Egyptian witnesses in the border town of Rafah said. Three kilometres of the new wall was already complete. "The new wall will help Egypt better secure its border with Gaza," an Egyptian security source told Reuters, speaking on customary condition of anonymity. "The wall that the Palestinians destroyed during the breaching of the Egyptian border was of a low height and easy to breach." The source would not say if the new wall would be built over the entire length of the 14 kilometers Egypt-Gaza border, or only in specific places. The wall was being built on Egyptian territory about 20 meters from Egyptian homes in Rafah. Witnesses said construction began after Egypt sealed the border last month after Hamas militants blew open the Gaza-Egypt border in January, allowing Palestinians to flood into Egypt to seek relief from the blockade. The border has since been resealed. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has said Egypt was working to lift the blockade of Gaza and reopen the Rafah crossing, where Hamas has demanded a key role. Hamas seized control of Gaza in June. The Egyptian government says it would like the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, to take charge at the crossing point. Abbas and his Fatah group have little influence in Gaza. Israel to push for deal with Egypt over Gaza border Meanwhile, Israel announced this week that it intends to push for an agreement with Egypt on regulating and safeguarding the Gaza-Sinai border and to better counter the smuggling of weapons into the Strip. The United States and the European Union have already been involved in the preparations for these talks. The United States and the European Union have already been involved in the preparations for these talks. During Wednesday's political-security cabinet meeting, Foreign Ministry officials presented a plan for progressing diplomatically on this issue with Egypt. The plan's basic principle is that "in the absence of a major ground offensive, it is important to create a new situation in the Gaza Strip, which will include broader military operations and also an effort to reach a new arrangement with Egypt from a position of strength." According to the plan, in order to bring about a stop to the Qassam attacks, it is necessary to strike Hamas in Gaza, but at the same time solve the problem of smuggling, which enables the organization and other militant groups to replenish their weapons arsenals, and also acquire more advanced equipment. The Foreign Ministry concluded that the solution to smuggling will not come from IDF operations in the Strip, but through Egyptian action, and therefore it is important to take diplomatic action vis-a-vis Cairo. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said that the situation at the border has changed dramatically and therefore it requires a change in the Israeli outlook about a possible solution. "We need to choose between Hamas and Egypt," she said. "Dealing with a situation from the past is not relevant. A draw is not acceptable and we need to create a new reality from a position of strength."
Thursday, March 6, 2008
News Brief: Terrorist attack Jerusalem Yeshiva
From Haaretz.
21:36
Four Islamic Jihad militants killed in IAF strike in Gaza (Reuters)
21:27
Gaza residents celebrate news of Jerusalem yeshiva shooting attack (AP)
21:23
MDA: At least seven dead in Jerusalem yeshiva attack (AP)
21:36
Four Islamic Jihad militants killed in IAF strike in Gaza (Reuters)
21:27
Gaza residents celebrate news of Jerusalem yeshiva shooting attack (AP)
21:23
MDA: At least seven dead in Jerusalem yeshiva attack (AP)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ashkelon man builds homemade missile, but was stopped from launching
[Jerusalem Post] Ashkelon resident Moshe Nissimpor decided that the best way to halt rocket fire from Gaza - in light of what he terms the government's failure to do so - is some vigilante justice. Nissimpor developed a homemade 200-millimeter ballistic missile which he planned to launch from Ashkelon into the Gaza Strip.
Nissimpor arrived at the Ashkelon Municipality building with the missile painted black and lettered "to Hamas, from the residents of Ashkelon" in red, and was planning to launch it.
Ashkelon residents gathered round to cheer him on and protest the government's conduct, but at the eleventh hour, police stopped him from firing the missile.
Israeli viewpoints: What to do?
44% of those surveyed [by the Jerusalem Post] said they supported a wide-scale operation in Gaza, 20% favored pinpoint operations against terror cells and 21% said they would back negotiations with Hamas.
[Jerusalem Post] Ashkelon resident Moshe Nissimpor decided that the best way to halt rocket fire from Gaza - in light of what he terms the government's failure to do so - is some vigilante justice. Nissimpor developed a homemade 200-millimeter ballistic missile which he planned to launch from Ashkelon into the Gaza Strip.
Nissimpor arrived at the Ashkelon Municipality building with the missile painted black and lettered "to Hamas, from the residents of Ashkelon" in red, and was planning to launch it.
Ashkelon residents gathered round to cheer him on and protest the government's conduct, but at the eleventh hour, police stopped him from firing the missile.
Israeli viewpoints: What to do?
44% of those surveyed [by the Jerusalem Post] said they supported a wide-scale operation in Gaza, 20% favored pinpoint operations against terror cells and 21% said they would back negotiations with Hamas.
DEBKAfile’s military sources report three Katyusha rockets fired from Gaza exploded south of Ashkelon Wed. March 5 afternoon; three aimed as Sderot and the Eshkol farming region. In the morning, two rockets landed south of Ashkelon and a missile was aimed at Sdot Hanegev – so far 5 rockets and 7 missiles.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by Staff Writer http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=15328
Abbas admits: Al Qaeda active in Gaza
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday admitted what Israeli security experts have been saying for over a year - that Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda terrorist network is active in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking to the London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat, Abbas said that Al Qaeda cells were receiving assistance from Gaza's Hamas rulers in setting up a base of operations.
Abbas complained that the Hamas-Al Qaeda alliance would only hinder the overall Palestinian goal of gaining sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and declaring a sovereign state that includes the Gaza Strip.
Abbas' remarks were published a day after Israeli Military Intelligence chief General Amos Yadlin reported that a large number of Al Qaeda operatives - including snipers and explosives and engineering experts - had used last month's breach of the Gaza-Egypt border to enter the coastal strip.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 by Staff Writer http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=15328
Abbas admits: Al Qaeda active in Gaza
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday admitted what Israeli security experts have been saying for over a year - that Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda terrorist network is active in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking to the London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat, Abbas said that Al Qaeda cells were receiving assistance from Gaza's Hamas rulers in setting up a base of operations.
Abbas complained that the Hamas-Al Qaeda alliance would only hinder the overall Palestinian goal of gaining sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and declaring a sovereign state that includes the Gaza Strip.
Abbas' remarks were published a day after Israeli Military Intelligence chief General Amos Yadlin reported that a large number of Al Qaeda operatives - including snipers and explosives and engineering experts - had used last month's breach of the Gaza-Egypt border to enter the coastal strip.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Conjecture from Debka.com
"Our Palestinian sources report the Hamas provocation [renewed missle fire and/or the clash as the Kissufim gate] was its rejoinder to the proposal put by visiting US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice Tuesday in Cairo and Ramallah for the Gaza crossings to be re-opened in exchange for Hamas discontinuing missile and rocket fire on Israeli civilians.
This proposal was deemed unrealistic in Jerusalem, since no one had asked the Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip. The Islamist group was also telling Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas that, when he demanded a comprehensive truce in his talks with Rice Tuesday, he no longer spoke for the Gaza Strip."
"Our Palestinian sources report the Hamas provocation [renewed missle fire and/or the clash as the Kissufim gate] was its rejoinder to the proposal put by visiting US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice Tuesday in Cairo and Ramallah for the Gaza crossings to be re-opened in exchange for Hamas discontinuing missile and rocket fire on Israeli civilians.
This proposal was deemed unrealistic in Jerusalem, since no one had asked the Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip. The Islamist group was also telling Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas that, when he demanded a comprehensive truce in his talks with Rice Tuesday, he no longer spoke for the Gaza Strip."
IDF video of troops operating inside the Jabalya 'refugee camp' in Gaza
This is rare video provided by the IDF of troops operating inside the Jabalya 'refugee camp' in northern Gaza [ on Monday] You will see bombs and explosive devices that the soldiers found inside mosques and inhabited buildings, which prove how the terrorists hide behind the civilian population to launch their attacks against IDF forces and Israel.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=09a_1204568930
This is rare video provided by the IDF of troops operating inside the Jabalya 'refugee camp' in northern Gaza [ on Monday] You will see bombs and explosive devices that the soldiers found inside mosques and inhabited buildings, which prove how the terrorists hide behind the civilian population to launch their attacks against IDF forces and Israel.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=09a_1204568930
Monday, March 3, 2008
Presidential Candidates comment on Hamas
[No endorsement of any candidate is implied.] http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN02371520
March 3 (Reuters) -
ILLINOIS SEN. BARACK OBAMA, DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE"You can't negotiate with somebody who does not recognize the right of a country to exist so I understand why Israel doesn't meet with Hamas. I do think it is important to us to try to jump-start the peace process. It has been under enormous strain of late."
NEW YORK SEN. HILLARY CLINTON, DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE"Israel has the right to defend its citizens."I call on Hamas to stop this irresponsible aggression immediately, which would enable Israeli and Palestinian civilians to return to normal life."The Bush administration should have been taking a more active role in bringing international pressure on Hamas to stop its attacks."
ARIZONA SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE"I believe that any nation has the right to respond to attacks. We obviously want a cease-fire. We want negotiations."I would condemn Hamas and call on them to stop their attacks on Israel."
March 3 (Reuters) -
ILLINOIS SEN. BARACK OBAMA, DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE"You can't negotiate with somebody who does not recognize the right of a country to exist so I understand why Israel doesn't meet with Hamas. I do think it is important to us to try to jump-start the peace process. It has been under enormous strain of late."
NEW YORK SEN. HILLARY CLINTON, DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE"Israel has the right to defend its citizens."I call on Hamas to stop this irresponsible aggression immediately, which would enable Israeli and Palestinian civilians to return to normal life."The Bush administration should have been taking a more active role in bringing international pressure on Hamas to stop its attacks."
ARIZONA SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE"I believe that any nation has the right to respond to attacks. We obviously want a cease-fire. We want negotiations."I would condemn Hamas and call on them to stop their attacks on Israel."
Condi's message and those pushing to mainstream Hamas
About Condi’s trip and the President’s stance on the Hamas Qassam bombings.
From the President’s Press Spokesman, Gordon Johndroe March 3, 2008 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080303.html [excerpts]
Q On Condi's trip to the Mideast, what's the expectations, and how does she deal with the recent flare-up?
MR. JOHNDROE: We have a clear message: The Palestinian people have a choice to make. It's a choice between terrorism, or a choice between a political solution that leads to a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
The number one thing that has to happen is Hamas has got to stop targeting Israeli citizens with rockets. It must stop. The parties then need to get back to the negotiating table and have discussions. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of the Palestinian people and their future, and also in the best interest of the Israelis and the whole region, for these two parties to have discussions that leads to a peaceful settlement.
Q Does the President -- in infer from your comments that the President does not feel that Israel has used disproportionate force, as the Secretary General of the U.N. has said?
MR. JOHNDROE: Look, we obviously don't want any innocent civilians to lose their life, but I think that started with these rockets that have been fired from Gaza into Israel, recently killing and injuring Israeli citizens in some of their bigger cities. So they've had these -- a barrage of rockets fired out of Hamas for some time now, and now Hamas escalated it, firing larger rockets longer-range and killing people. And so that's got to stop.
Q Do you guys think there's any possible way to have a peace negotiation, a peace accord if there is a divided Palestinian group? [For what is behind this question, see below* -- Mark]
MR. JOHNDROE: As the President has said, it's a two-state solution, not a three-state solution. But I think I'm going to wait for Secretary Rice to get there and have her discussions before I say anything more.
*The New York Times today has a news analysis that touches upon the question of what to do about/with Hamas. The Times article seems to feature respondents who favor Israel talking with Hamas.
[From the article] Aaron David Miller, author of “The Much Too Promised Land: America’s Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace.” “You cannot make peace with half of the Palestinian polity and go to war with the other half.” [ Here, Miller supports the advice advanced by Robert Malley who, in a recent op ed, suggested that a three-way deal between Hamas – Abbas- and Israel – is the only way to attain peace.]
. Martin Indyk, the former United States ambassador to Israel, said such a cease-fire would further undermine Mr. Abbas and make it look like Hamas is the entity with which Israel and the West should be negotiating. “Excluding them doesn’t work, and including them doesn’t work, either,” Mr. Indyk said. “So what do you do? This is a situation that does not lend itself to a sensible policy.”
Shlomo Brom, a retired general at the Institute for National Security Studies, …advocates dialogue with Hamas. But the United States and Israel have refused to deal with Hamas leaders unless the organization forswears violence and acknowledges Israel’s right to exist.
Ali Abunimah, a research fellow at the Palestine Center, a Washington-based advocacy group, derided the American strategy of ignoring Hamas: “You can’t talk to them. You can’t deal with them. You just cover your ears, close your eyes and pretend they don’t exist.”
[As to what message Condi will purportedly bring:] So Ms. Rice will try to press surrogates, including Egypt, to lean on Hamas, administration officials say. And she will sharply criticize rocket attacks on civilian Israeli targets, and publicly charge Hamas with hiding behind civilians in Gaza.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/world/middleeast/03diplo.html?ref=world
Just a note: Those receiving blog postings by e-mail might wish to check the blogsite periodically for additional information and links included in the sidebar. http://jcommunitynews.blogspot.com
From the President’s Press Spokesman, Gordon Johndroe March 3, 2008 http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080303.html [excerpts]
Q On Condi's trip to the Mideast, what's the expectations, and how does she deal with the recent flare-up?
MR. JOHNDROE: We have a clear message: The Palestinian people have a choice to make. It's a choice between terrorism, or a choice between a political solution that leads to a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
The number one thing that has to happen is Hamas has got to stop targeting Israeli citizens with rockets. It must stop. The parties then need to get back to the negotiating table and have discussions. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of the Palestinian people and their future, and also in the best interest of the Israelis and the whole region, for these two parties to have discussions that leads to a peaceful settlement.
Q Does the President -- in infer from your comments that the President does not feel that Israel has used disproportionate force, as the Secretary General of the U.N. has said?
MR. JOHNDROE: Look, we obviously don't want any innocent civilians to lose their life, but I think that started with these rockets that have been fired from Gaza into Israel, recently killing and injuring Israeli citizens in some of their bigger cities. So they've had these -- a barrage of rockets fired out of Hamas for some time now, and now Hamas escalated it, firing larger rockets longer-range and killing people. And so that's got to stop.
Q Do you guys think there's any possible way to have a peace negotiation, a peace accord if there is a divided Palestinian group? [For what is behind this question, see below* -- Mark]
MR. JOHNDROE: As the President has said, it's a two-state solution, not a three-state solution. But I think I'm going to wait for Secretary Rice to get there and have her discussions before I say anything more.
*The New York Times today has a news analysis that touches upon the question of what to do about/with Hamas. The Times article seems to feature respondents who favor Israel talking with Hamas.
[From the article] Aaron David Miller, author of “The Much Too Promised Land: America’s Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace.” “You cannot make peace with half of the Palestinian polity and go to war with the other half.” [ Here, Miller supports the advice advanced by Robert Malley who, in a recent op ed, suggested that a three-way deal between Hamas – Abbas- and Israel – is the only way to attain peace.]
. Martin Indyk, the former United States ambassador to Israel, said such a cease-fire would further undermine Mr. Abbas and make it look like Hamas is the entity with which Israel and the West should be negotiating. “Excluding them doesn’t work, and including them doesn’t work, either,” Mr. Indyk said. “So what do you do? This is a situation that does not lend itself to a sensible policy.”
Shlomo Brom, a retired general at the Institute for National Security Studies, …advocates dialogue with Hamas. But the United States and Israel have refused to deal with Hamas leaders unless the organization forswears violence and acknowledges Israel’s right to exist.
Ali Abunimah, a research fellow at the Palestine Center, a Washington-based advocacy group, derided the American strategy of ignoring Hamas: “You can’t talk to them. You can’t deal with them. You just cover your ears, close your eyes and pretend they don’t exist.”
[As to what message Condi will purportedly bring:] So Ms. Rice will try to press surrogates, including Egypt, to lean on Hamas, administration officials say. And she will sharply criticize rocket attacks on civilian Israeli targets, and publicly charge Hamas with hiding behind civilians in Gaza.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/world/middleeast/03diplo.html?ref=world
Just a note: Those receiving blog postings by e-mail might wish to check the blogsite periodically for additional information and links included in the sidebar. http://jcommunitynews.blogspot.com
March 11 program to include update on rocket attacks
The March 11th program, 7:30 pm at the Temple, at which the Israeli documentary, "To Die in Jerusalem" will be shown, will be augmented by an update about the rocket attacks on Israel conducted from Hamas-controlled Gaza. Details about the program are listed on the sidebar. Please attend.
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Today's news. As of about noon, CST ( 8 pm in Israel). About 14 Qassams were launched against Israeli populations today and three GRAD ( Katyusha) missiles -- made in Iran -- were fired into Ashkelon. One of the GRADS hit a seven storey building, with rescue personnel reporting a dozen people suffering from shock "and sowing wide panic in the city of 120,000."
Meanwhile, it was reported as early as last night that the Israeli government ordered the Israel Defense Forces to curtail counterterrorism activities today, most likely in political consideration, it is speculated, of the impending visit of US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. As a result, it is reported that Hamas seized what has been termed a pullout from the north enclave in Gaza as an opportunity to declare "victory" in the five day old battle. Hamas leaders apparently came out of hiding to participate in a victory procession today in Gaza. Israeli PM Olmert reaffirmed that the IDF will continue in its actions to stop the Hamas rockets from falling.
Today's events overtook discussions within Israel's cabinet whether or not to strike at Palestinian rocket launchers located further inside Gaza than IDF forces were assigned to confront.
--summary based on news sources.
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Today's news. As of about noon, CST ( 8 pm in Israel). About 14 Qassams were launched against Israeli populations today and three GRAD ( Katyusha) missiles -- made in Iran -- were fired into Ashkelon. One of the GRADS hit a seven storey building, with rescue personnel reporting a dozen people suffering from shock "and sowing wide panic in the city of 120,000."
Meanwhile, it was reported as early as last night that the Israeli government ordered the Israel Defense Forces to curtail counterterrorism activities today, most likely in political consideration, it is speculated, of the impending visit of US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. As a result, it is reported that Hamas seized what has been termed a pullout from the north enclave in Gaza as an opportunity to declare "victory" in the five day old battle. Hamas leaders apparently came out of hiding to participate in a victory procession today in Gaza. Israeli PM Olmert reaffirmed that the IDF will continue in its actions to stop the Hamas rockets from falling.
Today's events overtook discussions within Israel's cabinet whether or not to strike at Palestinian rocket launchers located further inside Gaza than IDF forces were assigned to confront.
--summary based on news sources.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Israel Responds to Hamas's Escalation [from HonestReporting.com]
Israel Responds to Hamas's Escalation
Loss of human life in a conflict is invariably an ugly situation and one that creates intense media interest. Such is the case of Israel's military operations in Gaza that are currently making international headline news. However, the focus on Palestinian casualties ignores the context behind Israel's actions and only tells a part of the real story.
HAMAS FIRES KATYUSHAS AT ASHKELON
Sderot and the western Negev region have been under constant attack from Qassam missiles and mortars. Palestinian terrorists have deliberately set out to kill and maim innocent Israeli civilians making life unbearable for those within missile range.
Since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in mid-June 2007, over 800 rockets and over 900 mortar bombs have been fired. Since Thursday 28 February alone, over 100 rockets have been launched at southern Israel. At the time of writing, rockets continue to be fired at such a rate as to make it impossible to give completely up-to-date statistics. While many media have downplayed the effects of the Qassams, referring to them as "homemade", no such language can be employed to describe the latest Hamas escalation.
The situation has escalated in the past few days, as over 15 heavy rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza against Israel’s southern port city of Ashkelon. The 122 mm GRAD rockets are a type of standard military artillery weapon produced in the former Soviet bloc and by other states deploying non-Western arms. It is manufactured to military standards, by a conventional arms industry, and is equipped with a weapons-grade high explosive fragmentation warhead.
GRADS are also known as Katyushas - the same type of weapon fired at northern Israel by Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War, possessing the same lethal capabilities.
Despite repeated Israeli warnings of an arms buildup in Gaza, the GRAD rockets were apparently smuggled into the Strip from Iran via Egypt through tunnels and the breached Rafah border fence.
The range of the rockets fired against Ashkelon is over 20 km, an upgraded capability which places about a quarter of a million Israeli civilians in constant danger of Hamas attack.
The primary responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens. Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005 with no intention of ever returning. In the face of these missile barrages, Israel is left with little choice but to take action against those who target its towns and cities.
Israel is acting in self-defense.
TERRORISTS OPERATING FROM WITHIN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Civilian casualties on any side of a conflict are tragic. Many headlines have concentrated on the high death toll of Palestinians during the fighting, which, sadly, has included a number of civilians. However, casualty statistics only tell part of the story:
Israel never intentionally targets civilians whereas Palestinian terrorists deliberately set out to kill innocents, celebrating hits against schools and kindergartens.
The vast majority of Palestinians killed during Israeli military operations were armed terrorists or those directly involved in firing missiles into Israeli towns and cities..
Hamas has exposed the Palestinian civilian population to risk by operating within and firing missiles from built-up areas, effectively using civilians as human shields.
NO 'HOLOCAUST' IN GAZA
Media analyst Tom Gross notes a Reuters mistranslation of remarks made by Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai on February 29 which led to dramatic headlines such as The Guardian's "Israeli minister warns of Palestinian 'holocaust'."
As Gross points out: "In fact Vilnai said this morning in off-the-cuff remarks made on Israel Radio that: "The more the Qassam rocket fire [on Israeli civilians] intensifies and increases its range, the Palestinians are bringing upon themselves a bigger disaster because we will use all our might to defend ourselves."
Vilnai used the word "shoah" (meaning disaster), which Reuters mistranslated as "Holocaust," which is "HaShoah" in Hebrew. It is like confusing a "white house" with "The White House."
Irrespective of whether or not Vilnai's choice of words were ill-thought out or whether the media is to blame for the resulting furore, one fact is undeniable -
Israel is not carrying out a 'holocaust' or genocide in Gaza.
Anti-Israel propagandists have jumped on this bandwagon to repeat the false and disgusting analogy that compares Israel to the Nazis or seeks to deny the scale of the Holocaust. Unfortunately not only Hamas but also Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has described Israel's actions as "worse than the Holocaust". Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal called Israel's military operations "the real Holocaust" and accused Israel of "exaggerating the Holocaust and using it to blackmail the world."
The European Union's Working Definition of Anti-Semitism includes:
Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust; and Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
Please be on the lookout for these false comparisons in op-eds and media articles and respond appropriately.
A FULL-SCALE INVASION?
Hamas terrorists have no qualms about targeting innocents, safe in the knowledge that the world's media is slow to condemn such acts. Israel's enemies, however, are fully aware of Israel's efforts to avoid civilian casualties. In an asymmetric battle, the Palestinians are adept at waging war through the media in order to pressurize Israel into curtailing IDF military operations.
The IDF's latest actions to defend Israeli towns and cities under rocket attack may be only the beginning before a full-scale invasion of Gaza. Please monitor your media to ensure that the full story is being told of Hamas's responsibility for the violence and Israel's responsibility to defend her citizens.
HonestReporting. com
Loss of human life in a conflict is invariably an ugly situation and one that creates intense media interest. Such is the case of Israel's military operations in Gaza that are currently making international headline news. However, the focus on Palestinian casualties ignores the context behind Israel's actions and only tells a part of the real story.
HAMAS FIRES KATYUSHAS AT ASHKELON
Sderot and the western Negev region have been under constant attack from Qassam missiles and mortars. Palestinian terrorists have deliberately set out to kill and maim innocent Israeli civilians making life unbearable for those within missile range.
Since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in mid-June 2007, over 800 rockets and over 900 mortar bombs have been fired. Since Thursday 28 February alone, over 100 rockets have been launched at southern Israel. At the time of writing, rockets continue to be fired at such a rate as to make it impossible to give completely up-to-date statistics. While many media have downplayed the effects of the Qassams, referring to them as "homemade", no such language can be employed to describe the latest Hamas escalation.
The situation has escalated in the past few days, as over 15 heavy rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza against Israel’s southern port city of Ashkelon. The 122 mm GRAD rockets are a type of standard military artillery weapon produced in the former Soviet bloc and by other states deploying non-Western arms. It is manufactured to military standards, by a conventional arms industry, and is equipped with a weapons-grade high explosive fragmentation warhead.
GRADS are also known as Katyushas - the same type of weapon fired at northern Israel by Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War, possessing the same lethal capabilities.
Despite repeated Israeli warnings of an arms buildup in Gaza, the GRAD rockets were apparently smuggled into the Strip from Iran via Egypt through tunnels and the breached Rafah border fence.
The range of the rockets fired against Ashkelon is over 20 km, an upgraded capability which places about a quarter of a million Israeli civilians in constant danger of Hamas attack.
The primary responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens. Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005 with no intention of ever returning. In the face of these missile barrages, Israel is left with little choice but to take action against those who target its towns and cities.
Israel is acting in self-defense.
TERRORISTS OPERATING FROM WITHIN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Civilian casualties on any side of a conflict are tragic. Many headlines have concentrated on the high death toll of Palestinians during the fighting, which, sadly, has included a number of civilians. However, casualty statistics only tell part of the story:
Israel never intentionally targets civilians whereas Palestinian terrorists deliberately set out to kill innocents, celebrating hits against schools and kindergartens.
The vast majority of Palestinians killed during Israeli military operations were armed terrorists or those directly involved in firing missiles into Israeli towns and cities..
Hamas has exposed the Palestinian civilian population to risk by operating within and firing missiles from built-up areas, effectively using civilians as human shields.
NO 'HOLOCAUST' IN GAZA
Media analyst Tom Gross notes a Reuters mistranslation of remarks made by Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai on February 29 which led to dramatic headlines such as The Guardian's "Israeli minister warns of Palestinian 'holocaust'."
As Gross points out: "In fact Vilnai said this morning in off-the-cuff remarks made on Israel Radio that: "The more the Qassam rocket fire [on Israeli civilians] intensifies and increases its range, the Palestinians are bringing upon themselves a bigger disaster because we will use all our might to defend ourselves."
Vilnai used the word "shoah" (meaning disaster), which Reuters mistranslated as "Holocaust," which is "HaShoah" in Hebrew. It is like confusing a "white house" with "The White House."
Irrespective of whether or not Vilnai's choice of words were ill-thought out or whether the media is to blame for the resulting furore, one fact is undeniable -
Israel is not carrying out a 'holocaust' or genocide in Gaza.
Anti-Israel propagandists have jumped on this bandwagon to repeat the false and disgusting analogy that compares Israel to the Nazis or seeks to deny the scale of the Holocaust. Unfortunately not only Hamas but also Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has described Israel's actions as "worse than the Holocaust". Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal called Israel's military operations "the real Holocaust" and accused Israel of "exaggerating the Holocaust and using it to blackmail the world."
The European Union's Working Definition of Anti-Semitism includes:
Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust; and Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
Please be on the lookout for these false comparisons in op-eds and media articles and respond appropriately.
A FULL-SCALE INVASION?
Hamas terrorists have no qualms about targeting innocents, safe in the knowledge that the world's media is slow to condemn such acts. Israel's enemies, however, are fully aware of Israel's efforts to avoid civilian casualties. In an asymmetric battle, the Palestinians are adept at waging war through the media in order to pressurize Israel into curtailing IDF military operations.
The IDF's latest actions to defend Israeli towns and cities under rocket attack may be only the beginning before a full-scale invasion of Gaza. Please monitor your media to ensure that the full story is being told of Hamas's responsibility for the violence and Israel's responsibility to defend her citizens.
HonestReporting. com
Welcome to the JCRC/ Jewish Federation blog
Friends,
We've established this blog to help keep community members informed about the initiative that Israel has waged to protect its citizens from the continuing rocket attacks from terrorist controlled Gaza. We will try to alert readers to pertinent information about the conduct of the war and about the war of propaganda waged to blame Israel.
In addition to coming to this website: jcommunitynews.blogspot.com, you can have the postings here distributed to you as a "feed" to your news aggregator. You can also subscribe to have the postings e-mailed to you, by supplying your e-mail address online at: http://groups.google.com/group/dmjfed/subscribe .
Thank you for your interest. For further information, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org
Additional resources:
The Israel Consulate in Chicago: http://chicago.mfa.gov.il
For additional commentary, see Rabbi Kaufman's blog: http://RabbiKaufman.blogspot.com
For breaking news, see www.ynetnews.com
We've established this blog to help keep community members informed about the initiative that Israel has waged to protect its citizens from the continuing rocket attacks from terrorist controlled Gaza. We will try to alert readers to pertinent information about the conduct of the war and about the war of propaganda waged to blame Israel.
In addition to coming to this website: jcommunitynews.blogspot.com, you can have the postings here distributed to you as a "feed" to your news aggregator. You can also subscribe to have the postings e-mailed to you, by supplying your e-mail address online at: http://groups.google.com/group/dmjfed/subscribe .
Thank you for your interest. For further information, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org
Additional resources:
The Israel Consulate in Chicago: http://chicago.mfa.gov.il
For additional commentary, see Rabbi Kaufman's blog: http://RabbiKaufman.blogspot.com
For breaking news, see www.ynetnews.com
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