Source: JTA, 5-24-13
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the campaign of Jewish businessman Meyer Habib for a seat in the French parliament. Habib is hoping to enter France’s National Assembly as the representative of French citizens living in Israel, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, the Vatican and San Marino. “I have known Meyer Habib for many years… READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 24, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/israel-political-brief-may-24-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-endorses-meyer-habib-for-french-parliament/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 5-24-13
In a meeting with British Secretary of State Hague, President Peres says that though the process to renewing Palestinian-Israeli talks is long and hard, it is important to note positive developments in the area….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 24, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/israel-political-brief-may-24-2013-president-shimon-peres-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-initiative-can-create-breakthrough-in-peace-process/
Source: State.gov, 5-23-13
Remarks
PRESIDENT PERES: Dear John, our dear Secretary of State, also let me tell you that our heart are with the American people, the dear people in Oklahoma.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you very much.
PRESIDENT PERES: We share their pain, we admire their courage, and we shall pray for their full recovery. God bless them.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, sir.
PRESIDENT PERES: Welcome here again. I know that your burden is very heavy and your responsibility is heartbreaking, but so is the hope. If you will succeed, it will be our success. If you will miss, we shall miss. We shall stand on your side all the way. You have a mission of peace which concerns all of us – Israelis, Palestinians, old and young, mothers and children. I wish you success. We shall work with you. Thank you.
Just one word –
SECRETARY KERRY: Yes, sir.
PRESIDENT PERES: I also want to appreciate your effort to bring an end to the tragedy in Syria. We can’t stand it as human beings, and what you are doing is a human mission, not just a political necessity. Here too we shall be on your side in the best way we can, when necessary to say but when necessary also to be silent. Both are apparently needed, and we shall follow your advice to make your burden as easy and your success as promised. Thank you.
SECRETARY KERRY: Well, Mr. President, Shimon, my friend of many years, I’m very grateful to you, first of all, on behalf of the American people for your expression of condolences for what happened in Oklahoma – obviously extraordinary and tragic. But you’re right, the people there are unbelievably courageous and they set a great example to everybody.
I’ve said before when I come here, and I’d say it again, that visiting with you is really very special. You are one of the world’s great statesmen, as I wrote in the book out there. I think you are a treasure for Israel and a great treasure for all of us who try to work for peace. I know the journey you have had and the many, many, many roles you have played in Israel’s history, and it’s a great privilege for me to visit with one of the founding father generation leaders of this country. So I’m really honored to be here with you.
No one knows better than you the complications and difficulties of trying to end years of conflict and trying to bring people with a long history of not trusting each other and of disappointments and of conflict, and trying to bridge that divide. I am convinced, with great humility, that this moment is a really critical one for the region and particularly for Israel, for Palestine, for Jordan. I think there is an opportunity. But for many reasons, it’s not on the tip of everybody’s tongue. People in Israel aren’t waking up every day and wondering if tomorrow there’ll be peace, because there is a sense of security and a sense of accomplishment and a sense of prosperity.
But I think if you look over the horizon, as you do so much, one can see the challenges. And I think that the importance of trying to resolve this in this moment where there is a willingness for people to look for a way can’t be overstated. You said if you succeed or if you – it’s not me, Mr. President. It really is a question of whether Israel and the Palestinians make the choices. And the United States of America, through President Barack Obama, is completely at the disposal of both parties to try to help bridge the divide. We will work as hard as we can. You know how strongly we support Israel. You know how much we care about and admire the journey of the Israeli people. But our hope is that the leaders in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority will find the way to compromise and to achieve both of their goals. And I look forward to working with you in that enterprise. Thank you.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 23, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-23-2013-president-shimon-peres-secretary-of-state-john-kerrys-remarks-before-their-meeting/
Source: JTA, 5-23-13
President Obama said the United States was trying to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in part because it could help “reshape attitudes” that foster extremism. In a speech about terrorism delivered Thursday at the National Defense University in Washington, Obama described what he said were a number of “underlying grievances” that “feed extremism.”… READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 23, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/israel-political-brief-may-23-2013-president-barack-obama-includes-israel-palestinian-peace-in-counterterror-strategy/
Source: State.gov, 5-23-13
Remarks
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Well, John, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to Jerusalem. You’re an old, personal friend and a longstanding friend of Israel. And that friendship was demonstrated in President Obama’s historic visit here in March. It was demonstrated yesterday in the extraordinary resolution by the U.S. Senate to stand with Israel against Iran’s nuclear program. I want to commend the House Foreign Affairs Committee for upgrading the sanctions.
We’ll discuss Iran. We’ll discuss the terrible harm to stability in Syria. But above all, what we want to do is to restart the peace talks with the Palestinians. You’ve been working at it a great deal. We’ve been working at it together. It’s something I want. It’s something you want. It’s something I hope the Palestinians want as well. And we ought to be successful for a simple reason: When there’s a will, we’ll find a way.
So welcome.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you, Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you as well.
SECRETARY KERRY: My pleasure. We were just saying what a pleasure it is; it’s always wonderful to come back to Israel, and particularly to Jerusalem. It’s a pleasure for me to visit with my friend of many years now – longer than we can count – Bibi Netanyahu. And I’m really grateful to him for the seriousness with which he is working and undertaking the homework that President Obama asked all of us to engage in when he came here on his visit.
There have been some very serious meetings, a lot of very serious discussions. We’re working with the Prime Minister, with Minister Tzipi Livni, with military – General John Allen was here on the ground, working with his counterparts on the issues of security. I would reiterate that the United States of America is committed now, as it always has been and will be, to the security of Israel. The security of Israel is paramount in our discussions with respect to the peace process.
I am appreciative that the Prime Minister has really put personal energy into helping us to define some of the work that we need to do to figure out the way forward. Let me just say to everybody I know this region well enough to know that there is skepticism. In some corridors, there’s cynicism. And there are reasons for it. There have been bitter years of disappointment. It is our hope that by being methodical, careful, patient – but detailed and tenacious – that we can lay out a path ahead that could conceivably surprise people, but certainly exhaust the possibilities of peace. That’s what we’re working towards, and I thank the Prime Minister for his serious commitment to this endeavor.
On Syria, I just came from a meeting in Amman with 10 other ministers. They all agreed and are committed to try to move towards a negotiated solution. Nobody has any illusions about how difficult, complicated, what a steep climb that is. But we also understand that the killing that is taking place, the massacres that are taking place, the incredible destabilization of Syria, is spilling over into Lebanon, into Jordan, and has an impact, obviously, on Israel. So we have an obligation to try to see if we can implement Geneva One. Again, we’re aware of the pitfalls, but I think the Prime Minister knows better than anybody what the implications of these security threats are.
And S-300 missiles coming from Russia or other countries – from Iran, missiles – are destabilizing to the region. The United States is committed not only in its defense of Israel, but in its concerns for the region, to try to address this issue.
So, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you. Great to be with you.
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Thank you. Please, sit down, have a glass of water.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you.
דברי ראש הממשלה נתניהו ומזכיר המדינה האמריקני, ג’ון קרי בפתח פגישתם:
ראש הממשלה נתניהו:
ג’ון, אני שמח לקבל את פניך שוב בירושלים. אתה ידיד אישי ותיק וידיד ישראל זה שנים רבות. הידידות הזאת באה לידי ביטוי בביקורו ההיסטורי של הנשיא אובמה כאן במרץ; היא באה לידי ביטוי אתמול בהחלטה היוצאת מן הכלל של הסנאט האמריקני להתייצב לצידה של ישראל נגד איום הגרעין האיראני. אני מבקש להביע את הוקרתי לוועדת החוץ של בית הנבחרים האמריקני על החרפת הסנקציות. אנחנו נדון בנושא איראן, במעשי הטבח הנוראיים וחוסר-היציבות בסוריה, אבל מעל הכל, מה שאנו רוצים לעשות הוא להתניע מחדש את שיחות השלום עם הפלסטינים. אתה פועל לשם כך במרץ רב. אנו עובדים על כך יחד. זה משהו שאני רוצה בו ואתה רוצה בו. זה משהו שאני מקווה שגם הפלסטינים רוצים. אנו חייבים להצליח מהסיבה הפשוטה שכשישנו רצון, ישנה דרך. תודה רבה וברוך הבא.
מזכיר המדינה קרי:
העונג הוא שלי. זה תמיד נפלא לחזור לישראל ובייחוד לירושלים. אני שמח לבקר את ידידי מזה שנים רבות – רבות מכפי שניתן לספור – ביבי נתניהו, ואני מוקיר לו תודה על הרצינות שבה הוא פועל ליישום שיעורי הבית שהנשיא אובמה ביקש מכולנו לעשות כאשר הוא ביקר כאן.
קיימנו הרבה מאוד פגישות ודיונים רציניים ביותר. אנו פועלים יחד עם ראש הממשלה, עם השרה ציפי לבני ועם הצבא. הגנרל ג’ון אלן נמצא כאן בשטח, עובד יחד עם עמיתיו על סוגיות של ביטחון. אני מבקש לחזור ולהדגיש שארה”ב של אמריקה מחויבת, כפי שהיא תמיד הייתה ותמיד תהיה, לביטחון ישראל. ביטחון ישראל הוא סוגיה בעלת חשיבות עליונה בדיונים שלנו בכל הנוגע לתהליך השלום. אני מעריך את העובדה שראש הממשלה מקדיש אישית ממרצו כדי לסייע לנו בניסיון להגדיר את הצעדים שאנו נדרשים לעשות כדי למצוא את הדרך קדימה.
הרשו לי רק לומר לכולכם: אני מכיר את האזור הזה מספיק טוב כדי לדעת כי ישנם ספקות. ישנה ציניות בקרב חוגים מסוימים, ויש לכך סיבות. חווינו שנים מרות של אכזבה. כולנו תקווה שבאמצעות עבודה מסודרת, זהירות וסבלנות, ותוך התמדה והקפדה על הפרטים, נוכל לשרטט את הדרך קדימה באופן שאולי יפתיע אנשים ובוודאי ימצה את הסיכויים לשלום. על כך אנו עובדים, ואני מודה לראש הממשלה על רצינותו ומחויבותו למאמץ זה.
בנושא סוריה, הגעתי זה עתה מפגישה בעמאן עם עשרה שרים נוספים. כולם הביעו הסכמה ומחויבות לנסות להתקדם לקראת פתרון של משא ומתן. לאיש אין אשליות לגבי העובדה שמדובר במדרון קשה, מורכב ותלול, אולם אנו גם מבינים שההרג המתמשך, הטבח שמתחולל וההתערערות האדירה של סוריה מתחילים לגלוש ללבנון ולירדן וכמובן שיש להם גם השפעה על ישראל. ולכן יש לנו מחויבות לראות אם ניתן יהיה ליישם את ז’נבה. שוב, אנו מודעים למכשולים, אבל אני חושב שראש הממשלה יודע טוב יותר מכל אחד אחר מהי המשמעות של האיומים הביטחוניים הללו – טילי S-300 המגיעים מרוסיה או ממדינות אחרות, מאיראן, ומערערים את יציבות האזור. ארה”ב מחויבת, לא רק מתוקף מחויבותה לביטחון ישראל, אלא גם מתוך דאגה לאזור, לנסות ולטפל בסוגיה זאת. תודה לך, אדוני ראש הממשלה.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 23, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-23-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-secretary-of-state-john-kerrys-remarks-before-their-meeting/
Source: JTA, 5-23-13
A Knesset committee advanced a bill requiring 18-year-old haredi Orthodox men and women to register for military service, with a deferral of up to three years….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 23, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/israel-political-brief-may-23-2013-knesset-committee-advances-bill-on-haredi-military-service/
Source: PMO, 5-23-13
יום חמישי י”ד סיון תשע”ג
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, today, made the following remarks at the start of their meeting:
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
“Secretary Hague, I am pleased to welcome you in Jerusalem.
First, I want to express my solidarity and the solidarity of the people of Israel with the government and people of Britain following this horrific terrorist attack against a British serviceman in London. We wish to send condolences to the family and to the people of Britain.
We’ve experienced such horrors here, and we sympathize deeply. We both are facing this battle against this savagery and this terrorism in our own countries and throughout the world.
Mr. Secretary,
The just released report of the International Atomic Energy Agency shows clearly that Iran is continuing to expand its nuclear enrichment program.
In parallel, it’s working on a heavy-water reactor to build a plutonium-based bomb.
So it’s clear that despite the economic and diplomatic pressure, the international community has so far been unable to prevent Iran from pursuing its nuclear weapons program.
Obviously, this is the biggest challenge facing us. I think it’s the biggest challenge of our time, and I look forward to discussing this with you, as well as the unraveling situation in Syria which is causing horrible human tragedies, but also potentially destabilizing the entire region.
And I also look forward to discussing with you also our efforts right now with Secretary Kerry to revitalize the peace process.
I’m sure these are enough for many meetings. But, put it this way: I think that we have a lot on our plate, and I look forward to working with you to achieve these goals of security, peace and stability in our area and beyond.
Welcome to Jerusalem.”
UK Foreign Secretary Hague:
“Thank you very much Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you very much indeed, and thank you Prime Minister for your condolences, and those expressed by many other people in Israel today on the terrible murder that happened yesterday in London. As our Prime Minister has said this morning: We will never give in to terror in the United Kingdom, and we know the importance of defeating terrorism. That is well understood here in Israel as well.
I’m looking forward to discussing with the Prime Minister the whole range of international issues including all of the issues that he has just mentioned. Israel is an important friend and strategic partner for the United Kingdom and we are strongly committed, as you know, to the security of Israel. I look forward to discussing with the Prime minister our cooperation in that area, including the very strong concerns that we have of about the nuclear program of Iran. We pursue the approach of sanctions and negotiations but nobody should doubt our resolve in these matters. And it is important that we discuss the latest reports and developments today and of course we must discuss the crisis in Syria. I’ve come from meetings in Jordan with Secretary Kerry and the foreign ministers of nine other nations and with the Syrian National Coalition, as we attempt to make some progress to a political resolution in Syria.
And of course the Middle East peace process is also an urgent priority for the United Kingdom and the world and we welcome the very strong commitment shown by President Obama on his recent visit here and by Secretary Kerry who is here again showing once again his great energy and commitment on this issue.
So my visit is in support of those efforts and to discuss the contribution and assistance the United Kingdom can provide. We urge all parties to move the process forward and to really give the bold and decisive leadership that will allow success to happen and avoid steps that undermine it.
And I welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu’s clear commitment to a two-state solution and to work to achieve peace. We think, as President said two months ago, peace is necessary and just and possible. And so I look forward to discussing all of those issues with the Prime Minister and his colleagues today.”
Minister Yuval Steinitz and Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin also attended the meeting.
Source: PMO, 5-23-13
יום חמישי י”ד סיון תשע”ג
סגור
לחץ להגדלה
צילום: לע”מ
ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו נפגש היום עם שר החוץ של בריטניה וויליאם הייג. בפגישה השתתפו גם השר יובל שטייניץ וסגן שר החוץ זאב אלקין.
בפתח הפגישה אמר ראש הממשלה נתניהו: “ברצוני להביע את הסולידריות שלי ואת הסולידריות של העם בישראל עם הממשלה והעם בבריטניה בעקבות התקפת הטרור המזעזעת נגד איש הצבא הבריטי בלונדון. אנו שולחים את תנחומינו למשפחה ולכל העם הבריטי. אנו חווינו זוועות כאלו, ומזדהים עמוקות. שנינו ניצבים לקרב מול הברבריות הזאת והטרור במדינותינו ובכל העולם.
הדו”ח האחרון של הסוכנות הבין-לאומית לאנרגיה אטומית מראה בבירור שאירן ממשיכה לפתח את תכנית ההעשרה הגרעינית שלה. במקביל, היא עובדת על כור למים כבדים כדי לבנות פצצה שמבוססת על פלוטוניום. ברור שלמרות הלחץ הכלכלי והדיפלומטי, הקהילה הבין-לאומית לא הצליחה עד עכשיו למנוע מאירן לשקוד על תכנית הנשק הגרעיני שלה.
זהו בבירור האתגר הגדול ביותר מולו אנו ניצבים. אני סבור שזהו האתגר הגדול יותר של התקופה, ואני מצפה לדון איתך על כך, כמו גם על המצב המידרדר בסוריה, שמביא עמו טרגדיה אנושית איומה, אך גם עלול לערער את האזור כולו.
כמו כן אני מצפה לשוחח איתך על המאמצים המשותפים שלנו, עם מזכיר המדינה קרי, להחיות את תהליך השלום.
אני בטוח שנושאים אלה יספקו דיונים רבים. יש לנו דברים רבים לטפל בהם, ואני מצפה לעבוד בשיתוף איתך כדי להשיג את היעדים האלה של ביטחון, שלום ויציבות באזור שלנו ומעבר לו.
השר הייג אמר: “תודה רבה לך ראש הממשלה, על תנחומיך והתנחומים שהביעו אנשים רבים בישראל היום על הרצח הנורא שהתרחש אתמול בלונדון. כפי שאמר הבוקר ראש הממשלה שלנו: לעולם לא נוותר לטרור בבריטניה, ואנו מכירים בחשיבות של ניצחון על הטרור. את זה מבינים היטב גם פה, בישראל.
אני מצפה לדון עם ראש הממשלה בכל מגוון הנושאים הבין-לאומיים, כולל הנושאים שהוא הזכיר כעת. ישראל היא ידידה חשובה ושותפה אסטרטגית של בריטניה, וכפי שאתם יודעים, אנו מחויבים לביטחון ישראל. אני מצפה לדון עם ראש הממשלה על שיתוף הפעולה שלנו בתחום, כולל הדאגה העמוקה שלנו בנוגע לתכנית הגרעין של אירן. אנו תומכים בגישה של סנקציות ומשא ומתן, אך שלא יהיה ספק בליבו של איש לגבי הנחישות שלנו בנושאים אלה. חשוב שנשוחח על הדו”חות האחרונים ועל ההתפתחויות האחרונות היום, וכמובן שגם על המשבר בסוריה. הגעתי עכשיו מירדן, מפגישות עם המזכיר קרי ועם שרי החוץ של תשע מדינות אחרות ועם האופוזיציה הלאומית בסוריה, בניסיון להתקדם לעבר פתרון דיפלומטי בסוריה.
וכמובן, תהליך השלום במזרח התיכון הוא עדיפות עליונה לבריטניה ולעולם, ואנו מברכים על המחויבות העמוקה שהפגין הנשיא אובמה במהלך ביקורו כאן לאחרונה, ושמפגין המזכיר קרי שנמצא פה שוב ומראה את האנרגיה הרבה והמחויבות העמוקה שלו לעניין.
ביקורי כאן היא הפגנת תמיכה לכל המאמצים האלה, כדי לדון בתרומה ובסיוע שבריטניה יכולה לספק. אנו מעודדים את כל הנוגעים בדבר להתקדם בתהליך ולהנהיג באומץ ובהחלטיות שיאפשר להצלחה להתרחש ולמנוע צעדים שיפגעו בה.
אני מברך על מחויבותו של ראש הממשלה נתניהו לפתרון שתי מדינות ולתהליך השלום. כפי שאמר הנשיא אובמה לפני חודשיים, אנו סבורים שהשלום הוא הכרחי, צודק ואפשרי. אני מצפה לשוחח עם ראש הממשלה ועם עמיתיו על כל הנושאים האלה היום”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 23, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/pm-netanyahu-uk-foreign-secretary-william-hagues-remarks-at-the-start-of-their-meeting/
Source: Globes, 5-23-13
Finance Minister Yair Lapid: We have a housing emergency, which threatens an entire generation of young people….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 23, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/israel-political-brief-may-23-2013-housing-cabinet-approves-150000-rental-apartments/
Source: Haaretz , 5-22-13
A recent report revealed that PM spent $127,000 of taxpayers money on installing a ‘resting chamber’ on a flight to London for Margaret Thatcher’s funeral; MKs requested the investigation….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/israel-political-brief-may-22-2013-in-wake-of-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-bed-debacle-state-comptroller-launches-probe/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 5-22-13
Maj.-Gen. Eshel says S-300 missile defense system “on the way” to Syria from Russia; hints that advanced platform could embolden Assad; Gantz: The IDF is facing a substantial threat of a multi-arena conflict….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/israel-political-brief-may-22-2013-amid-syria-tensions-iaf-chief-amir-eshel-says-surprise-war-a-threat/
Source: JTA, 5-22-13
An Israeli soldier was killed in a mine explosion in the southern Golan Heights….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 22, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/israel-brief-may-22-2013-israeli-soldier-killed-in-golan-mine-explosion/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 5-21-13
Just a few weeks ago he was the most popular politician in Israel, but according to a new poll released Tuesday, two thirds of Israelis do not believe that Yair Lapid has what it takes to lead the country….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 21, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/israel-political-brief-may-21-2013-poll-66-say-yair-lapid-shouldnt-be-prime-minister/
Source: Ynetnews, 5-21-13
“There is no longer a question whether missiles will be launched at Israel’s major population centers, only when it would happen,” Home Front Defense Minister Gilad Erdan said Tuesday ahead of a nationwide drill….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 21, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/israel-political-brief-may-21-2013-idf-to-launch-nationwide-drill-as-officials-ramp-up-war-rhetoric/
Source: Washington Post, 5-21-13
Israeli military and Syrian regular army troops exchanged fire early Tuesday along the cease-fire line in the occupied Golan Heights, an area that has become a potential flashpoint for spillover from the civil war in Syria….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 21, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/israel-political-brief-may-21-2013-israeli-syrian-troops-trade-fire-in-golan-heights/
Source: PMO, 5-21-13
יום שלישי י”ב סיון תשע”ג
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the occasion of National Student Day, today in his Jerusalem office, met with student leaders from around the country, including National Union of Israel Students Chairman Uri Reshtik. Also participating in the meeting were Education Minister Shai Piron, Deputy Minister for Youth and Student Affairs Ofir Akunis and Prime Minister’s Office director-General Harel Locker.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “There are needs that must be dealt with but there are also great changes. We stopped very negative trends in education in general and in higher education in particular, and we have begun to turn them around after the ‘lost decade.’ The previous and current governments were and are committed to investing over NIS 7 billion in higher education and this is what led to the turnaround. There are still needs such as lowering the cost of housing and the cost of living, and these must be invested in and broken; we will act in this sphere as well. We must improve the education that we provide, from preschool to higher education and beyond, and make it more efficient. The electronic revolution requires us to jump forward, and be ahead of the world, not behind it. Alongside technology, I think that we cannot neglect our heritage and the spiritual values that are important to us.”
National Union of Israel Students Chairman Reshtik thanked the Prime Minister for his willingness to mark National Student Day. He added: “Israeli students take responsibility for the society in which they live; therefore, they request that the government to build the appropriate infrastructure that would allow students to be productive citizens who contribute to society and thus significantly influence making ours into a more just society. This infrastructure includes investing in higher education, inter alia, by making it more accessible to residents of the periphery and helping immigrant, minority and economically disadvantaged students. Such an investment is pure profit for the Israeli economy which will benefit from the integration of more academics in the labor force.”
Education Minister Piron said: “Marking National Student Day expresses our recognition of the student public to the development of the State of Israel and Israeli society, and it gives the message that the State of Israel ascribes great importance to developing its human capital. Higher education is the main key toward integrating into society. In the end, the student public joins the labor market and translates its studies into action. Therefore, cooperation between institutions of higher education, society industry and the economy is of crucial importance.” Minister Piron announced that he intends to advance the accessibility of higher education to all sectors as part of a comprehensive approach regarding equal opportunity in society and the use of higher education as a primary tool in advancing equality and strengthening the link between preschool-to-secondary studies and higher education. He added: “The educational system must define matriculation exams that match the needs of academia. On the other hand, there is a need for academia to adapt itself to the needs of the Education Ministry regarding its limitations and educational goals. I have set a strategic goal – that we will not need all the institutions that intermediate between secondary education and academia or at least reduce the dependence on them. This adaptation is especially relevant given the Education Ministry’s plan to reduce the matriculation exams and strengthen the pedagogic responsibility of school principals.”
Deputy Minister Akunis referred to the Finance Ministry’s intention to eliminate the tax credit for academics: “I am in touch with the Finance Minister on this issue in the hope of bringing about a re-evaluation of the cancellation of the benefit. Today more than ever, it is important to invest in advancing students and the higher education system since they are the maim potential for growth in the Israeli economy.” Deputy Minister Akunis called on Education Minister Piron to join in the effort, adding, “The tax credit is an incentive for many people to attend the academic institutions in Israel and acquire a higher education.”
Source: PMO, 5-21-13
יום שלישי י”ב סיון תשע”ג
נתניהו: עצרנו מגמות מאוד שליליות בתחומי החינוך בכלל וההשכלה הגבוהה בפרט והתחלנו לסובב אותן אחרי ‘העשור האבוד’
לרגל יום הסטודנט הלאומי, נפגש היום ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו במשרדו עם יושבי ראש אגודות הסטודנטים מרחבי הארץ בראשות יו”ר התאחדות הסטודנטים הארצית אורי רשטיק. בפגישה השתתפו שר החינוך שי פירון, סגן השר הממונה על קידום צעירים וסטודנטים אופיר אקוניס ומנכ”ל משרד ראש הממשלה הראל לוקר.
ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו אמר בפגישה: “יש צרכים שצריך לטפל בהם, אבל יש גם שינויים גדולים. עצרנו מגמות מאוד שליליות בתחומי החינוך בכלל וההשכלה הגבוהה בפרט והתחלנו לסובב אותן אחרי ‘העשור האבוד’. הממשלה הקודמת והנוכחית מחויבות להשקיע למעלה מ- 7 מיליארד שקלים בהשכלה הגבוהה וזה מה שמביא לסיבוב. עדיין קיימים צרכים כמו הורדת מחירי הדיור ויוקר המחיה, וצריך להשקיע בזה ולשבור את זה, וגם במישור הזה אנחנו נפעל. עלינו להשביח ולייעל את החינוך שאנחנו נותנים מהגיל הרך ועד גמר ההשכלה הגבוהה ואחרי ההשכלה הגבוהה. המהפכה האלקטרונית מחייבת אותנו לזנק קדימה, להקדים את העולם ולא להיות מאחוריו. ולצד הטכנולוגיה, אני חושב שאסור לנו להזניח את המורשת, וערכי רוח שהם חשובים לנו”.
יו”ר התאחדות הסטודנטים, אורי רשטיק, הודה לראש הממשלה על נכונותו לציין את יום הסטודנט. רשטיק הוסיף: “הסטודנטים בישראל, לוקחים אחריות על החברה בה הם חיים ולכן הם מבקשים מהממשלה להניח את התשתית הראויה, שתאפשר לסטודנטים להיות אזרחים יצרניים שתורמים לחברה, ובכך להשפיע משמעותית בהפיכת החברה הישראלית להוגנת יותר. תשתית זו כוללת השקעה במערכת ההשכלה הגבוהה, בין היתר, באמצעות הנגשתה לתושבי הפריפריה ובסיוע לסטודנטים עולים, מעוטי יכולת וחסרי אמצעים. השקעה מסוג זה היא רווח נקי למשק הישראלי שיוכל ליהנות משילוב של יותר אקדמאים בשוק התעסוקה”.
שר החינוך שי פירון: “ציון יום הסטודנט מבטא את הכרתנו בתרומתו של ציבור הסטודנטים להתפתחותה ולעיצובה של מדינת ישראל והחברה הישראלית והוא מעביר מסר שבמרכזו החשיבות שמייחסת מדינת ישראל לטיפוח ההון האנושי שבה. ההשכלה הגבוהה היא המפתח המרכזי להשתלבות בחברה. ציבור הסטודנטים יוצא בסופו של יום אל שוק העבודה ומתרגם את לימודיו למעשה. על כן ישנה חשיבות מרכזית ליצירת הלימה ושיתוף פעולה בין המוסדות להשכלה גבוהה לבין החברה, התעשייה והמשק”. פירון הודיע כי בכוונתו לקדם את הנגישות להשכלה הגבוהה בכלל המגזרים זאת כחלק מתפיסה כוללת של שוויון הזדמנויות בחברה והיותה של ההשכלה כלי ראשון במעלה לקידום השוויון, ולחזק את הקשר בין הלימודים במערכת החינוך עד גיל תיכון לבין הלימודים במסגרת ההשכלה הגבוהה. “יש צורך שמערכת החינוך תקבע בגרויות התואמות את צרכי האקדמיה, ומן הצד השני יש צורך שהאקדמיה תתאים עצמה לצרכי משרד החינוך למגבלותיו וליעדיו החינוכיים. הצבתי יעד אסטרטגי – שלא נזדקק לכל המוסדות המתווכים בין התיכון והאקדמיה או לכל הפחות נצמצם את התלות בהם. ההתאמה הזו רלבנטית ביתר שאת נוכח התוכנית של משרד החינוך לצמצום הבגרויות ולחיזוק אחריות ההוראה של המנהלים בבתי הספר”.
סגן השר אופיר אקוניס התייחס לכוונת האוצר לבטל את נקודת הזיכוי במס לאקדמאים. “אני מקיים הידברות בנושא עם שר האוצר במטרה להביא לבחינה מחודשת של ביטול ההטבה. היום יותר מתמיד חשוב להשקיע בקידום הסטודנטים ומערכת ההשכלה הגבוהה, שכן הם פוטנציאל הצמיחה העיקרי של המשק הישראלי”. סגן השר אקוניס קרא גם לשר החינוך פירון להירתם לטובת העניין: “נקודת הזיכוי מהווה תמריץ עבור אנשים רבים לפקוד את המוסדות האקדמיים בישראל ולרכוש השכלה גבוהה”.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 21, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-21-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-meets-with-student-leaders-from-around-the-country-on-the-occasion-of-national-student-day/
Source: JTA, 5-20-13
Israeli officials canceled a UNESCO inspection of sites in Jerusalem’s Old City, saying the Palestinians had politicized the agency’s visit….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 20, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/israel-political-brief-may-20-2013-israel-cancels-unesco-visit-cites-politics-by-palestinians/
Source: New York Times, 5-19-13
To say Yair Lapid has been on a roller coaster would be an understatement. One recent headline blared about his “meteoric rise and fall,” another said he had gone from “political darling to national whipping boy….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 19, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/israel-political-brief-may-19-2013-yair-lapid-fresh-israeli-face-plays-down-dimming-of-political-star/
Source: The Independent, 5-14-13
For the second time in as many days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under fire over the use of taxpayers’ money after it was revealed that spending at his official residence has increased by 80 per cent in just the last three years….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/israel-political-brief-may-14-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-under-fire-again-as-official-residence-expenses-near-1-million/
Source: JTA, 5-14-13
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Russia to discuss the situation in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/israel-political-brief-may-14-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-russia-to-discuss-syria-with-russian-president-vladimir-putin/
Source: The Times of Israel, 5-14-13
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Tuesday, May 14, 2013. (photo credit: AP/ Maxim Shipenkov)
After emergency meeting at Black Sea resort, no word from either head of state about Russia’s sale of sophisticated S-300 missiles to Assad….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/israel-political-brief-may-14-2013-in-chat-with-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-russian-president-vladimir-putin-urges-restraint-on-syria/
Source: New York Times, 5-13-13
The Israeli government was debating the final points of a two-year austerity budget early Tuesday that would cut spending and raise taxes, outraging many Israelis who voted in a new government this year after promises of economic relief….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 13, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/israel-political-brief-may-13-2013-israels-austerity-budget-draws-citizen-protests/
Source: JTA, 5-13-13
Israel’s Cabinet unanimously approved a proposal to moderate a cut to the defense budget, as part of sweeping austerity measures proposed for the 2013-2014 budget….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 13, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/israel-political-brief-may-13-2013-israels-cabinet-approves-reduced-defense-cuts/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 5-13-13
“First fruits” had to be one of the seven species that the Bible lists as Israel’s best crops – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates and each year’s “first fruits” would be brought to the Temple from the holiday of Shavuot….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 12, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/israel-political-brief-may-13-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-receives-first-fruits-for-shavuot-holiday/
Source: PMO, 5-12-13
יום שני ד’ סיון תשע”ג
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting:
“First of all, I would like to open with a few words about you Tzvika [Cabinet Secretary Tzvi Hauser]. You are finishing years of dedicated, professional and unconventional work, with out-of-the-box creative thinking that frequently aided me, the government and the state, several of which will become known later. I think that you did so in an exceptional manner and I would like to specially commend the work that you initiated and, to a large extent, led on the national heritage plan.
The heritage plan is designed to join all parts of the people, secular and religious alike, around our ancient and new heritage, ancient from the time of the Bible and afterwards, and modern, from the rise of Zionism, to preserve the actual sites and the intangible, visual, literary and other assets. I think that this is a major revolution in reinforcing the common foundations that define the reason why we are here and, of course, ensure the identity of the coming generations with the Zionist and Jewish enterprise.
I remember that you first brought up the preliminary idea of preserving sites in my first term as prime minister; five sites, including Tel Hai, and then the idea developed. This is thanks to you and I would like to thank you for it, on behalf of the entire government and – I believe – the country.
To fill your position is not simple, but I looked for someone with a background no less impressive and I asked Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Avichai Mandelblit, who was IDF chief advocate general, to do so. I am certain that he brings with him many qualities – legal and others, including knowledge of the security issues, which you also dealt with – for this task, and I will submit his appointment to the Cabinet today in the hope, and with good wishes, that he will continue your success.
Yesterday, we sat until very late on the defense budget and I decided to bring before the Security Cabinet and the full Cabinet a decision that moderates the proposed cut to the defense budget by NIS 1 billion, which will not be at the public’s expense. I would like to make it clear that the IDF – including its commanders, soldiers and weapons – is vital, in both defense and offense, to Israelis’ security; these are two main fronts.
The offensive front is clear. The defensive front is expanding to include the entire home front, the entire State of Israel. And therefore, we need the IDF to continue becoming more efficient, but we also need additional Iron Dome batteries, and I believe that the path I am proposing today strikes a proper balance between the needs of the economy and security needs so as to allow us to achieve both of these goals even though there is always compromise between such needs, and I think that this is the right compromise.
I think that the most important thing for the Cabinet today is to pass the budget. Today, given the State of Israel’s national needs and the global economic crisis, it is important for the State of Israel to show that it is passing a budget. This decision on the defense budget will allow us to pass the budget. We will do this today and by the end of today, the State of Israel will have a budget.
At the same time, we need to continue developing engines of growth. My visit to China, I believe, will aid one of these growth engines – opening the Israeli market, or to be more precise, opening Asia to Israeli initiatives and companies, and this could give us important additional growth.
We will also need to continue the structural reforms inside Israel, starting with port reform, and there will be others. We have started this and we will continue with full vigor. These matters – passing a responsible budget, continuing structural reforms and building growth engines – will, I believe, ensure our economic future in the coming years.
Thank you.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 12, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-12-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-weekly-cabinet-meeting-announcing-cabinet-secretary-on-passing-the-2013-14-budget/
Source: The Times of Israel, 5-11-13
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced heavy criticism Saturday after it was revealed he spent $127,000 (over 450,000 shekels) of taxpayers’ money having an El Al plane fitted out with a double-bed in an enclosed bedroom for his five-hour flight to London…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/israel-political-brief-may-11-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-slammed-for-spending-127000-on-bed-for-flight-to-london/
Source: Israel Hayom, 5-10-13
Women of the Wall conduct monthly prayer, this time with prayer shawls, prompting mass haredi demonstration • Haredim throw stones, trash bags at Women of the Wall • Jerusalem Police chief: Painful to see Western Wall turn into battlefield….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/israel-brief-may-10-2013-battle-of-wills-at-western-wall/
Prime Minister Netanyahu will start his visit in Shanghai where he will hold a series of meetings with Chinese government leaders and business people. He will also visit local industrial plants in order to expand bilateral economic cooperation and significantly increase Israeli exports to China. On Wednesday, 8 May 2013, the Prime Minister is due to arrive in Beijing where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and other senior officials.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is also due to give a lecture at a school for future leaders and give interviews to the Chinese media, as well as chat with students in order to expose the potential of the Israeli economy….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/full-text-israel-political-brief-may-6-9-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-china-visit-speeches/
Source: Haaretz, 5-10-13
A tense stand-off in Jerusalem on Friday morning, while the Women of the Wall hold their first monthly prayer service at the Western Wall since a recent landmark ruling by the Jerusalem District Court that it is not a violation of “local custom”….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/israel-brief-may-10-2013-thousands-of-ultra-orthodox-protesting-women-of-the-wall-prayer-service-in-jerusalem/
Source: The Times of Israel, 5-10-13
Clashes erupted at Jerusalem’s Western Wall plaza early Friday morning, as thousands of ultra-Orthodox teenagers attempted to prevent the Women of the Wall from holding their monthly egalitarian prayer session at the site….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 10, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/israel-brief-may-10-2013-haredi-women-mass-at-kotel-for-standoff-with-feminist-group/
Source: JTA, 5-9-13
Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni ordered her ministry to draft legislation that would make the gender-based segregation of women illegal….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on May 9, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/israel-political-brief-may-9-2013-justice-minister-tzipi-livni-moving-to-make-public-exclusion-of-women-illegal/
Full Coverage of President Barack Obama's Middle East Tour & Israel Visit from March 20-23, 2013 @ Obama Israel Visit
