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1. EU Debate Israel's Defense Right
by Avraham Zuroff
Israel’s bombing of United Nations buildings during Operation ‘Cast Lead’ has sparked a debate among European Union foreign ministers on whether to condemn the Jewish State.
Ireland, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, and Sweden are demanding an international inquiry into alleged violations of international law by both Israel and the Hamas terror group. Yet Germany, Italy, Holland, and Romania are reluctant to challenge Israel for fear of sabotaging the EU’s push for Israel to open the Gaza crossings, according to diplomatic sources.
EU foreign ministers met with Israel’s Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni last Wednesday in Brussels and are meeting Sunday with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the PA, Jordan, and Turkey, in order to evaluate the state of affairs a week after Israel’s ceasefire.
In response to a question from an Al Arabiya reporter regarding supposed "crimes against humanity" commited by the IDF, Livni rejected the allegations, stating that the IDF operates within the framework of international law.
The Foreign Minister explained that “in any legal system representing the values of each and every state, there is a huge difference between a murderer and somebody who kills by mistake. And this is the moral distinction between Hamas, who keeps these civilians hostage, and our soldiers,” she added.
Human shields
The IDF bombed the UNRWA compound in Gaza on January 15. UN Chief Ban Ki-moon expressed his "fury" with the bombing, demanding a full investigation and explanation of the incident. Three workers were injured in the attack. Minister of Defense Ehud Barak said the bombing was a mistake.
The January 6 bombing of a UN school in Gaza killed children whom Hamas used as human shields. The IDF explained that the army hit the school because Hamas terrorists were firing mortar shells from the immediate vicinity of the building.
Czech Foreign Minister and chair of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers, Karel Schwarzenberg, said that he did not feel that bringing cases of international law violations to the International Criminal Court was necessary, as Israeli prosecution could take steps in their own courts to decide. In addition, he stated that no formal contacts with Hamas should be held until the organization formally renounces terrorism.
Some EU Foreign Ministers, including Finland’s Alexander Stubbs, support a dialog with Hamas.
Livni, however, called upon the EU to “continue to delegitimize Hamas.”
“This is an ongoing war against terror, not against the Palestinians. The only thing needed is an international understanding and coalition against terror, not something that ends with an agreement with them,” she added.
Hamas took over UNRWA
The degree to which UNRWA is worthy of credit as a neutral body has been called into question lately. In a recent article, Middle East expert Lt. Col. (res.) Jonathan Halevi wrote:
"In recent years a vast amount of information has accumulated regarding the gradual takeover of UNRWA by Hamas and other Palestinian terror organizations. In elections for the UNRWA employees Association on June 14, 2006, Hamas representatives won a resounding victory...
"One of the striking examples illustrating that UNRWA has become a hospitable organisation for Palestinian terror organisations was unveiled during the attack by the Israeli Air Force that targeted a weapons manufacture workshop in Rafah. Among those killed in the attack was Awad al-Kik (Abu Mohammed), a teacher, educator and UNRWA school principal in Rafah who simultaneously served as the head of Islamic Jihad's engineering and weapons manufacture unit in the southern Gaza strip.
"Al-Kik's activity in the realm of terror was exposed in September 2007, when he escaped an Israeli assassination attempt. Nevertheless, he continued to serve as a teacher, educator and school principal for UNRWA and involved in educating children and youths in summer camps. It is not clear why after his terror activity had been exposed UNRWA refrained from sacking him from any educational and teaching post at its institutions."
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by Avraham Zuroff
Israel’s bombing of United Nations buildings during Operation ‘Cast Lead’ has sparked a debate among European Union foreign ministers on whether to condemn the Jewish State.
Ireland, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, and Sweden are demanding an international inquiry into alleged violations of international law by both Israel and the Hamas terror group. Yet Germany, Italy, Holland, and Romania are reluctant to challenge Israel for fear of sabotaging the EU’s push for Israel to open the Gaza crossings, according to diplomatic sources.
EU foreign ministers met with Israel’s Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni last Wednesday in Brussels and are meeting Sunday with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the PA, Jordan, and Turkey, in order to evaluate the state of affairs a week after Israel’s ceasefire.
In response to a question from an Al Arabiya reporter regarding supposed "crimes against humanity" commited by the IDF, Livni rejected the allegations, stating that the IDF operates within the framework of international law.
The Foreign Minister explained that “in any legal system representing the values of each and every state, there is a huge difference between a murderer and somebody who kills by mistake. And this is the moral distinction between Hamas, who keeps these civilians hostage, and our soldiers,” she added.
Human shields
The IDF bombed the UNRWA compound in Gaza on January 15. UN Chief Ban Ki-moon expressed his "fury" with the bombing, demanding a full investigation and explanation of the incident. Three workers were injured in the attack. Minister of Defense Ehud Barak said the bombing was a mistake.
The January 6 bombing of a UN school in Gaza killed children whom Hamas used as human shields. The IDF explained that the army hit the school because Hamas terrorists were firing mortar shells from the immediate vicinity of the building.
Czech Foreign Minister and chair of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers, Karel Schwarzenberg, said that he did not feel that bringing cases of international law violations to the International Criminal Court was necessary, as Israeli prosecution could take steps in their own courts to decide. In addition, he stated that no formal contacts with Hamas should be held until the organization formally renounces terrorism.
Some EU Foreign Ministers, including Finland’s Alexander Stubbs, support a dialog with Hamas.
Livni, however, called upon the EU to “continue to delegitimize Hamas.”
“This is an ongoing war against terror, not against the Palestinians. The only thing needed is an international understanding and coalition against terror, not something that ends with an agreement with them,” she added.
Hamas took over UNRWA
The degree to which UNRWA is worthy of credit as a neutral body has been called into question lately. In a recent article, Middle East expert Lt. Col. (res.) Jonathan Halevi wrote:
"In recent years a vast amount of information has accumulated regarding the gradual takeover of UNRWA by Hamas and other Palestinian terror organizations. In elections for the UNRWA employees Association on June 14, 2006, Hamas representatives won a resounding victory...
"One of the striking examples illustrating that UNRWA has become a hospitable organisation for Palestinian terror organisations was unveiled during the attack by the Israeli Air Force that targeted a weapons manufacture workshop in Rafah. Among those killed in the attack was Awad al-Kik (Abu Mohammed), a teacher, educator and UNRWA school principal in Rafah who simultaneously served as the head of Islamic Jihad's engineering and weapons manufacture unit in the southern Gaza strip.
"Al-Kik's activity in the realm of terror was exposed in September 2007, when he escaped an Israeli assassination attempt. Nevertheless, he continued to serve as a teacher, educator and school principal for UNRWA and involved in educating children and youths in summer camps. It is not clear why after his terror activity had been exposed UNRWA refrained from sacking him from any educational and teaching post at its institutions."
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2. Netanyahu: No Go With Right-Wing
by Hillel Fendel
Front-running prime ministerial candidate Binyamin Netanyahu told foreign diplomats over the weekend that he does not plan to form an "extremist right-wing" government, if elected in the February 10th elections.
Netanyahu’s remarks appear to be a reaction to accusations by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, running at the head of the Kadima Party, that if Netanyahu is elected, he will form “an extremist right-wing government” that will “lead to a split between Israel and the United States.”
The Likud has long been leading in polls, and Netanyahu is expected to receive the nod from President Shimon Peres to form Israel’s next government. Netanyahu first became Prime Minister following the 1996 elections, when he defeated then-Labor Party head Shimon Peres.
The “extremist right-wing” government that Netanyahu says he will not form would include the Yisrael Beiteinu party of Avigdor Lieberman and the National Union headed by Yaakov "Ketzaleh" Katz. Such a government is diametrically opposed to the government that Netanyahu has been saying for months that he seeks to form.
On Oct. 26, 2008, for instance, the Likud leader told the Knesset, "When I win the election, I will invite Tzipi Livni and Ehud Barak to join us in a national unity government, together with our partners."
A senior Likud source was quoted in Maariv/NRG as explaining that Netanyahu did not mean both Labor and Kadima, but rather one of them. “Whatever government we form, we will be the balance of power,” the source said.
National Union: Strong Nationalist Camp is Crucial
Some in the nationalist camp do not believe Netanyahu. National Union leader Yaakov "Ketzaleh" Katz said on Sunday, “Only a large National Union to the right of Netanyahu will help him not fall into the hands of the left. The larger the National Union is, the more blatant will be the orange [nationalis color in the mosaic of the Netanyahu government.”
At a National Union meeting on Sunday morning, it was decided that the party would be willing to join any nationalist government formed by Netanyahu. It was reported at the meeting that contacts between Netanyahu aides and National Union leaders were underway.
Likud Event on Tuesday
This Tuesday night, the Likud will hold a major campaign event at the Jerusalem Convention Center (Binyanei HaUmah), featuring all of its Knesset candidates. The Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership) faction of the party, headed by Moshe Feiglin, has invited all Manhigut members to attend.
“The candidates must see with their own eyes the loyal public that stands behind them,” Feiglin wrote to his supporters. “When you joined the Likud, you acquired not only a ticket to watch the game, but also to take part. So come with your friends and family."
Asked by Israel National News to comment on Netanyahu’s latest remarks regarding a unity government, Feiglin said, “Netanyahu has been saying this for a while. Our job is to make sure that within the party faction there are enough nationalist MKs who will prevent Netanyahu from carrying out dangerous moves.”
Ketzaleh said in response, "Voting for the Likud will only bring in more left-wing candidates in slots that might otherwise not get in. The National Union, on the other hand, could get 10 seats!"
Click here to read more about the Ketzaleh-Feiglin debate.
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by Hillel Fendel
Front-running prime ministerial candidate Binyamin Netanyahu told foreign diplomats over the weekend that he does not plan to form an "extremist right-wing" government, if elected in the February 10th elections.
Netanyahu’s remarks appear to be a reaction to accusations by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, running at the head of the Kadima Party, that if Netanyahu is elected, he will form “an extremist right-wing government” that will “lead to a split between Israel and the United States.”
The Likud has long been leading in polls, and Netanyahu is expected to receive the nod from President Shimon Peres to form Israel’s next government. Netanyahu first became Prime Minister following the 1996 elections, when he defeated then-Labor Party head Shimon Peres.
The “extremist right-wing” government that Netanyahu says he will not form would include the Yisrael Beiteinu party of Avigdor Lieberman and the National Union headed by Yaakov "Ketzaleh" Katz. Such a government is diametrically opposed to the government that Netanyahu has been saying for months that he seeks to form.
On Oct. 26, 2008, for instance, the Likud leader told the Knesset, "When I win the election, I will invite Tzipi Livni and Ehud Barak to join us in a national unity government, together with our partners."
A senior Likud source was quoted in Maariv/NRG as explaining that Netanyahu did not mean both Labor and Kadima, but rather one of them. “Whatever government we form, we will be the balance of power,” the source said.
National Union: Strong Nationalist Camp is Crucial
Some in the nationalist camp do not believe Netanyahu. National Union leader Yaakov "Ketzaleh" Katz said on Sunday, “Only a large National Union to the right of Netanyahu will help him not fall into the hands of the left. The larger the National Union is, the more blatant will be the orange [nationalis color in the mosaic of the Netanyahu government.”
At a National Union meeting on Sunday morning, it was decided that the party would be willing to join any nationalist government formed by Netanyahu. It was reported at the meeting that contacts between Netanyahu aides and National Union leaders were underway.
Likud Event on Tuesday
This Tuesday night, the Likud will hold a major campaign event at the Jerusalem Convention Center (Binyanei HaUmah), featuring all of its Knesset candidates. The Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership) faction of the party, headed by Moshe Feiglin, has invited all Manhigut members to attend.
“The candidates must see with their own eyes the loyal public that stands behind them,” Feiglin wrote to his supporters. “When you joined the Likud, you acquired not only a ticket to watch the game, but also to take part. So come with your friends and family."
Asked by Israel National News to comment on Netanyahu’s latest remarks regarding a unity government, Feiglin said, “Netanyahu has been saying this for a while. Our job is to make sure that within the party faction there are enough nationalist MKs who will prevent Netanyahu from carrying out dangerous moves.”
Ketzaleh said in response, "Voting for the Likud will only bring in more left-wing candidates in slots that might otherwise not get in. The National Union, on the other hand, could get 10 seats!"
Click here to read more about the Ketzaleh-Feiglin debate.
Comment on this story
3. Al Qaeda Rehab Gets Artsy
by Avraham Zuroff
Al Qaeda terrorists are playing with crayons and finger-paint to secure their release from the Guantanamo prison in what is dubbed “Jihadi rehab,” but several already have returned to terror.
The prison is located in the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base in Cuba.
The Saudi government is running the rehabilitation program outside of Riyadh on the grounds of a former resort. To date, the Saudis have “treated” 700 former terrorists. The program’s founder, Dr. Awad Alyami, says that his new art students use coloring as a way to get “negative energy out on paper.” Alyami added, “It’s safe here. It’s on the paper, it’s not outside.”
Return to Former Habits
U.S. pundits have not remained silent in response to Jihadi rehab. Critics are cautiously waiting to see results, and not just artwork as proof that the former terrorists have decided to disavow radical Islam.
At least six former terrorists have returned to their former habits. Said Ali al-Shitri, a graduate of the Saudi painting program after his release from Guantanamo prison, was able to con his way out of the system. After setting sites on Yemen as a top al Qaeda terrorist leader, American officials claim that he was responsible for the 2008 attack on the U.S. embassy there, which killed 17 people, including one American.
“You never know when somebody is a true believer, and I think that is what happened in this case,” says former CIA officer John Kiriakou. “Now they may go through the motions like any other prisoner might, only to pretend to be rehabilitated,” Kirakou added.
Eligibility for the two-month long terrorist rehab program after completing jail time for their Jihad-related crimes includes passing exams that show a willingness to change their ways. Most participants either operated as insurgents in Iraq or were caught on their way to conflict zones such as Iraq or Afghanistan.
Perks for Good Behaviour
The incentives to disavow terrorism are high. If they behave, the men, who are offered religious counseling, are also promised a new home and car.
Dr. Alyami was initially reluctant to help. "I had that idea that these are criminals. They blow up buildings and stuff and if I go there, they might go after my kids one day … When I went there, I saw how simple-minded these kids are … they were just like tools being used," the art therapist said.
President Obama reversed one of Bush’s most controversial policies of holding onto political prisoners in the Guantanamo Bay prison. As the new administration prepares to release the inmates, the question remains whether to prosecute the detainees in the U.S. or to extradite them to their countries of origin.
Comment on this story
by Avraham Zuroff
Al Qaeda terrorists are playing with crayons and finger-paint to secure their release from the Guantanamo prison in what is dubbed “Jihadi rehab,” but several already have returned to terror.
The prison is located in the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base in Cuba.
The Saudi government is running the rehabilitation program outside of Riyadh on the grounds of a former resort. To date, the Saudis have “treated” 700 former terrorists. The program’s founder, Dr. Awad Alyami, says that his new art students use coloring as a way to get “negative energy out on paper.” Alyami added, “It’s safe here. It’s on the paper, it’s not outside.”
Return to Former Habits
U.S. pundits have not remained silent in response to Jihadi rehab. Critics are cautiously waiting to see results, and not just artwork as proof that the former terrorists have decided to disavow radical Islam.
At least six former terrorists have returned to their former habits. Said Ali al-Shitri, a graduate of the Saudi painting program after his release from Guantanamo prison, was able to con his way out of the system. After setting sites on Yemen as a top al Qaeda terrorist leader, American officials claim that he was responsible for the 2008 attack on the U.S. embassy there, which killed 17 people, including one American.
“You never know when somebody is a true believer, and I think that is what happened in this case,” says former CIA officer John Kiriakou. “Now they may go through the motions like any other prisoner might, only to pretend to be rehabilitated,” Kirakou added.
Eligibility for the two-month long terrorist rehab program after completing jail time for their Jihad-related crimes includes passing exams that show a willingness to change their ways. Most participants either operated as insurgents in Iraq or were caught on their way to conflict zones such as Iraq or Afghanistan.
Perks for Good Behaviour
The incentives to disavow terrorism are high. If they behave, the men, who are offered religious counseling, are also promised a new home and car.
Dr. Alyami was initially reluctant to help. "I had that idea that these are criminals. They blow up buildings and stuff and if I go there, they might go after my kids one day … When I went there, I saw how simple-minded these kids are … they were just like tools being used," the art therapist said.
President Obama reversed one of Bush’s most controversial policies of holding onto political prisoners in the Guantanamo Bay prison. As the new administration prepares to release the inmates, the question remains whether to prosecute the detainees in the U.S. or to extradite them to their countries of origin.
Comment on this story
4. Hamas Tried To Hijack Ambulances
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Hamas - and not Israel - was the reason ambulances could not reach victims, a Gaza ambulance driver told the Sydney Morning Herald. He said that Hamas terrorists tried to hijack an entire fleet of Al-Quds ambulances during Operation Cast Lead.
Click here for YouTube video showng Hamas terrorists boarding a United Nations ambulance on May 11, 2004.
Foreign media quoted Hamas officials and Gaza Arabs several times during the war that Israel blocked ambulances from reaching dying victims, but Mohammed Shriteh, a 30-year-old driver for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, told the Australian newspaper Monday that the Israel Defense Forces actually worked with the Red Crescent.
"We would co-ordinate with the Israelis before we pick up patients, because they have all our names, and our IDs, so they would not shoot at us," he told Herald reporter Jason Koutsoukis.
Shriteh said that he received an urgent call from a house in Jabalya but there was no time to arrange movements with the IDF. Amid nighttime shooting and explosions, he went into a house that was mostly destroyed and where three Hamas militia terrorists had taken cover.
"They dropped their weapons and ordered me to get them out, to put them in the ambulance and take them away," Shriteh related. I refused, because if the IDF sees me doing this I am finished…. And then one of the fighters picked up a gun and held it to my head, to force me. I still refused, and then they allowed me to leave."
Foreign media have continued to blame Israel for blocking ambulances for Gaza Arabs, many of them victims of Hamas terrorists who executed or wounded Arab collaborators who assisted Israel during the fighting.
The Chicago Tribune on Monday reported that the IDF did not approve access for an ambulance to rescue one boy who was hit by gunfire and later died. The alleged incident is one of many that the media has published as justification for charges against Israel for supposed violations of international law despite the accounts that Hamas often commandeered ambulances.
Comment on this story
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
Hamas - and not Israel - was the reason ambulances could not reach victims, a Gaza ambulance driver told the Sydney Morning Herald. He said that Hamas terrorists tried to hijack an entire fleet of Al-Quds ambulances during Operation Cast Lead.
Click here for YouTube video showng Hamas terrorists boarding a United Nations ambulance on May 11, 2004.
Foreign media quoted Hamas officials and Gaza Arabs several times during the war that Israel blocked ambulances from reaching dying victims, but Mohammed Shriteh, a 30-year-old driver for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, told the Australian newspaper Monday that the Israel Defense Forces actually worked with the Red Crescent.
"We would co-ordinate with the Israelis before we pick up patients, because they have all our names, and our IDs, so they would not shoot at us," he told Herald reporter Jason Koutsoukis.
Shriteh said that he received an urgent call from a house in Jabalya but there was no time to arrange movements with the IDF. Amid nighttime shooting and explosions, he went into a house that was mostly destroyed and where three Hamas militia terrorists had taken cover.
"They dropped their weapons and ordered me to get them out, to put them in the ambulance and take them away," Shriteh related. I refused, because if the IDF sees me doing this I am finished…. And then one of the fighters picked up a gun and held it to my head, to force me. I still refused, and then they allowed me to leave."
Foreign media have continued to blame Israel for blocking ambulances for Gaza Arabs, many of them victims of Hamas terrorists who executed or wounded Arab collaborators who assisted Israel during the fighting.
The Chicago Tribune on Monday reported that the IDF did not approve access for an ambulance to rescue one boy who was hit by gunfire and later died. The alleged incident is one of many that the media has published as justification for charges against Israel for supposed violations of international law despite the accounts that Hamas often commandeered ambulances.
Comment on this story
5. Egypt to Hamas: Finish Deal Now
by Hana Levi Julian
The Hamas terrorist organization that rules Gaza has been warned by Egypt to accept a ceasefire proposal from Israel's current government before the sands of time run out on Israel Elections day, February 10.
According to a report published Monday in the Arabic-language newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat, Egyptian officials have warned Hamas it is likely that the Likud, headed by MK Binyamin Netanyahu, will lead the next government.
Sources quoted in the report said such a government would be unlikely to offer concessions as far-reaching as those currently on the table, which Egypt considers Hamas's "last opportunity for a good deal."
But Hamas on Sunday flatly rejected an Israeli proposal for a 10-year ceasefire that includes an agreement to completely open the crossings into the region in exchange for the freedom of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
The Israeli proposal, as conveyed by Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman to the Hamas delegation in Cairo, also included the release of 1,050 Palestinian Authority terrorists and prisoners to sweeten the deal.
The Israeli proposal was presented by Defense Ministry director of diplomatic security Amos Gilad.
Speaking from Gaza, spokesman Ismail Radwan told reporters Sunday that such a long truce would "kill the resistance, which is the Palestinian people's legitimate right as long as the occupation continues to exist."
According to Monday's edition of the Arabic-language newspaper Al-Hayat, however, Hamas rejected the Israeli proposal because the opening of the crossings was conditioned on the release of the kidnapped soldier.
The Hamas delegation that was in Cairo to discuss the matter with Suleiman countered with a demand that Israel completely open all of the Gaza crossings "at full production" and limit the ceasefire to 18 months.
A proposal to add Turkish monitors to the present cadre of European observers at the crossings managed to pass muster with the terrorist group.
The European observers are mandated under a 2005 agreement between Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, which also calls for the presence of security forces belonging to PA Chairman and rival Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas's personal guard.
Gaza-based Hamas spokesman Ayman Taha said the group rejects the presence of Israeli monitors at the crossings, and was noncommittal as to whether it would accept the presence of Fatah forces. "Hamas is the existing government in Gaza," Taha said. He added that the group continued to call for "a complete lifting of the blockade and an opening of all the crossings."
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by Hana Levi Julian
The Hamas terrorist organization that rules Gaza has been warned by Egypt to accept a ceasefire proposal from Israel's current government before the sands of time run out on Israel Elections day, February 10.
According to a report published Monday in the Arabic-language newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat, Egyptian officials have warned Hamas it is likely that the Likud, headed by MK Binyamin Netanyahu, will lead the next government.
Sources quoted in the report said such a government would be unlikely to offer concessions as far-reaching as those currently on the table, which Egypt considers Hamas's "last opportunity for a good deal."
But Hamas on Sunday flatly rejected an Israeli proposal for a 10-year ceasefire that includes an agreement to completely open the crossings into the region in exchange for the freedom of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
The Israeli proposal, as conveyed by Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman to the Hamas delegation in Cairo, also included the release of 1,050 Palestinian Authority terrorists and prisoners to sweeten the deal.
The Israeli proposal was presented by Defense Ministry director of diplomatic security Amos Gilad.
Speaking from Gaza, spokesman Ismail Radwan told reporters Sunday that such a long truce would "kill the resistance, which is the Palestinian people's legitimate right as long as the occupation continues to exist."
According to Monday's edition of the Arabic-language newspaper Al-Hayat, however, Hamas rejected the Israeli proposal because the opening of the crossings was conditioned on the release of the kidnapped soldier.
The Hamas delegation that was in Cairo to discuss the matter with Suleiman countered with a demand that Israel completely open all of the Gaza crossings "at full production" and limit the ceasefire to 18 months.
A proposal to add Turkish monitors to the present cadre of European observers at the crossings managed to pass muster with the terrorist group.
The European observers are mandated under a 2005 agreement between Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, which also calls for the presence of security forces belonging to PA Chairman and rival Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas's personal guard.
Gaza-based Hamas spokesman Ayman Taha said the group rejects the presence of Israeli monitors at the crossings, and was noncommittal as to whether it would accept the presence of Fatah forces. "Hamas is the existing government in Gaza," Taha said. He added that the group continued to call for "a complete lifting of the blockade and an opening of all the crossings."
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6. Debate Over Bibi's Unity Plans
by Hillel Fendel
The Likud’s Moshe Feiglin says the nationalist public must vote for the Likud in order to thwart Netanyahu’s centrist government plans, while National Union leader Ketzaleh says a strong National Union means a more nationalist Likud.
Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, favored to win the upcoming Israel elections and form the next government, continues to say that he plans to form a unity government with the Kadima and/or Labor parties. Such a government would lean heavily towards the center and towards land-ceding diplomatic agreements - in stark contrast to the “extremist right-wing government” he declares he will not form.
Israel National News asked Moshe Feiglin, leader of the Likud’s Jewish Leadership faction, to comment on Netanyahu’s latest remarks regarding a unity government. “Netanyahu has been saying this for a while,” Feiglin said. “Our job is to make sure that within the party faction, there are enough nationalist MKs who will prevent Netanyahu from carrying out dangerous moves.”
Q. “Which dangerous moves are you referring to – forming a national unity government, or giving away land afterwards?”
A. “Both. If there is a majority within the Likud against forming a government with Kadima or Likud, then Netanyahu won’t be able to [form a unity government with the. The Likud is going to get at least 30 seats, but if they get a few more, then the balance of power in the party changes, because from places 31 through 40, there are 8 who would fight against a national unity government.
“Therefore, religious-Zionist voters must understand: Whether or not the National Union or Jewish Home parties make it into the Knesset, they will not be in the government – and even if they are, they won’t make much of a difference either way. But if they vote for the Likud, they have a chance to bring in candidates who can really make a difference.”
“As we have been saying for years,” Feiglin concluded, “the only way to influence is from within the Likud – and that’s why Netanyahu fights against me so hard.”
Ketzaleh Responds
National Union party leader Yaakov "Ketzaleh" Katz said that the way to ensure that the Likud remains nationalistically-oriented is by voting for a party to the right of it: "The fight is not over the Likud candidates in places 31-40, but rather those in the places leading up to spot 30 - many of whom are not nationalist candidates. The polls show that the Likud will only get 29-30 Knesset seats. If the religious-Zionist voters who are now supporting the Likud would vote for the National Union, then many left-wing Likud candidates [particularly in the upper 20's - ed will not get into the Knesset - while the National Union could get 10 seats! We must not let Feiglin steal away national-religious votes for people like Dan Meridor, Assaf Chefetz, and others."
"In addition," Katz said, "all our strength comes from the Torah, from rabbis who are totally involved in the challenges facing our nation today. There are rabbis who say to vote for the Jewish Home, and many who endorse the National Union - but none endorse the Likud! How can Feiglin act on his own in this manner? Is the religious-Zionist camp bereft of spiritual leadership?! None of them say to vote for the Likud!"
Discuss this issue on the Israel Politics & Elections forum
Comment on this story
by Hillel Fendel
The Likud’s Moshe Feiglin says the nationalist public must vote for the Likud in order to thwart Netanyahu’s centrist government plans, while National Union leader Ketzaleh says a strong National Union means a more nationalist Likud.
Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, favored to win the upcoming Israel elections and form the next government, continues to say that he plans to form a unity government with the Kadima and/or Labor parties. Such a government would lean heavily towards the center and towards land-ceding diplomatic agreements - in stark contrast to the “extremist right-wing government” he declares he will not form.
Israel National News asked Moshe Feiglin, leader of the Likud’s Jewish Leadership faction, to comment on Netanyahu’s latest remarks regarding a unity government. “Netanyahu has been saying this for a while,” Feiglin said. “Our job is to make sure that within the party faction, there are enough nationalist MKs who will prevent Netanyahu from carrying out dangerous moves.”
Q. “Which dangerous moves are you referring to – forming a national unity government, or giving away land afterwards?”
A. “Both. If there is a majority within the Likud against forming a government with Kadima or Likud, then Netanyahu won’t be able to [form a unity government with the. The Likud is going to get at least 30 seats, but if they get a few more, then the balance of power in the party changes, because from places 31 through 40, there are 8 who would fight against a national unity government.
“Therefore, religious-Zionist voters must understand: Whether or not the National Union or Jewish Home parties make it into the Knesset, they will not be in the government – and even if they are, they won’t make much of a difference either way. But if they vote for the Likud, they have a chance to bring in candidates who can really make a difference.”
“As we have been saying for years,” Feiglin concluded, “the only way to influence is from within the Likud – and that’s why Netanyahu fights against me so hard.”
Ketzaleh Responds
National Union party leader Yaakov "Ketzaleh" Katz said that the way to ensure that the Likud remains nationalistically-oriented is by voting for a party to the right of it: "The fight is not over the Likud candidates in places 31-40, but rather those in the places leading up to spot 30 - many of whom are not nationalist candidates. The polls show that the Likud will only get 29-30 Knesset seats. If the religious-Zionist voters who are now supporting the Likud would vote for the National Union, then many left-wing Likud candidates [particularly in the upper 20's - ed will not get into the Knesset - while the National Union could get 10 seats! We must not let Feiglin steal away national-religious votes for people like Dan Meridor, Assaf Chefetz, and others."
"In addition," Katz said, "all our strength comes from the Torah, from rabbis who are totally involved in the challenges facing our nation today. There are rabbis who say to vote for the Jewish Home, and many who endorse the National Union - but none endorse the Likud! How can Feiglin act on his own in this manner? Is the religious-Zionist camp bereft of spiritual leadership?! None of them say to vote for the Likud!"
Discuss this issue on the Israel Politics & Elections forum
Comment on this story
7. Award for Building Israel
by Hillel Fendel
The Mishab Construction Company will receive the Jerusalem Conference Award for Building the Land of Israel at the 6th Jerusalem Conference this week.
The Jerusalem Conference is taking place from Monday evening, Jan. 26 through Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Regency Hotel in Jerusalem's French Hill neighborhood. The annual Conference hosts key figures and policy makers from Israel and around the world to address Israel's national priorities, social values, and aspirations. This year's Conference will focus on the "New Leadership and New Direction" that will emerge this year in Israel and the United States following their national elections.
Mishab is Israel’s leading construction company for the religious public in Israel, having built thousands of buildings in dozens of religious neighborhoods in cities all over the country. It is currently involved in eight projects – in the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem, Givat Ze’ev, two in Netanya, Givatayim, Kiryat Shmuel, Elad and Nechalim – and has been in operation for over six decades.
Shmuel Birnbaum, Director-General of Mishab, explains on a video to be shown at the Conference, “We specialize in adapting new areas for the national-religious public. We have built many such neighborhoods in cities that previously had not had religious areas.”
“Every apartment is built with the religious family in mind,” Birnbaum notes. “The buildings have elevators with mechanisms allowing them to operate automatically on the Sabbath, as well as double sinks [for meat and dair in the kitchen, a Sukkah porch [with nothing atop i, Sabbath clocks, and more.”
Birnbaum said that 18-story buildings are currently going up in Nechalim, near Petach Tikvah, “and providing a Sukkah porch for every apartment is quite an engineering challenge – but we’re doing it.’
Conference goers can register at the door.
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by Hillel Fendel
The Mishab Construction Company will receive the Jerusalem Conference Award for Building the Land of Israel at the 6th Jerusalem Conference this week.
The Jerusalem Conference is taking place from Monday evening, Jan. 26 through Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Regency Hotel in Jerusalem's French Hill neighborhood. The annual Conference hosts key figures and policy makers from Israel and around the world to address Israel's national priorities, social values, and aspirations. This year's Conference will focus on the "New Leadership and New Direction" that will emerge this year in Israel and the United States following their national elections.
Mishab is Israel’s leading construction company for the religious public in Israel, having built thousands of buildings in dozens of religious neighborhoods in cities all over the country. It is currently involved in eight projects – in the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem, Givat Ze’ev, two in Netanya, Givatayim, Kiryat Shmuel, Elad and Nechalim – and has been in operation for over six decades.
Shmuel Birnbaum, Director-General of Mishab, explains on a video to be shown at the Conference, “We specialize in adapting new areas for the national-religious public. We have built many such neighborhoods in cities that previously had not had religious areas.”
“Every apartment is built with the religious family in mind,” Birnbaum notes. “The buildings have elevators with mechanisms allowing them to operate automatically on the Sabbath, as well as double sinks [for meat and dair in the kitchen, a Sukkah porch [with nothing atop i, Sabbath clocks, and more.”
Birnbaum said that 18-story buildings are currently going up in Nechalim, near Petach Tikvah, “and providing a Sukkah porch for every apartment is quite an engineering challenge – but we’re doing it.’
Conference goers can register at the door.
Comment on this story
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