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: JTA, 4-30-13
Some 2,000 Israeli army reservists were called up for a surprise drill on the border with Lebanon….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 30, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/israel-political-brief-april-30-2013-israeli-army-calls-up-2000-reservists-for-drill-on-lebanese-border/
Source: JTA, 4-30-13
An Israeli airstrike killed a senior Palestinian terrorist in northern Gaza….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 30, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/israel-brief-april-30-2013-israeli-airstrike-kills-senior-palestinian-terrorist-in-gaza/
Source: JTA, 4-3-13
Israeli retaliatory airstrikes hit what the country’s military called “two extensive terror sites” in the northern Gaza Strip….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 3, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/israel-political-brief-april-4-2013-israeli-military-fires-on-syria-gaza-after-rocket-attack-incidents/
Source: Haaretz, 3-28-13
The 48 hours of U.S. President Barack Obama visit here last week were crammed with gala events in which numerous Israelis from all walks of life participated. The standouts were the well-attended dinner at the official residence of President Shimon Peres….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 28, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/israel-political-brief-march-28-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-apologizes-for-leaving-ehud-barak-off-all-obama-guest-lists/
Source: Haaretz, 3-19-13
Israel’s Defense Ministry officially passes from Ehud Barak to Moshe Ya’alon. Moshe Ya’alon – a former IDF chief, strategic affairs minister, and vice premier – replaced Ehud Barak after six years on the job….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 19, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/israel-political-brief-march-19-2013-israels-defense-ministry-officially-passes-from-ehud-barak-to-moshe-yaalon/
Source: Haaretz, 3-17-13
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held meetings on Sunday with Likud Knesset members and leading coalition partners to complete a last-minute cabinet shuffle, in advance of the swearing-in ceremony for Israel’s 33rd government on Monday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 17, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/17/israel-political-brief-march-17-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-names-moshe-yaalon-as-defense-minister-gideon-saar-as-interior-minister/
Source: Haaretz, 3-15-13
Reflections on the almost six years Ehud Barak spent in his most recent spin in the Defense Ministry, during which he chalked up no few successes even as his electoral clout plummeted….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 15, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/israel-political-brief-march-15-2013-ehud-barak-bids-the-defense-ministry-goodbye/
Source: Jerusalem Post, 3-5-13
Hagel is working to ensure there is no interruption of funding for Iron Dome, Arrow, David’s Sling rocket, says US official. Defense Minister Barak embraces US counterpart Hagel….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 5, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/05/israel-political-brief-march-5-2013-chuck-hagel-to-ehud-barak-i-hope-to-visit-israel-soon/
Source: JTA, 3-3-13
Israel’s finance minister expressed concern that U.S. financial difficulties would affect Israel’s economy…READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on March 3, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/israel-political-brief-march-3-2013-israels-finance-minister-yuval-steinitz-worries-about-sequestration-effects/
Source: JTA, 2-27-13
The Iron Dome anti-missile defense system was tested near the city of Modi’in, located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 27, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/israel-political-brief-february-27-2013-iron-dome-tested-near-jerusalem/
Source: JTA, 2-25-13
Israel said it conducted a successful live test of the Arrow 3 interceptor missile defense system….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 25, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/israel-political-brief-february-25-2013-israel-calls-test-of-arrow-3-missile-defense-system-successful/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 2-14-13
Rioting Gaza residents attacked the Gaza security fence near the northern town of Beit Hanoun, Thursday, according to a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces who was quoted by Agence France Presse….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/israel-political-brief-february-14-2013-gazans-attack-security-fence-near-beit-hanoun/
Source: Ynetnews, 2-14-13
Chief military censor tells Army Radio lawmakers who questioned justice minister over death of Australia-born dual Israeli citizen in prison despite gag order merely ‘exercised their right….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 14, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/israel-political-brief-february-14-2013-idf-censor-backs-mks-who-exposed-prisoner-x-affair/
Source: JTA, 2-11-13
Israel’s Defense Ministry approved the construction of 90 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/israel-political-brief-february-11-2013-israel-approves-housing-units-for-west-bank-settlement/
Source: Ynetnews, 2-11-13
The Defense Ministry has granted the final approval needed for the construction of 90 new housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, Ynet learned Monday….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on February 11, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/israel-political-brief-february-11-2013-beit-el-to-get-90-new-homes/
Source: PMO, 1-13-13
יום ראשון ב’ שבט תשע”ג
Photo by GPO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today made the following remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting:
“I would like to praise the Israel Police, with the support of the IDF, for its rapid and determined operation to evacuate the Palestinian gathering in the area between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. As soon as I was updated on the Palestinian gathering, I ordered its immediate evacuation and it was indeed carried out last night in the best possible manner. Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, I would like to thank you and Israel Police Commissioner Inspector-General Yohanan Danino on the excellent operation; I am certain that to the degree that it will yet be necessary to watch over the area, you will do so as effectively as possible. We will not allow anyone to harm the contiguity between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim.
Over the weekend, somebody criticized my government over the investments we made in security. Indeed, in contrast to governments that invested billions in the disengagement, we invested billions in building up our strength so as to ensure the security of Israel’s citizens. We invested and we will continue to invest in Iron Dome, which stopped the missiles, in the security fence in the south, which stopped the infiltrators, in cybersecurity and in the offensive and defensive capabilities of the IDF, Mossad and ISA.
These capabilities have already found expression in various areas, including during Operation Pillar of Defense, which was conducted responsibly and wisely and which achieved its goals. It is no coincidence that the security situation in the country is the best it has been in years and this is in the face of the great security upheaval around us and in our region. I would like to commend the ministers who dealt with the issue and the government for backing the important operations to ensure the security of Israel’s citizens.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 13, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/full-text-israel-political-brief-january-13-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-start-of-the-cabinet-meeting/
Source: JTA, 1-2-13
Tzipi Livni was turned away from an Iron Dome anti-missile battery where she had planned to hold a campaign photo opportunity….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on January 2, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/israel-political-brief-january-2-2013-tzipi-livni-turned-away-from-iron-dome-battery-by-military/
Source: PMO, 11-26-12
PMO
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, made the following remarks at the changeover ceremony for the post of Prime Minister’s Military Secretary:
“First, I would like to express personal appreciation to Defense Minister Ehud Barak. We have known each other operationally for many decades. I am familiar with your great contribution to the IDF and the security of Israel, and your contribution in the Government, in both counsel and action, on matters that are very important to the security of Israeli citizens and the state. Therefore, I would like to thank you.
I have great faith in all of you – generals, commanders, soldiers, in the IDF and in the Israeli people. It is becoming more and more clear in the annals of the Jewish People that the great difference is not in those who wish to destroy us. Anti-Semitism exists, it changes its forms – and the Jewish People have still not found rest, and it is doubtful if it will come in the form that our prophets hoped it would. The only thing that separates the fate of our people from that of the dark periods in our past is the IDF, the security services and our ability to realize the mighty potential that there is here in order to defend our people. The power is great, the achievements are very great and so is the mission. I have no doubt that we will meet it together.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 26, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-26-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-remarks-at-the-changeover-ceremony-for-his-military-secretary/
Source: PMO, 11-26-12
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu respects Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s decision, thanks him for his cooperation in the Government and very much appreciates his contribution – over many years – to the security of the state….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 26, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/israel-political-brief-november-26-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-responds-to-defense-minister-ehud-baraks-decision-to-retire/
Source: Xinhua, 11-22-12
An Israeli minister said Thursday that Hamas can expect an aggravated military response in the event that it or other militant groups in the Gaza Strip resume rocket attacks on Israel….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 22, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/israel-political-brief-november-22-2012-israel-warns-of-tougher-operation-if-truce-agreement-violated/
Source: YNet News, 11-22-12
Soldiers recruited during Operation Pillar of Defense disappointed that IDF ‘didn’t get to finish the job’
The army began releasing on Thursday tens of thousands of reserve soldiers who were recruited under emergency orders during Operation Pillar of Defense.
Some of the soldiers were disappointed by the fact that the operation was cut short and they were not given the chance to “complete the mission,” as one soldier put it, while others said it is just a matter of time before they are called up again….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 22, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/israel-political-brief-november-22-2012-idf-reservists-released-after-gaza-operation-well-be-back/
Source: JTA, 11-22-12
An Israeli soldier injured in a mortar attack on southern Israel has died….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 22, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/israel-political-brief-november-22-2012-israeli-soldier-dies-of-injuries-from-gaza-mortar/
Source: YNet News, 11-21-12
Twelve rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel since 9 pm, when a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza was set to take effect.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-12-rockets-fired-on-israel-since-cease-fire-truce-takes-effect/
The partial text of the ceasefire agreement as reported by news agencies.
Source: INN, 11-21-12
This is the partial text of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as brokered by Egypt and the U.S. and reported by AFP.
“Israel shall stop all hostilities in the Gaza Strip land sea and air, including incursions and targeting of individuals.
“All Palestinian factions shall stop all hostilities from the Gaza Strip against Israel, including rocket attacks and all attacks along the border.
“Opening the crossings and facilitating the movement of people and transfer of goods and refraining from restricting residents’ free movements and targeting residents in border areas. Procedures of implementation shall be dealt with after 24 hours from the start of the ceasefire.
“Other matters as may be requested shall be addressed.”
“Implementation mechanism.
“Setting up the zero hour understanding to enter into effect.
“Egypt shall receive assurances from each party that the party commits to what was agreed upon.
“Each party shall commit itself not to perform any acts that would breach this understanding. In case of any observations, Egypt as a sponsor of this understanding, shall be informed to follow up.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/full-text-israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-text-of-ceasefire-agreement-between-israel-hamas/
According to Egyptian foreign minister, ceasefire will go into force at 9:00 p.m. Netanyahu’s statement leaves room for resumed fighting.
Source: INN, 11-21-12
According to the latest reports from Cairo and Israel, U.S. President Barack Obama spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Wednesday evening and asked him to agree to abide by a ceasefire with Hamas.
The terms of the ceasefire are not yet known in full….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-im-giving-ceasefire-a-chance-before-using-greater-force/
Source: News One, 11-21-12
President Barack Obama is hailing a ceasefire agreement to end a week of fighting between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-president-barack-obama-hails-ceasefire-agreement/
Source: ABC News, 11-21-12
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-hillary-clinton-announces-israel-hamas-ceasefire/
Source: JTA, 11-21-12
A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is set to begin at 9 p.m. local time….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-brief-november-21-2012-israel-and-hamas-reach-a-cease-fire/
Source: JTA, 11-21-12
At least 116 rockets struck southern Israel on the eighth day of the country’s Operation Pillar of Defense against terrorists in Gaza….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on November 21, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/israel-political-brief-november-21-2012-at-least-116-rockets-strike-israel-on-operations-eighth-day/
Full Coverage of President Barack Obama's Middle East Tour & Israel Visit from March 20-23, 2013 @ Obama Israel Visit
